Best security cameras without WiFi 2022

An internet connected security camera is useful, sure. But if you are concerned about it being hacked. Or if you just need a no-frills camera to monitor around your property, it’s best to stick with security cameras without WiFi. Technically all security cameras work without WiFi. They record the footage and feed it to a monitor in real time. Some cameras record 24/7 and some record only when there is motion. You only need WiFi Security cameras when you want the added features like remote monitoring, two-way talk, or cloud storage.

Security cameras work without WiFi but will be limited to the basic functions of recording and storing the video locally. You cannot monitor the cameras remotely and you will not receive any motion detection notifications.

If you are looking for security cameras without WiFi, chances are you do not need these added features and are happy with a simple security system where you have footage of any incidents that might take place.

In this article, we will look at the best security surveillance cameras that do not require WiFi. And we will look at the main differences – advantages and disadvantages – between WiFi and Non-WiFi security cameras.

Best Security Camera without WiFi
Best Analog Camera System with DVR	ANNKE 5MP Lite Outdoor Security Camera System 8 Channel H.265+ DVR
Best IP Camera System with NVR	REOLINK 5MP 8CH PoE IP Camera System
Best Cellular Security Camera	Reolink 3G/4G LTE Soar Battery Powered Camera

Types of Security Cameras Without WiFi

Gray security camera near a white wooden door

IP Security Camera connected to NVR (Wired or Wireless)
Analog Security Camera Connected to DVR (Wired)
Cellular Security Camera (Wireless)

IP Security Camera connected to NVR (Wired or Wireless)

An IP security camera is a digital security camera that connects to an internal Network Video Recorder (NVR). You can connect it with an ethernet cable, a USB cable, or through a private WiFi network (no internet connection required).

The resolution of the video will depend on the quality of the cameras. However, IP cameras have a built-in chip to compress the video footage for storage. HD quality videos take up a large amount of space and if you are recording 24/7, it will add up quickly. Also, IP cameras process the video at the security camera before transferring it to the NVR. Compressed videos offer quicker transfer times.

PoE: IP cameras use a single ethernet cable for power and data transfer

You can connect IP cameras with an NVR recorder via an ethernet cable or wirelessly through a WiFi router. The router does not need to be connected to a broadband network; the NVR will create an internal network to which you can connect multiple security cameras. If the cameras are connected via ethernet, the same cable will be used for data and power. You do not have to install a separate power cable.

If the cameras are connected wirelessly, you will need to think about power points near each of the cameras. There are battery or solar power IP cameras available, but we recommend not relying solely on these power sources.

Cellular Security Camera (Wireless)

There are several reasons to opt for security cameras without WiFi. Maybe you are concerned about cyber intrusions and do not want you video travelling through non-encrypted connections. Or you could be concerned about bandwidth usage inside the house – a valid concern if you have multiple devices connected to the same network. Sometimes your property is in a remote location or the security cameras are far away from your router. In such a case it is not possible to get an internet or WiFi connection.

Cellular cameras are a good alternative if you want an internet connected security camera system but broadband or WiFi is not an option. 3G/4G connections are available in most locations and that covers several remote locations as well. You will need to purchase a sim card with a data subscription from your local provider. Security cameras do not use a ton of data, especially if you have them set-up for motion detection only. Something with 1-3GB of data should suffice. Adjust the video quality to a slightly lower setting if you want to save on data charges.

Pros	Cons
Internet connected security cameras without WiFi.	Need to purchase a data subscription.
Wireless connectivity	Cannot record 24/7 footage
Easy to set-up and install	Relatively lower video quality
Remote monitoring and notifications	Subpar battery life
Off-site video storage

How to choose security cameras without WiFi

Will it be Wired or Wireless?

Your first decision is if your connection will be wired or wireless. Wired security systems are harder to install but are generally more reliable than wireless connections.

Wired Security Cameras without WiFi:

Analog Security Cameras wired to a DVR
IP cameras connected to NVR (PoE)

Wireless Security Cameras without WiFi:

IP camera connected to NVR (Wireless Router)
Cellular Security Cameras

Do you need remote monitoring and notifications?

If you need remote monitoring capabilities without being connected to WiFi, your only option are cellular security cameras. Get a data sim card from your local service provider, pop it into your security camera and connect the camera to a power source. You now have a wireless security camera that you can monitor on your smartphone from anywhere in the world. Most cellular security cameras have added features like two-way talk, motion detection spotlights, and cloud storage.

How important is the quality of the recorded video?

IP security cameras have the best video resolution. If identifying faces and registration plates is an important factor, get an IP camera with 1080P or higher resolution. Consider the fact that IP cameras will compress the video before transferring it to the NVR so you will lose some resolution there.

Compared to IP cameras, analog cameras – even HD ones – have a much lower resolution. This is due the technology they are built on. As per the Reolink website: “Because the analog video technology is derived from the television industry … analog security camera resolution is measured differently by the number of horizontal and vertical television lines (TVL) displayed in an image.”

Ease of Installation

Wireless security cameras are the easiest to install. Cellular cameras for the win here. The only cable you will see is the power cable connected to the camera. And you can avoid even that cable by using a solar panel as the main power source.

DVR cameras are the hardest to install as you need separate cables for power and data transfer. The footage is stored locally on the DVR. NVR cameras can be connected with a PoE cable which enables data transfer and power. They can even be connected via a wireless router which essentially forms a private network on your property. You can connect multiple cameras on the same wireless connection.

NVR and DVR connections are DIY-able if you have basic DIY skills and tools. If not, we highly recommend hiring a professional for the job. You don’t want to spend money on a decent security system and mess up the installation.

Best DVR Security Cameras without WiFi

ANNKE 5MP Lite Outdoor Security Camera System 8 Channel H.265+ DVR

You get 8 security cameras with excellent 1080P resolution connected to a DVR system with 1TB of in-built storage. H.265+ video format means that you record higher resolution videos, but the encoding ensures that the footage doesn’t take up a lot of space. 1TB will accommodate up to 600 hours of footage. You can set it up to record 24/7 or motion only. Motion recording will last you much longer than continuous recording. If you do need more storage, you can buy an external HDD. The DVR also supports IP cameras up to 6MP if you are looking for better quality video.

The cameras themselves do not have two-way talk but you can install any wired camera to the DVR system to expand your home security. There is also an option to connect the cameras to your broadband through an ethernet to receive notifications of motion detection or intrusion. The cameras do not have a WiFi adapter so you cannot connect it to your wireless router without an external USB WiFi adapter. You can also monitor live and recorded video through the XMeye app.

Pros:

Excellent video quality – 1080P resolution. Good clarity in the dark.
Straightforward installation. Some DIY skills required.
Ability to add internet connection for added features.

Cons:

Motion detection is not the best
After sales customer service needs improvement
Included instructions are not the best (online installation videos available)

REOLINK 5MP 8CH Home Security Camera System, 4pcs Wired 5MP Outdoor PoE IP Cameras, 4K 8CH NVR with 2TB HDD

The Reolink NVR camera system is an incredibly well-built device. The system includes four IP cameras with 5MP resolution which is better than 1080P. The NVR has 8 channels and 2TB of internal storage. There is even an in-built PoE switch, so you don’t have to buy an external device. The cameras feel heavy in the hand and have a weatherproof casing. They don’t look like they can withstand a storm but will do well in serious inclement weather conditions.

The 2TB in-built storage is expandable to up to 12TB. This should give you enough room to record and store 24/7 video footage. But with the advanced motion detection technology, continuous recording is just overkill. You can even mask out high motion objects like trees, so you don’t receive any false notifications and the video doesn’t take up a ton of space on the hard drive.

The clarity of the 5MP IP cameras was found to be excellent in real world use. Customers were able to read license plates and identify faces when the camera was in direct focus. This is because of Reolink’s Starlight Night Vision Technology. The cameras also have built-in recording. Although the quality of sound depends on how far the source is. It records clear audio within a distance of about 20 feet and that includes the height at which the camera is installed.

Pros:

Excellent build quality on both the cameras and the NVR system.
Great camera clarity even in low light.
Expandable up to 12TB and with additional cameras.
Possibility of remote monitoring (with internet)

Cons:

Desktop software needs serious improvement.
Instruction manual is poorly written – watch online videos instead.
Fast forward and rewind not available on all viewing platforms.

Best Cellular Security Camera

Reolink 3G/4G LTE Solar Battery Powered Camera, Starlight Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, PIR Motion Detection

No wires and no WiFi equals no problems. This tiny device is jam packed with benefits that are actually useful for your home security. Yes, you will require a data subscription to activate this mini wonder but think about what you can do with data connectivity. The in-built PIR motion detection is excellent at differentiating between objects such as trees and say a moving car or a human being. Reolink has combined infrared detection with camera vision to identify heat signatures of intruders who try to come near the house.

The 2-Way Audio doesn’t just help you talk to you legitimate visitors but also helps you ward off individuals that are lurking around. The sound is crystal clear for up to 20 feet and gradually drops down in quality and volume as the source moves farther away. It’s still perfect to talk to your visitors or warn off any intruder lurking around your property.

Solar powered battery means you never have to charge this device once its installed. Of course, this depends on where you live and how much sunlight you get every day, but the power drawn by the camera is very low and a single charge lasts forever.

Cellular Data Usage

If you are concerned about data usage let’s do the math – 1 hour of live feed in 1080p mode (default bitrate: 1.5Mbps) will use about 1GB of data. And if you use 1GB of data to stream live feed in Fluent mode (default bitrate: 160kbps), you can watch for 10 hours. So yes, you cannot stream a continuous feed unless you want to lose your mortgage amount to AT&T. but with the advanced motion detection, you will have all the important footage you need to keep your home secure.

Pros: