Finding the right security camera is a stressful business. With the safety of your family, business or property on the line, it’s understandable that you’d want to spend the headaches on what matters most: overall security, and not a complicated subscription or cloud-storage plan that requires you to maintain a strong wifi connection in every part of your protection zone. Sometimes the signal goes out, or your interests are in a remote area with poor coverage; whatever the reason, you’re looking for a solid home security solution that doesn’t need wifi, so we’ll cut right to it.
Related: How to buy a security camera: Beginner’s guide
When to use a home security camera without WiFi
It seems like a no-brainer — in 2021, with edge computing and IoT revamping the landscape of technology and expanding the horizons of possibility every day, security systems seem like the perfect candidate for internet connectivity. The benefits are clear: you can surveil your interests remotely, make security adjustments on the go, discard any concerns for local storage, and even communicate with others on-site through the camera system.
A WiFi-connected camera is also substantially easier to set up and, for most laypersons, results in a much more discreet installation.
Related: How to receive alerts if anyone trespasses
But that’s not the whole story. Bad weather can interfere with internet connectivity. Perhaps what you’re looking to protect is way out in the country in a poor coverage zone. Or it’s your secret underground lair. Indeed, the major weakness in a wifi-based security setup is the necessity of stable, uninterrupted wifi to reap the benefits of everything that connectivity has to offer. ISP drop the ball or WiFi reach its quota? Goodbye remote viewing, goodbye cloud storage.
If you’re someone who appreciates simplicity and is understandably hesitant to introduce new variables into your security solutions, wired security cameras without wifi can prove to be a reliable, straightforward answer to your security needs that offers dependability at the cost of a slightly more cumbersome setup. If you’re ready to put the extra effort in — and you should be when it comes to security — wired security cameras can be just the answer for you.
Related: Best battery powered wireless security camera for outdoor installation
10 Top Home Security Cameras Without Wifi
Down below is our curated list of the best security cameras that can operate independently of wifi. From dirt-cheap to high-end standalone cameras to all-in-one complete security systems at different price points, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for down below — and if you don’t, make sure to let us know your exact specifications and preferences in the comments below and we’ll sort through the mess to help find the perfect home security system for you!
1. Reolink 5MP Security Camera
- Price: $59.99
- Brand: Reolink
- Location: Outdoor/Indoor
- Connection: Ethernet
The Reolink 5MP Security Camera provides users a lot of bang for their buck at the $60 price point, with 2560×1920 resolution, 100-foot clarity night vision and the ability to record locally to both a 64-256GB microSD as well as a Reolink NVR. Powered by PoE (power over ethernet) and 100% weatherproof, the Reolink is easier to set up compared to most wired cameras and provides optional cloud storage in case you’re running low on hardware-based storage. All in all, the Reolink is a trustworthy choice that stands right at the intersection of quality and affordability.
2. Annke 5MP 5-in-1 Camera System
- Price: $259.99
- Brand: Annke
- Location: Outdoor
- Connection: Ethernet
Those looking for a more robust outdoor security system rather than a singular camera would do well to consider the Annke 5-in-1 camera system. Altogether, the deal provides a set of four cameras alongside an Annke DVR with 2TB local storage but throws in a power adapter, USB mouse, 60 feet of BNC cable, a 1-to-4 wire splitter for the camera set, an HDMI, and an Annke wall-sticker to let bad guys know you’re watching. The cameras themselves have smart, customizable motion detection and 100-foot night vision and are backed by overwhelmingly positive reviews across portals and anecdotally. With everything you need for a complete system at the price of a single high-end camera, you can’t really go wrong with the Annke 5-in-1.
3. Amcrest 4k Ultra-HD Security Turret
- Price: $109.99
- Brand: Amcrest
- Location: Indoor/Outdoor
- Connection: Ethernet
For more serious security buffs willing to shell out a little more for higher-end surveillance capabilities, the well-trusted Amcrest Ultra-HD Security Turret records crystal clear 4k, just in case you wanted a good look at the pores of the car thief sneaking around your driveway. Aside from the top-tier picture resolution, the Amcrest Security Turret features a 2.8mm wide-angle lens with a 105-degree viewing radius and enhanced night vision and up to four customizable motion-tracking zones. Best of all, the Security Turret can store up to 256GB of video on a local microSD with optional cloud backup.
4. Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G4
- Price: $228.95
- Brand: Ubiquiti
- Location: Indoor/Outdoor
- Connection: Ethernet
While considerably more expensive than many of its counterparts, the general consensus among home defense enthusiasts seems to be that the Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G4 is a dependable choice for those in search of a sturdy, anti-theft build quality and versatility. The camera’s unique ball joint provides 3-dimensional adjustability while the 4MP camera provides 24FPS video feeds to a connected DVR. Simple, sturdy, and secure is the Protect G4, and though not as flashy as some other options, comes from a highly-respected manufacturer that ensures top-tier build quality.
5. HeimVisions HM245 Security System
- Price: $139.99
- Brand: HeimVisions
- Location: Outdoor
- Connection: Ethernet
For those with bona fide security problems like repeated break-ins or local criminal activity but stuck on a shoestring budget to meet their security needs, the HeimVisions HM245 security system stuffs a heck of a lot of value into a small price tag. With it comes a four-piece set of weatherproof, 5MP cameras with facial recognition, human and smart motion detection, an 8-channel expandable DVR that can be hooked up to four more cameras, 240 feet of power cables, a USB mouse and 4-in-1 cable splitter, and 2 power adapters — and relies solely on PoE for power and data transmission without any need for wifi.
6. Lorex LBV2711
- Price: $48.95
- Brand: Lorex
- Location: Outdoor
- Connection: MPX
The Lorex Security Camera comes with an extremely potent anti-theft design with a pass-through cable for those who’ve dealt with camera-tampering in the past and need something more sturdy. What it lacks in resolution at 2MP it makes up for with an extended 150-foot night-vision for clear nights and 100-foot clarity in complete darkness, making an excellent choice for more rural areas or in shadow corners where it can remain indiscreet and ever-vigilant over your home or business.
7. Goowls Security Camera
- Price: $29.99
- Brand: Goowls
- Location:
- Connection: Local SD/Wi-Fi
While technically a wifi camera without direct-to-DVR/NVR connectivity, the Goowls security camera does offer non-wifi local storage on a 128GB microSD card. This feature, when coupled with its smart motion detection, built-in mic and extra-durable, weatherproof, temperature-resistant design makes it an accessible choice for those in need of a dirt-cheap, non-wifi camera that will get the job done without a complicated setup. And if you do ever change your mind on the wifi front, Goowls offers free email alerts and full Alexa compatibility.
8. Flir Digimerge C234BC Bullet Camera
- Price: $34.99
- Brand: Flir
- Location: Outdoor
- Connection: MPX, Analog
Another budget-friendly option, the Flir Digimerge is a solid choice for users in search of a cheap, durable camera they can add to their pre-existing setup. With great cross-brand compatibility and a completely wifi-free MPX and analog design, the Flir Digimerge can be hooked up to both a DVR or directly to a monitor setup to act as a CCTV. It is somewhat lacking in the resolution department, maxing out at 720p, but is your best bet when looking for a third-party camera that can fit in with your current home security system.
9. Honic Outdoor Security Camera
- Price: $50.99
- Brand: Honic
- Location: Outdoor
- Connection: BNC
The Honic Outdoor Security Camera comes with a 1920x1080p resolution and a 2.8mm-12mm range with smart IR-cutting night vision that reduces the overblown exposure inherent to many older security systems, making it ideal for night-oriented defense setups. On top of that, the IP66 weatherproof certified casing and tamper-resistant design provide more than adequate sturdiness at the price point. Those in high-pressure or rural, low-light areas in need of a defensible system that won’t break the bank should consider the Honic Outdoor Security Camera for their surveillance needs.
10. XVIM Home Security System
- Price: $104.99
- Brand: XVIM
- Location: Outdoor
- Connection: BNC, Wi-FI
The XVIM Home Security System is perfect for those looking for a simple, CCTV-based security setup that provides a direct-to-DVR live feed. The four-piece setup of 1080p 2MP, IP66 weatherproof cameras and included DVR provide the standard assortment of features, from 100-foot night vision to smart motion detection at the almost unbelievable price point of 100 dollars. But don’t let the discount fool you; the XVIM is a highly-rated system that is perfect to use in a business setting where dedicated security staff can monitor the system. With additional web-based services available, the XVIM provides the most bang for your buck, by far.
Didn’t find the right camera for your security needs? Let us know exactly what you’re looking for in the comments below and we’ll make you a few tailor-made recommendations.
