Smart home surveillance is one of the best things to come out of the connectivity frenzy of the last several years. With everything from indoor/outdoor cams to motion and temperature sensors landing in homes, every square inch of your property can be locked down, and you usually only have to worry about a Wi-Fi connection. And where low-voltage wiring was once a chief consideration for these many peripherals, more and more product developers are now outfitting these security gadgets with rechargeable batteries.
You may be surprised at how long the battery will last on a high-end smart home camera and that its wireless design makes it simple to install wherever you need it. Not to mention, plenty of well-established tech brands and models are already on the market and used in many households. So it’s worth your time (and money) to research the options to find the best battery-powered Wi-Fi security camera for your home, smart home setup, and monitoring needs.
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Source: Arlo
Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen)
Best overall
Top battery-powered Wi-Fi security cameras
Best overall
Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen)
Worth the price
$70 $100 Save $30
Although it only works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, the Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen) records sharp 2K footage that allows you to identify faces with ease. For added convenience, it also has quality color night vision. Additionally, the camera has a siren for warding off trespassers and a noise-canceling two-way audio system that enables you to converse with those at the door.
- Delivers quality footage
- Quick and easy installation
- Wide field of view
- Premium features require a paid subscription
The Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen) is one of the most affordable high-performance security cameras, offering sharp 2K footage at 2560 x 1440 resolution and good color night vision. It’s easy to install and has a built-in 4650 mAh battery that provides up to 4 months of uninterrupted monitoring, depending on use. However, the battery is not removable, so you’ll have to purchase the 25-foot charging cable from Arlo or take down the camera every time it needs charging.
With a 12x digital zoom, the camera’s lens can be adjusted according to your monitoring needs, making it easier to see small or distant objects within the field of view. The 130-degree viewing angle offers great coverage, as long as the camera is positioned correctly during installation for unobstructed views. Plus, this camera features a spotlight and siren to help scare off intruders without ever stepping outside. This can be done from the Arlo app; the camera also benefits from Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, or Google Assistant integration.
READ OUR REVIEW
Arlo Essential Security Camera (2nd Gen, 2K) review: Solid midrange pick
This cam has a lot to offer for its price
The two-way talk system delivers quality audio and has a noise-cancelling function for clear communication. You can converse with those at the door without being affected by background noises. Since the camera is IP65 rated, it’s resistant to dust and light showers, which is great because you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged when installed outdoors. One of the drawbacks of using the 2nd-gen 2K Arlo Essential Outdoor camera is that it requires Arlo’s Secure plan subscription to access cloud storage, person and package detection, customized activity zones, and other premium features.
Premium pick
Arlo Pro 4
A boost in resolution
$180 $250 Save $70
With its ultra-powerful spotlight and impressive 2K HDR video quality, the Arlo Pro 4 is an indoor/outdoor cam that grants peace of mind in more ways than one.
- 160-degree field of view
- Impressive video quality
- Built-in spotlight
- Pricey
- Many features locked behind Arlo Secure subscription
- No microSD card slot
There are reasons why Arlo’s security cameras have such a good reputation. For example, chart-topping image clarity, impressive HDR performance, powerful spotlighting, and dependable connectivity make the brand’s Arlo Pro 4 camera a mighty force to be reckoned with. It offers a 160-degree field of view, and the Pro 4 lens captures video at a better-than-HD resolution. Better yet, motion automatically triggers its built-in spotlight, and nighttime footage is clear and colorful.
The Arlo Pro 4 differentiates between people, parcels, animals, and cars more consistently than most of its competition. Most users find the Pro 4 runs for up to four months without recharging, and topping off the battery simply calls for connecting a USB cable for an hour or two. You’ll be happy to know the Pro 4 battery is removable, so you can make swaps by removing the outer case.
READ OUR REVIEW
Arlo Pro 4 review: Uncompromised security, at a price
24/7 peace of mind with a 6-month battery life
Like other Arlo cams, cloud-based storage and other customizations are locked behind the Arlo Secure paywall, but it’s a subscription worth its weight in gold. Also, the app interface could be better. We had a hard time finding some of the settings during testing because they are spread out on different tabs and menus. All factors considered, the Arlo Pro 4 is an excellent camera with premium features that you can rely on.
Best value
Blink Outdoor 4
As simple and unobtrusive as possible
$60 $100 Save $40
The Blink Outdoor 4’s strengths include a user-friendly setup, nearly unrivaled battery life, and the ability to monitor your house’s exterior without making it look like a secured government compound. It includes the required Sync Module 2 hub and supports Alexa and IFTTT programming.
- Two-year battery life
- Increased field of view
- Great for multi-unit setups
- Needs a subscription for peak convenience
The Blink Outdoor 4’s maximum battery life of up to two years per charge is impressive, making it a top pick if you need a “set it and forget it” option. Of course, battery life can only take a camera so far, but this model’s clear 1080p resolution, two-way speaker feature, cloud and local video data storage options, and fairly simple installation process make it a worthy contender at just $99 per camera.
While its automatic motion-activated alerts, active temperature monitoring, and durable weather-resistant design are all appealing, if you have a smart home that utilizes Amazon technology, you’ll get the most out of these smart cameras, especially since they are incompatible with Google’s smart home tech suite.
READ OUR REVIEW
Blink Outdoor 4 review: Set it and forget it
The Blink Outdoor 4 camera system would make Ron Popeil proud with its outstanding two-year battery life
Similar to most security cameras, the Blink Outdoor 4 works best with a paid subscription, so be prepared to part with $3 or $10 every month depending on the plan you choose. On the plus side, the camera comes with a Sync Module and readily integrates with Amazon Alexa.
Streamlined integration
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (Battery)
The best option for Alexa-based smart homes
$130 $170 Save $40
Originally famous for its video doorbells (hence the company name), Ring has predictably branched out into dedicated smart home security cameras. An upgraded version of the popular 2023 Ring Spotlight Cam, this well-engineered option prides itself on user-friendly setup, management, and clip playback, although it basically requires a subscription.
- Excellent color and clarity
- Seamless Alexa and IFTTT support
- Above-average two-way audio
- Several important subscription-locked features
- No internal storage
Ring is one of those smart home brands that makes things perfectly simple for people who don’t want to mess around with adjusting settings and troubleshooting connectivity just to get a device working properly. While it’s not exactly cheap, the picture and audio compete with the clarity of more expensive cameras, and there are mildly better hardware specifications. The 140-degree field of view also matches many high-end cameras, while the app responsiveness and motion detection are about as good as they get.
The Spotlight Cam Plus, like most Ring devices, offers the most in smart homes already populated by Ring and other Alexa-based devices. If your household relies on the convenience of Alexa voice control, there’s no better choice. You also have the option of programming IFTTT applets for more in-depth control and contingencies, or for integrating with some non-Alexa platforms.
The major drawback to this model is that, like other Ring devices, the most useful smart features are restricted to Ring subscribers. That’s one of the biggest reasons this option is ideal for those already invested in the Ring ecosystem. If you’re OK with those fees, though, the Spotlight Cam Plus might be the most user-friendly option on the market.
Best for Google Home
Google Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera
Multifunctional and versatile
$140 $180 Save $40
Google’s Nest Cam is a feature-rich camera with 1080p resolution, weatherproof design, and alert features. It filters out false alarms and is easy to install, but its battery life fluctuates between 1.5 to 7 months, depending on how active the camera’s viewing area is.
- Weatherproof and water-resistant
- Easy to install
- Designed for indoor and outdoor
- Inconsistent battery life
- No support for Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTTT
- Large and bulky
Feature-rich and literally a snap to install, Google’s Nest Cam fits smart homes that run on Android like a glove. You get quite a bit from this camera, including a sharp 1080p resolution, an ultra-rugged weatherproof design, and a wealth of alert features that are simple to fine-tune as needed. For example, you can program the camera to send a notification whenever an animal walks by, a vehicle pulls up, or the camera detects a face it recognizes.
This model is attractive for those looking to monitor for specific activity, as the Nest cam filters out common false alarms, such as squirrels or passing traffic. Installation is as simple as screwing the wall plate onto a surface, twisting its faceplate into place, and snapping the camera onto the magnetic mount. Perhaps the Nest Cam’s biggest potential fault is its fluctuating maximum battery life. The battery lasts between 1.5 to 7 months, depending on how active the camera’s viewing area is.
READ OUR REVIEW
Google Nest Cam Battery review: Getting used to disappointment
The monthly subscription is a firm requirement, and even then it has issues
We noticed during testing that the camera takes time to wake when a motion-triggering event occurs, causing unnecessary delays in recording. As such, we often get video fragments and not the entire footage. Daytime footage also got a bit flickery when we maxed the settings.
Best battery life
Arlo Essential XL Security Camera (2nd Gen, 2K)
Less charging
$100 $150 Save $50
The Arlo Essential XL Security Camera (2nd Gen, 2K) boasts an 18,600 mAh battery, which is up to four times more powerful than what most competitors offer. It captures clear footage in 2K with a 130-degree field of view for maximum coverage. The color night vision is beyond impressive night, while the built-in siren and spotlight provide an extra layer of security.
- Unmatched battery life
- Weather-resistant constructio
- Easy set up
The Arlo Essential XL Security Camera (2nd Gen, 2K) is almost similar to the Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen), with the former being better than the latter due to its enormous 18,600 mAh battery and higher IP67 rating. Other than that, the two cameras are identical in terms of video and audio quality. The Arlo Essential XL records crystal clear daytime footage in 2K (2560×1440) and delivers decent color night vision.
To get the best out of this security camera, you should consider paying for the Arlo Secure plan, as this unlocks a long list of features that you’ll find helpful. For starters, the plan will provide access to 30 days of cloud storage and enable advanced person and package detection. With the two-way audio function in place, users can converse with visitors through connected devices, so you won’t have to go to the door.
READ OUR REVIEW
Arlo Essential XL Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen, 2K) review: Step one in a home security starter kit
Where else can you get a battery you only have to charge twice a year?
Since the battery is exceptionally large, this security camera can last up to six months on a single charge. This may, however, vary depending on the settings applied. We didn’t experience any problems installing the Arlo Essential XL during testing thanks to its straightforward design. Setting up the app was equally easy. And the camera works with Google, Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT.
Large flexible viewing
Reolink 2K Security Camera Outdoor
Motorized pan and tilt
Reolink’s Argus PT is a pricey smart camera with impressive 2K video resolution, night vision, dual-band Wi-Fi, and more pan and tilt functionality. It has a non-removable battery and features like cloud storage, multiple alert settings, and two-way speaker communication.
- Includes Micro-SD card slot
- Adjustable field of view
- User-friendly app and controls
- Does not support continuous recording
- No built-in spotlight
- Siren not loud enough
Although Reolink’s Argus PT is a fairly pricey smart camera, its versatile design, and impressive 2K video resolution help this model stand apart from the pack. Available in black and white, this larger camera’s night vision is well-defined, making it a top pick if you need to monitor an area with low lighting. The Argus PT also easily fits into a wide range of smart home platforms, sports dual-band Wi-Fi for the most reliable connection available, and has far more pan and tilt functionality than cheaper models.
However, its notable video resolution and overall flexibility come at a higher price tag of $140, and its non-removable battery must be recharged after one to four weeks. Still, it is worth the cost to some buyers due to the premium video clarity and the ability to save short-term video footage to the cloud for free or use a 128GB memory card (additional data storage plans are available). On top of that, you can use multiple alert settings to filter out false alarms, and there’s two-way speaker communication.
Dynamic audiovisuals
SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
Quality sound and picture
$182 $190 Save $8
SimpliSafe’s battery-powered camera features 1080p resolution, an integrated spotlight, and clear night vision. Furthermore, it has 3–6 months of battery life, is weather resistant, and has a dual-band Wi-Fi connection and two-way communication. The biggest downside is that you need to buy the core system set to connect to the SimpliSafe Base Station.
- High-quality sound and image
- Digital zoom up to 8x
- Smart detection and alerts
- Only compatible with SimpliSafe equipment
- Battery requires frequent recharging
- Limited integrations
Best reserved for an inclusive smart home security system, SimpliSafe’s battery-powered camera features a sharp 1080p resolution, an integrated spotlight, and clear night vision for monitoring a larger space with the help of its wide-angle lens. You get between 3 to 6 months of battery life, depending on how active the viewing area is. And even if you need to recharge it four times a year, its detachable fast-charging battery makes energy management a simple process.
Weather resistant, sporting a reliable dual-band Wi-Fi connection, and the peace of mind that comes with two-way communication, there’s a lot going for this model. The biggest downside to SimpliSafe’s $190 battery-powered camera is that you also need to buy the core system set, so it can connect to the SimpliSafe Base Station to function, which is sold separately. If you need multiple smart security options, such as a keypad, motion sensors, and entry sensors, it’s worth investing in one of these comprehensive kits.
Selecting the best battery-powered Wi-Fi security camera
Smart home security cameras have never been more refined, with even budget-friendly options offering 2K footage, effective night vision, and two-way audio. A lot of them also offer AI detection that knows whether it’s a person, animal, or car moving through the frame. Those features make up some of the most important for an outdoor security camera, and our top pick, the Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen), offers all of them.
Those willing to splurge can never go wrong with the Arlo Pro 4. The camera captures clear footage, has decent night vision, and features a battery with a large capacity that can last up to six months per charge. At the other end of the spectrum, the Blink Outdoor 4 delivers a surprisingly clear image for its remarkably low price. It’s also an excellent value because of its user-friendly Sync Module, which works with USB sticks, meaning you can store your security videos locally.
The pros and cons of battery-powered security cameras
Since you won’t have to run wires, convenient installation is the best reason to get a battery-powered security camera. Most of the features on non-wired cameras work almost identically to their wired counterparts, although they don’t always respond as quickly, since they’re engineered to conserve energy and last as long as possible without a recharge.
That energy conservation actually brings up the biggest drawback to a battery-powered camera. It’s almost impossible to find one that records nonstop, as that would deplete the battery in a pretty short time. You can potentially work around this by adding a solar panel, which means you will have to do a little extra installation work, but still won’t have to run significant electrical wiring.
For continuous recording, make sure you get a camera that supports it, as not all the solar panel-compatible models do. Of the recommendations on this list, that includes the Arlo Pro 4 and Google Nest Cam. Note that, depending on the one you choose, you’ll also need either a cloud data subscription or onboard storage to accommodate continuous recording.
Best overall
Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen)
Worth the price
$70 $100 Save $30
Although it only works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, the Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen) records sharp 2K footage that allows you to identify faces with ease and has quality color night vision for added convenience. Additionally, the camera has a siren for warding off trespassers and a noise-canceling two-way audio system that enables you to converse with those at the door.
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