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Lorex
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
Lorex’s ultra-crisp 2K battery-charged camera system covers your home inside and out. Lorex’s wire-free cameras come with up to 1 terabyte of internal storage, with no monthly fees, plus advanced person detection and LED warning lights and sirens on their outdoor models.
Ring has cornered the market in terms of user-friendliness, offering a selection of flexible, wire-free battery-powered cameras like Ring Spotlight and Ring Stick Up. Pop in the rechargeable battery pack and install the cameras wherever you’d like stick right onto the wall or on any flat surface.
Arlo cameras are tailor-made for homeowners who don’t want the hassle or expense of a traditional, hardwired security system. 2K HD video, an extended-life battery pack, and a retooled app with improved emergency response make Arlo’s indoor and outdoor battery-charged cameras one of our favorite home security solutions.
Lorex’s ultra-crisp 2K battery-charged camera system covers your home inside and out. Lorex’s wire-free cameras come with up to 1 terabyte of internal storage, with no monthly fees, plus advanced person detection and LED warning lights and sirens on their outdoor models.
Ring has cornered the market in terms of user-friendliness, offering a selection of flexible, wire-free battery-powered cameras like Ring Spotlight and Ring Stick Up. Pop in the rechargeable battery pack and install the cameras wherever you’d like stick right onto the wall or on any flat surface.
Arlo cameras are tailor-made for homeowners who don’t want the hassle or expense of a traditional, hardwired security system. 2K HD video, an extended-life battery pack, and a retooled app with improved emergency response make Arlo’s indoor and outdoor battery-charged cameras one of our favorite home security solutions.
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.
Top 5 Best Battery Powered Security Cameras in 2024
Lorex isn’t a jack of all trades like Ring is, but it is a master of one trade – security cameras. You’d be hard-pressed to find anything not related to cameras on Lorex’s website. So as you might expect, it knows its way around the technology. It has some of the most advanced hardware we’ve seen, including options that have over 150 feet night vision, a resolution up to 4K, and locally-run computer vision that powers their facial recognition software. In fact, Lorex cameras that run on batteries often have the most advanced features, including active deterrence. They can deter burglars using sounds and lights.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Up to 4K resolution
Long-range color and Infrared night vision
Lots of equipment options
Free local recording with up to 2 TB internal storage space
Smooth app experience
Strong reputation in security camera manufacturing
Cons:
Overwhelming amount of options
No professional monitoring for cameras
Occasional false alarms
Wired cameras can be tedious to install
Our Experience:
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.
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.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Easy DIY installation with minimal wiring
At least 1080p HD video resolution on all models
Designed for indoor and outdoor use
Choose how you want to power your cameras (battery, wired, plugged in, solar)
Enhanced audio for clearer two-way talk
Built-in motion-activated lights on some models
Cons:
No 2K or 4K camera options
Some models cost at least $200 per camera
History of privacy issues and hacking (now resolved)
Design aesthetics could be improved
Our Experience:
One of Ring’s biggest selling points is its affordable cloud subscriptions. Most wireless cameras require a cloud subscription to record footage – even cameras from Lorex, a brand well-known for allowing users to store footage locally to a DVR. With Ring, though, you don’t have to spend much. For $4.99 per month, you can store up to 180 days of video history from one camera. Double that – $9.99 per month – and you can store 180 days of footage from unlimited Ring cameras. There’s also a $19.99 plan that comes with more advanced features, but we find that the $9.99 option is the best for most people. We appreciate the flexibility though.
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.
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!
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Detailed 2K resolution
AI-friven detections
Wi-Fi connectivity
Long battery life
Great app experience
Cons:
Expensive
Requires a subscription to access all features
Mounting hardware a little flimsy
Our Experience:
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.
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.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Fully Wireless Cameras
Easy DIY Installation
Lightweight, Minimalist Design
1080p HD Video Resolution
Two-Way Talk
Infrared Night Vision
Low-Cost Cloud Storage
Local Video Storage
Smart Home Integration
Cons:
Lacks Advanced Motion Features
App Setup Can Be Glitchy
Relies on Wi-Fi Connection
No Continuous Recording
Requires Separate Hub to Connect
Our Experience:
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.
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.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Wireless Outdoor Cameras
Some Cameras Work with Reolink Solar Panel
Flexible, Easy Installation
Full HD Resolution
Two-Way Talk
Color Night Vision
Built-In Siren
Low-Cost Cloud Storage
Local Storage Option
Smart Home Integration
Cons:
Some Cameras Have Basic Features
App Setup Can Be Glitchy
Relies on Wi-Fi Connection
No Continuous Recording in Battery-Powered Models
Solar Panel Not Included
Our Experience:
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.
Product Specs:
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
Benefits of Battery Powered Security Cameras
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.
Wireless Camera Comparison
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
Wireless vs. Wire-Free Cameras
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.
Final Thoughts on Battery-Powered Security Cameras
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.
Features of Battery Powered Security Camera Systems
Motion Detection
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
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.
Night Vision
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.
App Control
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.
High Resolution
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.
Video Recording
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.
DIY Installation
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.
Wireless Connectivity
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.
Smart Home Integration
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.
Jaime Fraze has 16 years of writing and editing experience, with seven years spent writing about emerging technologies. As our home security camera expert, she has hand-tested and reviewed every major security camera brand and has written more than 300 articles on the topic. Previously, Jaime has contributed to award-winning media outlets such as the Rocky Mount Telegram and the Daytona Beach News-Journal. As a homeowner and mother of two, Jaime is constantly looking for ways to keep her home and family safe. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism from the University of Delaware.