Wired vs Wireless Security Camera: How to Select the Right One

Security cameras are an important investment for our homes and offices to improve the safeties around the area. However, with the many different security systems available today, it gets confusing as to what you need. One of the crucial factors to consider is whether to get a wired vs wireless security camera!

While you may want to get a wireless one right away, you’ll be surprised that both types of cameras have their advantages and disadvantages as well. What you choose totally depends on you.

Don’t know whether to get a wired or wireless security camera? Read on as I compare and show you what’s best for you!

Wired vs Wireless Security Camera: What’s Best For You?

What you need in a security camera is entirely up to your preference and necessities. It’s the reason why you need to delve into research and compare different types of security systems to see which is best with the way you work and/or live! With that said, I’ll compare both wired vs wireless security cameras:

What’s a Wired Security Camera?

A wired security camera would transmit data to a DVR or recording device, then to the router. It monitors the station with a cable, requiring such cables for internet connection, video transmission, and power. 

They are the most traditional security systems, used mostly in larger properties. There are two different types of wired security cameras, either one with a separate power cord or a POE cable alone.

Also read: Is your Wi-Fi enabled camera safe and secure?

Using a wired security camera has its benefits, such as:

• They are more reliable, as they have fewer chances of interference compared to wireless signals. They have the physical connections with the router, recorder, and camera.
• It has the ability to support larger systems, which is one of the main reasons why people choose wired security cameras. They have comprehensive coverage rather than only select access points. Wired security systems have can support up to 16 cameras at a time!

However, they do have their disadvantages:

• The main drawback of wired security systems is the installation process. While you don’t need a professional, all the wirings to install can be confusing for others. Besides this, the wired security systems aren’t as flexible when mounting, compared to wireless ones.
• If ever a power outage occurs, then your security system loses power as well. Fortunately, power outages or usually infrequent and remote properties can use backup generators as a solution. However, it’s still a disadvantage to look into.

What’s a Wireless Security Camera? 

As for wireless security cameras, they are a good alternative to wired security systems. With wireless systems, security footage is transmitted from its camera to your recorder wirelessly. They are connected to the Wi-Fi network (whether with a cable or none), meaning, they still need wired power.

They have good advantages over the wired security systems, such as:

• Ease of installation is the best benefit wireless systems offer, as you won’t have to run cables from the cameras to recorders. They’re more flexible to mount in various location, though they still require a power source
• Wired security cameras are more permanent, and wireless systems can benefit homeowners and renters living in temporary locations

But, there are some disadvantages as well, such as:

• They are more susceptible to interference, making them slightly less reliable, especially with a lot of competing signals.
• They are dependent on wireless signals all the time and require to be near the Wi-Fi range. If ever there’s a bad connection, then you’ll have some issues. 
• They still use hard-wired power connections, making them susceptible to power outages like wired systems
• Wireless systems are only limited to up to four cameras, which isn’t the best for larger properties. 

Also read: 6 Ways How CCTV Cameras Can Help Protect Valuable Data

Which One Is Best For Me? 

If you’re renting or a homeowner, then you can make do with wireless security cameras as long as you have a stable connection.

However, if you have a larger property or need it for a big office, then you’ll find that wired security systems are better.

Wrapping It Up

When looking into choosing the type of security camera you need, you have to understand the differences between the main types. Once you have a gist of what the pros and cons of wired vs wireless cameras are, you have an assurance that your property is protected well. The next thing to consider is investing in more security equipment for safety!

I hope my comparison on wired vs wireless security cameras helped you out! Now that you know their pros and cons, visit this page to see what reputable brands of security systems you can buy from now.

Do you have any questions or want to share your own experiences using security cameras and how to choose one? Share it in the comments section below, I’d love to hear what you have to think!

Also read: Security Camera Installation at Home: What All Do You Need