SafeHome.org may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
We may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
Our in-depth testing of wired cameras found Lorex security systems provide stable and reliable protection for every type of home.
Updated October 28, 2024
copied!
Editor’s Note: Wired security cameras provide excellent protection. However, we recommend getting an entire wired home security system to make sure your home is fully secure from burglars and thieves.
Looking for a wired home security camera? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve got a complete list of the best wired cameras on the market as well as useful information on whether or not they’ll suit your home security needs.
The world of wired cameras can be a little tricky. So before we get to the list, let’s talk about what Wired actually means in the home security industry.
You’re looking for the best wired home security cameras. Fair enough. But when you compare the wired options on two different home security company’s websites, how can you tell if they’re using “wired” in the same way?
Right. The thing is, different parts of the home security industry treat the word Wired differently. Here’s the whole story.
Security cameras can have two separate sets of wires.
Normally, Wireless means no communication cords. A wireless camera can still have a power cord. Cameras with no cords whatsoever – no power cords and no communication cords – is referred to as Wire-free. Confused yet?
Anyway, the point is this: Wired, when it comes to security cameras, means that the cameras communicate with system components through wires.
Now that’s all out of the way…if you’re looking for a wired home security camera, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find a list of the best wired cameras on the market as well as useful information on whether or not they’ll suit your home security needs. Let’s get to it.
We understand that home projects involving electricity can make some DIYers wary, but the benefits of installing a hardwired security camera are, in our opinion, worth pulling out the ladder and cutting power at the breaker. The level of reliability these cameras offer is unparalleled. You’re not going to lose your signal, for instance, just because your Wi-Fi went out. And as an added bonus, you don’t have to climb up on the garage every couple of months to recharge batteries.
Of course, wired cameras have disadvantages. The most significant of these is that they are trickier to install. In terms of power, you need to make sure you position them near an outlet. The more complicated aspect of installation, though, is making sure all the various components are connected to one another and that all of them are connected to a central hub. Many wired systems utilize local recording through a DVR or NVR. That means each camera may need to be routed back to this device, and that can get pretty complicated.
If you can handle the wiring, though, and you’re looking for reliability, wired cameras can be just the thing. They’re not going to go down, for instance, every time you lose your Wi-fi connection. What do you need to know about these cameras before you buy? We’ve got all the details below, including enough information to decide for yourself which wired camera is right for you.
| Cameras Tested | 14 |
|---|---|
| Best Asset | No Interference |
| Test Duration | 10-12 Days |
| Equipment Cost | $69+ |
| Monthly Cost | $4.99-$14.99 |
Without further ado, let’s get into our best wired cameras.
Lorex cameras are some of the most powerful professional-grade wired security cameras on the market, and you can choose from tons of options. Looking for an HD video camera system with up to 4K resolution? They’ve got that. Looking for a 2k wired floodlight that’s motion activated and comes with a warning siren? They’ve got that too. Along with dozens of other wired models.
Lorex cameras aren’t perfect. If you’re looking for professional monitoring, for instance, you’re out of luck. Still, self-monitoring means no monthly fees. Plus, wired in this case means you’re connected to local storage – either an NVR or DVR – and that can save you tons in cloud storage fees. Basically, once you’ve purchased your cameras, you owe nothing more, ever.
We recommend checking out Lorex’s Nocturnal series. They’re both durable and packed with features, perfect for protecting the outdoor areas around your home. Here’s a breakdown of each camera’s most important features.
| Camera Features | Model LNB9383 | Model LNE9383 |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | Bullet | Dome |
| Night Vision Range | 197 Feet | 164 Feet |
| Smart Detections | Yes | Yes |
| Person Counting | Yes | Yes |
| Heat Mapping | Yes | Yes |
| Lens | Motorized Varifocal | Motorized Varifocal |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Audio | No | Listen-In |
| Power Source | PoE | PoE |
| Vandal Resistant | Yes | No |
| Price | $299.99 | $299.99 |
We set up two Nocturnal cameras – one at the front of the house, and one to keep an eye on the backyard. With 4K resolution, eight times optic zoom, additional digital zoom, and night vision that can see up to 150 feet in the dark, they didn’t disappoint. We learned a lot about what happens at night, including a few things we wish we hadn’t. That family of possums we saw parading around our front lawn worried us a bit.
The nice thing was, we didn’t have to go through hours of footage to see it all. Lorex lets you record continuously, but it provides motion-activated alerts, so we were able to zip right to the moments that mattered most.
Pro Tip: Lorex is about to release its Nocturnal 4 Security Camera Systems, which feature multi-channel NVRs that can handle both 16 and 32 channels. If you’re really serious about your security, these systems are among the best in the industry.
Of course, these cameras aren’t cheap. Individual devices start at around $299, and even if you bundle four, you’re still looking at just under $1200. Luckily, Lorex runs quite a few sales throughout the year. Black Friday is just around the corner, for instance. Often, you can get these cameras for much less than their normal prices.
And the thing about Lorex is, if one camera model doesn’t fit your budget, there’s bound to be another one that does. The company’s Fusion line, for instance, is less than $150 a camera, and these cameras combine both wired and wireless features in a single system. That makes them particularly useful for homeowners looking for a mix of indoor and outdoor cameras. Put the wired cameras outside where wireless models might be prone to interference and set the wireless devices up inside.
Get even more information about more Lorex models in our complete review of Lorex cameras.
| 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 |
You know Ring because of its video doorbells. It invented this home security device, and it’s still the industry leader. Now, Ring produces a wide range of cameras including several wired models. The classic wired Stick Up Cam works great indoors, or you can purchase a mountable indoor camera for more visual coverage. Meanwhile, the wired Spotlight Cam, and the wired Floodlight Cam offer unique options for outdoor security. Ring cameras are contract-free, and you can choose between affordable cloud storage plans (the Ring Protect Plan starts at $3.99) and professional monitoring options.
Ring doesn’t offer quite the selection of Lorex, but there are enough Ring indoor/outdoor wired cameras with enough options to ensure you’ll find exactly the one you need. We’re particular fans of Ring’s Floodlight Cams, which can illuminate an entire yard. That’s handy if you’re trying to startle would-be burglars.
All of Ring’s wired cameras feature wide-angle lenses, built-in speakers, 1080p HD video, and integrated sirens. They’re available in black or white, or, if you choose a Spotlight Cam, premium colors like graphite and dark bronze.
What most draws us to Ring’s wired cameras, though, isn’t the hardware but the software. Ring’s app gave us complete control over our cameras, whether we were at home or away. We got real-time alerts and access to live footage with the touch of a button. Plus, Ring plays nice with both Alexa and Google Home, so we were able to pull up footage with just our voices, perfect for when we were busy making dinner.
Ring’s top-of-the-line offerings cost about $300, while they do have more affordable options dipping down to about $60. Here’s a breakdown of some of their hardwired models and prices:
If you qualify, though, Ring offers 0% financing with payment options up to 12 months. Multi-camera bundles are also available at discounted prices, so the more you buy, the more you’ll save. Read our Ring Cam review for the full scoop!
If you’re looking to save even more money, you can self-monitor your Ring cameras for free. Of course, if you want to store video, you’ll need to purchase a Ring Protect Plan – $5 a month for a single camera or $10 a month for as many cameras as you own. We always recommend professional monitoring, though, and Ring offers one of the cheaper deals in the industry. For $20 a month – $18 if you’re willing to sign up for a full year – someone else will keep an eye on your property for you and let you know any time there’s a problem.
| 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 |
ADT invented the wired security system. Well, it invented the security system – some 150 years ago – and since there was no wireless back then, everything was wired. Though the company has branched out into wireless cameras, it still makes some of the most reliable wired devices on the market. With recent partnerships with Google, ADT now offers some of the most innovative cameras as well, with features like pet detection and facial recognition. Yet, the company remains the industry standard when it comes to security, with the most call centers in the country, and professional everything, from installation to monitoring.
ADT offers an indoor and outdoor camera, in addition to their video doorbell. All three come with 1080p HD video resolution, two-way audio, and person detection. Just as important, these cameras are rated IP65, which means they are dust-tight and can withstand low-level water jets. Plus, with their own on-board heaters, they work in temperatures up to forty degrees below zero, Fahrenheit. We haven’t seen temperatures dip that low where we live, but it’s nice to know we never have to worry about whether we can spot home invaders coming. Even in the middle of a blizzard, we should be protected.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to cut the cord, ADT is now offering Google cameras on top of their standard offerings. You can read more about them in our review of the Nest Cam.
And yet, for all these cameras’ many features and for all their durability, the best thing about them has nothing to do with their resolution, their AI capabilities, or their IP rating. The best thing about them is that they’re part of a complete ADT home security system. You can’t buy a single camera from ADT. You have to invest in a complete package. That means your cameras will be part of a total, integrated system of entry sensors and motion detectors, all of your equipment working together to keep you safe. You also have to sign up for 24/7 professional monitoring if you’re getting an ADT package, and ADT sits at the top of our list of best home security systems.
Be sure to check out our latest ADT pricing page to learn more about these systems and the costs associated.
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $269 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring options | Professional |
| Monitoring cost | Starting at $29.99 per month |
| Contract length | Starting at 36 months |
| Installation options | Professional or DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Google products, and there’s a good reason for that. If you check out our review of the Google Nest Cam, you’ll find us giving high marks to this little battery-operated powerhouse.
But since we’re talking hardwired, we’re here to discuss the Nest Cam’s illuminating cousin — the Nest Cam with Floodlight.
This floodlight camera comes with every bit as much power as the Nest Cam. In addition to adding a floodlight, though, it also includes motion detection. Power AI can help keep your alerts to a minimum by distinguishing between people and other moving objects. No more alerts every time your trees happen to sway in the breeze. You can even create custom routines so your floodlight isn’t coming on at all hours of the night and disturbing your neighbors.
Smart detection is the beginning of Nest’s AI features. The company’s cameras now come with Familiar Face. That’s what it sounds like, state-of-the art facial recognition. You have to sign up for a Nest Aware subscription to access this feature, but $8 a month ($80 if you sign up for a full year) means your camera learns to recognize your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your mail carrier. You don’t get a generic alert that someone is out front. It tells you who it is or if it’s a stranger. That’s taking smart detection to a new level.
Now the one drawback we can point to immediately is the price. At $189.99, this camera isn’t cheap. When you consider the features you’re getting though, we’d argue it’s pretty reasonable for most folks.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired |
| Field of View | Up to 130° |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Arlo might seem like an odd choice for this list. After all, the company built its reputation on wireless security cameras. And sure it’s still one of the best producers on the market. Turns out, Arlo makes great wired cameras as well. The Arlo Essential Indoor is a great example. This Arlo camera is easy to install. If you can plug it into a wall socket, you can do it. Easy doesn’t mean simple, though, or ineffective. The Arlo Essential provides clear 2K images. We wish Arlo would offer a dedicated outdoor model, but you can’t have everything, right?
After thoroughly testing Arlo cameras, we can say one of the best things about them is that they are portable and extremely easy to move around, which is important if you live in an apartment or similar living situation. And, the Arlo wired and wireless cameras are very easy to install because they come in a kit that provides you with everything you will need for a quick installation.
The Arlo wired cameras have some basic smart features that include remote control using the companion mobile app, they have HD quality videos, will send you smart alerts, and they work with third-party devices such as Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Stringify; however, they aren’t the most affordable.
The Arlo Essential costs $39.99, well below the industry average price, but if you add outdoor cameras, which start at $129.99, the costs can add up quickly. Arlo also offers Smart Plans for your video recording storage. The Arlo video storage plans range from $4.17 per month to $10.83 per month depending on whether you have one camera or multiple cameras.
The beauty of Arlo is that you can mix and match wired and wireless cameras. Some installation locations work better with wired cameras, but others are easier to monitor if you have wireless, battery-powered cameras. For example, if you have a wide front yard, you might be better off with wireless cameras that don’t need power or Ethernet cables. Arlo has a whole fleet of wire-free cameras that work well with its wired cameras.
| 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 |
Like ADT, Swann has been around long enough to remember when all home security systems and cameras were wired. No surprise, then, that the company is good at producing them. Swann also managed to build up a large inventory of models. You can find floodlight cameras, thermal sensing cameras, and bullet cameras, and that’s before we start talking about variable features like dimmable motion lighting, color night vision, and heat detection. Plus, with local storage options, you can review footage for no cost after equipment.
Swann manufactures and sells its own security equipment, so there’s no middleman, which means they can pass those savings along to the consumer. Additionally, all Swann camera systems are DIY-installed. That can save you money as well. You’re guaranteed to save money on monitoring as well since the company doesn’t offer professional monitoring services of any kind. Of course, that can be a downside too, if you’re someone who doesn’t have time to check every alert yourself.
What Swann does have is a wide variety of wired and wireless cameras available at just about every price point. The Swann cameras range from $49.99 to $199.99 each when buying them individually. You can also buy security camera systems that range from a for a two camera 4 channel system to $1,099.99 for a 12 camera 16 channel system.
Security cameras wired for power are simply cameras that use an AC power adapter that is plugged into an electrical power outlet. They draw power from the outlet, but most can transmit footage to a recorder or to the cloud wirelessly, often using Wi-Fi. They are easy to install because you don't need to run wires throughout your house; you just need to find an installation spot close to an electrical outlet with good Wi-Fi coverage.
Sometimes, however, security cameras wired for power will also need wires to transmit footage. These types of wired cameras need two wires — one for power and an Ethernet cable for connectivity. Because of that, they are harder to install, but the use of an Ethernet cable allows for more reliable connectivity than Wi-Fi.
There is one more method of powering a security camera that offers the best of both worlds: a single-wire installation with the reliability of a wired Ethernet connection. We call them security cameras wired for internet connectivity.
Pro Tip: If these cameras aren’t the perfect fit, read our guide to the Best Home Security Cameras of 2024 to find a better match.
Security cameras wired for internet connectivity are a little easier to use. This is because security cameras that are wired for internet connectivity only use one Ethernet cable, versus the other option which uses an AC adapter and a cable cord. Internet connectivity that is used to power a security system is called a POE or Power Over the Ethernet-enabled system. And to get power to a POE enabled device, you simply plug the Ethernet cable into your device on one end and to your internet router on the other end which will then supply your system with power and an internet connection both from one cord. So you end up only having to use one cord rather than two, while also enjoying the reliability of a wired internet connection.
It’s a lot to take in, we know. To help you process all of this, let’s take a look at some of the most popular hardwired cameras from the manufacturers we listed above.
| Security Camera | Resolution | Best Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lorex Nocturnal Bullet Cam | 4K | Real-Time 4K Recording | $229.99 |
| Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro | 1080p | 3D Motion Detection | $249.99 |
| ADT Cam | 1080p | Security Integration | Unavailable Standalone |
| Google Nest Indoor Cam | 1080p | Facial Recognition | $99.99 |
| Arlo Essential Indoor | 1080p | Automatic Privacy Shield | $99.99* |
| Swann Bullet IP Cam | 4K | Thermal Imaging | $119.99 |
*Currently on sale for $59.99
Finally, before we dig into the features to look for in a hardwired camera system, just want you to know that you can get back to the basics in our Ultimate Guide to Home Security Cameras. Just make sure you also take into consideration that there are some cameras out there you want to avoid. There’s a lot to take in when considering which security cam is right for you. So why not simplify your search?
The motion detection feature in a security camera refers to that camera's ability to detect motion then capture, and, in some cases, record the events it detected. This works using a software-based monitoring algorithm that when motion is detected, it will send a signal to the companion video camera which then triggers the camera to begin recording. Then, most motion detection features are also designed to trigger an alarm and send an alert to the appropriate parties.
Almost all wired and wireless home security cameras have a 2-way voice feature built-in. This feature enables you to have a two-way conversation with anyone at your home that is within range of the camera. These two-way talk cameras work by using an intercom, microphone, and a speaker to allow for voice communication and this is what enables you to talk with a person on the other end in real-time.
The angle of camera lenses is measured in degrees so the higher the degrees, the wider field of view the camera will be able to capture. A wide field of view refers to how wide of an area any given security camera can see and capture. Security camera lenses are what determines the field of view. So a fixed camera has a permanently set field of view so you will need to select the right field of view for your needs, which would be either a wide-angle or a narrow-angle and if you need a larger field of view, consider opting for a wide-angle camera or an ultra-wide-angle camera.
Every security company these days offers a companion mobile app along with its security services. The mobile app will allow you to remotely access, monitor, and control the security and home automation features in and around your home. This includes your wired security cameras. With the corresponding app, you can, depending on the type of cameras you have, pan, tilt, and/or zoom in on an event if you receive an alert, or if you just want to check on your home or family at any time. The combination of the mobile app and your wired security cameras will provide you with live streaming capabilities so you can see everything on-demand in real-time. And, with the mobile app, you can access everything all from a single dashboard.
The resolution of a wired security camera refers to how many pixels the image you see contains. Generally speaking, the more pixels the clearer the image. You can probably figure out why that matters. Whether you’re trying to identify whose dog keeps roaming around your porch or read the license plate on the car that ran into your mailbox, clearer is always better. These days, the industry standard is 1080p HD, and you really shouldn’t settle for anything less. Some of the more impressive cameras on the market now use 2K or even 4K. With that kind of clarity, you can read the return address on the package sitting on your porch.
Every security brand offers different video recording options. There are local video recordings that are stored on the camera itself, to an external MicroSD card, or to separate devices called digital video recorders (DVR) or network video recorders (NVR). Then there are cloud video recordings that are stored on a remote server that is accessed using the internet. Wired security camera recordings are either an intermittent recording that only records when activity is detected. Then there is a continuous video recording option that records continuously, not just when activity is detected.
Night vision is the feature that enables a wired security camera the ability to see images in low-light conditions. Some night vision cameras offer a black and white image and others offer color images. Most wired security cameras with night vision use infrared technology to enable the camera to see objects in any low-light situation.
When opting for a wired security camera, you have to pay particular attention to whether it's weather-resistant or not if you will be using it outdoors. This is because sometimes a security camera will say it's weather-resistant, but the power cords might not be. So make sure you look for that when purchasing a wired outdoor security camera. The weather-resistant feature is an extra measure that protects the camera's internal parts from external influences such as moisture, dust, and humidity. Additionally, the degree of weather resistance varies between manufacturers. So make sure your chosen camera is designed to withstand the elements at your particular location.
When a wired security camera system talks about smart home integration, it's referring to that camera's ability to work with other smart home security and automation devices throughout your home. Some brands offer third-party compatible components and other brands only offer proprietary equipment. So if you already have some home automation products in place, make sure you pay attention to what's compatible with what you already have and what's not. Smart home integration is great for being able to access, monitor, and control everything from a companion mobile app that allows you to view and do everything in real-time all from a single dashboard. With smart home integrated products, you can connect your security cameras, lights, thermostat, garage door, and more and control all of them remotely using the associated mobile app, but only if they are all compatible with each other.
