Best Battery-Powered Security Cameras
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Last Updated on Mar 26, 2024
- Wide range of battery-powered camera models to choose from
- Choose on-board storage or cloud storage and have no wires of any kind to deal with
- Total security coverage even if your home loses electricity
- Place battery-powered cameras anywhere in and around your home
- Wireless camera models under $100
- Up to 12 months of battery life
- Easy DIY installation with no wires or cords
- Guaranteed security even if the electricity goes out
- Battery model rated for both indoor and outdoor use
Every now and then, we see a new piece of technology that makes us go, “You know what? That makes a lot of sense.” That’s how we felt when battery-powered security cameras first emerged in the market around 2014.
Battery-powered cameras make sense because:
- They don’t need a power outlet, giving you more flexibility in terms of placement.
- They can continue to watch over your home during power outages.
- Wires can be a pain to deal with. Having no wires means easier installation.
If you had asked us 10 years ago which battery-powered camera we would recommend, we would have straight up said Arlo. They were the pioneers of wire-free cameras and for a long time, they didn’t have a lot of good competition. But things are a little different now. Almost every security camera brand has battery-powered options in their lineup. So if you’re finally joining the wire-free club, we rounded up a list of the five best options. Arlo is still on there, but there are even better choices now.
Average Battery Life
| Lorex | 6-9 months |
|---|---|
| Ring | 6-12 months |
| Nest | 1-7 months |
| Arlo | 3-6 months |
| Blink | Up to 2 years |
Best Battery Operated Security Cameras
- Lorex - Best battery-powered security cameras with local storage
- Ring - Best battery-powered outdoor cameras
- Nest - Best battery-powered security cameras with Google support
- Arlo - Best wire-free battery-powered security cameras
- Blink Camera - Most affordable battery-powered security cameras
A Comparison of the Best Battery-Powered Home Security Cameras
| System |
Lorex
|
Ring
|
Nest
|
Arlo
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Blink Camera
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Price range | $50-$800 | $60-$250 | $100-$280 | $100-$300 | $35-$140 |
| Monitoring | DIY | DIY or professional | DIY | DIY or professional | DIY |
| Storage | DVR/NVR or microSD card | Cloud | Cloud | Cloud or USB device | Cloud or USB device |
| Smart platforms | Alexa and Google Home | Alexa and Google Home | Alexa and Google Home | Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Homekit | Alexa |
| Artificial intelligence | Person detection | Person detection | Person detection, facial recognition | Person detection | None |
| Read Review | Lorex Review | Ring Review | Nest Review | Arlo Review | Blink Camera Review |
A Detailed Look
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1. Lorex - Best Battery-Powered Security Cameras With Local Storage
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 4K HD Field of View Up to 180° Power Wired, battery, PoE Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud, Local Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home Lorex makes sturdy, commercial-grade security cameras. They actually have the largest catalog we’ve ever seen and you can find Lorex cameras at every price point. While not all Lorex cameras run on batteries, a good number of them do. They even have battery-powered cameras that connect to a recorder so you never have to buy a cloud subscription.
The best battery-powered options from Lorex offer high-tech features. There are 4K cameras with superb video quality, outdoor cameras with long-range night vision, and cameras with advanced motion detection. But what we like best about Lorex is you can mix and match your cameras. For example, you can have wire-free cameras in your outdoor shed and put wired or Wi-Fi cameras inside your home for better reliability. Because let’s face it: Although battery-powered cameras are easier to install, you’d have to charge them every now and then. That’s not fun if your home has five or more cameras.
Lorex Camera What We Like
- Choice of DVR/NVR or microSD card storage
- Tons of camera options
- Person detection
- Integration with both Alexa and Google Home
What We Don’t Like
- No professional monitoring option
- Difficult DIY installation
- Limited customer service
- No cloud storage
Lots of Cameras
No one offers the kind of camera selection Lorex does. Frankly, it can be exhausting to try to choose. No matter what you’re looking for, though, they’ve got a model that fits the bill. That includes: wired and wireless cameras; indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras; and a whole range of styles, from bullet to pan-tilt. It even includes some 4K models. And, if you’re looking for battery-powered cameras, Lorex has you covered.
Local Storage Options
If you prefer to DIY your monitoring, you’ll want cameras that allow for local storage. Cloud storage almost always costs extra. Lorex offers not just one but two different types of local storage. You can get cameras that connect directly to either a DVR or NVR unit. These units can store several days’ worth of footage so you can go back and review it on your own schedule. In addition, Lorex offers a line of security cameras that feature onboard recording with a microSD card. You can purchase cards with up to 128 GB of storage.
Person Detection
If you’ve ever used security cameras in the past, you know that one of the most essential features is person detection. If your camera can’t tell the difference between a person and a squirrel, you’re going to get bombarded with false alerts. Lorex cameras not only know the difference but can send you alerts that tell you in simple terms what’s triggered their motion detectors. They even know how to identify packages, so you’ll always know when Amazon has paid you a visit.
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2. Ring - Best Battery-Powered Outdoor Cameras
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 155° Power Wired, battery, PoE, solar Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home Ring offers four types of security cameras, but each type offers different power options. Some are plugged-in, others are hardwired. Our favorite cameras from Ring, though, are their battery- and solar-powered options. Two of the Ring cameras offer that option: the Ring Spotlight Cam and the Ring Stick Up Cam. Both those cameras are made for outdoor use but the Stick Up Cam can work indoors too.
Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) What We Like
- Easy DIY installation
- Affordable professional monitoring
- 13 different camera options
- 1080p HD resolution
What We Don’t Like
- Recording requires a subscription
- Limited field of view
- No color night vision
- No IP rating
Solar- and Battery-Powered
The Ring Spotlight Cam is an outdoor camera with built-in security lights. They light up when they detect movement, making them excellent for deterring crime. The Stick Up Cam, on the other hand, is a simple indoor/outdoor camera. It’s actually not completely weatherproof, so it’s best placed under a shade. But either way, both the Spotlight Cam and the Stick Up Cam can run on batteries. And if you don’t like charging your cameras every few months, you can purchase a solar panel for each camera. They cost $30 to $60, and they can power your cameras all year round.
Smart Platform Compatibility
Ring offers full integration with both Alexa and Google Home. That means you can use your voice to turn your system off and on or change settings. You can pull up footage on your smart TV. Our favorite thing to do with smart cameras, though, is connect them to our other smart devices. When one of our outdoor cameras notices someone suspicious in the bushes, it tells our TV to turn on, leading would-be intruders to think we’re home, even when we’re out of town.
Cameras for Every Budget
Ring offers several different camera models at different prices. It’s true that they don’t have quite the selection Lorex has, but they have a model to suit almost every budget. Indoor cameras are just $60 apiece. You can buy one now to cover your main entryway and then purchase more as you need them. Or, if you can afford to go big right from the start, choose a more powerful model like one of Ring’s outdoor floodlight cameras with built-in 3D detection.
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3. Nest - Best Battery-Powered Security Cameras With Support for Google
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p with HDR Field of View Up to 130° Power Wired, battery Connectivity Wi-Fi Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home Nest makes cameras that are user-friendly and help make your life more convenient. With a 130-degree field of view, you won’t miss anything that happens around your home. Facial recognition software gives you a heads up to exactly who’s at your door. Two-way audio lets you talk to them, even if you’re not home. Best of all, you can use your voice to access all of Nest’s great features, since it integrates smoothly with both Google Home and Alexa.
Google Nest Cam What We Like
- Facial recognition
- Free cloud storage
- Wide field of view
- Google compatibility
What We Don’t Like
- No professional monitoring option
- No local video storage
- Cameras aren’t weather resistant
- Limited battery life
Facial Recognition
When it comes to artificial intelligence and security cameras, there’s person detection and then there’s facial recognition. It’s great if your system can tell the difference between your neighbor and a few leaves blowing past your front door. It’s even better if it can tell you whether it’s your neighbor or your sister ringing your doorbell. All you have to do is scan photos into your Nest system, and your cameras will send you custom alerts letting you know who’s knocking. Get even fancier and use smart locks to let your housekeeper in, even when you’re not at home.
FYI: Some companies, such as Ring, have taken a stance against facial recognition software, arguing that there is too much potential for misuse.
Crystal-clear Images
If you buy Nest cameras, you’ll enjoy 1080p HD resolution, the industry standard. That’s 2 million pixels so you never have to worry about blurry images. Even better, Nest’s field of view is 130 degrees, which in simplest terms means you’ll see more of your home. Plus, with high-powered infrared LEDs, you’ll get the same crystal-clear images whether it’s day or night.
Google Home
As you might expect from a Google company, Nest cameras integrate seamlessly with Google Home. That means they’re compatible with Google’s entire range of smart devices, from speakers and locks to thermostats and game controllers. Turning your system on is as easy as saying “Hey Google, turn on my cameras,” and you can access footage with “Hey Google, play camera footage.” As a bonus, Nest cameras also work well with Alexa.
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4. Arlo - Best Wire-free Battery-Powered Security Cameras
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 4K HD Field of View Up to 180° Power Wired, battery, solar, PoE Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home Arlo offers extras you just won’t get with other security camera companies. They’ve got resolution up to 4K. You can purchase wire-free cameras. Unique magnetic mounts make the system easy to install. You get free storage options. Heck, Arlo even offers compatibility with Apple’s HomeKit.
Arlo Pro 5S 2k What We Like
- Totally wire-free models
- Two-way audio
- Video resolution up to 4K
- Support for Apple HomeKit
What We Don’t Like
- Person detection requires a subscription
- Limited IFTTT support
- All cameras require hub purchase
- No security equipment available other than cameras
Wire-free Models
Arlo doesn’t just offer battery-powered cameras. It offers totally wire-free camera models. That means you don’t have to worry about plugging your cameras into wall outlets or into storage devices. Wire-free means you can install the camera anywhere so you wind up getting more coverage. More coverage equals more security.
Easy Installation, Easy Adjustment
We’re big fans of Arlo’s magnetic mounts. They have a sleek design that suits all the decor in our home. Even better, they make installing Arlo cameras a breeze. All you do is fasten a single screw to the wall. The mount itself rests on the screw and, through the magic of magnetism, the camera rests easily on the mount. This setup also makes it easy to adjust the camera to the best possible viewing angle. Not all Arlo cameras are compatible with these mounts, but boy, the ones that are are easy to install! It took us all of five minutes, and most of that was taken up deciding where to place the cameras.
Free Storage
Storage is an essential component of any security camera system. Without storage, you can only watch live video. Without storage, you’ll have nothing to turn over to the police after a break-in. That’s why we appreciate companies like Arlo that offer free storage. Prefer to monitor your own home? You can do it for no charge. You never have to pay an Arlo subscription fee. Just connect your cameras to a USB storage device and you’re all set.
>> Learn More: Best No-Fee Security Camera Options
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5. Blink Camera - Most Affordable Battery-Powered Security Cameras
Product Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 110° Power Battery Connectivity Wi-Fi Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa Blink manages to offer some of the most affordable prices on the market and still produce solid equipment with some great features. Blink’s batteries, for example, can last for up to two years. Blink cameras work with Alexa. And, Blink cameras incorporate a special feature known as a privacy zone, which can make sure you aren’t inadvertently spying on your neighbors.
Blink Outdoor 4 Camera What We Like
- Low-cost equipment
- Two-year battery life
- No long-term contracts
- Privacy zones
What We Don’t Like
- No professional monitoring option
- No support for Google Home
- No person detection
- Poor night vision
Long-lasting Battery
Blink claims its lithium-ion camera batteries last for two years. To be clear, that doesn’t mean two years of continuous recording. Even so, Blink says that’s 43,200 seconds worth of video clips, or 70 seconds a day. Even Ring, which says its batteries could potentially last a year, can’t come close to that kind of durability.
Affordability
Blink is at the low end of the price spectrum when it comes to camera pricing. You can buy a Blink Mini for just $35. In fact, no Blink camera costs more than $100. Want cloud storage? That’s just three dollars a month per camera or $10 a month for unlimited coverage. We understand living on a budget. We have a Brooklyn apartment. At those prices, though, you really have no excuse not to protect your home.
Privacy Zones
You want to protect your home, but you don’t want to see what’s going on in your neighbors’ bedrooms. Unfortunately, security cameras do sometimes capture that kind of activity. Blink’s privacy zones eliminate this problem. You can set your cameras to block out any zone in their field of view and never have to worry again about invading anyone’s privacy.
Methodology
You can count on us to give you the best recommendations for all your security equipment. Why? Because we put every device out there through rigorous tests. Sure, we’ve given you five great examples of battery-powered security cameras. To put this list together, though, we had to consider dozens of products.
What do we look for? The best security cameras excel in a range of categories.
- Image quality: We expect the best security cameras to have a minimum resolution of 1080p HD. Some of the cameras on this list go as high as 4K. We look for a wide field of view as well, something over 110 degrees. Finally, we consider the quality of each camera’s night vision, whether that’s infrared or color.
- Storage: We’re comfortable with different kinds of storage options. Local storage, like DVR or microSD cards, gives us physical control of our recordings. On the other hand, we like the convenience of sending video clips directly to the cloud. What we don’t like are companies that don’t offer any sort of storage options or that over-charge for them.
- Power: Obviously, for this particular list we were primarily interested in cameras that run on battery power. Even within that category, we had to do some comparing. We were especially interested in how long each camera’s battery would last. Three months is a minimum.
- Design: We’re interested in how cameras look and whether they fit into most decor. We tend to prefer smaller models both because they are more aesthetically pleasing but also because they’re less likely to be noticed by intruders. In addition, we like cameras that feature easy installation.
- Extras: A security camera’s job is to keep us secure. Sometimes, though, we’re drawn in by a camera’s bonus features. After all, these can make monitoring more convenient and ultimately that improves our security. We expect cameras to be compatible with both Alexa and Google Home. We prefer two-way audio so we can talk to our visitors even when we’re not home. We also look for artificial intelligence like person detection and facial recognition.
- Value: Last, but certainly not least, we consider a camera’s price and just what we’re getting for it. In general, dependable, durable home security cameras should cost between $100 and $200, depending on their specific purpose. We do sometimes come across great cameras that cost even less. Likewise, we’ll sometimes pay a little more for a camera that has some special features.
Recap
Your phone works on a battery. So does your laptop and your tablet. Even your vacuums run on batteries these days. Why shouldn’t your security cameras have the same capability? It turns out there are lots of battery-powered cameras on the market and five that you can count on to keep you safe and secure no matter what.
Of course, which one you choose depends on your specific needs. Lorex, for example, offers some of the most durable cameras in the industry, and they come with all the coolest tech, like person detection. If you’re looking for professional monitoring, Ring might be your best option. Nest cameras include facial recognition software, and Arlo offers truly wire-free cameras. Meanwhile, Blink offers solid quality for a low price. In the end, the only question is how you’re going to cut the cord.
FAQs
Still wondering about the best battery-powered security cameras? We’ve put together a list of your most frequently asked questions together with our very best answers. Read on to find out more.
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What is the best battery-powered security camera?
The best battery-powered security camera is Lorex. Lorex manufactures commercial-quality cameras, but you can buy them for your home security needs. Lorex offers a wide range of camera options, including models with 4K image resolution. All cameras come with two-way audio and powerful extra features like person detection, smart platform integration with Alexa and Google Home, and local storage. Other great battery-powered security cameras include Ring, Nest, Arlo, and Blink.
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How long do batteries last in wireless security cameras?
Most security camera batteries last between three and six months. This length varies based on several factors. Some companies offer longer-lasting batteries. Blink, for example, claims its lithium-ion batteries can last up to two years. In addition, battery life is dependent on use. The more your camera records, the faster it uses up its charge.
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Is there a security camera that works without Wi-Fi?
There are security cameras that work with Wi-Fi. When it comes to security cameras, Wi-Fi serves two purposes: to send footage to storage devices and to mobile devices. Cameras with local storage options such as microSD cards or DVRs don’t need Wi-Fi for storage. Lorex cameras, for instance, don’t need Wi-Fi to store footage for later review. However, you do need Wi-Fi if you want the system to send footage outside your home, to your phone or tablet. Other cameras, though, such as the Arlo Go, work through cellular networks. These cameras are fully functional with no Wi-Fi whatsoever.
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Do security cameras work without electricity?
No security camera can work without some means of receiving electricity. However, cameras don’t necessarily need to be plugged into a wall outline. Many security camera models get power from onboard batteries. In addition, Power Over Ethernet (POE) systems send power from a router to a camera via an Ethernet cord. Ultimately, though, these methods of getting power still involve electricity.