One of my readers is interested in security cameras but is also worried about hackers. She asked me, “Can wireless cameras work without Wi-Fi?” The short answer is yes.
Of course, that introduces a follow-up question: “What are the best security cameras that don’t require Wi-Fi?” Type that into a search engine and you’ll be swarmed with countless options. But you don’t have time to research every camera on the market.
We saved you time and researched the best security cameras that don’t require an internet connection. Use this handy guide to find the best security camera for your unique needs. First, here are a few reasons why cameras that don’t require the internet are so helpful.
How security cameras without Wi-Fi can help you
If you value privacy, you may be wary of cloud servers. After all, you may not know who is saving or using that information. Maybe you don’t want your private videos shared on the internet.
You’re not being paranoid; this sort of this is not unheard of. According to MIT Technology Review, a Roomba robot vacuum cleaner took photos of someone on the toilet, which gig workers uploaded online. Who’s to say unscrupulous tech workers won’t do the same with your footage?
Of course, all internet-connected devices introduce hacking risks. That’s why I recommend you tweak a few settings to secure new devices. Always follow these steps when you get a new device that connects to the internet.
Security cameras that don’t connect to the internet eliminate the risk of being hacked. Read on for the best options.
Here are some of the best security cameras that don’t require Wi-Fi
Unlike many other security cameras, the Defender PHOENIXM2 security setup is truly internet-free. It doesn’t even require Wi-Fi to set up.
So if you’re looking for a plug-and-play product, you’ve come to the right place. This is our No. 1 pick for a private and unhackable security camera. Plus, reviewers say it’s quick to set up.
This gadget works on a 4G LTE network. It’s an excellent option for Wi-Fi-free surveillance since it comes with the following:
- 2K HD 16x digital zoom features.
- 4MP resolutions.
- A smart detection system that recognizes what passes the camera.
- Video filter for easy reviewing.
It automatically records to a microSD card when it senses motion. You can also use ReoLink’s Cloud service, but you’re in luck if you want to cut off the internet entirely. Its microSD card can save up to 128GB of footage.
Maybe you’re looking for a different solution. In that case, our IT department has some helpful advice.
Good news: It’s simpler than you think
Our local IT genius Jon says just about any run-of-the-mill DVR or CCTV device, like a Night Owl DVR, should be able to work independently without internet access.
“These devices are not built like, say, a Ring doorbell, where the device calls home over the internet to connect an app on your phone,” Jon says. “You would have to explicitly make changes on your firewall to open the device up to the internet. However, you can hook up a monitor and mouse to the DVR all in one solution to monitor your security system.”
Let’s say you want to use your own computer for a brick-and-mortar setup. In that case, you’d have to get something like a four-channel PCI Express card.
In addition to that, you’d also need an extra hard drive solely for storage. Tap or click here to keep your USB and external hard drives safe for years.
You’d also need a PCIe hardware compression capture card. Jon recommends Bluecherry’s 16-port video and audio capture card, but it’s currently unavailable on Amazon.
Here are a few backups.
Of course, you’d also need the cameras to connect them. You can check out some of the cameras above or go for Jon’s recommendation.
