After Testing, I Found the 4 Best Ways to Get Home Security Without Wi-Fi
Home security technology has never been so popular, 94 million American households adopting security devices such as alarms or video bells in the past year. But there is a small grip – most of these safety systems and cameras are based on your own Wi -Fi connection at work. This can be frustrating for people who have a Wi-Fi connection that disconnects a lot, or who prefer not to connect everything to Wi-Fi for reasons of confidentiality or security.
The good news is that I have met a lot of ways to adopt advanced safety devices without using Wi-Fi at all. Let me explain what I mean, what are your options and the advantages of these different approaches.
Can domestic safety systems operate without Wi-Fi?
Yes. Many domestic safety systems do not need Wi-Fi to work. However, you can abandon certain features in return from this flexibility. In other cases, additional modules normally help the home safety function dependent on the router even if your Wi-Fi dies, as in a power outage.
Are domestic safety systems more vulnerable on Wi-Fi?
The hacking of home safety systems is very rare and is generally only carried out by knowledge that already had access to the system. But with bad safety habits, your wireless network can be vulnerable to hacking. Always activate the highest level of encryption that your domestic devices can support and create a robust password for your Wi-Fi connection.
You will also need to decide whether you want your online home safety devices. Internet connection in any form can increase certain risks, such as stealing your information in a large -scale database flight. But it also brings many advantages, including remote monitoring and cloud video storage.
How do I know if my safety devices can work without wireless network?
Below, we will cover the best options for the security system without Wi-Fi. But looking for cellular features, POE (Power Over Ethernet) and offline is the best way to make sure your system does not need Wi-Fi, or can continue if your router falls.
Do home safety systems without Wi-Fi cost more?
Sometimes, but they can also cost less – it depends on the type of system you get. An offline camera system should cost less. The cellular backup support will generally cost more.
Best home safety without Wi-Fi
Stop proud at Wi-Fi for your management of domestic safety with several effective responses …
Option 1: cellular backup for safety systems
Arlo’s new security tag and keyboard.
If you want (or already) a traditional domestic security system with important features such as application alerts and live views or controls, your best option is to equip your system with a cell backup. These backups can replace Wi-Fi with a cell signal and operate in tandem with integrated concentrator batteries (another current inclusion in modern systems) to maintain systems on the move even when the power is out.
The trick is that cellular backups are not free. In some cases, you will have to buy an additional device, such as This Arlo cellular backup and battery ($ 80). In other cases, your security center already has the capacity. But you will always have to pay subscription fees for the service, and the cellular support is not always cheap.
Arlo, for example, requires a professional surveillance subscription to obtain a backup of cells and batteries, which only starts at Premium plan, currently about $ 20 per month. The annular alarm begins the cellular backup to its standard plan for compatible systems, which costs $ 10 per month. Expect similar costs like these allow a cellular backup for essentially any safety system.
Option 2: Poe (Power Over Ethernet)
Poe Cam by Reolink is an excellent budget choice if you have cable options.
POE systems use a single cable connection to provide both a power supply and internet connection to a device such as a security camera. This makes them ideal for external cams which are far from Wi-Fi or which need more reliability. This will not help to solve the power failure problems, but otherwise it is an unreserved cam that does not require battery load and always offers all the online advantages you want.
Reolink is above most home security brands as one of the best choices for POE cameras. It offers many options, but one of our favorites is The Relolink 4k RLC-810A Relolink 4K camera. It is a high resolution cam that is affordable; to object recognition and long -distance night vision; Intelligent home support; And is entirely without subscription when you add a microSD card.
Option 3: NVR system of closed network
Lorex is an excellent choice for NVR systems which avoid Wi-Fi or remain completely offline for your privacy.
The owners also have the possibility of completely abandoning the Internet with a NVR or offline network recorderA favorite option for people who wish to keep their home safety away from the web, cloud and wireless signals entirely. The NVR is connected to a screen where it can display several flows at the same time, just like the way a security guard monitors the cameras in a store.
Brands like Lorex or Swann sell a variety of ethernet cables and shielding to safety buyers, and safety kits will often be delivered with cables for these types of NVR systems. You can also choose an analog configuration with a BNC cable or a wireless configuration that jumps for the router and connects to a compatible domestic center (Lorex offers these two options, as well as the possibility of shooting its more advanced domestic safety center).
However, an offline NVR configuration like this will put your safety system back. You will miss the most advanced features, including verification of live views from a distance from your phone. We recommend that you stay online if possible: Consider a wired connection that always connects NVR to the Internet for the best of both worlds.
Option 4: a non -cellular trail cam
Trail cams are a rough and ready option if you want to watch a place without counting on the internet.
Does cable management annoy you? You have a final security option that ignores Wi-Fi and can work anywhere, wireless. It is the same trail cams that capture curious fauna in distant areas where cell connections are not reliable.
Trail cams like this model for $ 80 Have a large -scale night vision and a lot of battery life so that they can last several months at a time, even with a 4K resolution and a sound. The capture is that if you want to see what the camera has picked up, you will have to view it manually as a digital camera or remove the SD card for a longer inspection. However, as an option fixed and compulsory to the test of bad weather, trail cams have their place.
Learn more: Home security advice. When you rent with roommates
Get a more complete overview of your options with our guides to domestic DIY safety systems, wireless home safety and safety systems that can easily move with you if you are frequently on the go.
