Article updated on October 11, 2024 at 5:00 AM PDT
Pick your place with easy installs and powerful features using these battery cams picked by our experts. wifi camera for outdoor
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
Does the cam work with your current smart home platform or voice assistants?
Is the app intuitive and the live view clear?
Does the camera offer your preferred method to store videos? Does it require a subscription or extra purchase?
Does the camera have useful motion detection that can recognize people apart from animals or vehicles?
Is the battery life rating something you're comfortable managing? Does the battery perform well under frequent use?
Does the camera brand have a reputation for fixing security breaches and protecting data?
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
Does the cam work with your current smart home platform or voice assistants?
Is the app intuitive and the live view clear?
Does the camera offer your preferred method to store videos? Does it require a subscription or extra purchase?
Does the camera have useful motion detection that can recognize people apart from animals or vehicles?
Is the battery life rating something you're comfortable managing? Does the battery perform well under frequent use?
Does the camera brand have a reputation for fixing security breaches and protecting data?
The days of trying to wire in outdoor cameras in awkward positions are long gone: Now we have a fleet of wireless cams with excellent smart features, rechargeable batteries and simple DIY mounts. After testing dozens of models (in all kinds of weather), our experts have chosen the feature-rich Arlo Pro 5S as the best top wireless security camera.
Arlo’s Pro 5S combines every smart feature you could want in one device then adds great voice assistant compatibility, the well-crafted Arlo app and an option to expand capabilities with an Arlo hub. It’s an easy choice if you are happy to pay more and get all the latest smart features in a compact package.
The Arlo Pro 5S is a tad pricey, but you don't have to spend a lot to get a great security camera. For those on a budget, we've also included a range of affordable wireless options we've tested that would protect your home well. Our list includes options that have extra-long battery life and some you can move from place to place (although there are some places you'll want to avoid).
We also have guides for the most affordable security cameras and best solar-powered wireless cams, as well as outdoor models, fit for any kind of weather.
This Arlo Pro cam is useful outdoors or inside.
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. You can choose to buy a hub device like Arlo SmartHub and connect local storage if you prefer to stay off a plan.
This Arlo Pro cam is useful outdoors or inside.
Experience unparalleled home security with the Reolink Argus 4 Pro. This advanced battery security camera offers a 180-degree blindspot-free view, ensuring complete coverage of your property. Enjoy crystal-clear video with 4K ultra-HD resolution, capturing every detail with stunning clarity. Reolink's ColorX technology provides full-color vision both day and night, even in total darkness, giving you peace of mind around the clock.
The smart AI detection technology accurately identifies people, vehicles, and pets, minimizing false alarms. With a compatible 6W solar panel and a rechargeable battery that charges fully in just 10 minutes, you get uninterrupted 24-hour surveillance. Installation is a breeze, and with two-way audio and remote access through the Reolink app, the Argus 4 Pro offers the ultimate convenience and security for your home.
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. If you’re put off by the Pro’s fairly high price, there is a standard Ring Stick Up cam available for significantly less.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.
wifi hd smart camera The HD cam included night vision and two-way audio, plus Google’s video storage package which includes up to 3 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.