What to Look For in a Home Security Wireless Camera
Many cameras require adequate ambient light to capture clear images. This is easy to come by during daylight, but in shorter supply at night.
You should look for a camera that offers person detection, free video storage, and compatibility with your preferred smart home platform (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit). You may also want a camera with two-way audio so you can shout at any trespassers.
Detection of Motion
The best home security cameras can record movement that triggers alarms or sends notifications to a mobile device. This feature is important because it lets you know if someone enters your property while you’re away. It also prevents false alarms from pets or other sources of motion.
Most wireless camera systems use Wi-Fi technology to transmit data, though some also rely on cellular networks or Bluetooth for communication. Using a cellular network, for example, allows your security cameras to communicate over long distances and can make them work even when your Wi-Fi connection isn’t working properly.
Some wireless cameras also include features like sirens and spotlights, which can scare off intruders and deter crime before it happens. And many models are designed to withstand the elements, so they can be used indoors or outdoors.
If you’re interested in adding a wire-free camera to your home, look for a model that uses Bluetooth or Zigbee. These are additional wireless technologies that you can use to connect smart home devices together, but they don’t have enough bandwidth to transmit video.
Some wireless cameras also have built-in voice control for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which allows you to view and control Home Security Wireless Camera your home’s camera with simple commands. Others have an app that allows you to make adjustments, view livestreams, and review recordings.
Detection of Objects
Home security cameras rely on a variety of methods to transmit data. Many use Wi-Fi to connect to a hub or control panel, with the data either stored on that device or in the cloud. Some cameras, however, support cellular data. This makes them especially useful in remote areas, where broadband connectivity is less common.
These cameras send their footage to your home’s Wi-Fi network, which can then be accessed on your phone or other mobile devices. They can also store the video locally on an SD card. They are often cheaper to install than wired options and can be more flexible to position, as there is no need to run obtrusive wires.
Typically, these systems can detect objects within a range of 300 feet in open space, but walls, doors and furniture may limit this. They can also be susceptible to interference from other household devices like microwaves, cordless phones and video game controllers. Some can be vulnerable to digital snooping by criminals who have access to the same wireless frequency used by your home security camera.
Some of these wireless and wire-free cameras are powered by batteries, allowing them to be moved from one location to another. This can be beneficial for renters or landlords who don’t want to alter the exterior of a building or who don’t have the time to install a hardwired system.
Detection of Sounds
Besides motion detection, home security cameras can also be set to detect sound. This allows them to respond to certain sounds, like smoke and CO alarms, and even more specific ones, such as a baby crying, a dog barking, or breaking glass. The sounds trigger a camera to record or alert you and can even activate other technology, such as a doorbell. Some cameras have two-way audio and allow you to talk back, making them great for monitoring children, pets, or remotely commanding household helpers. For example, the eufyCam E lets you yell at intruders to shoo them away or instruct delivery drivers when leaving packages on your porch.
Depending on the camera, it may also be able to communicate with you via text. This is helpful if your smartphone goes dead or if you want to limit who receives an alert (to avoid overburdening your loved ones with notifications). Many top-rated models offer scheduling, allowing you to set when the camera will turn on and off or send alerts to help reduce false alarms.
In addition to these features, a good security camera will have a wide viewing angle so you can monitor your entire room or yard. Some have motorized pan-and-tilt for expanded coverage, person detection, monitoring zones, and voice activation through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Detection of Temperature
The best home security wireless cameras are packed with features like two-way audio, facial recognition and compatibility with voice-controlled smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Some models also boast motorized pan-and-tilt to remotely move the camera’s view, as well as monitoring zones and door/window sensor warnings. Some offer built-in temperature and humidity sensors that display real-time environment data in the app or web UI. When the temperature or humidity reaches set thresholds, users receive push notification alerts.
Wireless security systems are convenient because you can monitor your home remotely from Home Security Wireless Camera a smartphone, tablet or computer. They also don’t require drilling holes in your walls to run wires. Wireless security cameras have a range of up to 150 feet, though their signal can be blocked by thicker building materials or objects like brick. Most of our top-rated models also feature cloud storage, so you can access hours of recorded footage from anywhere with an internet connection.
But ‘wireless’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘wire-free’. Even battery-powered models require electricity to work (though they may not have the invasive charging cables or outlets of wired options). And some ‘wireless’ security cameras use Bluetooth to communicate, which is limited to short distances and requires pairing between devices. Others connect via cellular networks, which may be less susceptible to internet outages or hacking.