Is There a Security Camera That Works Without Wi-Fi?

• Wi-Fi plays a big role in video monitoring, but there are security cameras that don’t need Wi-Fi.
• Local storage is the key; store videos into a microSD card or local recorder and play them back on your computer.
• Want live video streaming without Wi-Fi? Arlo Go is the solution. Read our Arlo review for more.

Even the simplest security cameras these days offer advanced features like smartphone video footage streaming, cloud video recording, and smart home integrations, but unfortunately, all those features require a connection to the internet either through Wi-Fi or a wired ethernet connection. So what if the area you want video surveillance for doesn’t have Wi-Fi?

We have good news for you: Security cameras that don’t require Wi-Fi do exist. In fact, you have two options: Security cameras that record locally to a video recording box like a DVR or cameras that have a mobile LTE plan. We’ll go over each type as we break down how certain cameras can work without Wi-Fi, and whether or not they’re a good idea to have in your home.

Cameras That Don’t Need Wi-Fi

There are two types of cameras that don’t need Wi-Fi. The first one are cameras that use other means to connect to the internet, specifically, 4G/LTE or 5G signals. These are newer and more advanced than the other type – those that use a separate device like a local recorder to store videos.

First, let’s take a look at a couple of cameras that use cellular data from two popular security camera brands that offer wire-free cameras.

• Arlo Go: We’ve reviewed many Arlo cameras, but the only one that works without Wi-Fi is the Arlo Go. Rather than connecting it to your Wi-Fi network, you buy a mobile LTE plan for the Arlo Go; footage records onto both a micro-SD card and cloud storage. We controlled this wireless camera through the Arlo app.
• Reolink Go: After reviewing Wi-Fi cameras like the Reolink Argus 2, we tested out the Reolink Go, which also requires either a 3G or 4G LTE plan, a micro-SIM card, and a cellular data plan. Footage recorded directly onto a 64 GB micro-SD card, and cloud storage was an option as well. The Reolink Go is wireless and works with Reolink’s mobile application, so you can get notifications from motion detection along with live views.

The downside of these cameras that use mobile data is that they tend to be more expensive than normal Wi-Fi cameras. The hardware alone can cost over $200, and then you’ll have the data plan and the cloud recording subscription to consider.

With the Arlo Go 2 on a T-Mobile data plan, for example, you’ll pay $249 for the equipment, about $2 per month for the data plan, and $4.99 for the cheapest cloud storage plan. You can forgo the cloud storage plan and use the camera just for streaming (no local recording), but the data plan is a must for it to work.

Another thing to consider is the data usage limit. Carriers that offer data plans for the Arlo Go 2 typically provide 1 GB of data per month. The camera records and streams in 1080p. With a 1 GB data plan, you’ll be able to stream for only about two hours straight. Not to mention, if you buy a cloud subscription, the same data plan will be used to send recordings to the cloud. Your best option to save data is to store videos onto a microSD card and limit your use of the live streaming function.

If you value video recording to the point that you’re willing to sacrifice live remote viewing, then the second type of cameras without Wi-Fi is better for you.

Types of Cameras That Record Locally

As for the second type, you’ll have to make compromises in terms of features to avoid using Wi-Fi. These are cameras that record locally, but since they’re not connected to the internet in any way, shape, or form, you’ll have to rely on stored footage alone. You won’t get alerts when they detect motion and you’ll have to review recordings periodically.

These are the most common types of cameras that record locally.

• CCTV: CCTV cameras, or closed-circuit television cameras, are used by businesses and police for surveillance; they’re not usually used for home security purposes. Instead of watching the footage on an app, guards watch CCTV footage on several monitors, and storage is on either a DVR or an NVR, a network video recorder for digital systems. CCTV cameras include analog and IP cameras, along with HD-over-coax.1
• Analog: Analog cameras transmit video from the camera to a DVR, often via coaxial cable.
• HD-over-coax: In HD-over-coax cameras, uncompressed video travels from cameras to recorders via coaxial cable. The video is high-resolution, but very few cameras work with coaxial cables.
• IP: An IP camera is usually synonymous with a surveillance camera, as it’s a lot more expensive than regular home security cameras.2

Are Security Cameras Without Wi-Fi Harder To Install?

Although many home security companies might have you thinking otherwise, security cameras that don’t require internet through Wi-Fi aren’t necessarily harder to install than Wi-Fi cameras. As some cameras that don’t need internet are wireless, like the Reolink Go and the Arlo Go, installation can be quite easy. Learn more about how wireless cameras work and the best wireless cameras available.

Wi-Fi vs. No-Wi-Fi Cameras

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using cameras that do and don’t work with Wi-Fi? We’ve broken it down below.

Wi-Fi Cameras Pros and Cons

No-Wi-Fi Cameras Pros and Cons

Recap

While most smart security cameras on the market these days require Wi-Fi, it’s not needed for you to get all the advantages of IoT security cameras. A few good options don’t need Wi-Fi and can use data plans. But if you don’t want livestreaming, remote control, or notifications, that makes not using Wi-Fi even easier. Rather, you’ll have a local camera security system only that will record onto local storage, probably a hard drive or micro-SD card.

Whatever your comfort level with technology — be it Wi-Fi, cellular security cameras, or huge hard drives — there’s a security camera that will work for you. However, we recommend cameras that are connected to the internet in some way, whether it’s through Wi-Fi or cellular data, so you can see what’s happening at home from anywhere with internet access.