Best Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras & Systems Killer Guide — Unique Points You’ll Love

Wireless outdoor security cameras can offer you an easier way to protect your home and business outdoors and indoors, compared with those traditional hard-wired CCTV cameras.

Buying the best wireless security cameras for outdoor is easy with the help of this buying guide here.

In this killer guide, you'll get every detail about wireless outdoor security cameras and systems, the top features to consider (with videos), top picks and hot FAQs.

Don't forget to ask any questions you want in the comment! Your questions will be highlighted in the post!
What You'll Read Here:

#1. Wireless Outdoor Security Camera Details

#2. WiFi Outdoor IP Camera Top Features

#3. Best Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras

#4. Wireless Outdoor Video Cameras Q&A

#1. Unveil the Mask of Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras for Your Home

Before buying WiFi outdoor security cameras and systems for your home and business, you should know all the details about this type of security cameras.

The word "wireless" in wireless outdoor surveillance cameras and systems means that the communication between the cameras and your home router is totally cordless. "wireless" is NOT equal to wire free.

In the market, there are 2 easy-to-install wireless outdoor security cameras: wireless battery powered security cameras and traditional wireless outdoor surveillance cameras.
• Wireless outdoor security cameras that are battery powered: This type of security cameras are powered by batteries, making the cameras truly wireless from the top to bottom.

Wireless outdoor security cameras that are battery operated are either powered by batteries or are connected to the solar panel to get energy.

Take Reolink Argus 2 as a typical example. This WiFi outdoor surveillance camera can be powered by the rechargeable battery that comes with camera, or be connected to the solar panel to get a continuous power supply.
• Traditional wireless outdoor surveillance cameras: This kind of security cameras need to be plugged into an outlet to get power. The data transmission between the cameras and your home router is wireless.

You can take a look at the RLC-511W wireless outdoor security camera. This wireless outdoor CCTV surveillance camera features its dual-band WiFi, which offers you flexible WiFi band options.

This outdoor wireless security camera can connect to your home WiFi automatically after powering it, so you don't need to do any complicated setup to make it work. Just plug it and go!

Wireless outdoor security cameras are much more portable and easy-to-install, compared with those traditional old-fashioned hard-wired CCTV cameras (like big tanks). You can take the WiFi security cameras with you when you move to a new home, or when you are travelling. You don't need to fish messy wires for this type of security cameras. So your perfect home décor  will keep perfect as it should be.

When buying the top wireless outdoor security cameras for your home, you can consider the below buying guide to get the best one within several minutes.

#2. How to Buy Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras & Systems for Your Home

See what features you should consider when buying wireless outdoor CCTV security video cameras.

• Night Vision
• With DVR or NVR
• With SD Card
• With Audio
• With Smartphone
• Motion Detection
• Waterproof Design

1. Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras & Systems with Night Vision

Outdoor security cameras with high-quality night vision are the ultimate tool to help you monitor the areas of concerned in completely dark surroundings.

There are 2 kinds of high-quality night vision technology being widely used in battery powered or traditional wireless outdoor security cameras: starlight and infrared night vision technology.

• Wireless outdoor security cameras with starlight night vision: Starlight CCTV IP cameras can make the most use of the natural light and produce superior videos and images. The night vision image quality highly relies on the sensors. The premium-branded security camera co

mpanies will use the highest quality sensors they can.

You can take a look at Reolink Argus 2 WiFi outdoor security camera. This camera uses the advanced Sony 1/2.8" CMOS sensors (starlight sensors) and offers extremely clear night vision videos that are nearly daytime-looking videos.

You can take a look at the high-quality night vision image of the Reolink Argus 2 wireless outdoor security camera that is battery-powered (shared by a Reolink fan).

• Wireless outdoor security cameras with infrared night vision: About 90% of the night vision security cameras use infrared technology for its relatively cost-saving (compared with starlight technology). You can still get pretty crystal night vision images with long range IR wireless outdoor Internet security cameras.

You can view the night vision video captured by Reolink wireless outdoor security camera with IR night vision (shared by a customer).

Starlight wireless outdoor security cameras overcast infrared security cameras when in the same light conditions. The high-quality images at night make wireless outdoor security cameras with starlight night vision invincible in the market.

2. Wireless Outdoor Security Camera Monitors with DVR or NVR

If you want 24/7 monitoring, you'd better choose wireless outdoor security cameras rock with recording DVR or NVR.

Some high end outdoor wireless network security camera systems can work even without Internet access. If you need to monitor your farm, barn, rural home or other remote areas without Internet, you can install this 1080p outdoor wireless security camera system with DVR or NVR.

Another highlight of this 1080p wireless outdoor security camera system with DVR or NVR is that this system won't take up your bandwidth when doing continuous recording. The wireless outdoor security cameras communicate with the recording NVR via their proprietary network, so you don't need to worry about this wireless outdoor security camera recorder will eat up your home WiFi.

You can check what was happening during your absence by playing back the recorded videos. So you will not miss anything.

If a home invasion happens when you are at work or outside (well, hope it never happens), you can find out who and what triggered the alerts by checking the recorded videos. With the evidence, the police can catch the bad guy at a higher chance.

3. Wireless CCTV Outdoor Security Camera Monitors with SD Card

Wireless outdoor security cameras with micro SD card can offer you motion detection recording. Unlike those wireless outdoor security cameras with monthly fees for cloud storage, this type of security cameras offers you an affordable way to record important events.

For example, if you install a wireless outdoor security camera with battery power, the SD card storage is the only video recording method. Security cameras with SD card work well even installed in a remote area without Internet access.

Wireless outdoor security cameras with local SD card storage are a better option for protecting your privacy, since you can put the video management in your own hands without worrying about that the vicious people will hack your videos via the Internet.
4. Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras with Audio

Wireless outdoor security cameras with audio are usually divided into 3 types: two-way audio security cameras, security cameras with built-in audio, and IP security cameras with external audio recording device.

• Wireless outdoor security cameras with two-way audio — enable you to communicate with your family in real time with the built-in microphone and speaker.

If you want to know more about two-way audio security cameras, you can check this complete guide here to get all the details you want.

• WiFi external surveillance cameras with built-in audio — only offer you audio recording.

• Wireless outdoor IP CCTV security cameras with external audio recording device — enable you to connect your wireless outdoor security cameras to an external audio recording device for recording audio and sound.

Most countries will have serious laws in audio recording of surveillance CCTV cameras. You should buy a wireless outdoor security camera with audio that the sound or audio recording can be enable or disable easily.

5. Wireless Outdoor IP Security Cameras That Are Smartphone-Compatible

Wireless outdoor security camera monitors compatible with smartphones can offer you remote viewing. You can check everything happening at your property when you are in the office or on vacation, with you iPhone or Android mobile phones.

Wireless outdoor security cameras with remote viewing app offer you a lot of advantages. For example, if there are motion events, you will receive instant app push notifications and email alerts. Thus you can check what's going on by accessing your cameras.

Remember to find a wireless outdoor security camera with intuitive smartphone app, so you can access or set up the cameras easily.

Let's take Reolink App as an example. You can check multiple areas of your home or business remotely with just a tap on your iPhone or Android smartphones. You can play back the recorded videos via your mobile phones.

The Reolink R&D team collect every customer's feedback on the software, and keep improving the software so that you and other people can enjoy the easiest and quickest way to access your security cameras.

6. Wireless Outdoor Security Camera Monitors That Are Motion-Activated

Wireless outdoor security camera monitors or recorders with motion detection can detect motion events and send you real-time alerts.

Wireless outdoor motion security camera monitors typically include: software-based motion detection security cameras, and motion sensor IP security cameras.

• Wireless outdoor security camera monitors with software-based motion detection: This type of security cameras relies on algorithm to calculate the video frame change, and they may cause false alarms since images will naturally differ due to factors such as varying lighting, camera flicker, and CCD dark currents.

• Wireless outdoor security camera recorders with PIR sensor-based motion detection: Security cameras with PIR motion sensor (such as Reolink Argus® 2 ) detect the changing of temperature in the detecting areas when an intruder breaks in. The PIR sensor can compare the previous temperature with the new state (when the intruder enters the detecting area), calculate the changes and trigger the alerts.

6. Wireless Outdoor Surveillance Cameras & Systems with Waterproof

Well, undoubtedly, when you buy a wireless security camera (system) for your home for exterior use, the cameras should have waterproof housing so that they can withstand rain or shine.

As you may know, some security camera companies claim that their wireless outdoor security cameras are weather-resistant. However, "weather-resistant" is not equal to waterproof or weatherproof.

When you buy wireless outdoor HD security cameras for your home, IP65 and IP66 waterproof security cameras are good options. They are both dust-tight and protected against jets of water. You can also check the wireless outdoor IP camera operating temperature. The working temperature range tells you the temperature extremes at which your wireless outdoor security cameras can still function.

You can watch this video below to see an IP65 wireless outdoor security camera's nice waterproof rating (shared by a customer).

If you opt for a traditional wireless outdoor security camera monitor, don't forget about the power wire. The interface where the power cable connects to the security camera needs to be covered and sealed against moisture.

Choosing the best wireless outdoor security cameras and systems from thousands of models and brands is extremely troublesome. You can consider the below top wireless security cameras and systems for your home.

#3. Best Wireless CCTV Outdoor Security Cameras & Systems for Your Home

The below wireless outdoor security camera and system monitors are quite popular in the market. All of them are high-quality and affordable (definitely won't break your bank).

Hot Pick 1. Reolink Argus 2 — A 1080p Mini Wireless Outdoor Hidden Security Cameras That Is Battery Powered

Reolink Argus 2 combines all of the main features you'll need in just a standalone IP camera. The starlight night vision offers you superior images at night. (You might be spoiled by the starlight night vision image quality).

View the high-quality video captured by Reolink Argus 2 completely wireless outdoor security camera (shared by a Reolink big fan).

Hot Pick 2. Reolink Go — Best WiFi Outdoor & Indoor Security Camera with Rechargeable Battery

Reolink Go wireless outdoor security camera has unique features enabling you to use it anywhere without power supply and WiFi. The 1080p Full HD, exceptional starlight night vision, and other smart features make this mobile HD wire-free security camera invincible among its rivals.

No matter what places you want to monitor, your vacation home, your boat, the remote farm and other rural locations without power cords and network connection, you can get remote live view with Reolink Go wireless outdoor security camera whenever you want.

You don't wanna miss the video below offering a detailed introduction to this camera.

Hot Pick 3. RLC-410W — A Wireless Outdoor IP Security Camera with Audio Recording

RLC-410W is a pretty impressive WiFi outdoor security camera with audio or sound recording. It delivers a host of great features that high end security cameras offer. With its extremely affordable price, you should not miss this nice wireless waterproof surveillance IP camera.

Hot Pick 4. RLK8-410B4 — Best Wireless/PoE Outdoor Security Camera System with NVR

RLK8-410B4 is rated by VueVille as "Best DIY NVR Security System". You can manage multiple WiFi or PoE outdoor or indoor IP surveillance cameras at the same time with your mobile phones and computer.

This system is a PoE security camera system, but it can be compatible with Reolink WiFi security cameras.

Still Google "Top 5 or 10 wireless outdoor security cameras for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc., or "best wireless outdoor security cameras in 2015/2016/2017/2018"? Just take the above professional and good quality wireless outdoor security cameras (systems) for your home, and you will get all the features you need!

Congrats, you've finally come to the last part! We would like to invite you to add more Q&A in the comment!

#4. Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras Q&A

You can get detailed answers to the wireless outdoor security camera frequently asked questions.

Q 1: How to install or set up wireless outdoor security cameras

How do you hook up wireless security cameras for your home?
Answer: For easiest totally wireless battery powered outdoor security cameras, you can install them simply by inserting the batteries into the battery slot.

For traditional digital wireless outdoor security cameras, you can finish the installation process simply by powering them.

You can check the wireless outdoor security camera manual to get more configuration or installation details.

Avoid putting your wireless outdoor security behind the window glass. The security camera image quality will be affected by the glass glare and reflection.

Q 2: How do WiFi surveillance cameras work

Answer: Your wireless security cameras will transmit the data to your home router or the video recorder (DVR or NVR) via WiFi. You can access the cameras via your PC, Mac, smartphones (when your cameras and your devices are both connected to the network).

Q 3: How are outdoor wireless security cameras powered

Do wireless security cameras need to be plugged in?
Answer: Traditional wireless outdoor security cameras need to be plugged in to get power. 100% wire-free security cameras either are battery powered or solar powered.

You can take a look at this post to get every point on "How Do Security Cameras Get Power" The post is written by Reolink's tech editor Flora, who are really interested in sharing new and practical ideas with her readers.

Q 4: Wired vs. wireless outdoor security cameras, which one is better

Answer: When you compare wireless outdoor security cameras with the wired types, you need to decide what exactly you want.

If you want the easiest-to-install security cameras, pick wireless outdoor security cameras that are battery powered. If you need security cameras with stable Internet connection, buy wired PoE security cameras.

You can view the wireless vs. wired outdoor security camera comparison details here.

Q 5: Should I use fake outdoor wireless security cameras

Answer: It's NOT a good idea to install fake security cameras for your home or business. Fake wireless outdoor surveillance cameras are just decorations. Those experienced thieves can recognize the fake security cameras easily.

So buy REAL wireless outdoor security cameras for your home or business instead of fake ones.

Q 6: Where can I buy inexpensive, affordable or cheap wireless outdoor security cameras for sale

Answer: Please note that cheap doesn't mean low quality. There are a lot of affordable security cameras offering high quality. Check the best cheap security cameras here >>

If you want to buy good or best DIY wireless outdoor (color) security camera sets (systems) in US, UK, Australia, Canada, NZ, India, etc., you can just head to security camera online shop, BestBuy, Lowe's, Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, eBay, etc.

Q 7: Do wireless security cameras slow down Internet

Answer: Wireless security cameras do not slow down your network as much as you may think.

There are multiple factors that will affect the WiFi security camera bandwidth consumption, including video compression, resolution, FPS, and the number of IP cameras.

You can reduce the wireless IP security camera bandwidth consumption with the following effective tips:
• Choose H.264 video compression format.
• Select the right resolution of your wireless security cameras.
• Lower the frames per second (FPS).
• Only record motion

The above tips are summarized by Reolink's experienced senior tech editor Amanda, who's been in security camera field for a decade. You can read her post here to get more details about whether your security cameras will eat up all of your network.

Q 8: How much bandwidth does a wireless IP camera use

Answer: There are several factors that will affect your wireless IP camera bandwidth calculation. You can view the below IP camera bandwidth chart to see the overall bandwidth needed by your IP cameras (our team have done rigorous tests).

Q 9: Do you have to have WiFi for wireless security cameras

Do you need Internet for WiFi cameras?
Answer: Nowadays security cameras can work even without Internet.

Wireless outdoor security cameras that are battery powered or plugged-in with SD card can protect your home and business even without Internet. The cameras will record the motion videos to the SD card so you won't miss any important events. You can play back the recorded videos for later investigation.

Q 10: What's the WiFi range of wireless security cameras

Answer: Wireless IP security cameras have a transmission range of around 450ft (in open space), while analog wireless security cameras has the transmission range of about 300ft (in open space).

However, the WiFi transmission range can be affected by the building barrier, the interference of other wireless devices nearby.

You can learn some helpful tips to reduce wireless security camera WiFi interference in this post.
Now you can add more to this Q&A list ! We will include your ideas in the list above.