Wireless Camera Battery Life Explained: What You Need to Know
Before buying a battery-powered security camera, it is essential to check its battery life. The battery should last long enough to capture the moments of the whole day. Otherwise, you will have to charge it frequently.
In this article, we will discuss wireless camera battery life in detail. We will explain how long the battery of wireless cameras should last and how often you need to charge them. We will also compare the battery life of different security camera brands and share some incredible security cameras you can buy.
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How Long Do Batteries Last in Wireless Security Cameras?
There are two types of batteries used in wireless security cameras.
The most common option is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You can recharge it using the camera power adapter or a small solar panel. These batteries last for about two to three years or more without causing any issues. And once you charge them completely, they work for around 24-48 hours. Some need frequent recharging as it depends on the battery capacity and the consumption of the security camera.
The second option is a replaceable alkaline battery. You need to replace them after a specific period or usage of the camera. The lifespan of these batteries is about a few weeks to a few months, depending on the quality.
How Often Do You Charge Wireless Security Cameras?
Wireless security cameras usually work on motion detection. They save energy and use it whenever needed. Therefore, the battery life is longer.
If your camera is in motion detection mode, you will need to recharge the battery once a week or even once a month. Some cameras with a good battery can even work for 3 months. However, some cameras do not have a good battery life, and you need to charge them frequently.
As a rule of thumb, the camera should work for at least several weeks in motion detection mode after a full charge.
You need to recharge wireless cameras for 3-20 hours, depending on the working temperature.
Popular Wireless Camera Battery Life
Let’s look at the battery life of some popular security camera brands.
Reolink Wireless Camera Battery Life
Reolink wireless cameras contain Lithium-ion batteries. These can be recharged up to 500 times.
The battery life of wireless cameras depends on the model, battery capacity, and various other factors. However, they can work 9-15 hours continuously. On motion mode detection mode and under normal usage, the battery life is 20 days to 6 months.
If the working temperature is 10-45⁰C, it requires 4-6 hours for full charge. And in cold temperatures, it takes more time, around 15-25 hours.
Reolink cameras only require 10 minutes of battery charging through a solar panel to work for 24 hours.
Arlo Wireless Camera Battery Life
Arlo wireless cameras use Lithium batteries that have a battery life of 3-6 months on average use, which means only 5 minutes of recording per day. If your use is extensive, the battery life will be decreased accordingly.
The batteries require 2-4 hours to fully charge, and this time exceeds if the working temperature is low.
Ring Wireless Camera Battery Life
Ring cameras also contain rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries. They last for up to 3 to 6 months on a single charge. Some cameras can even work for up to 12 months.
You have to charge batteries for at least 5-10 hours. Once they are charged fully, you can use them for a long time without any interruption.
Nest Wireless Camera Battery Life
Like other security cameras, Nest cameras are also powered by Lithium-ion batteries. Once they are fully charged, they can last up to 6 weeks. If the use is minimal, they can work for six months.
The cameras require around 5 hours to charge fully.
Long-life Wireless Battery Camera Recommendations
If you are looking for excellent battery life cameras, you can consider the following options.
Reolink Altas PT Ultra
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is an excellent choice for those seeking a long-life wireless battery camera. With its massive 20,000mAh battery, this camera offers extended usage, lasting up to 8 days on a single charge, even with 12 hours of daily operation. Its advanced True 4K 8MP resolution ensures ultra-clear video, while its pan-and-tilt functionality provides wide coverage for monitoring large areas like driveways, backyards, and entrances.
Industry-leading 4K Continuous Recording Battery Camera
4K UHD Continuous Recording; ColorX Night Vision; Pan & Tilt; Automatic Tracking; All Recordings Stored Locally.
Reolink Argus 4 Pro
Reolink Argus 4 Pro is a 4K battery-powered color night vision security camera. Equipped with ColorX technology, Reolink Argus 4 Pro eliminate the typical frustrations of IR night cameras. Based on Reolink laboratory testing data, you'll save 2W/h per hour and gain up to 12 extra days of standby time. This revolutionary technology not only enhances performance but also promotes eco-friendly operation, ensuring you get the most out of your security camera while minimizing energy consumption.
4k 180° Wire-free Color Night Vision Camera
4K UHD 180° Blindspot-free View; Color Vision Day and Night; 30% More Battery Life; Dual-band Wi-Fi 6; Smart detection.
For consumers who require full-color night vision without apparent spotlights, the Reolink Argus 4 Pro is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you want an inexpensive solution that still performs well, the Argus 4 standard version is worth considering.
4k 180° Blindspot-free Wi-Fi 6 Camera
4K UHD 180° Blindspot-free View; Dual-band Wi-Fi 6; Smart detection; Easy Installation Anywhere
Reolink Go PT Ultra
Reolink Go PT Ultra is a standalone security camera you can use at remote locations. It contains a rechargeable battery that can be connected to a small solar panel. It uses 4G LTE, so you only need to insert a SIM card, and there is no need for Wi-Fi.
The camera has a 355⁰ pan and 140⁰ tilt range. So it can cover a wider area. It offers 4K video quality for an excellent viewing experience. It can automatically detect objects and send accurate alerts. Other than that, it offers night vision, weather protection, two-way audio, and other advanced features.
4K 8MP Wire-Free 4G LTE PT Battery Camera
4K 8MP; Smart Detection; 355° Pan & 140° Tilt; Battery/Solar Powered; Color Night Vision; Smart Real-Time Alert.
Reolink Argus Track
Argus Track is a dual-lens camera that offers 4K videos. One lens captures normal videos, and the other lens offers zoomed videos to unveil intricate details. You can zoom up to 6X to take a closer look at objects.
The camera can auto-track and zoom. It can detect motion precisely and increase battery life. The rechargeable battery can be powered through a solar panel. It only needs 10 minutes of charging to work for 24 hours. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi, color night vision, pan & tilt, two-way audio, and tons of extraordinary features.
4K Dual-Lens Wi-Fi Solar/Battery Camera
4K 8MP Ultra HD, Auto-Zoom Tracking, Pan, Tilt & 6X Hybrid Zoom, Color Night Vision, Dual-Band Wi-Fi.
Tips to Enhance Wireless Camera Battery Life
Here are a few tips to enhance wireless camera battery life.
- Optimize camera settings. Put it on motion detection mode and record lower quality videos if possible.
- Use battery-saving modes if available on the camera
- Select the range for detection to prevent false alarms and reduce the number of events.
- Recharge the camera properly, and it is better to connect it to a solar panel.
- Provide adequate lighting at night so that there is no need for spotlights.
- Adjust the sensitivity of motion detection to reduce the number of false events.
- Shorten event length to save battery.
FAQs
1. What wireless security cameras have the longest battery life?
Reolink wireless security cameras offer an exceptional battery life. TrackMix LTE Plus offers smart battery mode, which ensures up to 72 hours of continuous performance. In motion detection mode, the battery can work for at least six months.
2. What will affect wireless camera battery life?
The battery life is affected by the usage or activity. If the camera is frequently used or the number of events per day is more than normal, the battery life will be short. Secondly, you should put the camera on motion detection mode to save battery. Other than that, working temperature, battery capacity, video resolution, and other factors also affect battery life.
3. Why does my camera run out of battery so quickly?
You might be using your camera in continuous mode. Turn on motion detection to record only when needed. Adjust camera settings to consume low power. Moreover, you might experience quick discharging if the battery is faulty.
4. How do wireless cameras stay charged?
If you want to keep your wireless camera charged, connect it to a small solar panel. 10-30 minutes of continuous charge will be enough for it to work for 24 hours.
Conclusion
The battery life of wireless cameras matters a lot. Before buying one, make sure it offers enough battery life so you can record everything without frequent charging. We have discussed how long these batteries usually last and the time required to charge them. We have also shared the statistics of some famous wireless camera brands for a quick comparison. If you are looking for a long battery life camera, consider the options we have shared. And don’t forget to follow the tips to enhance battery life.
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