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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 August 6, 2024
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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.
Let’s start by talking about the difference between wired and wireless cameras. It might seem unnecessary to explain that difference – wired cameras have wires, wireless cameras don’t right? Well, not exactly. Turns out cameras can have two separate sets of wires and the terminology that’s developed in the industry can make sorting out all the various possibilities pretty confusing.
On the one hand, cameras need some source of power to operate. Sometimes that source of power is an electrical outlet. In that case, cameras need a power cord to connect to the power source. In addition, though, cameras may need cords – wires – to communicate with other cameras in the system, a central control hub, and, ultimately, the outside world. The term Wireless usually relates to the second of these two sets of wires or cords – a security camera’s method of communication.
Once you understand that difference, things become a lot easier to understand. Wired security cameras connect to one another, and usually to a central hub through wires. The hub may or may not be wired to the outside world through phone lines. It might also communicate with the outside through Wi-Fi. So-called Wireless cameras communicate exclusively through Wi-fi.
The tricky part is that Wireless cameras can have power cords. If a camera is both Wireless and battery-operated, it’s referred to as Wire Free.
You can purchase wireless indoor security camera models and wireless outdoor models. Single cameras can protect entryways or specific areas of your home. When several devices are connected together they can form a powerful protective barrier against all types of crime, from simple package theft to burglaries and home invasion. Outdoor models, of course, can protect the exterior of your home and the grounds, alerting you before an intruder actually enters your house.
Most cameras these days, including wired cameras, offer at least 1080p HD resolution, night vision, and two-way audio. Many also offer some form of person detection, facial recognition, or other types of AI.
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 and digitally advanced security cameras on the market. Lorex offers feature-rich wired HD video camera systems with up to 4K resolution, night vision, cloud connection and apps, and simultaneous recording and playback features from various streams.
Lorex also has plenty of options to choose from when it comes to wired cameras. The company always seems to be coming out with a new model. One of our favorites is the recently released 2k Wired Floodlight. Among its many features, it comes with motion-activated dual LED floodlights designed to illuminate intruders, a warning siren, and two-way talk. You have contol of all of these functions through the Lorex Home App.
One of the things we like most about Lorex cameras is that they aren’t just wired. Those wires go to local storage options. With video footage on a DVR or NVR, you always have access to and control of your home security. It’s easy to shoot footage to law enforcement if you should notice something suspicious, and best of all, you don’t have to pay a monthly fee for monitoring or storage.
We want these reviews to be honest, warts and all, so we should mention that we’ve found Lorex cameras can be a little temperamental when new firmware updates come out. The company might consider running a bit more testing before running updates. That said, though, Lorex products are difficult to beat, and they have cameras for virtually every possible need.
Here are some of the Lorex pros and cons.
The Nocturnal series is one of Lorex’s best lines of wired cameras. All of these cameras come with incredibly sharp night vision and high-tech security features. Plus, they’re hardy cameras that can withstand the elements and last for years. Here’s a breakdown of some of this product line’s features and prices.
| 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 |
These Nocturnal cameras are waterproof and specifically designed for outdoor use. Plus, they feature 4K resolution and some of the best night vision ranges we’ve seen. Some of these cameras can see up to 150 feet in complete darkness, aided only by streetlights. That’s roughly triple the range of most Lorex competitors.
The zooming ability of Nocturnal cameras is also impressive, with some of them offering up to eight times optical zoom in addition to digital zoom. This zooming ability makes it easier to see and identify smaller details, such as license plates.
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.
Because Lorex has a continuous recording feature with motion-activated alerts, you no longer have to choose between continuous or motion-activated recordings. And, the Lorex cameras have a reputation of being super dependable.
Don’t expect to get these cameras on the cheap, though. Pricing for individual Nocturnal cameras starts around $299.99, and four-camera systems run about $1149.99. If you’re smart about when you purchase, though, you can offset some of those costs. Lorex is known for running sales pretty frequently.
If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly alternative, Lorex has another product line called Fusion, which combines wired and wireless cameras into one system. Because of that, you can place wired cameras where they make the most sense (e.g. outdoors where interference is most likely to happen) and wireless cameras wherever appropriate.
You can often get a four-camera Fusion system for less than $500, and although they are lower-quality than Nocturnal cameras, they deliver excellent video quality (up to 2K), both color and infrared night vision, and smart motion detection.
Read our hands-on review of Lorex cameras for more info.
| 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 |
If you’ve seen a porch pirate busted on YouTube, chances are a Ring video doorbell did the busting. Ring invented the video doorbell and still dominates the market. But there’s a Ring camera for just about any place in your house, inside or out, including wired options like the wired Spotlight Cam, the wired Floodlight Cam, a wired mountable indoor camera, and the classic wired Stick Up Cam for desktops and shelves. While Ring cameras are contract-free, an optional Ring Protect Plan ($3.99 and up) could save you 10 percent on select cameras.
Ring indoor/outdoor wired cameras provide tons of versatility and some of the most advanced features available. They’re available in white or black and have built-in speakers, a wide-angle camera lens, night vision, a siren, and, with 1080 HD video, exceptional clarity. Interested in other colors? You might check out Ring’s Floodlight Cams, which come in a choice of premium colors, including dark bronze and graphite.
We should point out Ring has begun to cull wired options from its inventory. That can have an impact on finding the camera you need, and it could be a problem if you need support. We can report that Ring is one of the only companies that continues to invest in PoE cameras. For those not in the know, PoE stands for Power over Ethernet. In simple terms, it means cameras can get energy through the same cord that connects them to the central system hub.
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!
Ring isn’t just about good hardware, though. They’re one of the top security camera brands in the country because of their exceptional software. Their app makes monitoring a breeze, and the seamless experience makes it evident they took user experience seriously. As an added bonus, Ring works great with Alexa — not surprising, since they’re owned by Amazon.
You can self-monitor for free with real-time alerts and access to live footage. Cloud storage for Ring cameras is pretty cheap, though, at just $3 per month per camera or $10 per month for unlimited cameras. And if you’re looking for an even better deal, check out Ring’s full-service professional monitoring. That’s just $20 a month and saves you the trouble of having to respond to alerts yourself.
| 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 |
The blue ADT sign in your front lawn is usually all it takes to deter the average lurker. Fortunately for us, ADT also has powerful wired security systems with cutting-edge monitoring technology, which has made them the top name in the business for over 145 years. ADT isn’t resting on its laurels, though. Recent partnerships with Google and State Farm Insurance mean ADT has gotten serious about smart-home compatibility, which is good news for homeowners looking to save on home insurance premiums.
One of the advantages of ADT’s long history in the industry is that it understands wired security. For most of that history, in fact, wired was the only option for home security. It was just cameras, either. All equipment had to be wired in order to function. As a result, no one has more experience with wired systems than ADT. They even provide full home installation so you can be sure everything is connected properly.
ADT offers an indoor and outdoor camera, in addition to their video doorbell. While the doorbell has only 720p HD, both cameras come with 1080p HD video resolution, two-way audio, and person detection. Both are rated IP65, which means they are dust-tight and capable of withstanding low-level water jets. Even better, they can resist temperatures of up to 40 degrees below Fahrenheit because they each come with their own built-in heaters.
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.
Integrating security cameras into a larger ADT security system will really take your protections up a notch. Instead of just relying on what a camera is seeing, you’ll also have input from sensors all over your house. If you’re alerted that a door was opened, you can pull up the camera’s feed to see what’s going on. Also, since ADT systems are professionally monitored, if there’s an actual emergency, authorities will be dispatched at a moment’s notice.
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 $499 |
|---|---|
| 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.
