In this article:
- Best wireless home security cameras
- How we test
- Wireless security cameras FAQs
A security camera is the best way to keep an eye on your home from anywhere. But finding the necessary outlets and running cables can be a serious hassle. Fortunately, there are plenty of wireless options out there that take just minutes to set up. And the best wireless security cameras are protected against wind, rain and snow, so you can use them outside as well as inside.
Installation is significantly less involved, making the whole process easier. And the best thing about wireless security cameras is that when you need to relocate one, moving it is hassle-free. We've collected a number of the very best wireless home security cameras on the market to make finding the right one easier.
You can put an outdoor camera on a fence or secure a hidden camera in a tree, untethered to the house's power. In fact, you can install your security camera anywhere your Wi-Fi reaches. Scale up your home security system and invest in the peace of mind you'll receive from your outdoor camera setup. You can even have an indoor camera and video doorbell, so you can keep watch on your home and deter intruders, all without needing to fiddle with or fuss over wiring.
You can find countless battery-powered security cameras out there, but who's got the spare time to comb through all of the options? Me. I made the time and sifted through a bunch to find the best wireless security camera options on the market. I considered surveillance camera factors like field of view, video quality and storage, battery life, whether or not it connects to your existing smart home and if it provides a mobile app with recording options.
Read on, if you're seeking a wireless security camera to meet your home protection and security needs.
Best wireless home security cameras
Arlo
Setup
Moveable, outdoor/indoor
Resolution
2560 x 1440 (2K)
Storage
Cloud storage
Google/Alexa Compatibility
Google Assistant
Field of View
160 degrees
Arlo's floodlight camera is the best on the market -- and unlike most floodlight cams, you can install it without wires. It includes weatherproof housing, crisp HD livestreaming, reliable alerts and true security camera features with arming and disarming capabilities -- plus a built-in siren and a very bright built-in floodlight. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant, too.
Read our Arlo Pro 3 with Floodlight review.
You're receiving price alerts for Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
Arlo
Setup
Moveable, outdoor/indoor
Resolution
2560 x 1440 (2K)
Storage
Cloud storage
Google/Alexa Compatibility
Both
Field of View
160 degrees
Arlo's latest Pro series camera is a fantastic device with features to spare. It boasts 2K HDR resolution, a 160-degree field of view, two-way talk, full-color night vision, a built-in siren and spotlight, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit -- the list goes on.
This powerhouse of a camera lists for $200 -- pricier than super-affordable options like Wyze Cam V3, but easily worth the premium. For $3 per month, you can also get smart alerts, motion zones, 30 days of event history and a few other cool features. This wireless outdoor security camera has a local storage option to secure your videos directly from your home security system to your Arlo Base Station. In short, the Arlo Pro 4 is a fantastic home security camera for most people.
Read our Arlo Pro 4 review.
You're receiving price alerts for Arlo Pro 4 (White, 1 Camera)
Chris Monroe/CNET
Setup
Moveable, outdoor/indoor
Resolution
2560 x 1440 (2K)
Storage
Cloud storage
Google/Alexa Compatibility
Both
Field of View
150 degrees
Wyze has a fantastic wireless video doorbell for $100, and you can sometimes find it for less. The Video Doorbell Pro has a tall and wide 1:1 aspect ratio with 1,440x1,440-pixel resolution. It has everything else you'd expect a video doorbell in 2022 to have: two-way talk, live streaming, smart alerts and so on. Wyze even comes with a plug-in chime so you don't have to wire it or rely on app notifications. In short, this thing is a pretty unbeatable deal.
Read our Wyze Video Doorbell Pro review.
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How We Picked and Tested
Trusted manufacturers
We identify and acquire new or highly-reviewed products from trusted manufacturers or interesting startups that consumers are most likely to come across when shopping online or in a brick and mortar store.
Objective testing
We set up the camera by precisely following the instructions, and test all advertised features in a home setting, paying special attention to resolution/image quality at various distances, night vision efficiency and notification latency.
Testing over time
We allow the camera to operate for a period of time, typically around one week, to get a feel for how often and reliably the camera detects, alerts to and records sounds and movement during the day and at night.
Testing with different smart home ecosystems
We operate the cameras with different systems such as Google, Alexa and Apple HomeKit to gauge how well the camera functions with other smart home devices.
How we test wireless security cameras
Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of home security products. In short, when it comes to security cameras, we pay special attention to resolution, night vision and latency, extra features, general performance and overall value. We evaluate all of these elements in a real home environment over the course of a week. If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells.
Wireless home security cameras compared
| $200 | $250 | $100 |
| 2K | 2K resolution with HDR | 1,440x1,440 pixels |
| 160 degrees | 160 degrees wide | 150 degrees |
| Wireless, indoor/outdoor | Wireless, outdoors only | Wireless, outdoors only |
| Live streaming, two-way talk, night vision, weather resistance | Weatherproof housing, crisp HD livestreaming, reliable alerts, built-in siren, integration with Alexa and Google Assistant. | Two-way talk, live streaming, smart alerts, cloud storage |
| 8.5 | 9 | 8.9 |
Wireless security camera system FAQs
Can wireless cameras work without internet?
Wireless smart cams generally rely on your home internet connection to function, but that isn't always the case. Some devices, like Nest's wireless video doorbell and Wyze's cameras, can save footage locally in case of an outage. Other systems, like Lorex's cameras, work using their own wireless network. That means as long as their base station has power, the wireless cameras will keep recording onto a microSD card.
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