Is It Better to Have Wired or Wireless Security Cameras?

Protecting your home or commercial building becomes easier with a professional security camera. These cameras ensure your house is under consistent surveillance, even when you are not there. Statistics by Forbes indicate that nearly 1 million robberies occur every year in the United States.

It is an alarming number considering a single robbery could make you lose most of your valuables or even your life. In these circumstances, installing a security camera can help you.

Wired or Wireless Security Cameras: What’s better?

Property owners have plenty of options when installing a security camera. However, the most common choice these homeowners have is between wired and wireless security cameras.

There are plenty of reasons why people may choose either of the two options. However, this comprehensive guide will help you if you’re dealing with confusion. We will talk about the following:

• Wired and Wireless cameras
• The Advantages
• The Disadvantages
• Our Final Verdict

Wired Security Cameras

Wired security cameras are a classic security option for most commercial and residential buildings. These cameras transmit audio and video information using a central hub. The camera operators can use either store the footage in the internal memory of the security camera or move it to another network.

Wired security cameras are popular because of their hardwired cables and can provide consistent coverage for your residential and commercial buildings. You can even choose to see the footage from these wired security cameras immediately or store it later.

There’s also a chance your wired cameras may receive their power from the PoE (Power over Ethernet) cable. The central hub, the most crucial component of the wired security cameras, includes a digital video recorder (DVR) and uses coaxial cables to attach itself to the main camera unit.

In other wired security camera models, you might also find a networked video recorder (NVR) system that works for the latest Internet Protocol (IP) options.

Advantages of Wired Security Cameras

The main reason why people prefer wired security cameras is because of their reliability. A consistent power supply is crucial for security. The wired security systems have hardware installed, which is why the signal is less likely to get interrupted. These security cameras have a stronger wire connection, which ensures a clearer image and better overall performance.

Moreover, there’s a chance that wireless cameras may get hacked because they are virtually connected. The wired cameras remove this chance and ensure better security for your home.

Disadvantages of Wired Security Cameras

The biggest problem you might face with these wired security cameras is that they are not portable. You can install the best-wired cameras but cannot carry them if you move out of the house. Property owners have to get the security camera reinstalled.

The second biggest problem is that the wired security cameras require lengthy wiring throughout the different property sections.

The current and the network need to flow throughout this section for maximum coverage. However, these wires can make your property look tacky and unkempt. Thus, you’ll have to think of ways to hide these wires.

The wired security cameras must share their wiring throughout the property and in different locations. It means you’ll spend more time planning the location and position of these wires to keep them concealed.

The biggest challenge that can limit the quality of property security you can install a limited number of cameras. These camera numbers depend on the number of jacks on the DVR.

Wireless Security Cameras

The second option for security cameras is wireless ones. Most property owners think the main difference between the two security camera types is there wiring alone. However, that’s not true. The connection difference can also make a difference in your overall experience with these cameras.

Wireless (wire-free) cameras are more popular in commercial buildings because they provide a sleek and private option for monitoring properties. However, many residential building owners may also install these wireless camera systems because of their convenience.

These cameras have become more popular because of their sophistication. The transmission is wireless, so you don’t have to worry about the wires hanging indoors when you want to contain them.

Once the Wi-Fi receives the data, it sends the information to the cloud server. The cloud server is the main information hub that you can use to check the footage in real-time on in the achieve for future reference. This way, the wireless security systems provide more scalability and control over the quality of surveillance you have for your residential and commercial properties.

In other cases, some of these wireless security cameras may also have an SD card on board, allowing the owners to store a specific data amount. Some of the most common features these wireless security cameras have include:

• 2K HD video
• Night vision
• Two-way audio
• Voice control via digital assistant (Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant), etc.

This way, the users know what they are paying for and can make their property security easier and more scalable. So, the main difference between the two camera types is the wired security camera saves the information through its wired system. In contrast, the wire-free one uses cloud storage for storage collection.

The wire-free cameras also have limited power, which is why they can record the footage whenever there’s a signal received. This little feature helps the camera save power and operate longer without requiring a battery change.

Wireless vs Wired Security Cameras: Quick Recap

Now that we have discussed most details about the available security camera types, it’s important to remember their pros and cons for better choice. Here’s a quick recap of the pros and cons each of these camera types offers:

Wired Security Camera

Pros	Cons
– Removes chances of wireless hacking on your property – Reliable signals for drop-free operations – Constant power for round-the-clock coverage – Clear video and audio signals	– The wiring connections travel through multiple locations – The total number of cameras installable depends on the number of network jacks on the DVR or NVR – Requires extensive wiring that you may want concealed – Homeowners have to run new wiring if they move

Wireless Security Camera

Pros	Cons
– Clean installation – Mobile and flexible system installation – Scalable and editable system for more camera units if needed – No chance of wiring issues or wire cuts	– Limited signal and recording range – Homeowners may face impeded signals because of obstructions – Other Wi-fi dependent systems may interfere with security cameras – Digital snooping can be an issue – Requires battery changes or charging after some time

Bottom Line

Wireless and wire-connected cameras are both popular options for property security around the US, and both offer various features that set them apart. The answer to the question is whether it better to have a wired or wireless security camera is a little complicated.

It’s because the pros and cons depending on the property owner’s individual preferences and use. For instance, if you are a homeowner who doesn’t plan to leave their property any time soon, a wired security camera is the best option.

However, if you are an incorporated building and want to make the property look clean and sophisticated, wireless security cameras are the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)