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Our in-depth testing of wired cameras found Lorex security systems provide stable and reliable protection for every type of home.
Updated September 11, 2025
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Lorex puts all of their effort into their security cameras and security camera systems. They don’t offer any other products, but that expertise shows. Their hardwired analog cameras offer free local storage, advanced intruder deterrence features, and up to 4K resolution.
Ring’s hardwired camera selection includes everything from a basic $60 indoor camera to a premium floodlight camera with 2K resolution and radar motion detection. As an Amazon-owned company, all of their cameras support a top-notch integration with Alexa smart devices.
ADT is the biggest and oldest name in home security. Now that they’re partnered with Google Nest, their cameras feature cutting edge facial recognition. Plus, they run frequent deals that include those cameras for free with a video monitoring subscription.
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.
Did You Know? Security cameras consistently show that they’re an effective crime deterrent across a broad range of studies.1 Even the most conservative studies show a roughly 20 percent crime rate reduction in areas with security cameras.
You’re looking for the best wired home security cameras. Sounds easy enough, right? Here’s the thing – not everyone in the home security industry defines “wired” in the same way. That can make sorting through options pretty tricky.
Here are the basics.
Security cameras can potentially have two separate sets of wires.
In most parts of the home security industry, “wireless” means no communication cords. That is, wireless cameras often still make use of power cords. Cameras with no cords whatsoever – no power or communication cords – are referred to as “wire-free”. Confused yet?
Here’s what you need to know: Wired, when it comes to security cameras, means that the cameras communicate with system components through wires. In terms of power, wired cameras might plug into the wall with a cord, use batteries, make use of a solar panel, or even get power through the communication 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 goes out.
Of course, wired cameras have disadvantages. The most significant is that they are trickier to install. You’ll need to turn off your electricity and then connect a few wires for power, or position it near an outlet so you can plug it in. Then, there’s also connecting it to a central hub or local recording device, such as a DVR or NVR, which typically requires routing more wires.
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 offers more wired security cameras than any other companies we researched. 2K resolution, 4K resolution, bullet cameras, turret cameras, dome cameras, PoE cameras – you name it, Lorex has it. Lorex is strictly devoted to cameras, so they have technologically advanced devices. Plus, with local storage options for every model, you can save a ton of money on monthly fees.
It’s actually pretty easy to get overwhelmed by Lorex’s many camera models. If you’re lost scrolling through product pages, let us recommend the Nocturnal series. These cameras are both durable and packed with features, which makes them perfect for protecting outdoor areas around your home. What kinds of features are we talking about?
| Camera Features | Model LNB9282B | Model LNE9383 |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | Bullet | Dome |
| Night Vision Range | 150 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 | $249.99 | $299.99 |
We set up two Nocturnal cameras – one to keep an eye on the front of the house, and another to keep an eye on the backyard. 4K resolution, eight times optical zoom, and night vision up to 150 feet meant two cameras were enough for the job. Nothing wrong with saving money. And we still saw it all, including a family of possums trotting through our front yard one night at two am.
We’re a little obsessive, so we set our cameras to record continuously, a nice bonus feature of Lorex cameras. Don’t worry, though – we didn’t have to review all that footage. Lorex cameras also include motion sensors, and the system can use motion to tag footage. That made it simple to go back and skim through recordings. Turns out, we had enough possum clips to create our own Instagram channel.
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.
We should point out that Lorex’s Nocturnal cameras aren’t cheap. After all, you’re not going to get features like these for free. Individual cameras start at around $299, and even if you bundle four, you’re still looking at just under $1200. Lorex runs quite a few sales throughout the year, though, so you can often get these cameras for much less than retail. Right now the company is running a clearance sale on older model cameras, and it offers a Deal of the Day every day.
While $299 is a lot for a camera, Lorex offers a huge range of products at every price point. The Fusion line, for instance, is less than $150 a camera. This line features wired and wireless cameras, too. That way, you can use the wired cameras outside, where wireless models might be prone to interferenc,e 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 |
Like Lorex, Ring began life as a camera company – well, a doorbell camera company. Now, Ring offers several lines of cameras and a complete security system. Most of their cameras are offered in a wired version including the classic Stick Up Cam, the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, the Spotlight Cam, and the Floodlight Cam. We particularly like Ring’s installation process which is easy even for their wired cameras.
Ring doesn’t offer quite the selection of Lorex, but you can find some specialized devices, and there are enough Ring indoor/outdoor wired cameras to ensure you find the one you need. We picked up one of Ring’s Floodlight Cams, which can illuminate an entire yard. That worked wonders when it came to scattering the family of possums that like to forage in our backyard.
Ring doesn’t offer a large range of cameras, but all cameras include 1080p HD resolution or higher. Wide angle lenses and two-way audio are also standard features.
All of Ring’s cameras include at least 1080p HD resolution, wide-angle lenses, and two-way audio. They also run on powerful software. The moment our devices noticed movement, they sent us instant alerts through the Ring app. Then, we had the option to pull up live footage no matter where we were.
Best of all, Ring’s high-tech equipment is surprisingly affordable. While we paid $250 for our Floodlight Cam Pro, Ring also offers dependable cameras for as little as $60.
For cloud storage, you can purchase a Ring Home Basic plan starting at $4.99. That plan includes 180 days of storage so you can review recorded footage. Just remember that it’s charged on a per-camera basis. If you have more than one camera, we recommend the Ring Home Standard plan that covers unlimited cameras for $9.99 per month. You can find out about all these options in our Ring Cam 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 |
Google Nest offers smart security cameras. We’re talking about pet detection and facial recognition capabilities. Pretty smart of ADT to partner up with them. Adding Google cameras to ADT’s powerful professional monitoring is a great combination. Note that Nest only manufactures two wired models – an indoor camera and an outdoor camera with floodlight. We’ll take quality over quantity any day of the week, though.
ADT was already an industry leader when it decided to partner with Google Nest. Thanks to that partnership, you won’t find more feature-rich cameras anywhere else. But what makes these cameras special is the way ADT puts its features to use.
One of our favorites is the way ADT uses the camera’s facial recognition to power its Trusted Neighbor feature. It allows you to set rules around when specific people are automatically let into your home. For instance, we set it to automatically let our dog walk in every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. We also made a rule that lets our neighbor in if there’s an active alarm so they can get our dog out to safety, if needed.
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.
While high-tech features are nice, the best part about these cameras is that they come as part of an entire ADT home security system. While you can’t buy a Google Nest Cam through ADT as a standalone product, which means a higher final bill, ADT’s systems regularly top our list of the best home security systems. That’s because all of their equipment and services are just as hardy, reliable and feature-rich as those Google Nest Cams.
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 $349 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional or DIY |
| Monitoring Cost | Starting at $24.99 per month |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
| Installation Options | Professional or DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Same cameras, different setup. While we like the Nest Cams as part of an ADT system, they work great as standalone devices as well. As we note in our full Google Nest Cam review, these are some of the only cameras out there with built-in facial recognition software. They can’t identify a stranger at your door, but they’d be able to tell you if the person is someone they’ve seen in your home before. They can even tell you who the person is, after you train their facial recognition software, of course.
We found both of Nest’s wired cameras to be packed with tons of features. They can tell the difference between people and other types of moving objects, for instance. That’s a good thing since the wind sometimes blows the trees outside our apartment hard enough to fool other security systems. Fewer false alerts made us pay more attention when real alerts came through.
We were particularly excited by the Floodlight Cam’s custom lighting routines. We set ours to stay off in the early hours of the evening when we were still up. We still got alerts any time the camera picked up questionable motion, but we made sure not to wake our neighbors. Once we went to bed, we set it to blast a powerful light at anyone who wandered onto our property. We figure our neighbors would appreciate that kind of heads-up as well.
Person detection is so last year. Google’s cameras now include facial recognition through their Familiar Face feature. It tells you who the camera sees instead of just that it sees a person. We were even alerted when a new mailman delivered our Amazon order. Just note that it’s locked behind a $10 per month Nest Aware subscription.
We can only think of one drawback to the Nest Cam Floodlight: price. You’ll pay $279.99 for this camera, and that’s not cheap. That’s $100 more than Ring’s Floodlight Cam, although the Google Nest one comes with more features. Of course, there’s always the wired indoor camera for $99.99 if you’re looking to stick to a budget.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired |
| Field of View | Up to 130° |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Arlo built its name on wire-free, battery-powered cameras, but it still offers three wired cameras. The Essential Indoor is a dedicated indoor model that only comes in a wired version. They also offer a Wired Floodlight camera. And one of the nice things about Arlo is you get a choice – purchase any camera a la carte or add them to a complete Arlo system with sensors and detectors for total home security.
You can purchase Arlo’s wired indoor camera with 1080p HD or 2K resolution. 1080p’s the industry standard, so we’d usually opt for that considering it’s $40 less. Sometimes Arlo offers sales that bring the price of the 2K camera down to the same price as the 1080p version. In that case, we’d go with 2K model.
As for the Wired Floodlight camera that we tested, it’s only offered with 2K resolution. And that makes sense for an outdoor camera as we find the extra clarity comes in handy when trying to identify people from afar. It also has a 160-degree field of view, which allowed it to clearly capture our entire front yard and driveway.
As for operation, everything works through the Arlo app. You control whether the system is armed, you get instant alerts anytime the camera detects movement, and you can even pull up live footage on your mobile device. Add video storage and you can hang on to important clips. Arlo’s storage plans are as reasonably priced as their cameras – one camera will cost you $7.99 a month. Or you can log footage from unlimited cameras for $17.99 per month.
| 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 |
Swann, like Lorex, offers some top-tier wired models available in dozens of varieties. Whether you’re in the market for bullet cameras, floodlight cameras, or thermal sensing cameras, Swann has them. You can choose from a wide range of features as well, such as dimmable motion lighting, color night vision, and heat detection. Plus, with local storage options, you can store recordings without paying monthly fees.
We typically sing the praises of professional monitoring, but there’s no denying that Swann’s self-monitored systems offer everything you could possibly need to take care of your own home security. Of course, you get real-time alerts and access to live footage. In addition, though, every camera comes attached to an NVR unit which means you have access to unlimited recordings, and you never have to pay a dime for cloud storage. Record 24 hours a day if you like, something you can’t do with most cameras, and footage is always available on site. Plus, each NVR can handle up to sixteen different feeds, so you can be sure to capture every corner of your property.
In terms of selection, Swann manufactures and sells a wide variety of wired and wireless cameras at just about every price point. Because the company produces its own devices, it can pass along savings to customers. Wired cameras can be had for as little as $49.99, and even 4K thermal-sensing models can be had for just $199.99. We went with a single Master Series 4K Dome Camera. Its swivel meant let us capture everything in our small apartment.
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 2025 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 | Starts at $39.99 |
| Swann Bullet IP Cam | 4K | Thermal Imaging | $129.99 |
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.
Journal of Development Economics. (2025). Keeping an eye on the villain: Assessing the impact of surveillance cameras on crime. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304387825001087
