Best Battery-Powered Security Cameras: Top 5 Things You Should Know

Before you buy a battery security camera, you need to figure out what feature matters to you and what doesn't, what’s the ideal location to place a battery CCTV security camera, how to protect it from vandalism, etc. Read this post to find all the answers and make your decision much easier.

If you’ve got some ideas you want to share or any problems about the best battery powered security cameras, leave your comment below and we’ll reply to you in no time.

Why Use a Battery Security Camera?

Battery-operated security cameras offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for home and business security. They don't require a power outlet, you can place them virtually anywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Moreover, without the need for wiring, installation of battery cameras is straightforward and can often be done without professional help.

Best Battery Powered Outdoor Security Camera - Reolink Go PT Ultra

For those who are looking for a battery cameras for sole outdoor use, you can't miss the Reolink Go PT Ultra. This 4g security camera operates on the 4G/3G mobile network, you can now also monitor the places where WiFi connection and electric power are not available.

It provides an ideal security solution for areas without WiFi network, such as your barns, farms, boats, docks, construction sites, vacation home, etc. And you can also watch the live feed anywhere & anytime on your smartphone.

Pros:

• Supports cellular connectivity
• Sharp 4K 8MP video
• Local storage options
• Runs on battery power and solar panel backup

Cons:

• Requires cellular data plan
• Siren could be louder

Check the video below about the 4G Reolink Go PT Ultra.

Best Wireless Battery Powered Security Camera - Reolink Argus 4 Pro

After reading the battery powered wireless outdoor security camera reviews and comparing the product features, here we’ve picked up one of the best battery operated exterior security cameras, the Reolink Argus 4 Pro

Most of the users love the idea that it can get non-stop power from the solar panel (sold separately) and a rechargeable battery, as they don’t need to access the camera to charge battery frequently.

In virtue of the 4K resolution and 180-degree panoramic view, you can place this wireless security camera indoors and outdoors as you wish.

Pros:

• 180-degree field-of-view
• Detailed and crisp 4K image
• Full Color night vision day and night

Cons:

• No 24/7 recording
• Non-removable battery

And what can you expect from this best wireless outdoor security camera?

Now watch the high quality video below of Argus 4 Pro review:

How to Choose the Best Battery Powered Security Camera

With hundreds of battery operated security cameras to choose from, are you clear which features rank the top when it comes to choosing the best ones? Below we list several important factors you should check out before buying a battery security camera.

1. Battery Life

When it comes to selecting battery powered security cameras and systems, battery life is always an important factor you should consider.

To avoid frequent battery change (or charge) and reduce your cost, choose the battery powered outdoor WiFi surveillance cameras with rechargeable batteries and longer battery life.

But how do you know if the battery power is running low, as you may ask.

Well, most battery-operated cameras would send you low-battery notifications when the battery capacity reaches a certain low value, say, 10%, to avoid the batteries dead without your conscious.

And those wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras with flexible powering options are even far more reliable.

Taking the Reolink rechargeable battery cameras for example, they can get non-stop power from the rechargeable battery (comes with the camera) and Reolink solar panel (sold separately), which is quite cost-effective and eco-friendly.

2. Security Level

There are basically two ways to install the battery powered wireless security cameras, either to place them on a magnetic base or to an outdoor security mount.

To make your battery powered outdoor CCTV security cameras indestructible, the latter installation is more recommended and you won’t have to worry about someone walking off with the wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras.

Besides, you need to allow for the security level of battery powered outdoor wireless security IP cameras and systems. Ask the security providers what major enabled security settings are provided.

3. Free and Customized App

Now most of battery powered cameras comes with a free and customized app provided by the camera sellers, which excels the third-party app in both price and performance.

Any adjustment you want to make of your wireless battery security cameras, like adjusting the motion sensitivity, enabling push notifications, can be simply done via the app on your smartphone.

Also, you can manage more than one battery operated IP cameras on the same app, making it an easy task to keep tabs on multiple places simultaneously.

As the rule of thumb, the sellers would release new app versions on a regular basis to unlock new features of the cameras.

So it is recommended that you upgrade your app to the latest in order to get the most of your cameras with battery backup.

4. SD Card Storage

“I am searching for a battery-operated outdoor security camera that does not require a subscription or any sort of cloud-based service from the manufacturer.”

Same as your needs?

Then you should consider buying the battery outdoor security cameras with SD card (slot) for local storage, requiring no contract or monthly subscription fees.

And the footage is also kept safe from possible snooping risks online. So you can rest assured that your personal privacy can be better secured.

Note that when the SD card of your battery security camera is full, the older files will be automatically overwritten by newest ones. You can check the free space of the SD card on the battery IP camera app/Client and back up those important files in time.

Note: In addition to these features, the battery operated outdoor WiFi security camera with smartphone App, memory card for self storage, smart motion detection and remote access are also important factors. Leave a comment to share the other features you care about.

5. IP Rating & Working Temperature

For outdoor use, consider a best best battery powered outdoor security camera. Just as the name implies, the outdoor battery powered security IP cameras are designated for outdoor purpose. In order to withstand various harsh weather conditions, it is a must-have feature for them to be rainproof and weather resistant.

The IP rating, a two-digit number, is used to how a battery-operated outdoor wireless security camera can be protected against solid objects and liquids, like the rain, dirt, etc.

On top of the IP code, the working temperature of battery outdoor security cameras is another important factor you should consider, which is normally listed in the product specification page.

Note that the operating temperature actually refers to the wireless battery outdoor security cameras’ starting temperature.

What that means, in a nutshell, is that once the battery powered outdoor WiFi cameras are activated and heated, they can continue to work in cold extremes.

6. Night Vision Capability

I bet no one expects to get fuzzy pictures from a heavily-invested outdoor battery security camera.

The battery powered WiFi outdoor security IP cameras with great night vision can not only provide a peek at what really goes bump at night, but also help you discern faces and objects in dark situations.

And now some high-end wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras, are even featured with starlight night vision in virtue of the advanced CMOS sensors. So you can see the objects in real color at night and identify human clothing or other details from afar, say 33 feet away.

Watch the picture below to check out the image quality of Reolink Cameras at night

7. WDR Function

Intend to put up a wireless battery operated outdoor security camera in environments with a sharp contrast of lighting (also called wide dynamic range)?

That’s when the WDR ability should top your wish list, which provide an effective solution in the challenging lighting scenarios.

They can tackle scenes with varying light and harsh lighting conditions, and offer near perfect exposure in both bright and dark areas simultaneously.

When the detail and visibility are needed for outdoor areas, the role of WDR function becomes more prominent for battery powered WiFi outdoor security IP cameras.

8. WiFi Range

Though the wireless outdoor CCTV security cameras offer you flexible placement, at least you should place them within the WiFi coverage for normal work.

Also, check the WiFi distance of battery powered wireless security cameras and systems to see whether it applies to your situation.

For the battery powered long range wireless security cameras which transmit data over the traditional 2.4Ghz WiFi or 5Ghz WiFi network, the WiFi connection is required if you want to view the video remotely.

Tips on the Placement of Battery Operated Outdoor Security Cameras

To get the most from your outdoor security cameras that don't need to be plugged in, it is important for you to place the wireless battery operated security cameras in the right and appropriate positions.

Tip 1: Evaluate the Most Vulnerable Places

Before installing battery powered outdoor WiFi security cameras, you need to think about where the most vulnerable places are for people to break in.

According to the home burglary statistics, the main entrances, front/back porch, garage, backyard, off-street windows and side-gate are the top places for you to place wireless battery operated outdoor CCTV security cameras.

Tip 2: Choose the Proper Height to Install Battery Outdoor Security Cameras

Placing the battery operated outdoor security cameras too high may disable you to see details. Head height is best to capture the face of an intruder.

So make sure that the battery powered WiFi outdoor security camera is high enough to be out of reach but low enough to capture the intruder’s face.

Tip 3: Avoid Direct Sunlight on Batteries

Do not place the outdoor cameras and systems directly into the sun, otherwise the sunlight will cause stripes in images.

Also, remember to position the wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras at an angle to avoid backlight from windows and doors.

How to Protect Battery Outdoor Security Cameras from Vandals or Thefts

Here are some proactive tips to protect your battery operated outdoor wireless security cameras from vandals and thefts.

1. Place Outdoor Battery CCTV Security Cameras to Sturdy Mounts

As it is mentioned above, placing the battery powered outdoor security cameras to sturdy mounts is more secure than to the magnetic base. It takes more time and effort for the thieves to steal and they will have to think twice before their evil action.

2. Position IP Cameras Beyond Reach

Positioning the outdoor battery operated high definition security cameras beyond reach can effectively avoid the naughty kids tampering with your cameras. It can also reduce the chance for the thieves to walk away with your battery-powered wireless outdoor security cameras.

Don’t Miss: Tired of all the trouble you have to go through when you need to change the batteries of your battery-operated outdoor wireless security camera, especially if the camera is placed out of easy reach?

The solar-powered & battery-powered outdoor security camera Argus 2 can free you from such annoyance by providing continuous power from the solar panel and a rechargeable battery. So you no longer need to exhaust much effort to access your hard-to-reach cameras frequently.

3. Add a Tough Protective Housing

A tough protective housing/skin is helpful to protect your battery powered external WiFi security IP camera from vandalism. Besides, it can make your battery powered wireless outdoor security camera blend into the external environment, thus others won’t easily notice its existence.

4. Place Cameras in Discreet Places with Coverings

Placing your battery-powered cameras in a not-so-obvious location with coverings is also a good method to protect them from vandals or thefts. An artificial plant, an outdoor low voltage lighting fixture and the bushes are all discreet locations to hide your battery operated outdoor wireless security cameras.

5. Install Battery-Operated Outdoor Wireless Security Cameras in Sheltered Locations

This can not only provide additional protection for outdoor battery operated high definition security cameras from rain, snow, or hail, but also help keep the camera lens clean from any moisture or residue.

FAQs

1. Can the Battery-Operated Outdoor Wireless Security Cameras Be Turned Off When Someone Is at the Location

Definitely yes! When the motion detection of your cameras is not needed or desired, you may disable the PIR motion sensor via the app on your smartphone. In this way, it can also greatly optimize the power consumption of your battery powered outdoor security cameras.

2. How Close Does the Wireless Battery Operated Outdoor Security Camera Need to Be Placed to the WiFi for Normal Work?

It largely depends on which battery-operated outdoor wireless security camera you choose and location where you place the camera.

For Reolink battery powered wireless outdoor security cameras, the WiFi distance is about 70-80 meters (210-240 feet) in open areas without any obstacles.

And when you place the battery powered WiFi security cameras indoors with 2 walls in between, the WiFi distance can reach about 20 meters (60 feet).

Note that the real distance varies with your environment. And the key point is to place your wireless battery powered security cameras close to your router as possible, so that you can have stable WiFi signals.

3. Is there a battery powered security camera that can record 24/7?

The fact is that, battery powered outdoor security cameras are designed to record motion events in order to save power consumption. And if you set the battery powered IP cameras to record 24/7 non-stop, the SD card storage space can be be full in no time.

Conclusion

When selecting the best battery-powered security cameras, it's important to consider factors like battery life, WiFi range, and the quality of the smartphone app. If you need an outdoor battery camera, be sure to check its IP rating as well. Do you have a battery-operated security camera at home? Share your experience with us in the comments below! Let's talk about it!