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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 April 9, 2025
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Lorex makes high quality security cameras and security camera systems — that’s it. So if you aren’t looking to outfit a smart home and don’t need a monitoring service, this might be a good choice for you, especially if you prefer a more reliable, wired internet connection. Lorex’s new 4K Wi-Fi-6 cameras are among the best on the market.
Ring has a camera for every occasion, from portable freestanding cameras you can stick up on shelves and desktops inside the house, to spotlights, floodlights, and video doorbells. While Ring has a reputation for affordable Wi-Fi-enabled security cameras, the Amazon-owned company also offers some solid wired options.
ADT is the biggest and oldest name in home security. The company is also synonymous with best-in-class wired security equipment and professional monitoring. While ADT doesn’t typically come down much on its prices, you can occasionally score a deal like the one they’ve got going now where they’re giving away Google Nest products with their video monitoring plan.
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. 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 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.
No one offers more wired cameras than Lorex. Turret cameras, bullet cameras, dome cameras, 2K resolution, 4K resolution, built-in warning sirens – whatever your specific needs, you can be sure Lorex has the right camera. Keep in mind that Lorex is exclusively a camera company, which means you can’t buy sensors or hubs or smart locks from it, but its security camera specialization is the reason it topped this list. It makes some of the best security cameras in the business, with all the tools and features you could possibly need to keep you and your family safe.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by Lorex’s many camera models. If you’re in the market for wired cameras, though, we recommend the Nocturnal series. They’re 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 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 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.
The thing is, with such a large inventory, Lorex has cameras to suit every budget. Trust us – this company manufactures a lot of cameras. So if the Nocturnal series is out of reach, just keep looking. 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 |
Like Lorex, Ring began life as a camera company – well, doorbell cameras anyway. From there, Ring began manufacturing several lines of cameras, and these days the company also makes everything from entry sensors to smart plugs. Ring remains dedicated to producing a wide range of innovative devices, including wired cams. Ring’s line of wired indoor cameras includes the classic Stick Up Cam, and – for even more coverage – the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam. Outdoors, the wired Spotlight Cam can light your way from the car to the front door, while the wired Floodlight Cam is designed to startle would-be home invaders off your lawn.
Ring doesn’t offer quite the selection of Lorex, but there are enough Ring indoor/outdoor wired cameras to ensure you can find the one you need. We’re fans of Ring’s Floodlight Cams, which can illuminate an entire yard. No matter which model you choose, though, Ring cameras always include standard features like wide-angle lenses, 1080p HD video resolution, built-in speakers, and integrated sirens.
Ring cameras also come packed with powerful software that gave us enormous control over their features. The Ring app provided real-alerts whether we were at home or at work, and when alerts showed up, the push of a button let us see everything happening. In fact, since Ring works with both Alexa and Google Home, we were able to pull up footage using just our voices, perfect for when a package arrived while we were making dinner.
What will you pay for all this security and convenience? Not as much as you might think. Ring’s top-of-the-line offerings cost about $300. More affordable options run about $60, though. Here’s a breakdown of some of their hardwired models and prices:
Think these prices are out of your budget? Ring offers zero percent financing for customers who qualify, and you can finance equipment for up to 12 months. There are other ways to save as well. Ring offers multi-camera bundles, for example, at discounted prices, so the more you buy, the more you save. Find out more in our Ring Cam review for the full scoop!
You can also save money by self-monitoring your Ring cameras. True self-monitoring is free and you still get real-time alerts and the ability to check live video footage on all your cameras. 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 has partnered with Google to offer some of the most high-tech devices out there. Google Nest cameras include pet detection capabilities and facial recognition software. Add those features to ADT’s best-in-the-business professional monitoring, and you’ve got a winning combination. It is worth noting that the Nest line of wired cameras is limited – ADT only offers a wired indoor cam and a wired outdoor cam with floodlight. Sometimes it’s less about quantity, though, and more about quality, and ADT’s wired cameras are some of the best we found on the market.
ADT was already an industry leader when it decided to partner up with Google Nest. Whether you’re interested in wired or wireless, indoor or outdoor, you’re just not going to find more feature-rich cameras than the ones ADT offers. It’s worth noting as well that ADT is the only company on this list that offers wired indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras.
All three models come with 1080p HD video resolution, two-way audio, and person detection. All three are made to withstand harsh environments. They’re rated IP65, for instance, which means they are impervious to dust and capable of withstanding water from low-level jets. Heck, they even contain on-board heaters that allow them to function in temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero, Fahrenheit. We hope never to see temperatures like that where we live, but if you happen to live in the land of ice and snow, it’s nice to know you’ll be secure even in the midst of a blizzard.
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.
These cameras’ most important feature, though? They come as part of an entire ADT home security system. The downside is that you can’t buy just one ADT camera and be done. You need a hub and some entry sensors, and that means your total equipment bill is going to be a bit higher. There’s an awful lot of upside, though. ADT systems are the best you can get, at the very top of our list of best home security systems. ADT doesn’t just offer top-tier cameras. All of its equipment is hardy and reliable, from motion detectors to smoke alarms. When all of these components work together, you are exponentially more safe.
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 |
We put ADT just ahead of Google Nest on this list because even though ADT offers Google Nest cameras, those cameras are integrated into a whole home security system attached to the best professional monitoring plans on the market. There’s no denying the fact, though, that ADT vastly improved its profile when it decided to partner up with Google. As we note in our full Google Nest Cam review, these are some of the only cameras out there that include facial recognition software. They can’t identify strangers that come to your door, but they can let you know which one of your friends and neighbors has shown up for a visit. Plus, unlike a lot of home security companies out there, Google Nest still offers some of its cameras in wired form.
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, though. Google’s cameras, including the Nest Cam Floodlight, now include Familiar Face. This is a version of facial recognition AI, something few cameras on the market have right now. It told us when a new mail carrier filled in for our usual carrier since the camera didn’t recognize their face. There’s a catch to this feature, though. You have to activate a Nest Aware subscription to get it. Eight dollars a month($80 if you sign up for a full year) was worth it to get alerts that told us in detail who was on our doorstep.
Other than the fact that Google Nest doesn’t offer an indoor wired camera, we can think of only one drawback to the Nest Cam Floodlight: price. You’ll pay $189.99 for this camera, and that’s not cheap. It’s $80 cheaper than Ring’s Floodlight Cam, though, and it comes with more features, so if you can swing it, this wired camera is great value for the money.
| 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 on this list. The company built its reputation on wireless, battery-powered security cameras. In fact, it was among the first home security businesses out there to offer wireless devices. Nevertheless, the company makes a solid wired camera as well – the Arlo Essential Indoor. Among this Arlo camera’s many features are a 2K resolution, night vision, and integrated privacy shield. And for all its sophistication, the Arlo Essential Indoor is among the easiest wired cameras we’ve set up. If you can plug it into a wall socket, you can install it.
Arlo’s change in home security approach has led to a change in how you buy its home security cameras. Gone are the days when you could simply purchase a camera or two and set them up. Arlo is a system now, and you can’t be a camera without also purchasing a hub to operate it. That’s an extra cost, but the hub connects all your devices and allows your cameras and other system components to communicate with the outside world. The hub is what sends instant alerts to your mobile device app, and if you have professional monitoring, it’s what allows the system to let agents know when there’s a problem at your home.
The hub is handy for another reason as well – it makes Arlo cameras incredibly easy to install. Arlo was built for the digital age, and the company has put a great deal of thought and planning into its DIY installation process. Each camera comes individually boxed and includes a complete kit and instructions. During our Arlo camera tests, we managed to get two cameras up and working in about fifteen minutes. The hardest part of the whole thing was routing camera communication wires to the Arlo hub.
And while the hub does add to your bottom line, it won’t exactly break the bank. It costs just $39.99, well below the industry average. Ultimately, even figuring it in, you still wind ahead of most systems. And this isn’t some stripped-down camera. It works smoothly with Alexa and Google Home, which means you can operate it with just your voice. IFTTT compatibility means you can connect cameras to other smart devices in your home and create routines to simplify your life. We like our system to go into standby mode when we get home and turn on the lights. That was easy enough to set up.
When you’re not at home, you can control everything through the Arlo app. In addition, the app sends you mobile alerts any time the cameras activate. You can view live footage or – if you’ve invested in cloud storage – video clips. And you’ll find Arlo’s storage plans are as reasonably priced as their cameras – one camera will cost you $4.17 a month. Or you can log footage from up to ten cameras for $10.83 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 |
Like ADT, Swann has been around long enough to remember when all home security systems and cameras were wired. Like Lorex, Swann is almost entirely focused on cameras, and it offers a huge number of models. The bottom line? You can find some top-tier wired models at affordable prices. Floodlight cameras, thermal sensing cameras, and bullet cameras – they’ve got them all. Plus, many of these cameras come with variable features like dimmable motion lighting, color night vision, and heat detection. And while there are no professional monitoring plans, Swann offers free local storage options, which means you can self-monitor for free and still have video footage to turn over to police.
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 | $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.
