Our Top Recommendation – The Bottom Line
Finding the right wireless surveillance system will depend entirely on what best fits your needs as a homeowner. If you’re looking for an all-around great camera with lots of perks, we recommend the Nest Cam IQ Indoor. Not only does it offer a 130-degree field of view, it’s video quality is great and it has infrared night vision capabilities. It currently retails for $215. Here’s what one customer had to say about it: “This camera is one of the easiest cameras to set up. It is invaluable to the security of my home. Everything about this camera says quality, from the setup to the ease of use, there’s nothing that’s not quality about this camera.”
What is a Wireless Security Camera?
A wireless security camera allows you to access video and audio over a wireless network, like your home Wi-Fi, and typically only requires a power cord for use. Wireless security cameras aren’t completely “wireless” like their wire-free counterparts. Wire-free security cameras rely on battery or solar power, and they can still transmit video and audio over Wi-Fi. If you purchase a wireless security camera, you’ll need to have access to a power outlet for use unless the camera can run on battery power for a period of time.
Compare the Best Wireless Security Camera
Rating | 5 stars | 4.5 stars | 4 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars | 4 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.5 stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Resolution | 1080pHD + 4K sensor | 1080p HD | 720p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 2K HDR | 1080p HD | 720p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
Power source | AC power adapter | Battery and/or power adapter | AC power adapter | Battery and/or solar power | Battery | AC power adapter | AC power adapter | AC power adapter | Batteries and/or power adapter | Not specified | Not specified | AC power adapter | AC power adapter | AC power adapter | AC power adapter |
Two-way audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wide-angle lens | 130 degrees | 130 degrees | 120 degrees | 130 degrees | 140 degrees | 115 degrees | 155 degrees | 110 degrees | 160 degrees | 150 degrees | Not specified | 100 degrees | 147 degrees | 360 degrees | 130 degrees |
Night vision | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Continuous recording | With Nest Aware subscription | Not specified | No | No | No | No | With Vivint Playback | With MicroSD card | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Notifications | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cloud storage | Yes | No | With $4.99/mo. subscription or monitoring plan | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | 3-month trial then subscription required | Yes | Yes | 14 days free then subscription required | Yes | 14 days free then subscription required | With a Kasa subscription |
Smart home compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Watch | Alexa | None | Alexa | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Deterrence features | None | None | None | Siren and LED light strips | Siren and spotlight | None | None | None | Siren and spotlight | None | None | None | Siren | None | None |
Guarantees | None | 30-day guarantee | 60 days | None | None | 30-day returns | None | None | None | None | 6 months | None | None | None | None |
Warranties | 2-year limited | 12 months | 3 years | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years | 120 days or length of your service with Premium Plans | 1 year | Generally 1 year (varies by product) | Not provided | Not provided | Not provided | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 2-year limited |
BBB rating | A- | A | A+ | NR | NR | A+ | C- | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | F | B- | B |
Wireless Security Camera Reviews
Our take
The Nest Cam IQ Indoor features a 130-degree field of view, infrared night vision, person alerts, and HD two-way audio. You can also get Familiar Face Alerts with a Nest Aware subscription and use Google Assistant for hands-free control.
Stand-out features include
- Indoor Camera
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- 1080p HD video with a 4k sensor
- Access to artificial intelligence features like facial recognition with subscription
Our take
The Blue by ADT Indoor Camera offers good indoor surveillance for renters and frequent movers. It’s built with all of the popular surveillance features, including two-way audio, custom motion zones and a battery backup if there’s a power outage. Best of all, the camera can detect and alert you of the sound of fire and carbon monoxide detectors. The camera also sends alerts if it recognizes a familiar face, such as your kids or nanny. The Blue by ADT Indoor Camera requires DIY installation, but cloud storage and professional monitoring are optional.
Stand-out features include
- Recognizes smoke and carbon monoxide detector sounds
- Facial recognition included to alert you of familiar faces
- Optional cloud storage and professional monitoring
Our take
The SimpliCam indoor security camera is Wi-Fi enabled and protects your footage with end-to-end encryption. This SimpliSafe camera also includes a privacy shutter that can be opened and closed as desired. It’s equipped with two-way audio and night vision, and it can detect motion.
Stand-out features include
- Indoor camera
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- 720p HD video
- Smart motion detection to reduce false alarms
- 120-degree field of vision
Our take
The Ring Stick-Up Cam is equipped with two-way audio, night vision and adjustable motion detection to reduce false alarms. The wireless version of the Ring Stick Up Cam, which costs $99.99, is battery-powered and includes one rechargeable battery pack. It has a 115-degree field of view and 1080p HD video quality. This indoor wireless security camera connects to Ring home security equipment and the Ring app for easy remote control.
Stand-out features include
- 115-degree field of view
- 1080p HD video quality
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- Connects to additional smart home and security equipment
- Equipped with two-way audio to speak with guests
Our take
This Ring Spotlight Cam functions by battery-operated power, giving you access to a wireless setup. Have access to clear 1080p HD video, built-in LED lights, and a siren for deterrence. You can also see, hear, and speak with visitors.
Stand-out features include
- 1080p HD video quality
- Features LED lights and siren for deterrence
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
Wireless Security Camera Factors to Consider
- Camera storage – How you’ll store your camera footage will vary. Some security cameras recommend local storage such as a microSD card or USB drive. With local storage, you’ll be responsible for moving all video clips from local storage to your computer to save, share or playback later. More popular security cameras offer cloud storage to encrypt and store your recorded video in a safe digital space away from hackers. If you’re leaning towards cloud storage you’ll want to keep in mind that cloud storage comes at an additional cost based on storage space.
Some security camera providers will only save clips for a certain number of days before overriding historical videos with new footage. If you’d like to keep certain videos, you can save them on the camera’s app or web portal, your mobile device, or local storage. - Security system compatibility – Many security cameras are sold separately from home security systems, but require the system to detect motion, send alerts and record footage. If you’re considering fully-monitored home security start by evaluating compatible wireless security cameras for your system. Remember that storage, CVR and other camera features may come at an additional cost.
You may also find that you need multiple security cameras to help monitor your home. Double check how many cameras can be connected at once, especially if you’re syncing them to a home security system connected to other security equipment. - Power source – Many wireless security cameras are battery-operated and connect to Wi-Fi using a mobile app to easily install anywhere. Wireless security cameras often include a rechargeable battery pack to cut the costs of batteries over time. However, some wireless cameras are designed to plug into a standard wall outlet for power. If your security camera needs to be plugged in, consider a backup power source, such as a rechargeable battery, in case of a power outage.
Security cameras are a great start to protecting your home. Explore our top providers to learn about the benefits of a whole home security system.
How Do We Rank Wireless Home Security Cameras?
At Safety.com, we continually refine our lists in order to provide up-to-date, well-researched insights. When ranking wireless home security cameras, we consider consumer ratings, resolution, storage capabilities, smart home compatibility, and additional security camera features.
Wireless Security Cameras Cost Breakdown
Wireless security cameras are typically purchased as standalone products. They can also be combined with a full home security system package.
- Cost: Typically, you’ll pay for the security camera upfront, and if you want access to additional features such as cloud storage, continuous recording, and artificial intelligence (A.I.) features, then you’ll need to purchase a subscription with the company.
- Cloud storage: Some companies provide a free trial period for their cloud storage service or limit storage of your recorded videos up to a certain time period, such as 7 days or 30 days. Many companies charge around $5/mo. for cloud storage per security camera, and offer a discount on cloud storage with additional cameras.
- Installation: You’ll generally be responsible for setting up your camera unless you’ve purchased a full home security system with professional installation. Ease of installation will vary depending on the camera.
- Monitoring: if you purchase a wireless security camera as a standalone product, you’re generally responsible for monitoring. Some providers like SimpliSafe offer video verification whenever your alarm is triggered so that authorities can view a video clip to help identify an intruder, but many providers don’t have a feature like this.
Benefits of Wireless Security Cameras
- Easy installation – You’ll be able to set up your security camera in minutes using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and the mobile app using your smartphone. No wires means it’s easy to reposition or move altogether.
- Anytime access – When your wireless security camera is connected to Wi-Fi and controlled using the mobile app you’ll be able to see live and historical footage at all times from the cloud. Wired security systems often require a Native Video Recorder (NVR) to store and review videos.
- Home insurance discount – Some insurance companies offer discounts for homeowners that install home security system or equipment. Check with your insurance provider for requirements they may have regarding types of equipment that qualifies and if professional installation is mandatory.
- Connectivity – Today’s wire-free security cameras connect to your home automation and security system to create automated routines such as turning on lights, disarming the alarm system or automated video recording. You’ll be able to schedule routines and control equipment using your smartphone at all times for a safe smart home.
Wireless Security Camera FAQs
A wireless security camera allows you to access video and audio over a wireless network, like your home Wi-Fi, and typically only requires a power cord for use. Wireless security cameras aren’t completely “wireless” like their wire-free counterparts. Wire-free security cameras rely on battery or solar power, and they can still transmit video and audio over Wi-Fi. If you purchase a wireless security camera, you’ll need to have access to a power outlet for use unless the camera can run on battery power for a period of time.
Your home’s security footage and data can be protected using encryption to protect the footage from easily being stolen by hackers. Other security camera providers offer a protected network to protect your home’s security footage. Before buying a security camera ask the provider how your data and footage will be protected. Also, ask if any data, information or footage will be used. These answers can also be found in ‘Terms & Conditions’ or the ‘Privacy Policy.’
A wireless security camera’s functionality depends on a strong wireless connection to capture and record footage. Most wireless security cameras require either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to record footage, detect motion and send instant alerts remotely. Keep in mind that adding your camera to your Wi-Fi with other equipment can result in a weaker connection.
Many wireless security cameras are easier to install without the hassle of wires, however, they rely on a wireless signal that may be easily interfered with other wireless devices. On the other hand, security cameras that require wired installation have a stronger signal between the camera and router. While there are many pros and cons for each, your choice depends on your security needs. For instance, if you’re renting a home, you’ll want to consider a wireless security camera that doesn’t interfere with your home’s wiring.
Yes. In order to capture and record video footage, wireless security cameras need to be connected to wifi. That means you’ll need a decent wifi signal if you want to capture video on your cameras.
Wireless security cameras are powered by batteries. You’ll need to regularly replace your camera’s batteries to ensure your cameras continue to capture footage. Otherwise, you could end up with an issue on your hands when you need to check the footage and can’t due to dead batteries.
While wireless cameras might deter some unwelcome guests, many people pair indoor wireless cameras with other features, such as motion detectors and outdoor cameras. What works best will entirely depend on what feels safest for you and your home.
A wireless security camera can transmit anywhere from 250 to 500 feet. If kept indoors, the camera will transmit much less further — roughly 100 to 165 feet.