Best Security Cameras That Don’t Need Wi-Fi

There are a few types of wireless security cameras that work without internet, such as closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras, analog cameras, and IP security cameras. However, these security cameras are often better for business or government organizations; they are more complex and expensive than most home security camera users would want. 

If you want smart home security cameras with easy-to-use features to monitor your rural property or other remote locations, you can get wireless cameras that connect to a cellular data plan instead of Wi-Fi. But be aware that some of the fancier features of a home surveillance system, like cloud recording and remote live-streaming, are usually only available with a stable and strong Wi-Fi connection. 

Before jumping straight into wireless outdoor cameras without Wi-Fi, check if you can get better internet in your area first, just in case. 

Here are our top picks for internet options in rural areas. Hughesnet, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, and Spectrum are all the most likely providers you'll have available on rural properties. If your internet is strong enough, and you have a solid, outdoor Wi-Fi extender, you might not have to rely only on security cameras that don't use Wi-Fi. 

But you can always enter your zip code into our search box below for a comprehensive list of the best internet services in your specific area.

Not every security camera needs Wi-Fi. Like we mentioned above, some smart home security cameras can connect to the internet via cellular data plan, in the same way as a mobile hotspot. Other security cameras can connect using either Wi-Fi or cellular data, depending on which internet option is available where they are located.

Let’s look at some of the best security cameras that don’t need Wi-Fi, and which features and technical specs make them stand out from the crowd.

All of the security cameras in the table shown above will connect to your phone without Wi-Fi, via mobile app. You can set up your camera to deliver alerts, notifications, and live video remotely to your phone.

Farmers, ranchers, and rural property owners often have special needs for security cameras. If your Wi-Fi network does not stretch to the limits of your property, or if you want to be able to put a security camera on a fence post, tree, or barn door, battery-powered, wireless security cameras can give you that flexibility. All of the security cameras on this list would work great as farm security cameras.

Check your cell phone plan for compatible data options before you buy your security camera—and you’ll want to read the fine print on how much data the camera is using during live video feeds. Streaming video can eat up huge chunks of data, so you might want to choose an unlimited-data phone plan to keep up with your security camera.

Doorbell cameras have become another popular option for home security cameras. If you just want to monitor your front door, watch for package deliveries, and get a better view of who’s arriving at your home, doorbell cameras can help you monitor what’s going on outside your front door. 

Unfortunately, doorbell cameras require Wi-Fi. If your Wi-Fi connection shuts down, many of these doorbell cameras will still partially work or offer a few features, such as storing a few hours’ worth of video footage on their local SD card. 

However, some doorbell cameras will not work at all without Wi-Fi. Check the fine print to see which capabilities your doorbell camera can offer in case your Wi-Fi goes down.

Ring doorbells do not function without Wi-Fi. The doorbell camera requires a stable internet connection in order to work and to connect to the Ring app.

Connectivity and bandwidth issues are big reasons why people often want to buy security cameras that don’t need Wi-Fi. These reasons are especially important for rural internet users, who deal with limited bandwidth and slower speeds. 

If that’s your situation, just know satellite internet can be good for security cameras, but only if you’re confident that you have enough bandwidth and Wi-Fi range to accommodate the additional data demands of the cameras. Some satellite internet plans have low caps on data, which could get eaten up by a security camera’s data use.

Depending on how you use your security cameras and how much video you’ll need to watch live, record, and store, a cellular LTE security camera with its own data plan could be a better choice.  

Before buying a smart security camera, doorbell camera, or other smart home devices, check to see if it’s compatible with your home satellite internet provider. Satellite internet providers will also offer tips and advice on how to maximize the performance of your internet service while using security cameras and other connected devices for your home. 

Hughesnet satellite internet service supports a number of smart devices and services for your home. According to Hughesnet, its satellite internet service is tested and compatible with several options for home security cameras and smart home systems: 

• Arlo Smart Home 
• SimpliSafe Home Security System
• Ring Cam Wired
• Blink XT2 security cameras
• Google Nest Hub
• Nest Cam Outdoor Camera
• Nest Cam IQ Indoor/Outdoor Security Cameras 

Hughesnet customers have reported that they are able to use cameras from brands including Arlo, Blink, Nest, Ring, and Wyze. Some customers recommend using a Wi-Fi signal booster to extend the reach of your Hughesnet service to outbuildings or other locations on your property. But be aware that uploading security camera video to the cloud will affect your overall service plan data usage, and adding more than one camera will impact your overall camera viewing experience.  

Be sure to check the settings on your security cameras, such as image quality and upload rate, so they’re not gobbling up too much data. One Hughesnet customer said that his cameras record 4,000 pictures per day, and each picture typically equals 3.5MB of data; that adds up to 14GB of data per day. Make sure you have the right Hughesnet plan to keep up with your security cameras’ data demands.   

According to Hughesnet, its satellite internet service is compatible with products from Arlo, Google Nest, Ring, Amazon, and SimpliSafe, so most of these companies’ doorbell cameras should be a good fit.

Unless you have a Viasat unlimited data plan, home security cameras could cause a big hit for your monthly data allowance. Consider adjusting the settings of your security camera to make sure you’re not using too much data. According to Viasat, a high-resolution security camera could use 140GB of data per month, while a medium-resolution video setting would only use 60GB.

Viasat satellite internet service can accommodate doorbell cameras, but beware of data usage issues. Viasat says that high-resolution video doorbell cameras might use 50-300GB of data per month.

Several Starlink customers have reported that they can use home security cameras like Eufy and Wyze without any issues. Some Arlo security camera customers have reported challenges with connecting to Starlink, but Arlo offers technical support to solve the issues. 

As with any Wi-Fi network, be mindful of how far the Starlink Wi-Fi range extends around your home. Depending on how far away you want to install security cameras, consider using cameras that don’t need Wi-Fi, like those in our table. 

Wyze cameras can connect to Starlink Wi-Fi, just like any other internet service provider (ISP) Wi-Fi network.

Several Starlink customers have commented that they use Ring cameras with Starlink successfully, without any issues.

Ring doorbells and other doorbell cameras will work with satellite internet service, but if you have a monthly data limit, be aware of how much data the cameras are using. If you are using high-definition video and recording lots moments on multiple occasions per day, your monthly data usage could be higher than you expected. 

The Arlo Go 2 security camera offers LTE cellular data connectivity as well as Wi-Fi connectivity. Most Arlo cameras work only with Wi-Fi.

The Arlo Go 2 security camera has to connect to the internet, whether it’s your home Wi-Fi network or a mobile data plan, so you need some kind of internet plan for your Arlo camera. 

Ring makes a variety of smart home devices, such as security cameras, doorbell cameras, car cameras, lighting, and accessories. Eufy offers a similar range of security cameras and smart devices but also makes cleaning products such as robot vacuums, baby monitors, and pet products.