5 of the best wireless outdoor security cameras

Smart home security devices are on ascension with verge of success, as more features are being added to these devices every day, these products now blend in into our daily lives and make our whole experience on home security a breeze.

Internet-connected home security cameras are no more new in the smart home CCTV market. Almost every dominant player in the smart home CCTV devices, has released their own smartphone-enabled cameras that include battery powered wireless outdoor security camera.

Battery powered wireless outdoor security cameras are more convenient, and require minimal effort to install, compared to their traditional counterparts that require a meticulous and keen technical know-how with lot of extra efforts.

Today, we will review some selected battery powered wireless outdoor security cameras. This review will help you to decide on which to install, after knowing how they work. Therefore you will be sure to invest in the right product that fits your needs.

Top 1 Battery Powered Security Camera – Arlo Pro 2

Arlo Pro 2 by Netgear made it to the top spot of our Top 5 category, Arlo Pro 2 is a very powerful and elegant design smart home security camera that keeps an eye, on your home and family while you are away.

Arlo Pro 2 is a complete wire-free smart camera that is powered by a rechargeable battery, and a plugged-in source to maintain continuous operation. This is an updated version of Arlo Pro, which has added more features and addresses some of the concerns people had with the original Arlo Pro

Arlo Pro 2 is able to deliver a stunning image with 1080p resolution through its 130° wide angle lens, with ability to watch and record crisp HD video in more detail than ever before. Arlo Pro 2 operates from -20° C to 45° C temperature. Arlo Pro 2 main features are listed below:

• 100% wire-free
• Work with Alexa
• 1080p Full HD
• 2-way audio
• Wire-free or plugged-in
• Weather-resistant
• Flexible powering options
• Night vision
• Free cloud storage

The Breakdown of the Features

Arlo Pro 2 is completely free of power cords and wiring fusses. You can keep your camera charged by using the rechargeable battery, solar panel or plugging it into a power outlet with the included power adapter.

The Arlo smart brings intelligence to your Arlo cameras, to provide you with a more meaningful home security experience.

Arlo Pro 2 let you easily charge your batteries anytime with a plugged-in AC adaptor, or solar panel (sold separately) to get uninterrupted security monitoring.

2-way audio feature allows users to listen in or talk back through the built-in speaker and mic, straight from their smartphones.

When the camera is plugged-in, you can use the activity zones feature to define areas in your camera’s view, where you want to receive motion and sound alerts.

Arlo basic plan gives all users the opportunity to have 7 days of free cloud storage for up to 5 cameras, you can live stream or view recorded video and audio for up to 7 days from the Arlo app.

Arlo Pro 2 easily integrates with Alexa Echo Show, IFTTT, Stringify, Fire TV, Google Assistant to make your everyday life a breeze. You can now control all your Arlo Pro 2 cameras with a voice command.

Arlo Pro 2 comes with a one-year limited warranty, and three months of customer support for basic plan members, whilst paid membership plans come with unlimited support.

Cons

• Arlo Pro 2 is expensive.
• Solar panel is sold as add-on.
• Additional features like person detect, motion zones, e911 and extension of video storage period from 7 days, are not available in basic plan.
• Features that require the camera to be plugged-in will not work with the solar panel except power adapter.
• The app does not give option to view video footage from USB drive connected to the base station, you will have to disconnect it and connect it to a computer to see what is recorded.

What’s in the box?

• 2 – Wire-Free HD cameras with audio
• 2 – Rechargeable batteries
• 1 – Indoor power adapter
• 1 – Indoor power cable
• 1 – Base station with a built in siren
• 1 – Ethernet cable
• 2 – Wall mounts
• 1 – Wall mount screw set
• 1 – Quick start guide
• 1 – Window decal

Top 2 Battery Powered Security Camera – Lynx Solar

Lynx Solar comes bundled with a solar panel at no extra cost, this gives you the assurance of a continuous power supply to your Lynx camera, thereby providing a smooth surveillance operation and live video feed.

Lynx Solar is very easy to set up, you don’t have to fret about laying cable because this is a 100% wire-free battery powered security camera, rendering a crystal clear 1080p full HD image with 100° viewing angle.

The two-way audio system gives you the opportunity to communicate back and forth with your loved ones, pets or your valuables via the Tend secure mobile app. Lynx solar operates from -20°C to 45°C temperature. The main features are highlighted below:

• Facial Recognition
• Free 7-Day Video Cloud Storage
• Dual Power
• Instant Alerts
• Night Vision
• Two Way Audio
• Weatherproof

The Breakdown of the Features

Lynx Solar utilizes intelligent facial recognition algorithm, to automatically recognize familiar faces, to maximize security and eliminate false alarms. This way, you can get check-in notifications with familiar faces and alert notifications, with unknown faces on your smartphone.

Lynx Solar offers a lifetime free cloud storage, user has the ability to backup and review videos with the free video cloud storage, which allows you to add unlimited cameras. You can always see what has happened in the previous 7 days, and there is no membership required.

Another unbeatable feature Lynx Solar has over its competitors is, if the camera loses its Wi-Fi connection, it stores up video data internally for maximum of 3 days, and transfers it to the cloud when it reconnects to the Wi-Fi signal.

The weatherproof IP65 rating has got you covered, your Lynx Solar is built to resist tough weather conditions.

You can integrate Lynx Solar with Google Assistant, to use voice command via the app to control your camera operation.

Lynx Solar comes with limited two-year manufacturer warranty.

Cons

• It has a limited smart home integration.
• It only records 10 seconds at a time and not configurable.
• The mounting bracket is not sturdy, it bounces around in the wind.
• Camera sometimes is slow to wake up.

What’s in the box?

• 1 – Solar Panel
• 1 – Setup Instruction Manual
• 1 – Lynx Solar Camera
• 4 – Mounting Hardware
• 1 – Power Supply Unit
• 1 – Small Plastic Bag with Screws and Wall Anchors
• 1 – 25 Foot In-Line Power Cable

Top 3 Battery Powered Security Camera – Foscam E1

Foscam E1 is third on our Top 5 category. Foscam E1 is powered by a big rechargeable battery, which makes the camera to deliver a continuous operation, on a 1080p full HD with 110° wide angle lens that enables you to view your home more clearly.

This battery powered outdoor wireless smart camera is built to withstand tough weather due to its IP65 rating. It has got you covered both day and night.

The advance human recognition algorithm makes Foscam E1 unique amongst its counterparts, thanks to the wide-angle Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor that detects moving heat objects.

This PIR practically filters motion detection to reduce the huge number of false alarm to a minimum. Foscam E1 operates from -20°C to 50°C temperature. Additional features are:

• Advanced Human Detection
• Night Vision
• Full HD 1080P Live View & Playback
• Battery Power
• Free Cloud Recordings & Local Storage
• Wire-Free & Weatherproof

The Breakdown of the Features

The advance human detection algorithm aboard Foscam E1 will make this camera to send notification alert to user’s smartphone, when it captures movement picture.

The 1080p full HD allows users to enjoy a clear and detailed image with the help of Ambrella chipset, and Sony CMOS sensor embedded in Foscam E1.

It comes with 7 days free cloud storage amounts to 1GB, you will able to record and view the last 7 days’ motion triggered videos. You also enjoy to save recordings locally by connecting a USB drive to the base station.

The two-way audio with built-in mic and speaker let you listen and talk to your family at home, or package delivery man using the mobile app on your smartphone.

Foscam E1 is totally wire-free and eliminates hassle of drilling holes or laying cables, it   operates on a long lasting 5,000mAh lithium rechargeable battery.

It comes with two-year full US warranty and six-month limited warranty for accessories, support service is also available via email and phone.

Cons

• Does not work with Alexa, IFTTT and host of others.
• Does not have solar panel.

What’s in the box?

• 1 – Base station
• 1 – 1080P wire free battery camera
• 1 – 5000mAh battery
• 1 – Iron base
• 1 – USB power adapter/cord
• 1 – Ethernet cable
• 1 – Screw bag
• 1 – Quick installation guide

Top 4 Battery Powered Security Camera – Swann

Swann claimed the forth position in our Top 5. It took a partial resemblance from Arlo Pro 2 egg design. Swann is a battery powered wireless outdoor camera with a great performance.

The camera records in 1080p full HD and has 120° field of view. It also has a passive infrared (PIR) distance of 25 feet and good night vision up to 32 feet. Swann let you watch what you love most.

Swann uses True Detect heat-based PIR motion detection to reliably send you notification alerts whenever motion is detected, this heat-based PIR also reduces false triggers to a minimum.

The IP65 weatherproof sets no limit for Swann, to withstand almost all weather conditions. Swann operate from -10°C to 45°C temperature.

The optional solar panel will keep Swann from running out of power. Swann’s main features are listed below:

• Full HD Resolution
• Night Vision
• Weatherproof
• Heat Sensing
• Secure Cloud Storage
• Rechargeable Battery
• Free Local Storage
• Alerts and Playback

The Breakdown of the Features

Swann captures crystal clear images in 1080p full HD resolution, with a wide angle lens of 120° day and night.

The IP65 weatherproof makes it possible for the camera to survive in sunshine, rain, snow and dust. Swann does not stop operation.

With Heat Sensing, Swann’s True Detect heat-based PIR motion detection reliably alerts you and records activity, with lesser false triggers. You can always check on your loved ones, or check to see what is happening on your property.

Secure Cloud Storage allows you the opportunity to enjoy 2 days of free storage to secure cloud. You need to subscribe to a plan to expand the cloud storage to 30days

The Free local storage allows you to save up to 7 days of hundreds of 10-60 second video clips, to the camera’s built-in back-up memory.

Alerts and Playback in Swann will make you to receive push notifications if activity is detected, and it also playback video clips with audio on your smartphone.

Swann comes with 12 month warranty, but can be extended to 18 month if you register your product on Swann website, all you have to do is look for the Extended Warranty Golden Ticket in your product pack, and head over to Swann website to register.

Cons

• There is no web interface.
• There is no Windows app.
• The app has some bugs

What’s in the box?

• 1 – Smart Security Camera
• 1 – Magnetic Mounting Stand
• 1 – USB to Micro USB Charging Cable
• 1 – Mounting Screws & Wall Plugs
• 1 – 3M Adhesive Strips
• 1 – Operating Instructions
• 1 – Theft Deterrent Stickers

Top 5 Battery Powered Security Camera – Canary Flex

Canary Flex took the last spot in our Top 5, this smart camera is versatile and it is ready to blend in to various functions.

The 1080p full HD resolution allows the camera to produce a crisp image during the day, and good night vision via the wide angle lens of 116° with image pan and zoom.

You can also use the built-in microphone and speaker on the canary flex, to engage in a real-time conversation through the mobile app on your smartphone.

Canary Flex has a built-in rechargeable battery with optional power cable included, to make it perform its day to day continuous operation, without any fear of power outage. With this, you can monitor what you love most from anywhere you are.

The camera operates from -20° to 45°C temperature. Canary Flex’s features are listed below:

• AI-Powered Intelligence
• Weatherproof and Night Vision
• Works Wire-Free or Plugged-in
• Two-Way Audio
• One-touch Emergency Access
• Work with Amazon Alexa

The Breakdown of the Features

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) embedded in Canary Flex, is an advance technology that eliminates false alerts, it simply tells the camera to detect person from animal. With this technology, the camera only send alert notifications when it detects human or animal motion, rather than sending motion alerts on all moving objects.

Canary Flex is totally wire-free but can also work as plugged-in device, especially when it is being used as an indoor camera. It reliefs users from installing unnecessary cables.

The IP65 weatherproof rating also add up to the great features of the camera by making it suitable to withstand the tough weather, there is no need to panic on the camera suffering a negative impact.

The two-way audio communication system makes it easier for user, to talk end to end with their loved ones.

Canary Flex works with Amazon Alexa, and other smart home apps such as Wink, IFTTT, and many more. You can use voice command to arm or disarm your camera at any time, or check to see who is knocking at the front door.

One-touch Emergency Access let you contact your local emergency services immediately from the within the app, if you see something unusual.

Canary Flex comes with a 1-year limited warranty

Cons

• You need a pricy monthly subscription to use important features.
• Canary Flex is limited to 720p video quality during live streaming.
• Sorting true events from false events is very difficult.
• You only get access to 24 hours of free cloud storage.

What’s in the box?

• 1 – Canary Flex
• 1 – AC power adapter with 8 ft. cable
• 1 – 360° magnetic swivel base
• 1 – Wall-mounting hardware

More Related Question About Battery Powered Security Cameras

What is the average transmission distance of a wireless battery powered security camera?

It depends on the maker of the product and the spectrum used that is 2.4ghz or 5ghz.
But under normal condition, the distance must not exceed 100 meters clear line of sight.

How to connect a power supply to a reolink battery powered security camera?

There are two types of Reolink battery-powered cameras. The first one is working on an alkaline non-rechargeable battery, they are not rechargeable and they can be connected directly to a power supply.

The other variant uses a rechargeable battery which can be charged by its proprietary battery charger or by simply connecting a solar panel to it for a continuous charge. The only camera that can be connected directly to the power adapter is the Arlo Pro or Pro 2.

How to wire a power adapter to a battery powered security camera?

It will involve breaking the warranty, the camera has to be opened and we recommend to do this only if you have strong knowledge in electronics. Check the voltage of the battery and the current. Then you can buy a Lithium battery charger module charging board With protection dual functions. Connect the battery +ve and -ve terminals on the charging board to the +ve and -ve lead of the camera battery and make an opening for the micro USB port on the camera. This way, you will be able to connect a power adapter using a micro USB plug to it. The whole idea behind this is to continuously charge the battery and when power is off, the battery will continue functioning thanks to its battery.

Final Advice

We have made a concerted efforts, to make sure we filtered the Top 5 Battery Powered Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras you can invest your money in.

We were presented with series of battery powered wireless outdoor security cameras, but many did not sail through the test after all.

When installing a battery powered wireless outdoor security camera, make sure you do not use the magnetic swivel base, this is because it will be susceptible to theft especially if the point of installation is not high enough.

Make sure your package comes with an additional wall mounting hardware, which can be used as a replacement for the swivel base, this holds the camera securely to the wall.

The essence of installing battery powered wireless outdoor camera in the first place, is not only to get rid of the cabling hassle, but also to have access to the recorded video over the cloud. Make sure the camera offers free cloud storage, you can easily leverage on this when you are not at home, by checking to see what has happened during your absence.