Editor’s Note: Not all security systems need Wi-Fi. If you’ve got an unreliable network, we recommend getting a wired security system that comes with all the essentials to keep your home safe.
- Wi-Fi plays a big role in video monitoring, but there are security cameras that don’t need Wi-Fi.
- Local storage is the key; store videos into a microSD card or local recorder and play them back on your computer.
- Want live video streaming without Wi-Fi? Arlo Go is the solution. Read our Arlo review for more.
Some of the best security cameras use Wi-Fi to stream or record video, but not all of them rely on a steady internet connection to keep your property safe. We’ve tested several cellular-enabled options that are just as dependable as their Wi-Fi counterparts, if not more. You can also opt for security cameras that record locally instead of sending videos to the cloud.
That answers the question of whether there are security cameras that work without Wi-Fi, but how do you know which one to choose? Our team spent hundreds of hours testing cameras specifically for folks without reliable internet connections. They also highlight what to look for when you’re comparing home security cameras. Let’s dive in.
Pro Tip: No Wi-Fi? No problem. Lorex security cameras can record every second of every day, online and offline. Read our Lorex review to see how you can turn your Wi-Fi-free space into a secure fortress.
Can Security Cameras Function Normally Without Wi-Fi?
Here's the bottom line: security cameras can work without Wi-Fi, but you'll need to adjust your expectations. No-Wi-Fi cameras that provide live surveillance and real-time alerts require cellular connectivity, which is an extra ongoing cost. If you want to avoid that cost, you’d have to use cameras with local storage. They can record video, but they can’t stream live video and provide alerts. Here are some options to look into:
Cellular Signal-Ready Security Cameras
Think of cellular cameras like giving your security system its own phone plan. You even get all the same functionality of Wi-Fi cameras, like live streaming, push notifications, and cloud storage.
Just like your phone bill, you’ll need to budget for monthly cellular service. Plans usually range from $10 to $30 per camera. You’ll also pay a premium for cellular-capable cameras. When we tested the latest Arlo Go 2 and Reolink Go Plus, both set us back about $200. That’s on the high end of security camera prices. Needless to say, these devices are far from the best affordable cameras.
Still, let’s take a closer look at Arlo Go and Reolink Go.
- Arlo Go: Most of the Arlo home security cameras we test connect to Wi-Fi, but the Arlo Go lineup is fully-cellular. This camera offers carrier flexibility, supporting Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Telguard, US Cellular, and Arlo Mobile. They can also record to the cloud, send notifications, livestream videos, and connect to the Arlo app for monitoring.
- Reolink Go: We’ve reviewed Wi-Fi cameras like the Reolink Argus 2, but we wanted to try one of the newer versions of the Reolink Go, which uses a 4G LTE connection. However, it does need a Nano SIM card and cellular data plan to get it working. While that adds costs, the Reolink Go has a few budget-friendly features like a solar panel accessory for non-stop power supply and a MicroSD card slot so you don’t need to pay a monthly subscription for cloud storage.
As we touched on earlier, there are ongoing usage costs to contend with. For our Arlo Go 2, we paid $2 per month for a 1GB data plan. We had the option to pay $7.99 per month for cloud storage, but we chose to use MicroSD for storage, which we bought off Amazon. It was better than paying $10 extra in total per month for one security camera.
Expert Tip: Arlo also offers an unlimited camera cloud plan for $17.99 per month. It provides 60 days of video history, advanced AI detection for people, packages, vehicles, and animals, and theft replacement. You’ll still have to pay for the data plan for each camera.
Speaking of data plans, we don’t recommend streaming for long periods over a cellular network. We went through our 1GB plan after spending about two hours of continuous streaming. We also recommend tweaking your motion detection zones and sensitivity settings because cloud recording also uses data. The adjustments we made cut false alarms by up to 70 percent. We also scheduled our cameras to record only during specific hours when we’re typically away, further stretching our data allowance.
Security Cameras With Local Video Storage
If monthly data fees make you cringe, cameras with local storage offer a compelling alternative. This approach also makes it easier to capture continuous video. We recommend it for businesses wanting 24/7 surveillance, since it won’t impact the Wi-Fi connection. It’s not a perfect solution, though.
The only issue we have with these cameras is they operate on a closed network. So, while you’re out gallivanting with friends and family, you can’t receive push notifications or stream live footage like you can with a cellular security system. That said, newer models like the latest Lorex systems offer hybrid functionality. They can record locally but still connect to your Wi-Fi to send notifications.
Unlike cloud storage, you can’t access the videos from anywhere. You also run the risk of corrupted files or someone stealing the camera or DVR. These are issues you can plan around, such as regularly updating firmware and storing the DVR in a secure location.
If you can live with those drawbacks, these are the different types of cameras with local video storage.
- CCTV: CCTV cameras, or closed-circuit television cameras, are used by businesses and police for surveillance; they’re not usually used for home security purposes. Instead of watching the footage on an app, guards watch CCTV footage on several monitors, and storage is on either a DVR or an NVR, a network video recorder for digital systems. CCTV cameras include analog and IP cameras, along with HD-over-coax.2
- Analog: Analog cameras transmit video from the camera to a DVR, often via coaxial cable. While it’s older technology, analog systems remain popular for their reliability and lower cost. Basic 4-camera systems can cost less than $300.
- HD-over-coax: In HD-over-coax cameras, uncompressed video travels from cameras to recorders via coaxial cable. These systems support up to 4K resolution while using existing coaxial wiring, making them good for upgrading older analog systems.
- IP: An IP camera is usually synonymous with a surveillance camera, as it’s a lot more expensive than regular home security cameras.3 However, some IP cameras offer more advanced features like facial recognition and license plate reading.
Lorex has one of the largest lineups of security camera systems with local storage. Most systems offer 1TB of storage, but their latest systems offer 2TB of storage or more. In our experience, 2TB holds roughly 40 days of continuous 1080p footage from a single camera, or about 10 days with four cameras running.
Another feature we liked when reviewing Lorex is its expandable storage options. Current Lorex NVRs offer expandable storage up to a maximum of 32TB with up to four hard drives. That’s enough for months of footage from multiple cameras.
One of the downsides is the upfront cost. MicroSD cards are a more budget-friendly option, but they’re also easy to steal. DVRs and NVRs are easier to conceal and store more footage. The price of an NVR starts at about $400, whereas DVRs start at about $300.
FYI: Lorex recently created separate websites for its residential and commercial-grade cameras. Now, you must register as a Lorex business partner to access the commercial-grade cameras.
Are Security Cameras Without Wi-Fi Harder To Install?
The short answer is no. There are wireless cameras that don’t need internet access since they rely on cellular networks. Two of our favorites are the Reolink Go and Arlo Go. Installing these is as simple as mounting them and popping in a SIM card. We had our Arlo Go 2 up and running in under 10 minutes.
We found installing cameras that record to DVRs trickier. These devices connect via Ethernet or coaxial cables. If you want to hide them, you’ll need to run them through walls or floors. Installing our eight-camera Lorex system turned into a weekend project, taking a total of about eight hours.
Expert Tip: To minimize the amount of wires running through your house, consider installing Power over Ethernet cameras. The same cable is used for power and to send video to a DVR.
Wi-Fi vs. No-Wi-Fi Cameras
Let’s break down the real-world differences between Wi-Fi and no-Wi-Fi cameras, based on our extensive testing of both types.
Wi-Fi Cameras Pros and Cons
Pros
- No data plans required: Since you probably already have Wi-Fi in your home, you won’t have to pay for any additional data plans.
- Live streaming: You’ll be able to see what’s going on at home through your mobile app.
- Remote control: Most cameras also allow for remote control, including arming and disarming, zooming in optically, and speaking through two-way audio.
- Notifications: Modern cameras with AI send intelligent alerts telling you if it saw a person, package, pet, or vehicle. Some even offer facial recognition.
While some cameras that don’t require Wi-Fi have these features, again, they’ll require data plans for a price.
Cons
- Bandwidth usage: Wi-Fi cameras can easily crowd your network. The livestream of a 4K security camera takes about 25 percent of the average home Wi-Fi network’s bandwidth of 74 Mbps.5 That alone can cause internet slow downs for the rest of your internet-connected devices.
- Faulty Wi-Fi: Cameras that are heavily reliant on Wi-Fi can be rendered useless by a simple internet outage. Is your internet provider reliable enough, or does the Wi-Fi go out more often than you’d like? If it’s the latter, then a camera that doesn’t require Wi-Fi might work better for you.
- Hacking: As we’ve seen with Ring cameras5, Wi-Fi cameras can be hacked, especially if you don’t protect your network and mobile app with a secure password.
FYI: For better Wi-Fi coverage, we recommend using a mesh network with multiple access points. We recommend using Nest Wi-Fi, which is one of the best smart home devices available.
No-Wi-Fi Cameras Pros and Cons
Pros
- They’re not as hackable. Cellular connections use encryption protocols that are harder to hack than typical Wi-Fi signals6 If you use an IP, Analog, or HD-over-coax camera system, it will be even harder to hack as an intruder would need physical access to your recorder to affect your cameras.
- You may still be able to get remote features. If you use a data plan, you don’t have to miss out on remote control, notifications, and live streaming, which are the main benefits of smart home security. Some new hybrid systems even let you switch between cellular and Wi-Fi connections as needed.
While some cameras that don’t require Wi-Fi have these features, again, they’ll require data plans for a price.
Cons
- They may require a data plan. Expect to pay $10 to $30 monthly per camera for cellular connectivity, which adds up quickly with multiple cameras.
- They’re bulky.DVR-based systems require dedicated storage space. A typical 16-channel NVR is about the size of a desktop computer.
- They’re expensive. Professional-grade CCTV systems start around $1,000 for a basic 4-camera setup, compared to $200 to $400 for comparable Wi-Fi systems.
Recap
After testing dozens of cameras both with and without Wi-Fi, we find that non-Wi-Fi cameras are only ideal for specific situations. It might not always be feasible though. The cost of setting up and maintaining cellular-ready security cameras might be too high for some. The lack of alerting and streaming features of security cameras with local storage might be a deal-breaker for others. That’s why if possible, we recommend using internet-connected security cameras.
If you absolutely need video surveillance for a property without Wi-Fi, though, we recommend Lorex and its cameras that can record locally. Their systems offer rock-solid reliability and professional-grade features that genuinely deter crime. And if that doesn’t work, at least you’ll have recordings of any incident thanks to its 24/7 recording.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on thousands of reader questions, we've compiled the most common concerns about Wi-Fi-free security cameras.
-
Can wireless cameras work without Wi-Fi?
There are wireless cameras that can work without Wi-Fi. The Arlo Go and the Reolink Go, for example, are both wireless cameras that use cellular data plans instead of Wi-Fi.
-
Do all home security cameras require Wi-Fi?
Not all home security cameras require Wi-Fi. Some cameras, like the Arlo Go and the Reolink Go, can use LTE plans instead of Wi-Fi. Other home security cameras aren’t connected to the internet at all but rather record onto local storage like hard drives.
-
What is better, wired or wireless security cameras?
Both have pros and cons, wireless cameras are easier to install but their connection is less dependable. Completely wireless cameras are battery-powered, which has its own set of issues. Wired cameras are harder to install, but provide a more dependable signal. If a wired camera needs to be plugged in or hardwired to your electrical system, it can limit where you can place the camera.
-
Can you set up cameras without the internet?
Yes, you can set up cameras without the internet. Many cameras are local only, recording onto local storage like a micro-SD card or hard drive.
