Buying guide for best wireless ip security cameras
Wireless IP cameras are the latest development in home security systems. They can allow you to monitor and record both inside and out, and they have valuable features like motion activation, night vision, and compatibility with smart home systems for voice activation. Most provide excellent detail via 1080p high-definition images or better and are easy to fit.
In addition to all this advanced technology, you also have tremendous choice, from models that sit unnoticed in a corner of the room, to those that can take a beating from the worst of storms. But while that variety is great from a buyer’s perspective, it can make picking out the right model a bit of a challenge!
BestReviews has been on the case, looking at all the most recent developments across a range of price and performance options. We’ve picked out a few that show a representative cross section, and we talk about the important details in the following buying guide.
Many cloud-based backup systems require a monthly subscription. Some are free, but the amount of time recorded may be restricted.
Key considerations
Picking the right camera depends on a number of criteria, including situation (indoor or outdoor), mounting and connectivity, and device features.
Situation
Indoor: Indoor IP cameras are generally compact and very affordable. They can be fixed or simply left on a convenient surface. While generally thought of as a home device (and often doubling as a nanny cam), they can also be effective for office, factory, or warehouse use.
Outdoor: Outdoor IP cameras have one major difference: weather protection. Care is needed because simply calling them weather or water-resistant doesn’t really mean much. Good models have ingress protection — IP or IPX — rating, an independent international standard. With security cameras, IP65 or IP66 is the most common (you can find full information on what the numbers mean online).
Mounting and connectivity
A major advantage of wireless IP security cameras is the ease of installation, whether you’re using one camera or half a dozen. As far as the physical fitting is concerned, it’s usually just a question of drilling two or three holes and inserting screws.
Power: However, you need to be careful when looking at specifications because numerous wireless cameras still need cable! But not for the actual signal transmission, which works via internet protocol (hence the IP). Basically, it’s WiFi. The challenge comes in supplying power. In some cases, that means wiring to your electrical system. In many, it means a USB connection or PoE (power over Ethernet).
There are plenty of fully wireless systems. They have a removable battery pack containing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and it usually takes just moments to swap in new ones. The only drawback is that these tend to be the most expensive options.
Bandwidth: There’s one other thing to look out for, and that’s the bandwidth of your internet supply. This will be either 2.4G or 5G. Most people have 2.4G, which isn’t a problem, but while many IP cameras work on a 5G network, some don’t, so it’s another thing you need to check
Did you know?
Many “wireless” IP security cameras still need a cable for power unless you choose a battery-operated model.
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Features
Motion sensors
Motion sensors are another common feature. They’re particularly valuable on battery-powered cameras because they extend the operating time. You’ll want to look at the physical activation range, which can vary considerably. Object tracking, where the camera automatically follows whatever set it off, is also possible with some.
Images
Quality: This is generally quite high, with 1080p HD (high definition) pretty much standard, and higher resolution available from some.
Night vision: This is also provided, though it varies considerably. Most cameras work on infrared, giving mono images. Color night vision is available, but it depends on the sensors used. Many require at least some ambient light, such as street or security lighting. If it’s not present, they’ll automatically shift to black and white.
Viewing: The image generated can be viewed and stored in a number of ways. With internet communications comes the ability to watch what the camera sees in real-time on phones and tablets from anywhere in the world.
Storing: Saving those images can be done in three ways: either to an SD card (usually installed in the camera itself), to a local drive, or to cloud-based storage. The latter offers lots of options, so you need to look at the details carefully. Free storage tends to be for relatively short periods and isn’t permanent. If you want continuous service, you’ll need to pay for a subscription. Note that battery-powered cameras with internal SD cards will continue to record even if the internet connection is lost and the power goes out.
Sound
Many wireless IP cameras record sound as well as images, and more advanced models have microphones and speakers to deliver two-way communication, so you can interact with the person being viewed. Depending on the specifications, this can be via your phone or in conjunction with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Apps
Whether you fit indoor or outdoor security cameras, apps offer tremendous control from any distance. It’s typical to have motion alerts, arming and disarming, and the ability to alert emergency services via a single button (which may require a subscription). Image sharing across multiple devices and locations is another popular feature.
Siren
Some IP cameras have a siren. At 90 decibels or more, it can be a great deterrent!
Wireless IP security camera prices
Inexpensive: The cheapest wireless IP security cameras are indoor-only models that start at around $25 each, though they can reach $50.
Mid-range: You can find pairs of outdoor security cameras for around $65, though these usually require a cable for power. Most fully wireless models run from $70 to $100 each.
Expensive: Models from big-name brands can cost upwards of $150 per camera, though you can often make comparative savings if you buy three or more. You do get tremendous feature sets and interconnectivity with smart home devices, so many people think these are worth the money.
Tips for using your cameras
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Doors and windows are obvious areas to cover, but think about vulnerable spots, too, like a separate garage or shed or anywhere that offers concealment.
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Though night vision can be good on some models, consider adding passive infrared (PIR) lighting, too. It will often deter opportunistic thieves.
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The highest mounting point isn’t always best because distance reduces image quality. Look for positions that are as close as possible to the target area but high enough to be out of normal reach. Nine feet is good.
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Avoid positioning a security camera so it directly faces the sun. It could be blind at certain times of the day.
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Motion detection works best when something crosses the camera path rather than approaches it directly. For example, it’s better to cover a walkway from an angle than straight along it.
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If your security camera overlooks your neighbor’s property, there are potential issues concerning the invasion of privacy. While the law can be confusing, it’s best to avoid problems. If at all possible, cover boundaries but minimize views of a neighbor’s property.
One benefit with IP security cameras that people often don’t consider is how portable they are. If you move your home or business, it’s a simple job to take the cameras with you.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between CCTV and IP security cameras?
A. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is really the forerunner of current systems and largely outdated. It needs a cable for image transmission and power. While not particularly difficult, it is more complex to install. It records locally to a digital video recorder, so there’s no cloud backup. Image resolution is usually lower, and it doesn’t have the flexibility, advanced controls, or apps available from IP security cameras.
Q. Is it easy to hack wireless security cameras?
A. Despite lots of scare stories, if you follow standard safety protocols and use strong passwords (including on your phone), these systems are quite robust. Of course, nothing is 100% secure (even the Pentagon has been hacked). Cameras are just one deterrent. You should also make sure you have adequate physical security, such as high-quality door and window locks.
Q. Will I need to upgrade my internet or WiFi?
A. We can’t give definitive advice because of the huge variety of systems out there. However, it’s unlikely. You can do a simple survey yourself. If you can get a WiFi signal on your cell phone or tablet in the location you intend to put an IP camera, you should be fine.
