Wireless and battery cameras are Wi-Fi security cameras for homes, gardens, shops and small offices, covering battery, solar-assisted and mains-powered models. Our range of over 180 models includes bullet, turret, dome, spherical and cube designs from Dahua, TP-Link, Imou, Reolink and EZVIZ, among others.
How to choose a wireless or battery camera
Power source. Wireless usually describes the video connection, not the power supply. In our range, many cameras run from a DC adapter, while others use a battery, a battery with a solar panel, USB or PoE. Battery models can go where there is no socket, but they need recharging, and a solar panel reduces how often you have to take the camera down.
Resolution and sensor. Resolutions in our range go from 1920 x 1080 pixels up to 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K), with 2304 x 1296 and 2880 x 1620 pixels both well represented. Higher resolution helps when you need to recognise faces or read number plates at a distance, but it also uses more storage and bandwidth. For night footage, a larger sensor such as 1/2.8 inch generally gathers more light than a 1/3 inch one.
Indoor or outdoor use. Cameras are listed for indoor, outdoor or both. For outdoor placement, check the operating temperature: some models in our range start at 0 °C, while others are rated down to -30 °C or -40 °C. Cold also shortens battery life, so a wider temperature range matters more for battery cameras left outside in winter.
Shape and mounting. Bullet cameras are common in our range and are easy to fix to a wall or under an eave, where their visible presence acts as a deterrent. Turret and dome cameras are lower profile and usually go on a ceiling or wall. Spherical and cube models tend to sit on a desk or shelf, and some can be mounted on a pole.
Storage and app. Find out whether recordings go to a microSD card, a recorder or a paid cloud plan before you buy. Also check that the app supports the features you want, such as motion alerts, two-way audio or night vision.
Wireless camera brands we carry
- Dahua: a Chinese maker of professional video surveillance equipment, and the brand with the most models in our range.
- Imou: the consumer smart home brand of Dahua, focused on Wi-Fi cameras for home users.
- TP-Link: best known for routers and Wi-Fi networking equipment, which makes its cameras a natural fit for homes already using its network products.
- Reolink: known for security cameras across PoE and wire-free battery and solar models.
- EZVIZ: the consumer brand of Hikvision, one of the largest surveillance manufacturers.
- Foscam: one of the early makers of IP cameras for home use.
- Petcube: makes indoor cameras designed for checking on pets while you are away.
Also in our range: Moes, Trust, Amazon, Tellur and Ajax.
Wireless and battery camera questions
Do wireless security cameras need electricity?
Most do, because wireless normally means the video travels over Wi-Fi, not that the camera has no power. Battery and solar models work without a cable, while others need a DC adapter, a USB supply or PoE. Decide where the camera will go and whether a socket is nearby before choosing.
How long does a battery camera last between charges?
It depends on how often the camera records, the video quality, the temperature and the Wi-Fi signal. In a quiet spot, a battery camera may last from a few weeks to several months, while a busy entrance drains it faster. A solar panel can extend this considerably.
What resolution do I need for a home security camera?
1920 x 1080 pixels is enough for general monitoring of a room or yard. Models with 2560 x 1440 pixels or more give extra detail when you zoom into recordings, and 4K suits wide areas where small details matter. Higher resolution also means larger video files.
Can I use a wireless camera outdoors?
Yes, if it is listed for outdoor placement, and you should also check its operating temperature range and weather protection rating. Place it within good Wi-Fi range, because thick walls weaken the signal. A mesh system or Wi-Fi extender can help if the signal is weak.
