Quick answer
For most homes and businesses, wired cameras are the better choice. A single network cable carries both power and video, so there are no batteries to charge and no Wi-Fi dropouts. Wireless and battery cameras suit renters, hard-to-cable spots and temporary sites.
The three types of camera
Wired (PoE)
One Cat6 cable carries power and video to a recorder. Most reliable, best image quality, records around the clock.
Wi-Fi
Plugs into a nearby power point and sends video over your Wi-Fi. Easier to place, but depends on a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Battery
No cables at all. Usually records short clips when motion is detected, and needs regular recharging.
Why we recommend wired for most properties
Reliability
A wired camera keeps recording whether your Wi-Fi is busy, the internet drops out or someone is streaming in the lounge room. Wi-Fi cameras can freeze or disconnect when the signal is weak, which is often exactly at the edge of the property where you need them most.
Continuous recording
Wired systems record 24 hours a day to a hard drive on site. Battery cameras usually record only short clips after they detect motion, so you can miss what happened just before or after.
No batteries to charge
Battery cameras need recharging every few weeks or months, depending on activity and weather. A flat battery means no recording.
No monthly fees
Many Wi-Fi and battery camera brands store footage in the cloud and charge a monthly subscription. Wired systems record locally, so there’s no ongoing fee to keep your footage.
Security
Wireless signals can be interfered with. A wired system set up with strong passwords and current firmware is harder to disrupt.
When wireless makes sense
- You’re renting and can’t run cables through walls or the roof
- A spot is very hard to reach with a cable, such as a detached shed
- You need a temporary camera, for example during renovations
- Building sites and farms with no power or internet, where solar 4G cameras are the best option
What about installation?
Wired cameras take more work to install, because cables are run through the roof space and walls. Done properly, the cables are hidden and protected from weather, and the system needs very little attention afterwards. That’s why the up-front install is worth it for most homes.
Our 4-camera home system uses wired PoE cameras with all Cat6 cabling included.
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