Which One is Better Wired or Wireless Security Camera? |

Security cameras are becoming a lot more common these days owing to the rise in crime rate and the need for protection. You will likely see security cameras in business premises and residential buildings as a precaution against crime. There is one question that is common with people that want to purchase security cameras. “Which one is better, wired or wireless security camera?”

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You can use either to monitor your business venue or home while you are present or away. Wired cameras are more reliable even though their setup is more labor and time-intensive.

Their wireless counterparts are more affordable and easier to set up but are prone to network failure and possible tampering.

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This post will attempt to put the wired vs. wireless security camera debate to rest. Let’s dive straight in.

Explaining Wired Security Cameras

A wired security camera transmits both audio and video signals to a central recorder via a wire. The footage is either saved to a local SD card, the cloud, or a central remote network. With this, users can watch a live feed from their cameras or view footage later.

Hardwired cables provide wired security cameras the power that they need to function. The power can either be from a central hub (in the case of a Power over Ethernet cable) or a local power outlet. Two main camera systems that have become very popular these days are:

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NVR systems (Network Video Recorder systems).
DVR systems (Digital Video Recorder systems).

The former makes use of IP cameras that are connected to the recorder using PoE cables. On the other hand, DVRs work with CCTV cameras that are connected to a central hub using coaxial cables.

Pros of Wired Security Cameras

Constant power supply.
Reliable signals that will not drop.
Clear audio and video signals.
Impossible to hack.

Cons of Wired Security Cameras

A limited number of cameras because of the number of ports on the recorder.
Lengthy wiring that needs to be hidden.
The system is not portable so is difficult to move should there be a need to change location.
Wires need to be run to several locations which will imply increased cost.

Explaining Wireless Security Cameras

The term “wireless” is pretty self-explanatory. It means that the security cameras in this category don’t need wires or cables to send footage to the central system. Transmission is totally void of wires.

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Usually, the cameras send footage to a designated cloud server through Wi-Fi. Users can now view the footage in real-time or later, whenever they need it.

Click to Check best Wireless cameras on Amazon

In some cases, these wireless security cameras come with a microSD card slot. Inserting an SD card into this slot allows users to record a limited amount of footage depending on the size of the card.

Some of the standard features that you expect a wireless security camera to possess include:

Two-way audio.
Night vision.
Voice control via a preferred digital assistant (the most popular are Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa).
2K HD video.

While we are more conversant with wireless security camera systems, we must also understand that there are wire-free systems as well.

In wireless cameras, the transmission of footage is wireless but the cameras still require wires for power. On the other hand, wire-free cameras make use of batteries so they are completely void of wires.

The challenge with wire-free cameras is that they offer limited power based on battery life. To conserve power, they are designed to record footage only when there is motion in a specific area.

Their wireless counterparts record footage constantly because they draw power from the home or business venue. However, you can also configure them to record once they detect motion.

Pros of Wireless Security Cameras

Flexible and mobile system.
Intruders don’t have the luxury of cutting wires.
Clean installation.
Easy to scale up by adding more cameras.
Easier to operate.
Possess advanced features like motion sensors and machine learning.

Cons of Wireless Security Cameras

Prone to hacking and digital snooping.
Limited signal range.
Wire-free systems require periodic battery changes.
Possible interference with surrounding Wi-Fi-dependent systems.
Building elements like floors and walls can impede signals.
Cloud storage fees apply.

Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras

As we mentioned above, there will always be the question of which is better wired or wireless security cameras. Technology is constantly improving and both categories of cameras are evolving with time. Picking one over the other depends on a few factors such as your security needs, budget, and present systems. This section will make a few suggestions regarding each of these security camera categories.

Wired Security Cameras

Why should you invest in a wired security camera? If you aren’t wary of doing putting some extra effort on the front-end to enjoy long-term benefits, then this is a great option. Wired cameras offer more reliability in the long run.

Will you be in your location for a very long time? If your answer to this question is yes, then you should probably go with wired security cameras.

Another reason why you may consider using wired security cameras is if you are good with DIY. You’d need to handle a few tools to install your cameras. If you can’t, you can always hire a company to handle installation on your behalf.

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Wireless Security Cameras

If you prefer flexibility and a quick-fix, then you should go for wireless security cameras. Also, if you are renting your home or office space, wireless security cameras are a better option. You wouldn’t have to puncture the walls or make alterations to the workspace. Beyond this, you can always move with your cameras when it is time.