Do you need to put a security camera in a remote spot?
Or do you want to bring one with you outdoors?
Well, I have good news for you.
You don’t have to worry about an internet connection.
As I’ve picked out the best cameras for the job that don’t require it.
What are those?
Continue reading to discover:
- 5 best security cameras without internet.
- The meaning of a ‘cellular camera’ and how it works.
- 10 things to consider when picking an ideal non-WiFi camera.
- 3 ways to receive alerts and view clips in your camera without using the internet.
- And so much more…
Can you use security cameras without the internet?
You can use security cameras without the internet. This could be done by connecting them to a 3G or 4G LTE mobile data plan. As well as letting them store videos straight to a digital video recorder. But aside from this, some cameras are compact, wireless, and can save clips to their local storage.
5 best security cameras without internet
#1: REOLINK Go+ Cellular Security Camera System w/ Solar Panel
Okay. What better way to start the list than beginning with an Amazon’s Choice product, right?
This particular REOLINK model is considered the best match for security cameras.
So you might wonder,
“What makes it an excellent choice?”
First, it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s a cellular security camera. So it doesn’t require a WiFi connection.
In fact, it can’t link to one at all.
“Really?”
Yup! Cellular cameras are also called ‘SIM cameras.’
They use phone data to send video and photo signals. This is why they’re also perfect for outdoor trips and remote areas.
Plus, they have local storage where they can store recorded clips.
Local storage
When a motion is detected, the camera will start recording a video. Then, it’ll be stored in its SD card – which is expandable up to 128GB.
So you can save a lot of videos and play them back whenever you want.
Network connectivity
The Reolink Go+ only operates on 3G/4G LTE networks. So you can’t connect this to WiFi or Ethernet cable.
Video quality and viewing angle
Its camera has a 1080p HD resolution. And it has a 110° wide viewing angle that provides wider coverage.
Affordability
At this moment, you can get this at $229.99 on Amazon. So it’s the 2nd most expensive item on this list.
Mind you, this Reolink Go+ is solar-powered and has a cellular camera. This is why it’s much more costly than others.
But don’t worry. We’ll get to the less expensive options later on, so hang in there.
Battery-life
Since this has a solar panel, it fully recharges every evening. So you don’t have to worry about dead batteries.
Installation
The Reolink Go+ is 100% wireless. This is why it’s easy to set up.
First, put the battery and SD card inside the camera. Mount it on the location you want.
Then scan the QR code with the Reolink app. And there you go.
Motion detection
Its camera uses an infrared motion sensor to detect any movements. Then it’ll record and alert you about it.
Night vision
This Reolink camera has black and white and color night vision. And you can see up to 33 ft (10 cm).
Pros
- Local storage.
- Easy to install.
- 100% wireless.
- Solar-powered.
- Remote viewing.
- No WiFi needed.
- Two-way communication.
- Can link multiple Reolink cameras.
Cons
- Costly to purchase.
- Can’t record videos 24/7.
- Doesn’t support other third-party apps.
- Must purchase a SIM card and data plan from a supported service provider (e.g., T-Mobile).
You might also like: 10 Best SmartThings Compatible Cameras (Honest Guide)
#2: REOLINK Argus 2+ Security Camera System w/ Solar Panel
Next, this is of the same brand as the previous one.
But, it’s on the more ‘budget-friendly side.’
Local storage
This is also equipped with a micro SD card. And it can be expanded up to 128GB.
Network connectivity
Unlike REOLINK Go+, Argus 2+ uses a WiFi connection. So you can link it to an available network.
But this could still alert you and record clips without using Cloud storage.
Video quality and viewing angle
This has a 1080p HD camera with a 130° wide viewing angle.
Affordability
When it comes to price, this is the 2nd cheapest item on the list. So you’d get all these features at a decent cost.
Battery-life
Based on Amazon reviews, the Reolink Argus 2+ can last a month with only a single charge.
Plus, you may also connect it to a solar panel for continuous energy.
Installation
The directions on the Reolink app are said to be easy to follow. So usually, it only takes about 5 minutes to set everything up.
Motion detection
The Argus 2+ records videos as soon as it detects activity. And it also sends alerts and alarms to notify the user.
Night vision
Like Go+, this also has infrared night vision. So you’ll see clear images both day and night.
Pros
- Local storage.
- Easy to install.
- Solar-powered.
- 100% wireless.
- Long battery life.
- Easy to navigate app.
- Two-way communication.
Cons
- Playback issues.
- Doesn’t allow optical zoom.
- Can’t tolerate cold climates well.
#3: Arlo Go Wireless Security Camera
Are you looking for a camera with a compact design?
If so, then you might like this item.
Aside from Reolink, Arlo also offers a cellular security camera.
It’s completely wireless too. And it only works with 3G or 4G LTE mobile data plans.
Now, what are their differences?
Local storage
The Arlo Go can save videos both in local storage and Cloud. But the micro SD card can only be expanded up to 32GB.
Network connectivity
Again, this camera only supports cellular plans. So like the Reolink Go+, this won’t also connect to WiFi.
Video quality and viewing angle
It records videos in 1280 x 720p resolution. And it also has an 8x digital zoom feature.
Affordability
Currently, this is sold at $429.99 on Arlo’s official website. So this product is the most expensive one on the list.
Battery-life
This has an estimated 2 to 3 months battery life.
But this will still depend on its daily usage, the condition of the area, and its settings.
Installation
The Arlo Go is 100% wireless too. So you only need to mount the camera using the hardware included in the package.
Then, connect it to the Arlo Secure app to get real-time notifications.
You might also want to check out: 4 Best Ways To Mount an Arlo Camera Without Screws (How-To)
Motion detection
This security camera can detect activities up to 23 ft (7 m).
And when it does, it automatically sends alerts via email and app notifications.
Read also: Arlo Not Detecting Motion Through Glass: 6 Easy Fixes
Night vision
According to the Arlo website, this device can illuminate areas up to 25 ft. (7.62 m).
So you’ll be able to see far away places clearly.
Pros
- Local storage.
- Easy to install.
- 100% wireless.
- Solar-powered.
- Long battery life.
- Two-way communication.
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatible.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Highly sensitive sensors.
Reading tip: Arlo Camera Positioning Not Working: 5 Simple Fixes
#4: Defender PHOENIXM2 Non-WiFi Security Cameras
Now, if you want a more affordable version of the Reolink Go+ and Arlo Go…
Check out this one.
It’s called Defender PHOENIXM2 security camera. And it doesn’t need a WiFi connection as well.
Plus, it comes with 2 cameras and an LCD display monitor. (Wow!)
Local storage
This comes with a 16GB SD card. But you can expand it up to 128GB.
Network connectivity
The Defender PHOENIXM2 can also function without WiFi.
“But how?”
This is all thanks to its advanced SecureGuard encryption.
It’s an email service that lets users send messages and files through Cloud storage. And others won’t be able to access this.
Video quality and viewing angle
This camera has a 1080p resolution. And users say that its lenses offer a great depth of field.
Affordability
The Defender PHOENIXM2 comes in 3rd place (on this list only) when we talk about price.
Being currently sold at $199.99 on Amazon.
Battery-life
This must be plugged into a power source to function. So it isn’t wireless like the Reolink Go+ and Arlo Go.
Installation
According to its reviews, this is fairly easy to install.
But expect that the process won’t be as fast as setting up a wireless camera.
Motion detection
This also has an infrared motion sensor that detects any movement in the area.
Night vision
It’s also equipped with long-range night vision. So you can still view photos or videos taken in a dark setting.
Pros
- Local storage.
- Long battery life.
- No monthly fees.
- Comes with 2 cameras.
- Two-way communication.
- The app is easy to navigate.
Cons
- Wired.
#5: Divine Eagle Spy Camera 1080p
Last but not least, here’s a more compact item than the Arlo Go. This is if you want a portable security camera that’s easy to conceal.
On Amazon, this is currently ranked 1st in the Hidden Cameras category. And it also doesn’t require WiFi.
Local storage
This can store videos in its micro SD card slot. Which is expandable up to 32GB.
Network connectivity
This Divine Eagle security camera will not connect to WiFi. And another downside of this is that you won’t receive real-time alerts.
You can only view the recorded videos once you connect the camera to a phone or PC.
Video quality and viewing angle
It offers a full 1080p HD resolution with a 90° viewing angle.
Affordability
This is sold at $37.99 on Amazon – making it the most budget-friendly on this list.
Battery-life
It should be plugged into an electrical outlet too. So it doesn’t depend on battery power.
Installation
This is easy to set up as well. As you only need to connect it to a power source to function.
Motion detection
It also has a motion sensor camera that records videos when it detects any activities.
However, some users reported a 10 to 15-second lag.
Night vision
When it comes to clarity in dim areas, the recorded clips can only be viewed clearly if there’s a light from the start of the video.
Pros
- Compact.
- Affordable.
- Local storage.
- Compatible with Mac and Windows.
Cons
- Low night vision.
- Doesn’t support live streaming.
- Doesn’t have two-way communication.
So among these, which one are you getting?