Is there a security camera that works without Wi-Fi? We found that Lorex and Arlo Go are the best options if your home doesn't have Wi-Fi. Reolink and other brands offer powerful LTE cameras that don't require Wi-Fi or cables. If your off-network location, such as the Remote Surveillance Trailer in Marysville CA, has a mobile Internet connection, consider an LTE or cellular camera. These use a mobile data connection like smartphones, usually 4G, although 5G is just around the corner for these cameras. Because the distribution of the mobile phone towers is so complete, it allows the camera to find a signal and allows the operation of the application and the viewing of live videos anywhere, except in the most rural places.
If that sounds the alarm, many security cameras offer local storage in the form of microSD cards, which can store large amounts of data (more than 1 TB if you don't mind spending). The problem is that most of these cameras, including some models on our lists, offer local storage in addition to Wi-Fi and you can't use those cameras without Internet. For areas without Internet access but with reliable cellular coverage, outdoor security cameras without WiFi come into play. Consider 4G battery cameras, such as the Reolink Go series, for reliable surveillance even in areas without electricity or Internet access. Equipped with 360° swivel and tilt functions, these cameras guarantee complete coverage, without leaving any area unattended, both day and night.
The lack of alert and streaming functions of security cameras with local storage can be a decisive factor for others. Traditionally, motion detectors are part of online home security systems, which aren't really designed for full, offline use, unless you want to invest a lot in a mobile system. So what are the pros and cons of using cameras that work and don't work with Wi-Fi? We break it down below. Indoor or outdoor non-WiFi security cameras use other means, such as 4G LTE or Ethernet connections, for remote access and surveillance, making them ideal for areas with limited or no Wi-Fi coverage.
If you're not worried about streaming video, but you want to record video, Lorex sells a lot of great cameras that connect to a digital recorder. These 4G security cameras use cellular networks to transmit data, making them suitable for farms, construction sites or recreational vehicles. Even without a plan, you'll have to invest in prepaid SIM cards to keep the camera up and running, so it's a bit like having a subscription. Don't forget legal methods for accessing your security camera data, such as the hazy world of police requests that completely evade owners.
From camping and organizing a cabin getaway to no longer relying on the local power grid, one of the challenges is finding security that works.
