Do Home Security Cameras Have to Be Connected to Wi-Fi?

In this post, we’ll discuss whether home security cameras have to be connected to Wi-Fi, the benefits of doing so, and how to choose what’s right for you.

The short answer is ‘no’. There are both wired and wireless options which don’t require an internet connection to work. Known as IP cameras, these will record any footage onto a hard drive or micro-SD card for later retrieval.

So, with IP cameras, you have an option for a home security camera without an internet connection. However, it’s still worth nothing the many benefits that come with a Wi-Fi connection, which you could be missing out on…

To decide which type of home security camera is right for you, let’s first take a look at some of the benefits that come with a Wi-Fi connected camera.

Remote access

No matter where you are in the world, you can check in on live-streamed footage from your Wi-Fi enabled camera. That means you know exactly what’s happening in real time, rather than waiting until later to access the recordings.

AI and notifications

There are plenty of technological benefits that come with Wi-Fi home security cameras, including models with motion sensors that can pick up when movement is detected in front of the camera. Other models are equipped with facial recognition software. You’ll also receive push notifications when motion is detected, so if there’s any unusual activity, you’ll be the first to know.

Cloud storage

Security cameras without internet connection will back up their footage on local storage or a micro-SD card. However, if these devices are lost or damaged, you will no longer have access to the videos. Wi-Fi cameras back up via the cloud, meaning you’ll always have access to the recordings.

With all these great features, what would make homeowners choose an offline option? There are a few factors to consider…

No Wi-Fi requirement

The most obvious reason might be the online requirement. If you don’t have Wi-Fi, then some cameras are simply not an option. If you do have Wi-Fi, you might also want to avoid Wi-Fi cameras affecting your bandwidth.

No data breach risk

Without an internet connection, you remove any risk of hackers accessing your data. However, to keep your Wi-Fi camera secure, you simply need to keep on top of updates for the camera and any connected apps.

No additional fees

Some Wi-Fi connected home security cameras charge for cloud storage or monitoring services on a monthly or yearly basis. Security cameras without internet connection won’t have these additional fees.

Whether you decide to go internet-free or choose a Wi-Fi camera with a myriad of features, Selectron will always find a solution that suits your needs. From CCTV and video surveillance to intruder alarms, our high-quality solutions protect homes and businesses across Bermuda, so you know your security is in safe hands.

If you’d like to learn more about our services, get in touch with our experienced team today.