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We rank the best battery-powered security cameras, which provide protection indoors and outdoors and are easy to set up and install.
Updated February 21, 2025
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Some homeowners might not appreciate battery-powered cameras. It’s another item to remember to keep charged. But if you like the idea of battery-powered cameras and you’re looking for options you can put in and around the house, we’ve got you covered.
We like battery-powered cameras too. They’re not reliant on the grid so they can work during power outages. They also allow you nearly unlimited placement – in most cases, as long as it’s within your Wi-Fi’s range, you can put your battery-powered cameras there. We recognize that there are downsides to battery-powered cameras, but if you pick a good one, you’ll have an easier time dealing with those drawbacks.
We recommend five options, but we suggest you start with Lorex. It offers dozens of battery-powered cameras, and hardware-wise, they are some of the best in the industry. We also like the options from Ring, Arlo, Blink, and Reolink. After testing a few of their battery-powered cameras, here’s what we have to say.
Lorex cameras are some of the most technologically advanced devices on the market. We’d go so far as to say that no one offers better hardware. You can get models with 4K resolution, as well as cameras with night vision that can see up to 150 feet in total darkness. You can also get cameras that, using locally run computer software, provide facial recognition. We even found a couple of options with active deterrence that use lights and sound to deter even determined burglars. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg because Lorex offers dozens of camera models, all packed with features and built to last.
We’ve tested both wired and wire-free Lorex cameras, so we know just how hard it is to deal with wires. Thankfully, battery-powered cameras belong to the latter category. They were easy to install and good-to-go pretty much anywhere. It helps that newer models mostly have Wi-Fi 6, which has a wider range than older Wi-Fi standards. We had no problem putting one of our cameras at the edge of our 2,000-square-foot property, around 80 feet from where our router is indoors.
The thing you can count on with Lorex cameras is that they’ll work. That might sound obvious, but you might be surprised. We never had to worry about the clarity of our image because all Lorex cameras come with at least 1080p HD resolution, and many make use of 2K or 4K resolution. Our cameras included night vision and two-way talk, and they were rated IP66, which means they were dust-tight and could withstand powerful water jets. In short, we had no trouble putting Lorex at the top of this list.
That said, no camera is perfect, and Lorex has a significant flaw – the software isn’t that great. Lorex apps can be clunky and hard to navigate. Yes, “apps.” There’s no one Lorex app for all cameras, which means if you happen to buy cameras that use different apps, you’d need to have multiple Lorex apps on your phone. We recommend reading the user manual of the camera before buying. The manuals are downloadable, and they tell you which app that specific model works with.
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or PoE |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, or PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 180° |
| Resolution | Up to 4K |
| Storage | Free local, optional cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Ring is another company that started out focused on cameras, and, like Lorex, that gives Ring a bit of an advantage when it comes to manufacturing high-quality devices. While the company has expanded to become a reliable supplier of every type of home security component, cameras remain its real strength. It doesn’t offer quite as many choices as Lorex, but there are still plenty of battery-powered options to choose from, from the basic Ring Stick Up Cam to the Ring Spotlight Cam.
Ring’s battery-powered models come with top-tier features like color night vision, high-definition resolution, and AI-driven real-time alerts. Ring has made some significant advances in battery life as well, so with the right settings, it might be six months to a full year before you have to recharge. In fact, you can even attach them to Ring solar panels and forego charging altogether.
Ring doesn’t offer quite as many camera models as Lorex, but we’d say that it’s got a pretty wide selection of options. The highlight is the Ring Spotlight Cam lineup. This lineup alone offers two battery-powered options. Moreover, you can buy those cameras as a part of a Ring Alarm security system, or even connect a solar panel like we did and let the sun charge them.
We saw the same flexibility when we started using Ring cameras. Monthly subscriptions range from $9.99 to $19.99 to cover all Ring cameras we had installed. If you only have one camera though, there’s also a $4.99-per-month option. But no matter which plan you choose, you’ll get 180 days of video history – that’s the longest in the industry for a cloud subscription plan.
We find Ring’s cameras affordable, too. In fact, battery-powered models cost the same as plug-in models, which we know isn’t always the case. For example, for the Spotlight Cam Plus, you can buy either the plug-in or battery-powered version for $169.99. And we’ll let you in on a little secret – you can sometimes save even more on these devices. Bookmark our guide to Ring’s deals and sales and you can keep up with all of Ring’s frequent deals and sales.
To learn more about my full experience with Ring’s battery-powered cameras, check out our complete Ring Camera review.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 140° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
If you’re looking for battery-powered security cameras, you might do worse than Arlo, the company that actually invented these devices. Since the company arrived on the market in 2018, it has continued to innovate, offering some of the most forward-thinking cameras in the industry.
The Arlo Essential, for example, features 1080p resolution and motion detection in a remarkably simple – and remarkably affordable – package. In fact, pound-for-pound, no camera packs more technology into a smaller package. Meanwhile, the Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo’s flagship product, includes 4K resolution, an ultra-wide 180-degree viewing angle, AI-driven smart detection, and built-in siren and lights to act as burglary deterrents. Our review of the Arlo Pro 4 found it to be one of the most feature-laden battery-operated cameras on the market.
Pro Tip: Although they’re mostly known for their high-quality cameras, Arlo has taken the first steps into becoming a provider of all-around home security. They have a new system out that includes a pretty interesting sensor with eight functions in total. Stay tuned for our full review of this system which should be going live soon!
Arlo cameras are among the easiest cameras we’ve installed. Besides the fact that they were wire-free, they came with peel-and-stick applications, so we didn’t have to break out a screwdriver (don’t worry, there’s mounting equipment included if that’s your preferred approach). No complicated battery instructions either. The battery chamber simply popped out, so we could change batteries out with zero hassle.
How do these cameras perform? The Essential Indoor we purchased came with features like night vision, two-way talk, and a privacy shield. It also included 2K resolution, so we had a crystal clear view of our puppy when he decided to drag out one of our tennis shoes one afternoon and chew the sole off of it. All of this for just $80. Arlo cameras also hold up well outdoors in just about any climate. All cameras are rated for temperatures down to negative four below Fahrenheit, and as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arlo is relatively unique in that you can set it up as a basic system or you can turn it into a premium system, depending on how much you want to spend. Starter kits, without cameras, cost $200, and you can add a low-cost camera from the Essential line for as little as $50. You’re not going to do much better than a complete system for $250. On the other hand, Arlo’s best camera, the Ultra 2, costs $300. It’s got the type of features that will elevate your home security, but adding it to the mix means a $500 bottom line. So whether you’re looking for dependable workhorse cameras or top-tier high-tech equipment with all the bells and whistles, Arlo has you covered.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 180° |
| Resolution | Up to 2160p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
We thought Ring’s camera batteries lasted a long time. Blink’s battery-powered cameras can go a full two years between charges. Blink isn’t a one-trick pony, though. The company produces dependable, reliable home security devices that do their job with no fuss. Cameras, for example, all come with small sync modules that you can place out of sight.
All Blink cameras connect wirelessly to the hub, one another, and any additional devices through Wi-Fi, creating an entire web of security. And with affordable prices, you can outfit your entire home without worrying about the dent it might put in your wallet. Below, you’ll find highlights of the company’s battery-powered offerings, but you can get a fuller picture of this Amazon-owned company by taking a look at our complete Blink camera system review.
The Blink camera system is lean and mean, and we like that. The company has done away with bulky system hubs. All of our cameras worked through one small sync module. That allowed us to take advantage of the battery powered cameras. We placed them in discreet spots in and around our home, and we didn’t have to worry about a hub drawing attention to them. We didn’t lose a step when it came to accessing, monitoring, and controlling our equipment. Even from work, we were able to keep an eye out for the car radio we ordered online and make sure it didn’t fall victim to porch pirates.
To be sure, these cameras won’t do the sorts of tricks you’d find with a Vivint camera or a Nest device. There’s no facial recognition, for example, and there’s no real AI built into Blink cameras. Still, these aren’t exactly stripped-down cameras either. The Blink Outdoor, for instance, offers two-way audio, infrared night vision, motion detection and alerts sent to your phone. Those are all solid tools that will not only keep you safer but make it easier and more convenient to protect your family. Simply put, you get everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
Of course, the biggest upside to a workhorse camera is its lower price tag. Blink’s equipment is all extremely affordable, with the 3rd generation Blink Outdoor Camera costing just $99.99, and the latest-and-greatest 4th gen camera only running $119.99. If you’re looking to outfit a large property with a network of security cameras without dipping into the kid’s college fund, this is a great way to do it.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Battery |
| Field of View | Up to 143° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa |
We’re not sure how they do it, but Reolink has managed to combine high-quality reliable security camera features with affordable pricing. Take the Reolink Argus 3 (shown above). It costs just $80, but it has the look and feel of a much more expensive device. Inside, these cameras come packed with the latest technology. The brand-new 4K Argus 3 Ultra, for example, includes smart detection and color night vision. ReoLink offers Wi-Fi models, and you can even purchase solar-powered cameras so you never have to worry about the hassle of changing batteries.
Before we go much further, we should point out that most of ReoLink’s most impressive technology doesn’t make it into its battery-powered camera lineup. Missing high-end features include things like person detection and 24/7 recording options; few battery-powered cameras allow for continuous recording. Still, we found all the battery-powered models to be dependable cameras.
When we say dependable, we mean whatever the conditions. We like using battery-powered cameras outdoors since that’s where we always have trouble finding an outlet. During last January’s snowstorm, we had a crystal clear 1080p HD image from start to finish, including a color vision at night. OK, so everything was white, but we could see it all.
The bottom line is that ReoLink offers a broad range of solid cameras, all at a reasonable price. In fact, right now most of the company’s inventory is marked down even more than usual in honor of Valentine’s Day.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery |
| Field of View | Up to 140° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud, local |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Up until the last decade or so, installing cameras around the house often involved complicated installations and hardwiring often left to a professional. The big, bulky equipment didn’t do much for aesthetics, either.
These days, installing security cameras has never been easier. Much of this is due to the abundance of wireless and battery-powered camera technology that’s come to dominate the industry. Some cameras, like the aforementioned Reolink camera system, can be used interchangeably with batteries-only or with plug-in power, depending on your preference.
Aside from having the whole setup process controlled by a mobile app, expect a faster installation on the hardware side, too. But don’t get too comfortable once you get the camera online; though they’re meant as “set it and forget it” devices, it’s important to remember to monitor your cameras’ battery life and make sure you’re aware when it’s time to change them out.
Before we take a closer look at the pros and cons of wired vs wire-free, let’s take a second to review some of our favorite cameras from the providers listed above side-by-side.
| Camera | Best Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Spotlight Cam Plus | Color Night Vision | $169.99 |
| Lorex 4K Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Cam | 4K Resolution | $229.99 |
| Arlo Ultra 2 | 180-Degree Field of View | $299.99 |
| Blink Outdoor 3 | 2-Year Battery Life | $99.99 |
| Reolink Argus 3 Pro | Smart Alerts | $97.50 |
Batteries often don’t tell the whole story about how a camera is powered. You might see the terms “wireless,” “wire-free,” and “fully wireless” interchangeably, sometimes indicating that a camera can receive power either through wires or batteries.
Wireless security cameras communicate over the internet, but they sometimes require plugging into a standard AC outlet. Reolink’s Argus Eco, for example, is a wireless camera, but it does need to be plugged in. Reolink Argus 2 and Argus 3 cams, however, are wire-free devices that run on batteries. Make sense?
Reolink Argus 3, Argus 2, and Argus Eco cameras
Of course, with battery power, you can’t avoid having to climb up and change them at some regular interval. This means your camera will be offline for a short time, which obviously isn’t the ideal scenario.
Indeed, it’s not something everyone prefers; there are always pros and cons to both wired and wireless scenarios. For more tips on choosing the best camera for you, pop over to our security camera buying guide.
Though they’re a favorite of renters, battery-powered cameras aren’t strictly for those on the go or wire-averse; these cams actually have much to offer anyone. It’s no coincidence, after all, that so many of us are reliant on battery-powered phones, speakers, laptops, smart watches, and a whole litany of other battery-powered products to help improve, organize, or manage our lives.
But with so few complex installation hassles, we still make a point to recommend battery cameras to folks who are looking for better apartment security, who travel or move frequently, or who just don’t like wires hanging around the house.
Many battery-powered cameras have basic motion detection, allowing them to record video efficiently. You might also find that some cameras don’t offer the option of continuous recording; rather, battery-powered cameras work best as self-monitored devices, where you can receive alerts, view live footage, and store clips. Cameras that record continuously require more power and aren’t very practical for battery setups.
Two-Way Talk is an active deterrent feature I often emphasize as a must-have feature. Why? Because you can scare off intruders simply by using your own voice. Or in more benign cases, you can use it to communicate with parcel drivers, family members, and even pets. It’s a great feature found in almost every camera, including battery-powered ones.
A camera isn’t worth much if it doesn’t provide at least a decent picture in the dark, as criminals often wait for the cover of night to strike. In battery-powered cameras — since the connection often is less stable than with a wired or PoE device — you might find night vision to be somewhat lacking. While the camera will most likely pick up any pertinent activity, the recordings do tend to yield a grainy picture.
Most home security brands now come with a companion mobile app that will enable you to access, monitor, and control your battery-powered home security cameras remotely. The best security camera apps are well-organized and intuitive, allowing you to control your cameras and get deeper insights into any suspicious or unusual activity. Features like privacy masking, sensitivity, and motion scheduling help you get the most out of your camera in protection and reliability.
Most battery-powered cams produce video in 1080p HD, the most common benchmark for video dimensions in home security cameras. As long as your Wi-Fi connection remains somewhat stable, you should see footage clearly, with little noise or interference. During busier times, wireless and battery-powered cameras tend to fluctuate, occasionally dipping below HD quality. Higher-resolution cameras, you’ll note, might require more power and drain your battery faster.
There are several types of recording options being either a continuous recording or intermittent recording option. Every brand will have their own selections from which you can choose. And the same goes for how you pay for those services. Any given brand might offer one or both options as part of one of their packages or a limited amount of storage for free. And, a brand might also offer a limited amount of cloud storage for free with larger cloud storage options available for a fee. So if storing your videos is important to you, then look for a brand that has the video recording storage options that best suit your needs.
For the most part, you’re not going to find anything complicated or time-consuming about installing battery-powered cameras. That’s what DIY is all about, right? They can be placed on a surface for easy indoor monitoring, or mounted on a wall. Or outside, they can be drilled into place using the included brackets, which shouldn’t be too complicated, either. Without wires, it’s also super easy to test out different angles and zero in on specific threats with these cameras.
A battery-powered security camera with wireless connectivity is one that uses a cellular signal to communicate. The cellular signal works by using radio frequencies just like your mobile phone does. The radio frequencies work with your security alarm's sensors throughout your home, and they communicate with the control panel to notify the monitoring center when activity is detected.
Today’s smart home technology allows many battery-powered cameras to integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other automation platforms for a truly connected experience. You can use voice commands to get real-time information on who’s at your door, what time your kids’ school bus arrives, and what all that racket is upstairs.
