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Article updated on February 22, 2024 at 7:30 AM PST

Best Wireless Home Security Cameras of 2024

We tested wireless models from Blink, Arlo, Nest and more so you can stick the best security cameras anywhere on your property, inside and out.

Our Experts

Written by 
Tyler Lacoma,
Macy Meyer
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
Tyler Lacoma Editor / Home Security
For more than 10 years Tyler has used his experience in smart home tech to craft how-to guides, explainers, and recommendations for technology of all kinds. From using his home in beautiful Bend, OR as a testing zone for the latest security products to digging into the nuts and bolts of the best data privacy guidelines, Tyler has experience in all aspects of protecting your home and belongings. With a BA in Writing from George Fox and certification in Technical Writing from Oregon State University, he's ready to get you the details you need to make the best decisions for your home. On off hours, you can find Tyler exploring the Cascade trails, finding the latest brew in town with some friends, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen!
Expertise Smart home, smart security, home tech, energy savings, A/V
Macy Meyer Editor I
Macy Meyer is a N.C. native who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2021 with a B.A. in English and Journalism. She currently resides in Charlotte, N.C., where she has been working as an Editor I, covering a variety of topics across CNET's Home and Wellness teams, including home security, fitness and nutrition, smart home tech and more. Prior to her time at CNET, Macy was featured in The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer, INDY Week, and other state and national publications. In each article, Macy helps readers get the most out of their home and wellness. When Macy isn't writing, she's volunteering, exploring the town or watching sports.
Expertise Macy covers a variety of topics across CNET's Home and Wellness teams, including home security, smart home tech, fitness, nutrition, travel, lifestyle and more. Credentials
  • Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing.
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CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

Smart home compatibility

Live view

Local vs. cloud storage

Motion detection

Battery life

Privacy and security

Our Picks

$250 at Amazon
A hand reaches to adjust the Arlo Pro 5S 2K camera on white trim on the outside of the house.
Best overall wireless home security camera
Arlo Pro 5S 2K Security Camera
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$140 at Dell
The wireless Ring Stick-Up Cam Pro sits perched on the corner of a home, keeping an eye on the exterior of the property.
Best portable wireless home security camera
Ring Stick Up Cam Pro
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$65 at Best Buy
A Blink outdoor camera mounted to a wooden fence in a backyard.
Best wireless home security camera for battery life
Blink Outdoor 4
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$130 at Amazon
nest-cam-indoor-outdoor-2
Best wireless home security camera for object detection
Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam (2nd-gen)
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$320 at QVC
floodlightenvironment.png
Best floodlight wireless home security camera
Arlo Pro 3 With Floodlight
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$130 at Best Buy
The Eufy SoloCam S230 against an orange background.
Best solar wireless homes security camera
Eufy SoloCam S230
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$130 at Amazon
A beige Google Nest Doorbell against a yellow background.
Best doorbell wireless home security camera
Google Nest Doorbell Battery (2nd-gen)
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What is the best wireless home security camera?

Wireless home security allows for complete coverage of your home or workspace without having to account for distance or hide unsightly cords. The best wireless security camera to stick nearly anywhere on your property is the Arlo Pro 5S, a model so packed with features that it surpasses our previous pick, the Arlo Pro 3 pick. With over 100 hours of testing security cameras and years of our experts reviewing battery-powered security devices, the Arlo Pro 5S proves to be a true do-everything camera -- especially when you add a compatible Arlo hub.

If a pricier cam such as Arlo’s Pro 5S isn’t what you have in mind, we chose a range of wireless options from our testing that would all make fine additions to your security setup. From cameras that you can move from place to place to those that focus on extra-long battery life (as well as a video doorbell option), take a gander at our full list before you decide. We also have guides for the most affordable security cameras, as well as outdoor models fit for any kind of weather.

Best wireless home security cameras of 2024

$250 at Amazon

Best overall wireless home security camera

Arlo Pro 5S 2K Security Camera

What do you want in a wireless camera? We consider features like battery life, easy installation, a great viewing angle and smart home compatibility, plus extra capabilities that make the cam worthwhile no matter where you place it. The Arlo Pro 5S 2K-resolution camera brings more to the table than any wireless cam we’ve seen so far, including a battery rated for a very healthy six months and low power settings (enhanced by an optional Arlo system connection) to extend that to six months.

This camera offers as many features as possible to give users choices, like that low-power mode. The camera has extra functionality like 12x zoom and color night vision. Smart home compatibility is some of the best we’ve seen with support for Alexa, Google Home, Samsung, and IFTTT settings (no Apple support, unfortunately). You can also use the built-in spotlight and siren to ward away intruders if you feel uncomfortable, or tap into the two-way audio to have a conversation.

Finally, the Arlo Pro 5S also offers a subscription service with tiers for cloud storage and professional monitoring. But you can choose to buy a hub device like Arlo SmartHub and connect local storage if you prefer to stay off a plan.

$140 at Dell

Best portable wireless home security camera

Ring Stick Up Cam Pro

With both mounting and table-stand options, you can take the Ring Stick Up Cam anywhere -- so it makes the most use of its wireless capabilities. You can move it from watching a child sleep to checking on the living room to monitoring an outdoor deck space where kids (or adults) are playing. (You get the idea.) Or find the perfect spot and mount it for a permanent HD view supported by HDR and color night vision.

While the Stick Up Cam Pro does well inside or out, you get the most use of its features outdoors, including the 3D motion tracking with “Bird’s Eye” view that can track where people move around your yard. Two-way audio is also included, but you’ll need a Ring Protect plan if you want video storage. And if you’re put off by the Pro’s fairly high price, there is a standard Ring Stick Up cam available for significantly less.

And don’t forget, Ring recently changed its policy regarding police requests for user footage, limiting law enforcement to only emergency life-or-death requests for video instead of more casual orders. That’s a bit of welcome privacy compared to their previous stance.

$65 at Best Buy

Best wireless home security camera for battery life

Blink Outdoor 4

If you’re hesitant to get a wireless security camera because of the battery requirements, you have a couple of solutions. One is a solar panel, which we’ll discuss below, but another option is finding a camera with excellent battery life so you don’t have to worry about it for extended periods of time. While battery life does depend on how often cameras are activated, the Blink Outdoor 4 can last up to two years in the right conditions before needing a recharge, the longest battery life we’ve seen on a camera like this.

Other important staples on the Outdoor 4 include two-way audio, infrared night vision and motion zone control. But we especially like that it comes with a Sync Module 2 for Wi-Fi connections and local storage, so you don’t have to rely on the Blink subscription unless you prefer to pay for extras. Keep in mind, like other Amazon Blink cams this model only works with Alexa, so it’s most useful if you’re already part of the Amazon ecosystem with items like an Echo Show.

$130 at Amazon

Best wireless home security camera for object detection

Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam (2nd-gen)

Google’s Nest cam (and most Nest products) are designed to be extra-easy to use and install, ideal for people who want quick eyes on their important belongings with minimal work. Set up the Nest’s mount indoors or outdoors, and use the magnetic connection to snap the cam on, adjust it and take it offer easily whenever you need to recharge. That makes maintenance especially easy, which is important because of the lower battery life on this camera.

The HD cam included night vision and two-way audio, plus Google’s video storage package which includes up to three hours of cloud storage for free, a welcome deal only offered by a few brands these days. It also works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, so you don’t need to be heavily invested in Google products to get a lot out of this cam.

Editors' choice
$320 at QVC

Best floodlight wireless home security camera

Arlo Pro 3 With Floodlight

A floodlight camera is ideal for illuminating darker parts of your yard or driveway, but those tend to be spots where electrical wiring doesn’t reach -- so a battery camera can work very well. We found this Arlo model filled with impressive features including 2K resolution and color night vision. Plus, it’s one of the few security cams that works with Apple Home, although you will need to purchase an additional SmartHub. It also has an extra-wide viewing angle of 160 degrees like our other Arlo pick, making these cams good for viewing broad spaces.

While you can change some settings for motioning detection, objective recognition and similar features, remember that the floodlight will usually trigger on movement. With a floodlight rated up to 2,000 lumens, that can be a serious charge on battery life and we’ve seen users complain that their batteries only last a few days. If this is a problem for you, the cam does come with a magnetic charging cable that’s suited for outdoor use, so you can rig up a wired alternative.

$130 at Best Buy

Best solar wireless homes security camera

Eufy SoloCam S230

One class of wireless cams has embraced a solution to battery-charging woes: A solar panel that can keep the battery charged as long as there’s sufficient sunlight to keep it powered through dark periods. We appreciate Eufy’s approach that builds the solar panel into the camera so you don’t have to struggle with placement ( that does something similar).

Eufy’s camera also brings to the table important capabilities like a 600-lumen spotlight, 2K resolution and motion detection. We also like that you get object recognition (humans, animals, etc.) for free, as some cams on our list bundle that up with a subscription. Speaking of subscriptions, there are none for this Eufy cam: You’ll need to purchase an extra microSD card for storage, and we suggest you budget for that as well.

$130 at Amazon

Best doorbell wireless home security camera

Google Nest Doorbell Battery (2nd-gen)

While Google’s Nest Doorbell does come with a wired version, we prefer the battery model. In our testing, we found it easier to place to get just the right from your front door, and the battery easily lasts at least a few months even with regular activations. Plus, that same Nest deal for three free hours of cloud storage is hard to beat in a video doorbell

Features like two-way audio are even more important on a doorbell, and Google also uses some of its AI expertise to help identify packages, people and vehicles with other options locked behind the subscription. Plus, you get a few color options to better match your door and trim. If you don’t mind using the Google Home app to control the device, this is one of the best video doorbells we’ve found as a wireless model.

Wireless home security cameras compared

Best wireless home security cameras: Arlo Pro 5S 2K Security CameraRing Stick Up Cam ProBlink Outdoor 4Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam (2nd-gen)Arlo Pro 3 with FloodlightEufy SoloCam S230Google Nest Doorbell Battery Model (2nd-gen)
Price $250$180$65$180$160$150$180
Resolution 2K with 12x digital zoom1080p/HD1080p/HD1080p/HD2K2K720p
Night vision Color night vision with spotlightColor night visionInfrared night visionNight vision and HDRColor night visionColor night vision with spotlightNight vision with HDR
Audio Two-way audioTwo-way audioTwo-way audioTwo-way AudioTwo-way audioTwo-way audioTwo-way audio
Video storage Cloud storage with subscription or local storage with SmartHubCloud storage only with subscriptionWith subscription or with included local storage hub3 hours free cloud storage, more with subscriptionCloud storage with subscription or local storage with hubLocal storage only with microSD card (not included)3 hours free cloud storage, more with subscription
Motion detection Yes, object detection with subscriptionYes, with privacy and bird's eye zonesYes, with person detection (plan required)Yes with person, vehicle, animal, and familiar faceYes with object detectionYes with object detectionYes, with person, vehicle, animal, package and familiar face detection
Voice assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTTAmazon AlexaAmazon AlexaAmazon Alexa, Google Home/AssistantAmazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, Apple Home/SiriAmazon Alexa, Google Home/AssistantAmazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant
Review score N/A8/10 (earlier model)N/A8.4/109/10N/A8/10

Other wireless cams we tested

Wyze Cam Outdoor v2: Wyze cameras have a lot going for them, including affordability and strong feature sets, which is why we’ve picked them in several of our lists before. But Wyze is currently facing repeated security breaches and vulnerabilities, including a 2024 incident that let 13,000 people see through strangers' cams (a similar incident also happened in late 2023). Until Wyze gets a handle on its security leaks, we can’t recommend it as a brand.

Arlo Pro 4: The Arlo Pro 4 remains an excellent choice for a security camera. The Arlo Pro 5S nudged it off the list for us, but you may be able to save some money with the Arlo Pro 4 and still many many of the same features.

Blink Outdoor 3: This is another cases where the newer Blink Outdoor 4 simply outclassed the Outdoor 3 so completely there wasn’t room for both picks on our list.

Reolink Argus Eco + Solar Panel: While we did choose this Reolink cam as an affordable option for solar-powered wireless cameras, we prefer the much easier installation of Eufy’s solar cam, as long as you don’t mind paying more for it.

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Factors to consider when choosing a wireless security camera

Does it work with smart home platforms? If so, do the smart features work well together? 

Nowadays, home security cameras are expected to work with at least one major smart home platform. Amazon AlexaGoogle Assistant and Apple HomeKit are the main ones you need to look for. Apple Home app support is usually the hardest to find.

How's the live view? 

Wireless security cameras and video doorbells are often exposed to direct sunlight, weather and other natural elements, but many others are installed under porches, near shady trees and in all sorts of other settings. It's important that the camera has crisp, clear video footage or even night vision, so you don't get stuck with grainy and unusable footage. 

Local vs. cloud storage

Not all video storage is equal. You have two main options and picking one is up to your personal preference. There's cloud storage, which sends your video footage to a remote server to be saved, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to hold any footage you'd like to save. Usually, cloud storage requires a monthly fee, and companies typically reserve the right to share that footage with others in case of emergencies, such as an FBI search, etc. 

Motion detection and recognition

Motion detection is one of the most important features for DIY security cameras. You’ll want a feature that automatically records video and sends you alerts when the camera picks up motion. But you also don’t want to get alerts and useless videos every time leaves blow by (or cars drive by, deer walk past, etc.). That’s where object detection comes in useful: The best security cameras have the ability to distinguish between vehicles, animals and people. The best versions like Google’s AI detection can also detect packages and, if you allow them, familiar faces at your door.

Battery life and management

Wireless cams live and then literally die based on their battery life. When looking for a good battery, keep in mind that ratings are subjective, and batteries will drain faster depending on how often the camera is activated. We’ve found that most wireless security cameras fall in line with their ratings and last several months with at least a few daily activations. Ring’s Outdoor 4 cam is a notable outlier with its extra-long battery life, and solar cams offer an alternative way of charging.

No matter what battery option you pick, consider installing a wireless camera somewhere that’s relatively easy to reach to bring the camera or its battery pack inside for charging. Not everyone wants to climb a ladder every time.

Privacy and security

You may want to look up privacy policies for the camera you are interested, and see if the brand has had any recent security issues. We look for brands that act quickly and make significant changes when they find a security issue like Eufy did back in the early 2020s. We also like to see changes like Ring removing its casual option for police to request user videos.

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How we test wireless security cameras

Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of home security products. In short, when it comes to security cameras, we pay special attention to resolution, night vision and latency, extra features, general performance, and overall value. We evaluate all of these elements in a real home environment over the course of a week. 

If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells.

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Wireless security camera FAQs

Can wireless cameras work without internet?

Wireless smart cams generally rely on your home internet connection to function, but that isn't always the case. Some devices, like Nest's wireless video doorbell, can save footage locally in case of an outage. Other systems, like Lorex's cameras, work using their own wireless network. That means as long as their base station has power, the wireless cameras will keep recording onto a microSD card.

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What's a good affordable wireless security camera system?

The cost of smart security cameras can add up really quickly, so if you're looking for a whole system of cameras, more affordable options from developers like Blink or Wyze might be the right call for you. Getting an affordable video doorbell might be a good idea too -- and wireless options are getting cheaper every year.

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How do I place a wireless security camera?

Most wireless cameras use a simple screw-in mount or adhesive strips. Follow the manual’s directions carefully to prepare your mounting surface and install the base portion of the camera. When possible, avoid trying to install a camera on stone, metal, brickwork or fiber cement as these surfaces aren’t easy to drill into and may not support a sticky adhesive (especially when temperatures change). Solid sections of trim, fence posts, eaves and other spots tend to work best in our experience.

Since you’ll have to take down a wireless security camera occasionally for battery recharging or other maintenance, it’s a good idea to choose a spot that’s relatively easy to access in the future.

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Is it lega to use a security camera on my property?

Respect other people’s privacy and you shouldn’t have any legal issues with a wireless security camera. Generally that means you can’t point a camera toward someone else’s backyard where they have an expectation of privacy, or into the windows of their home, etc. You also shouldn’t point wireless cameras so they look into your own bedrooms or other private places in your home.

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