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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 November 22, 2024
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Editor’s Notes: Battery-powered cameras are better than nothing. But to make sure your whole home is protected, read our roundup of the best security systems.
A lot of homeowners avoid battery-powered cameras. We get it. It can be a hassle changing batteries out. Maybe you’re worried about a thief breaking into your home while you’re charging those batteries and your camera is down. Maybe you just don’t like the idea of getting up on a ladder. We’re definitely height-averse ourselves.
We understand the concerns, but if you take a closer look, there are actually a lot of advantages to going cordless.
Let’s start with the fact that battery-powered cameras work around the clock, even when the power goes out. If you’re going to get serious about your home security, you don’t want to invest in a system that’s going to go down every time the grid does or, you know, an enterprising burglar decides to cut power to your house. Cameras that run on batteries protect your home no matter what.
Want more reasons? OK. Battery-powered cameras are incredibly easy to install. You don’t have to worry about wires or outlets, which means you can place them pretty much anywhere. Inside your home, outside your home, or in a garage, battery-powered cameras can go anywhere you need them.
And these devices are only getting better. A few years ago, it was pretty rare to see battery-powered security cameras available for purchase. Now, they’re pretty much ubiquitous. Almost every major security camera provider has their own version for sale. This is a good thing, overall, but it can make finding the right camera for your security needs a little tricky.
We’ve tested the top-rated battery-charged models for ease of use, features, value for money, and more. Here’s the cream of the crop of this new breed of security cameras.
Lorex focuses on security cameras. While the company has recently begun offering other kinds of equipment, like entry sensors, its bread and butter is cameras. In fact, the company doesn’t even offer any type of professional monitoring services. As you might expect, then, it does cameras exceptionally well. No one offers a larger selection. Lorex literally offers dozens of different battery-powered options. As we note in our most recent review of Lorex cameras, Lorex devices are durable and include standard features like 2K resolution, two-way talk, and night vision. The company’s battery-powered options are actually some of their best cameras, with bonus features like active deterrence and person detection.
Many of Lorex’s cameras connect through Wi-Fi in addition to being battery-powered. The result is a completely wire-free camera. No wires or cords whatsoever. Lorex’s wire-free cameras and systems are pretty easy to install, and you can put them essentially anywhere. For example, we have an older home with no outdoor outlets. We don’t want to have to get some installed, and we’re not running a cord out the window. We put a Lorex camera right on the corner of the house though and had a view of our entire front and side yards.
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 does have a significant flaw – while it offers great home security cameras, it’s still new to the home security system game. In the last year, Lorex began offering additional equipment like entry sensors and smoke alarms, but it’s less experienced when it comes to manufacturing these components. More importantly, Lorex offers no professional monitoring of any kind. It’s all strictly DIY when it comes to protecting your home. While the company makes self-monitoring easy by offering several local storage options, we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who doesn’t have the time and energy to monitor their own property.
| 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 |
Like Lorex, Ring began life as a security camera company, and cameras are still what Ring does best. Ring has had more time to develop its offerings, though. It also provides the option for full 24/7 professional monitoring.
Ring doesn’t have quite the selection Lorex does, but you still have a healthy number of choices, from the basic Ring Stick Up Cam to the Ring Spotlight Cam. All of them come with top-tier features like high-definition resolution, color night vision, and AI-driven alerts, and every model has a battery-powered version. Most also connect through Wi-Fi, so they’re a snap to install and adjust. Ring has also made some significant advances in battery life. With the right settings, these cameras can go almost a full year between charges. Or attach them to Ring’s solar panels and never charge them again.
Ring gave us the option to self-monitor our cameras or sign up for full, 24/7 professional monitoring. Self-monitoring worked great for the most part. Ring provides real-time alerts and access to live video feeds, and for a few dollars a month, we added cloud storage so we could review footage. Then, we decided to head to the beach for a couple of weeks, and, well, we weren’t willing to spend our vacation checking in our house. So we signed up for a month of professional monitoring. That was $20, definitely within our budget, and we weren’t locked into a contract, so when we made it back home all tanned and happy, we went right back to self-monitoring.
In fact, Ring checks plenty of boxes in the flexibility category. For example, you can choose from a wide range of security cameras, not just battery-powered ones. That means you can outfit your home in whatever way makes the most sense for you. There’s a Spotlight Cam and a Floodlight Cam, and you can add on all sorts of additional components from glass break sensors to smoke detectors.
Ring makes it easy to invest in battery-powered cameras, though by keeping the price for these devices low. For example, the battery-powered versions of both the Spotlight Cam Plus and Spotlight Cam Pro, are $20 less expensive than the solar and wired models. We’ll let you in on a little secret, though – bookmark our guide to Ring’s deals and sales and you can save even more from your bottom line.
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 |
Ring isn’t the only company on this list that has had a good idea or two. In fact, Arlo actually invented the battery-powered home security camera. The Arlo Free 1080p resolution and motion detection in a remarkably simple – and remarkably affordable – package. And much like Ring, Arlo has continued its commitment to innovation. The company’s current line of battery-powered cameras still pack the most features we’ve ever seen in such small devices. The Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo’s flagship product, has 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. More recently, Arlo introduced the Pro5S 2K, and though we haven’t had a chance to get our hands on one, it promises to take the brand even further.
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.
Arlo cameras hold up well against the outdoors, which is important for security cameras these days. After all, you want to catch potential home invaders before they make it inside your house. All Arlo 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.
| 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 |
Maybe the most notable feature of Blink’s battery-powered cameras are their extended-life batteries. What does extended-life mean, exactly? Two full years of operation on a single charge. Beyond this feature, Blink has made a name for itself as a dependable, affordable, no-fuss home security company. Blink provides solid, dependable home security without fuss. Cameras come with small sync modules that can be placed out of sight. Everything connects wirelessly through Wi-Fi. Prices are low enough that you can outfit your entire home without breaking the bank. Clearly this is an Amazon-owned brand worth getting to know. We’ll get into the more important elements of Blink’s battery-powered cameras, but if you’re interested in getting even more details on this company, head over to 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.
Of course, there are drawbacks to sleek, slim equipment. Blink doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you get with some home security cameras……. The Blink Outdoor offers two-way audio, infrared night vision, motion detection and alerts sent to your phone. Those are all solid tools, but there’s not a whole lot of extra bells and whistles. There’s no real AI to speak of, for instance. But for a lot of folks, this is everything you’ll need and nothing you don’t.
The upside to a system that’s not quite as fancy is a 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 |
Reolink offers cheap cameras. Cheap in terms of price, not cheap in terms of quality. While the Reolink Argus 3 (shown above), for instance, costs just $80, there’s absolutely nothing flimsy about it. Reolink cameras come packed with high-tech features, like the brand-new 4K Argus 3 Ultra, which includes smart detection and color vision. You can get Wi-Fi-connected models, and there are even solar-powered options, something that, among the companies on this list, only Ring offers.
We like using battery-powered cameras outdoors, since that’s where we always have trouble finding an outlet. One of the nicer things about Reolink cameras is that they work in virtually any outdoor environment. We had no trouble, for instance, getting a crystal clear 1080p HD image during the snowstorm that blanketed our city last January. We even had color vision at night. Everything was white, but still.
What you’re not going to find with Reolink, at least with many of their wire-free cams, is a high-end feature set with things like person detection and 24/7 recording. But by and large, you’ll get in Reolink a nice selection of solid cameras for folks who don’t want to spend a lot of time tinkering with their tech.
Looking for a great camera but don’t want to over-pay? Reolink is currently running a Halloween sale with up to 30 percent off many of its most popular cameras.
| 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.
Personally, a camera I don’t have to plug in is a camera that (usually) looks nicer in my home and makes life easier. Simple, right?
But with so few complex installation hassles, I 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.
