{"id":6239,"date":"2019-06-18T09:33:48","date_gmt":"2019-06-18T13:33:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/24-7-home-security.com\/?p=6239"},"modified":"2022-11-30T09:50:23","modified_gmt":"2022-11-30T14:50:23","slug":"choosing-the-best-wireless-security-cameras-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/24-7-home-security.com\/choosing-the-best-wireless-security-cameras-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Best Wireless Security Cameras – What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the many benefits of installing security cameras<\/a> in your home is being able to see what\u2019s going on in and around the house even when you\u2019re not there. Whether you want to check your pets and kids\u2019 whereabouts while you\u2019re at work or keep an eye on your valuable things, a home security camera is a helpful tool to give you a peace of mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are planning to invest in a security camera, you will find so many options in the market today. Gone are the days of unsightly wires running on walls because most security cameras nowadays are wireless, making them more flexible and easier to install. \u00a0It can be a bit overwhelming, there are so many options!<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you invest in a wireless security camera that you\u2019ll be using every single day, spend a few minutes with us to learn the different wireless options available so that you will know which product will best suit your needs.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

What does wireless mean for this article?\n<\/span><\/h3>

When you think wireless, you probably imagine a camera stuck up on a wall, with no wires running to it, right? \u00a0Well, you might be disappointed!<\/span><\/p>\n

If that\u2019s what you\u2019re looking for, you want battery powered cameras. \u00a0We covered <\/span>battery powered cameras<\/span><\/a> with no wires in depth in another article. \u00a0In this one, we\u2019ll be focusing on cameras that pass their data over wireless connections, but they may still have wires to connect to an outlet for power.<\/span><\/p>\n

First, we\u2019ll be talking about the most common cameras, WiFi cameras.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then, we\u2019ll cover <\/span>cellular security cameras<\/span><\/a> that use the same networks as a smartphone and don\u2019t require a local internet connection.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

WiFi Security Cameras<\/span><\/h2>

When we hear the word WiFi, we often associate it with devices connected to the internet and security cameras are no exception. A lot of homeowners and even companies have embraced the use of WiFi security cameras to protect their valuables and properties because they are easy to install. As long as you have a high speed internet connection, you can get live footage of your properties even when you\u2019re on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

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WiFi security cameras work by downloading software that comes with the WiFi camera. You can install the software to your PC or smartphones to track and record activities remotely. Each camera is assigned with an IP address on your network so you can access the video or captured images over the internet. Some cameras can also be configured to automatically send the recordings to an email address.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The next question is, are WiFi security cameras worth it? The answer totally depends on your budget and preferences. There are no perfect products. Below, we will show you the pros and cons of WiFi security cameras.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

Have a minute?<\/h2>

Check out these wild security camera videos!<\/p><\/i>Watch the videos<\/a><\/div>

Pros of WiFi Security Cameras<\/span><\/h3>

Easy to Install<\/span><\/h4>

WiFi cameras are wireless and you can easily set them up anywhere as long as they are near to a power outlet (if your camera is not battery-operated). You can place the camera on a tabletop or install them outside your home so you can protect your properties from intruders. \u00a0Just be aware that you\u2019ll have a limited reach from the outlet, and you may have to investigate another plan to power the cameras if an outlet isn\u2019t nearby.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

Low Cost<\/span><\/h4>

Nowadays, you can find many low-cost WiFi cameras because you don\u2019t need to hire a professional to do the installation. Since the cameras don\u2019t require Ethernet cables, unlike wired networks, it makes them easier to install and relocate. \u00a0If you don\u2019t mind cheap Chinese electronics, entry level cameras with poor image quality start at around $30.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

Live Streaming to Your Smartphone via the Internet<\/span><\/h4>

Almost everyone has access to the internet. As long as your camera is connected to your network, you can easily get live streams of your properties whenever and wherever you are. The videos and images are often also backed up to the cloud so that you can have the option to access them online later. Also, most cameras have motion sensors and only record footage once they detect movements within the area of interest so that you can save bandwidth uploading videos and space on cloud servers. <\/span><\/p><\/div>

Flexible<\/span><\/h4>

Wifi cameras are wireless and can be easily picked up or moved anywhere you want since they don\u2019t need wired connections to transmit data. Just make sure there\u2019s an outlet close by unless you purchase a battery-powered camera!<\/span><\/p><\/div>

Cons of WiFi Security Cameras<\/span><\/h3>

Cameras won\u2019t work without a WiFi signal\n<\/span><\/h4>

As the name suggests, WiFi cameras work only as long as there is a WiFi signal. Therefore, if the signal strength in part of your home is weak, you may notice lag to access live videos or receive captured images when you\u2019re away. There are many things that can degrade WiFi signals. Obstructions such as walls, furniture, and metal can degrade the WiFi signal, causing slower connections, lower video quality, or failure to access camera footage. <\/span><\/p><\/div>

Some cameras are not totally \u201cwire-free\u201d\n<\/span><\/h4>

Unless you\u2019ve purchased a battery-powered camera, most WiFi cameras will still require a wired connection to the outlet to power it up. This might disappoint people expecting a completely wireless camera. <\/span><\/p><\/div>

WiFi signal can be easily jammed<\/span><\/h4>

Nowadays, there are many ways to purposely jam a WiFi signal which intruders could use to break into a home. You can easily buy a wireless camera jammer or even build your own WiFi jammer using a smartphone or wireless landline phone. <\/span><\/p>\n

Now granted, most <\/span>burglars<\/span> are NOT that sophisticated. \u00a0They\u2019ll just opt for a baseball cap or a hoodie. \u00a0But, when a way to defeat your cameras is as cheap as $30-$50, you have to consider that some criminals will take advantage of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, if you are using a WiFi camera for security purposes, make sure you have a <\/span>layered security system<\/span><\/a>. Jammers can easily block a WiFi signal, including bluetooth and GPS which intruders can use to break into your home.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

WiFi is relatively easy to hack if not configured properly\n<\/span><\/h4>

Perhaps you\u2019ve heard about the horrors of hackers getting live footage of a home using a WiFi camera. Or you have seen movies where the bad guys replace the video feed with a fake feed. If you have a hardwired system, the hacker would have to splice the wire, set-up a device between the camera and the viewer, and get a web address for that device without anyone knowing it. But with WiFi cameras, hacking is made easier since you only need to copy the address of the end device and send data using the same format once you penetrate the network.<\/span><\/p>\n

But you might as well ask, why would hackers be interested to get a live footage of your home? Aside from possibly learning your routines and breaking into your home, some hackers might be more interested in your personal details.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

So What are the Best WiFi Security Cameras?<\/span><\/h3>
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Product<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Reviews<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Price<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Nest Cameras<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n
    \n \t
  • Has excellent built-in facial recognition<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Two-way communication<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • 1080 pixel high quality video<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Has built-in sound and motion detection<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n \t
  • Requires Nest Aware subscription<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Expensive<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n

4.1\/5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$299 - $349<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Ring Spotlight Camera<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n
    \n \t
  • Easy to install<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Two-way audio<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Integration with Alexa or IFTTT<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Comes with bright spotlight<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Motion-triggered video recording<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n \t
  • Cloud storage subscription is needed<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • No pre-buffering<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n

4\/5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$199<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Netatmo Welcome<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n
    \n \t
  • Stylish, cylindrical casing<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Comes with smoke or fire notification alert<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Smart facial recognition system<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Works with Google Home Assistant<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Allows multiple people to manage the camera and be integrated with geofencing<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Backs up recordings to the cloud<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • No subscription fees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n \t
  • Can only be powered via a cable<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Doesn\u2019t offer two-way audio<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Can only be installed on flat surfaces<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n

3.5\/5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$180<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Blink Series<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n
    \n \t
  • Easy to install<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Low power consumption<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • No monthly fees<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Integration with Alexa<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n \t
  • Poor night vision<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • No two-way audio<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Limited cloud storage options without fees<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Requires additional smart hub<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n

3.5\/5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$230 - $320<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

D-Link DCS-936L HD Camera<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n
    \n \t
  • Compact design with a matte black casing<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Provides high quality and wide angle video<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Lens can be rotated<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Recordings can be automatically backed up using NVR<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • No monthly subscription payments<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n \t
  • Doesn\u2019t provide two-way audio<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • No cloud storage backup<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n

3.4\/5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$56.99<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

FLIR FX<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n
    \n \t
  • Night vision capabilities<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Waterproof casing<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Ideal for mobile recording<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Cloud storage worth 30 days of recordings<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Can be powered through a USB port<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n \t
  • Low battery life<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • App glitches<\/span><\/li>\n \t
  • Limited third-party integrations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n

2.7\/5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$139.99 - $239.99<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>

Nest Cameras<\/span><\/h4>

Price<\/strong>: $299 - $349<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>

Review<\/strong>: 4.1\/5<\/span><\/p><\/div>

\"Nest<\/div>

The Nest<\/a> cameras come in two models - the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor and Nest Cam IQ Indoor. The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is suitable for monitoring outside your home. It is built with person alerts feature that sends you alert notifications and a snapshot when it detects someone moving within its field of view. On the other hand, the Nest Cam IQ Indoor is designed for indoor security of your home. It has built-in Google Assistant to give you a helping hand around the house. Both the Nest Cam Outdoor and Indoor have 1080 pixel resolution, 12x digital zoom, light ring, two-way communication, and night vision. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pros:<\/span><\/p>\n\n