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We rank the best battery-powered security cameras, which provide protection indoors and outdoors and are easy to set up and install.
Updated August 8, 2024
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Editor’s Notes: Battery-powered cameras are better than nothing. But to make sure your whole home is protected, read our roundup of the best security systems.
A lot of homeowners avoid battery-powered cameras. We get it. It can be a hassle changing batteries out. Maybe you’re worried about a thief breaking into your home while you’re charging those batteries and your camera is down. Maybe you just don’t like the idea of getting up on a ladder. We’re definitely height-averse ourselves.
We understand the concerns, but if you take a closer look, there are actually a lot of advantages to going cordless.
Let’s start with the fact that battery-powered cameras work around the clock, even when the power goes out. If you’re going to get serious about your home security, you don’t want to invest in a system that’s going to go down every time the grid does or, you know, an enterprising burglar decides to cut power to your house. Cameras that run on batteries protect your home no matter what.
Want more reasons? OK. Battery-powered cameras are incredibly easy to install. You don’t have to worry about wires or outlets, which means you can place them pretty much anywhere. Inside your home, outside your home, or in a garage, battery-powered cameras can go anywhere you need them.
And these devices are only getting better. A few years ago, it was pretty rare to see battery-powered security cameras available for purchase. Now, they’re pretty much ubiquitous. Almost every major security camera provider has their own version for sale. This is a good thing, overall, but it can make finding the right camera for your security needs a little tricky.
We’ve tested the top-rated battery-charged models for ease of use, features, value for money, and more. Here’s the cream of the crop of this new breed of security cameras.
Lorex has been a major player in the security camera game for over 30 years, so you know they’re doing something right. One of those things they’re absolutely nailing is their battery-operated cameras — some of the most technologically advanced, reliable, and affordable pieces of equipment on the market today.
Pair battery power with Wi-fi connectivity, and you get something called a wire-free camera. No wires or cords whatsoever. Lorex offers several wire-free cameras and they are super-easy to install. Put one in your chimney if you want, and watch Santa slide down on Christmas Eve.
You don’t have to sacrifice features for convenience, though. Lorex’s wire-free cameras and systems include most of the same features you’ll find in other Lorex cams. You get up to 2K resolution, two-way talk, and night vision. And Lorex has recently added features like active deterrence and person detection. In our most recent review of Lorex cameras, we found all those features performed flawlessly. The fact that you can put them anywhere without having to worry about outlets is just a nice bonus.
Lorex offers a variety of battery-powered systems to choose from. For example, the Lorex 2K Smart Home System includes the Lorex Home Hub, indoor/outdoor battery-operated cameras and indoor Wi-Fii cameras. The battery-operated cameras have a wide diagonal viewing angle, two-way talk and a rechargeable battery. The cost for this system is $259.99.
If you’re someone who likes to customize your technology to suit your lifestyle, Lorex is probably going to suit you. These cameras offer a lot of customization, which can be great for folks who like to tinker with their gadgets and tailor them exactly to their needs.
Another benefit of Lorex is their mile-long list of options. Its lineup of wireless cameras run the gamut from basic models to full-blown 4K, feature-rich devices and everything in between. If you have a particular security need, we’d bet Lorex has a camera to meet it.
On the other hand, if you like pre-packaged systems, Lorex may not be for you. The company isn’t going to show up and help you install your cameras, and even monitoring your home security is on you. Lorex offers no professional monitoring plans, so it’s your job to respond to any and all alerts your cameras might send you. As with any home security system, you have to think carefully about whether or not a Lorex system is going to suit your particular needs.
| 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 |
It’s no exaggeration to say that the Ring Video Doorbell changed the face of home security in 2011. For the first time, anyone with a smartphone could see exactly who was at their front door, whether they were in the kitchen making dinner or lounging on a beach halfway around the world. No surprise that it became a megahit. Since then the company has developed a whole line of home security equipment, and while none of its devices has been quite as revolutionary as the doorbell, the company continues to innovate. Its line of battery-powered cameras offer a great illustration.
Of course, Ring battery-powered cameras provide all the convenience you’d find in any battery-powered cameras. You can place them anywhere, for instance, making them easy to install and easy to adjust. They offer some bonus features you won’t find in other cameras, though. Ring has made great strides in battery improvement. With the right settings, these cameras can go for months without having to be recharged. These cameras also come with a number of top-shelf features like high-definition resolution, color night vision, and AI-driven alerts.
Still not convinced that battery is the way to go? What if we told you that you’d never have to change the batteries? Ring now offers solar panels with any of Ring’s battery-cameras, including the Ring Stick Up Cam. Yes, you have to install a little extra hardware, but that’s a small price to pay for a camera that recharges its own batteries so it can basically never go down.
And whether you opt for solar power or the regular battery pack, you have several models to choose from, enough to suit whatever home security needs you might have. The Ring Spotlight Cam, for example, combines the power of Ring’s network and features with powerful motion-activated lighting.
Finally, we should also point out that these cameras are pretty affordable. Below is a breakdown of their retail prices, but you should know that Ring frequently offers discounts. To stay clued into these sales, make sure you bookmark our guide to Ring’s deals and sales.
| Ring Camera | Price |
|---|---|
| Ring Spotlight Cam Plus | $169.99 |
| Ring Spotlight Cam Pro | $229.99 |
| Stick Up Cam | $99.99 |
| Stick Up Cam Pro | $179.99 |
| Battery Doorbell | $99.99 |
| Battery Doorbell Plus | $179.99 |
Ring checks plenty of boxes in the flexibility category. For starters, Ring offers a wide range of security cameras, not just battery-powered ones, so you can use a combination of plug-in type cameras and battery cameras where they make the most sense.
Another benefit to using a battery-powered system is price — Ring offers lower prices for this type of system. For example, with both the Spotlight Cam Plus and Spotlight Cam Pro, the battery-powered model is $20 less expensive than the solar and wired models.
Our favorite aspect of Ring is that we had the flexibility to self-monitor or sign up for professional monitoring. We’ve made the most of that choice. In the past, we kept an eye on our own cameras to save money. With Ring, we never had to worry about getting alerts, and it was easy to check video in real-time or review footage. When we went to the beach earlier this month, though, we signed up for professional monitoring. The price was so cheap – $20 for the whole month – that we’re going to keep it permanently.
To learn more about my full experience with Ring’s battery-powered cameras, check out my in-depth Ring Camera 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 |
We couldn’t make a list of the best battery-powered cameras and not include Arlo. After all, this is the company that introduced the battery-powered security camera to the market. It all started with the Arlo Wire-Free, a simple camera with 1080p resolution and the ability to detect motion. And like Ring, Arlo has kept up its commitment to innovation over the years.
In fact, Arlos’ current line of battery-powered cameras pack the best features we’ve ever seen in these types of devices. The Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo’s flagship product, has a 4K resolution, an ultra-wide 180-degree viewing angle, AI-driven smart detection, and built-in siren and lights to act as deterrents. When we recently reviewed the Arlo Pro 4, we found one of the most feature-laden battery-operated cameras we’ve tested to date. But Arlo recently 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!
Arlo offers some of the most flexible battery-powered camera systems on the market. The brand’s full suite of security products rests on two key selling points: complete home security and flexible, easy setup. Each time I pick up new Arlo cameras to review, I tend to come to the same conclusion: They do both of those things really, really well.
We know our way around a security installation. We’ve done one or two of them in our time. That’s how we know Arlo’s simplicity stands out. The battery chamber popped right out, which made it easy to take the rechargeable battery out, charge it, and put it back in place. We didn’t even get to break out the screwdriver. That’s no fun at all. If you’re into quick, no-fuss installation, you’ll probably like it just fine though.
And in addition to wire-free installation, thanks to rechargeable batteries, Arlo cameras hold up really well against the outdoors, which is incredibly important for security cameras these days. In fact, all Arlo cameras are rated for temperatures down to negative four below Fahrenheit and as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the best things about Arlo is that it can work as a basic system or a premium system, depending on how much you want to spend. A starter kit, without cameras, costs $200, and you can easily add a low-cost camera from the Essential line for as little as $50. $250 for a full system is a pretty good deal. Arlo’s best camera, though, the Ultra 2, costs $300. That would raise your startup costs to $500 total.
One more thing, though: right now, Arlo is offering 15 percent off any bundle of more than $250, 20 percent off any bundle over $350, and 25 percent off any bundle over $450. That won’t quite get you a premium system at a basic system price, but it will get you close.
| 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 |
Blink provides solid, dependable home security without fuss. Of course, there are no power cords since cameras are battery-operated. A small sync module can be placed out of sight. Extended-life batteries mean less time spent on maintenance. You may be able to go up to two years without changing them. Wi-Fi connects everything seamlessly. Heck, with affordable equipment options, it’s almost like you don’t have a system at all. Except for the fact that you’re protected from all types of emergencies including home invasion.
Clearly this is an Amazon-owned brand worth getting to know, which I noted when I tested the Blink camera system recently. Here are a few more things to know about Blink:
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.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Battery |
| Field of View | Up to 143° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa |
The low price of these cameras might make you think they’re flimsy or low-tech. In fact, the main reason Reolink is on this list is because it offers seriously good battery-powered cameras at affordable prices. They even offer wire-free and solar-powered models. Check out the bottom line, though. The Reolink Argus 3, as shown above, costs $80, which is very reasonable. Or, check out the brand-new 4K Argus 3 Ultra. That camera includes smart detection and color vision, and you can get it with solar power. It’s normally $170, but you can get it for $136 right now, 20 percent off.
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 having a President’s Day Sale right now with discounts up to 30 percent off. The Argus 3 Ultra we mentioned above? You can save $40.
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
