[kkstarratings force]
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in smart home security systems and cameras. But ever since my kids were born, I’ve been obsessed with keeping my family safe. The first step toward protecting them and my home was finding the battery powered surveillance camera.
I searched high and low, but I had trouble choosing just one system. Also, I didn’t know which battery operated security camera I could trust. So, I decided to buy a few for myself and test them in my own home.
Now, after years of researching, collecting information, and seeing what works and what doesn’t, I’ve come up with a definitive list. However, I didn’t want to make this just a plain, boring list of reviews.
Instead, I’ll give you my top picks first. Then, I’ll show you what the most important things about finding the battery powered cameras are, what to look for, and who to trust. Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Our Comparison Table
This product offers 2K HDR image quality and an excellent viewing range. It’s weather-resistant and the battery can last between three and six months.
You can hook up this battery-powered camera to a solar panel and charge it in just a few hours. It’s compatible with three home assistants.
By far one of the easiest cameras to install. It can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
1. Arlo Pro 3
This product offers 2K HDR image quality and an excellent viewing range. It’s weather-resistant and the battery can last between three and six months.
You can hook up this battery-powered camera to a solar panel and charge it in just a few hours. It’s compatible with three home assistants.
By far one of the easiest cameras to install. It can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
Reviews of the Best Outdoor Security Camera
1. Arlo Pro 3
Arlo Pro 3 is the latest camera in the company’s line and comes with 2K HDR video resolution. With this camera, you’ll get a field of view of 160° and color night vision, perfect for filming in the dark. What’s more, the Pro 3 has an integrated spotlight which you can turn on manually or have it automatically go off with your motion detection sensors (motion alerts).
The camera features a sleek design that is weather-resistant and wire-free. In fact, it can work at temperatures ranging from -4°F to 113°F. Also, you can connect your camera using Wi-Fi and the wireless range is up to 300 ft.
The batteries that go inside the Arlo Pro 3 are rechargeable and, with normal use, can last you three to six months. When you need to charge them, you can do so with a magnetic charging cable(usb cable).
You’ll be able to see the feed from your camera on a smart home Hub. You can also set up your Apple Watch to receive push notifications and watch your recording history 30 days back. Furthermore, you can share the camera/stick up cam battery access with others in your household.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”Features We Love:“]
- This camera’s resolution is crisp and clear
- The Pro 3 is easy to mount (window mount) dialog window, set up, and install
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- One of the best outdoor security cameras for large properties
Features We Don’t Love
- Poor customer service
- Expensive cloud based video storage (cloud service/cloud storage options)
2. Reolink Argus 2
With the Reolink Argus 2, you’ll get crystal clear images and videos since it has a 1080p full HD resolution. The camera also has a 130° field of view and a Starlight CMOS night vision sensor. You can install it both indoors and outdoors/cam iq outdoor since it’s weatherproof and has IP65 certification.
Some of the features you’ll get with the Argus 2 are the two-way audio, smart PIR motion sensors(motion is detected), and rapid wake-up. Also, once you download the Reolink app, you can get notifications and intelligent alerts(smartphone alerts) to let you know when someone has set off your sensors.
The Argus 2 is the best wireless battery security camera/stick up cam battery for those of you who want to be eco-friendly. If you want to save energy and keep your battery full at all times, you can connect the camera to a solar-powered panel.
It’s also powered by a rechargeable battery and you can easily install it in less than an hour. When you install the Argus 2, you won’t have to drill any holes into your walls or pay professionals for the job.
Features We Love
- 1080p full HD live video resolution with a 130° field of view
- The camera has plenty of helpful features and sensors
- An eco-friendly option that you can hook up to a solar panel (solar power)
- Works with google assistant (voice assistant), Echo Spot, and Echo Show
Features We Don’t Love
- The motion detection sensors can be overly sensitive (motion activated)
- Poor customer support
3. Blink XT2
No products found.
No products found.
If you’ve ever owned a Blink camera before, you know that they’re high-quality and durable. Now, the XT2 has all the features you know and love, plus some new ones, like two-way audio quality and customizable motion detection zones.
The XT2 also has infrared night vision and it’s weather resistant. Also, if you’re someone who likes to keep their video recordings for days or even a month or two, this might be the best battery operated camera for you. When you buy it, you’ll also get free storage.
Compared to the previous version, the Blink XT2 also comes with 2 AA lithium non-rechargeable batteries/lithium batteries. The company claims that, with normal use, these lithium batteries can last up to two years.
The camera resolution is the same as that of Argus 2 and you can record in 1080p resolution. However, you should note that the camera has a smaller field of view compared to the previous models mentioned, coming in at 110°.
Features We Love
- New features include two-way audio quality, infrared sensors, and features night vision
- 1080p full HD video resolution (video clips)
- Two batteries with an extended life of two years
- The camera comes with a one-year warranty
- Free storage
Features We Don’t Love
- The motion detection sensors/motion tracking sometimes fail for no apparent reason
- The camera has a 3–5 second delay
4. Zumimall A3P
If you want something that’s incredibly simple to install, the Zumimall A3P might be an excellent choice for you. The camera/stick up cam battery comes with double-sided adhesive tape and a magnetic bracket screw, making it easy to install indoors and outdoors.
The A3P is also completely wire-free and cordless and comes with a 6000 mAh rechargeable battery. Zumimall claims that you can use the camera for two to five months before you have to charge it again.
It has a 1080p video resolution and just like the Argus 2, maintains a camera angle of 130°. Some of the features you’ll get with the A3P include night vision and advanced PIR motion detection sensors/motion tracking.
It also has a built-in microphone and speakers so that you can communicate with everyone in and around your home. You can also share video access so that others in your household can see what’s going on.
Features We Love
- It’s extremely easy to install
- The battery power (power cord) can last between two and six months
- The features include night vision and smart PIR sensor (image sensor)
- Weather-resistant and can withstand temperatures of -4°Fto 122°F.
Features We Don’t Love
- The camera can be difficult to sync up to a Wi-Fi router
- The video feed is delayed at times
5. CONICO Rechargeable Battery Camera
No products found.
No products found.
If you’re afraid of getting hacked, the model from Conico could be the battery powered IP camera for you. You can save all your footage from it on an encrypted cloud based and access it any time you want with the CloudEdge app.
The camera/stick up cam battery from Conico boasts a 1080p resolution and a 130° angle. It also has an advanced IR technology and you can see up to 32 ft in the dark. What’s more, the camera has smart PIR sensors that will send you an alert as soon as someone sets them off.
To reduce false alarms, you can customize the sensitivity of your image sensor. Also, the best security camera is weather-resistant and comes with an IP65 certificate (ip ratings).
Conico’s camera is pretty easy to install and has a rechargeable 6000 mAh battery. The metal stand and a magnetic wall mount (window mount) come included, and it shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to install.
Features We Love
- Encrypted storage and an excellent 1080p resolution
- The camera has smart PIR sensors and night vision
- It’s weather-proof and great for indoor and outdoor use
- The rechargeable battery can last up to 60 days
Features We Don’t Love
- The night vision mode offers poor video quality
- Poor customer support
Runners-Up
6. Arlo Pro 2
Because of its unique motion detection sensors, the Arlo Pro 2 is an excellent battery operated indoor security camera. Namely, when you plug the camera into an outlet, you can customize your activity zones and receive alerts (facial recognition) only for them.
What’s more, the Pro 2 has 1080p full HD resolution and you’ll be able to see up to 300 ft in the distance. Of course, in the beginning, you can buy just one camera to see if it works for you and if you’re happy with it, add a few more later.
The camera also has a 3-second look back feature which you can use to see what happened moments before your motion sensors (motion zones) went off. However, this is another feature that’s available only when the camera is plugged in and used indoors.
Features We Love
- The security camera has unique features like detection zones and 24/7 video recording
- It has 1080p full HD resolution and you can see up to 300 ft
- Works well with alexa and google assistant, Amazon Alexa and google(smart home)
- Smart built in siren, night vision, and sound detection
Features We Don’t Love
- The security system can go offline for no apparent reason
- If you want to maintain the Arlo smart features, you have to buy the subscription plans/subscription plan
7. Reolink Argus Eco
The Reolink Argus is an excellent battery powered outdoor security camera because of its superb night vision feature. With it, you’ll be able to see up to 33 ft in the dark, with a 100° angle. What’s more, the camera has an IP65 certification (ip ratings), which means it can withstand heavy rain and extreme sun.
When you purchase the Argus Eco, it’ll come with the rechargeable battery included. The battery has 5200 mAh, multipower options, and long-lasting power per charge. You can charge it using the power cord or, for a more eco-friendly option, hook it up to a solar powered panel.
Some of the Eco’s main features are PIR sensor, smart siren, and customized person alerts. Also, you’ll be able to save all of your video footage either on a memory card or on the cloud. There, you’ll be able to see a few days or even months of your past recordings.
Features We Love
- Excellent night vision
- Rechargeable battery
- PIR sensors and smart siren
- Weather-resistant
Features We Don’t Love
- Video quality is only 720p
- It can be difficult to connect to a Wi-Fi network (wireless network)
8. FUVISION Wire-Free 1080P Security Camera
No products found.
No products found.
Due to its long-lasting battery, Fuvision might have the battery operated outdoor camera on the market. In fact, with 12000 mAh, this cam battery can last 10 to 12 months with the motion detection sensors on.
Also, Fuvision’s camera records everything in 1080p camera resolution and automatically switches between day and night mode. The built-in infrared LEDs help you see up to 36 ft in the distance even when it’s pitch black outside.
The Wi-Fi camera is also waterproof and comes with an IP66 certification (ip ratings). You can install it both indoor outdoor, and use either a wall or magnetic mount for the job.
When you download the Fuvision app, you’ll be able to receive instant alerts and push notifications on your mobile phone/mobile device or tablet. You can also save all of your footage on a 64 GB microsd card.
Features We Love
- Durable and long-lasting battery with 12,000 mAh
- The CCTV Cameras (budget cameras) has 1080p full HD resolution
- The IR LEDs help the camera record better at night
- It has an IP66 certification
Features We Don’t Love
- Doesn’t support 24/7 recording
- The motion detection sensors can be overly sensitive (sensitivity settings)
9. MECO Home
If you want to have a wide-angle and see every single inch of your home at the press of a button, the Meco camera should be your go-to. It has a 355° angle and 1080p full HD resolution. It’s also probably a smart home devices for those of you who have large homes or manage buildings.
With the infrared sensors, you’ll be able to see up to 64 ft in the dark and the camera will automatically adjust according to the ambient light. Meco’s camera also comes with a rechargeable battery that they say can last between two and six months.
The camera is also pretty easy to install and connect, and it comes with an IP65 certificate. Some of the features the model boasts are two-way talking, smart PIR, as well as motion detection sensors (person detection).
Features We Love
- Incredible viewing angle and HD resolution
- Infrared sensors and rechargeable battery
- Easy to connect and install
- Motion detection sensors that send smart notifications
Features We Don’t Love
- Some of the camera’s components seem cheap
- The speaker can stop working without an apparent reason
10. Lemnoi
No products found.
No products found.
The Lemnoi 1080p HD IP is a wireless security camera that comes with a 6000 mAh rechargeable battery. Lemnoi says that their battery can last anywhere between two and five months and you could also charge it using a solar-powered panel.
Since it has an IP65 certificate, the camera is weatherproof and you could install it both indoor outdoor. What’s more, it has an innovative double sealing technology that’s supposed to ensure extended service life.
Some of the features of the Lemnoi camera include PIR sensors, two-way audio, and infrared night vision function. With the night vision sensors, you’ll be able to see 32 ft in the distance when it’s completely dark out.
It also has two-way local storage options, which means you can store your footage on a SD card or the cloud. Also, you’ll be able to see what’s been happening in your home(smart home) for the past few days or even a month or two. “This is some Great camera specs”
PROS
- Rechargeable battery that you can hook up to a solar panel (solar power)
- Water-proof with IP65 certification
- Includes PIR sensors, night vision function, two-way local storage options
- Built-in mic and speakers
CONS
- The mounting brackets are low-quality
- The battery life is much shorter than advertised and sometimes lasts less than a month
Things to Consider Before Buying a Security Camera
Before you commit to buying any wireless security camera, you need to know about the different types that exist and what their pros and cons are. Also, you should figure out which features are important to you and how and where you’re going to use the security camera.
Types of Security Cameras
The first thing that’ll influence your decision is where you’re installing the security cameras — Indoor outdoor. Of course, there are cameras that are versatile like the ones we’ve just seen which you can install anywhere.
Indoor Security Cameras
Indoor security cameras are an easy way of keeping tabs on your house, kids, and pets. Most of them are pretty simple to install and are plug and play systems.
Indoor outdoor security cameras are divided into three categories:
- Nanny cams — They’re usually small and discreet cameras that you can install to see what your kids, pets, or babysitters are up to. Depending on your needs, you can pick between exposed or hidden nanny cams.
- Pet cams — These are pretty similar to nanny cams, except they usually have some extra features. For example, most pet cams have built-in speakers so that you can interact with your pets.
- Baby monitors — They are a great way to watch over your kids and you can choose those that monitor a baby’s movements or sound or simply capture video. You can buy baby monitors that also control humidity, have built-in speakers and mics, and much more.
Outdoor Security Cameras
Based on their shape, you can divide outdoor security cameras into four different categories:
- Bullet
- Dome
- Pan, tilt, and zoom
- Box
Now, bullet security camera systems are usually small in size and can perfectly blend into any environment. Some of these outdoor security cameras can even be used underwater and you can buy them as both wired and wire-free versions.
Dome security camera systems are called burglar-proof and they are a great choice if you think someone might try to tamper with them. They’re also pretty discreet and can have wide viewing angles.
If you have a large backyard and need to cover a lot of ground, you should look into pan, tilt, and zoom cameras. These outdoor security cameras are most commonly used in airports, supermarkets, and retail stores.
Box cameras are extremely durable and have been proven to work excellently in harsh weather conditions. They’re high-quality cameras that are easy to set up.
On the other hand, there are two different categories of outdoor security cameras based on video resolution:
- CCTV Cameras
- HD cameras
Home security system or a home security camera system have been around for years, and they’re pretty cheap and easy to setup. The three main types of these cameras are wired, analog, and IP. These outdoor security cameras also come in a variety of different shapes and are pretty burglar-proof, but usually have poor video quality.
On the other hand, an HD security camera will give you a crisp and clean 1080p images and video. It’s also usually much better for night recordings and you’ll be able to see much farther into the distance compared to a security camera.
Wired, Wire-Free Security Cameras
The wired security camera system is reliable, durable, and great for large properties. They need power cables, an internet connection(internet service), and video transmission to work. However, wired cameras are usually pretty difficult to install and are susceptible to power outages.
To install a wire-free security camera on your property, all you need is a good internet connection (connectivity issues). Most of them come with rechargeable batteries and require a short installation process. Unlike wired security cameras, these won’t be affected in any way in case your power goes out.
Wireless security cameras are easy to set up, and most of them are simple plug-and-play security camera system. They could be a great choice for those of you who are renting your home or office. Also, if you’re planning to move in the future, wireless security cameras are the way to go.
Camera Features
The last thing that will determine which security cameras you should get is the features that you want. For example, some of the most common features that most of them have are two-way audio and a PIR sensor and motion activated.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more advanced, you can look into security cameras that have customizable detection zones or encrypted storage. There are also some that have tamper detection, wide dynamic range, and a camera iris, for example.
Also, before you buy any battery powered cameras, make sure it works with your virtual assistant at home. Not every model will be compatible with the Apple HomeKit (homekit secure video).
Of course, you should also always check out the reviews for the app that controls the cameras and how good the battery life is. Only when you coordinate all of these things, you will find the perfect security camera system for you.
FAQs About Security Cameras
How to Build a Battery Powered Wi-Fi Security Camera?Building a battery powered security camera on your own is going to be a long and arduous process. It requires a lot of materials, tools, and skills. If you want to learn what it takes, you can check out this YouTube tutorial on making a camera from scratch. However, unless you’re extremely tech-savvy and have a bunch of power tools just lying around, I suggest buying instead of building.
What Is the Battery Powered CCTV Camera for a Busy Storefront?”If you’re managing a store and need a durable security camera, I recommend either the Arlo Pro 3 or the Fuvision. Both of these have excellent battery life and a good viewing angle.
What Are the Top Battery Powered Security Camera Brands?In my opinion, the biggest security camera brands on the market right now are Arlo, Reolink, Ring, and Blink. Their products are high-quality and they’ve usually got good warranties for them. Also, all of these companies often do special deals and discounts so that you can get their cameras for a good price.
Is the Battery Good Enough to Power a Security Camera?Almost all of the security cameras on this list have excellent rechargeable batteries that are 6000 mAh or higher. Depending on how you use them, they should last you at least a few months. So, yes, the battery that’s included should be good enough to keep your camera running for a while. However, if it’s faulty, you should report it to the manufacturer straight away and ask for a new one.
What Is the Battery Operated Security Camera?
There’s no conclusive answer to this question, and it will all come down to what you need and like. For example, if you have a large backyard and need a wide field of view, I’d recommend the Arlo Pro 3.
On the other hand, if you want to install a surveillance camera in harsh weather conditions, I would go with either Fuvision or the Reolink Argus Eco. And if you need to store all of that footage for more than 24 hours, the Lemnoi’s two-way micro SD and local storage are tough to beat.
Is Ring Better Than Arlo? Both Ring and Arlo produce top-notch wireless security cameras and both offer Wi-Fi-based security backup systems. However, Ring has a wider selection of home camera security systems, while Arlo specializes mostly in security cameras.
Even though Ring offers 24/7 professional monitoring, the quality of Arlo’s security cameras is simply better. For example, Arlo Pro 2 and 3 produce better videos than Ring’s number one seller — the Spotlight cam. With that said, in my opinion, Arlo is superior to Ring.
Is There a Security Camera That Works Without Wi-Fi?Yes, most wired and wireless security cameras can work without a Wi-Fi connection. In fact, some of the best home security cameras don’t even need power to work and have backup power sources.
Even when your connection runs out, your security camera will keep rolling. However, you won’t be able to re-watch the previous hours of that footage or save it.
Wrapping Up
So, what is a good wireless security camera? Well, it will come down to what you need, want, and like.
For me, personally, image quality has been the number one priority, which is why my favorite wireless outdoor camera is Arlo Pro 3. It has incredible security features, color night vision, and the battery life is pretty good.
The outdoor camera also has a smart motion sensor and is extremely easy to set up, which is part of the reason why I picked it. I have the Arlo Pro 3 app on all of my devices, including my phone, tablet, and computer, and I can stream footage 24 hours a day and share it with others.
However, if you’re looking for something that can withstand extreme temperatures, I’d go with either the Conico or the Zumimall. Both of them have excellent safety features, are easy to set up, and I know that a lot of people enjoy them.
Other Recommended Products: