After Testing, I Found the 4 Best Ways to Get Home Security Without Wi-Fi

Home security technology has never been more popular, with 94 million US households adopting security devices like alarms or video doorbells in the past year. But there's a small catch -- most of these security systems and cameras rely on your own Wi-Fi connection to work. That can be frustrating for people who have Wi-fi that disconnects a lot, or who would rather not connect everything to Wi-Fi for privacy or safety reasons. 

The good news is that I've come across quite a few ways to adopt advanced security devices without using Wi-Fi at all. Let me explain what I mean, what your options are, and the benefits of these various approaches.

Can home security systems work without Wi-Fi?

Yes. Many home security systems don't need Wi-Fi to work. However, you may be giving up certain features in return for this flexibility. In other cases, add-ons help normally router-dependent home security function even if your Wi-Fi dies, like in a power blackout.

Are home security systems more vulnerable on Wi-Fi?

Hacking home security systems is very rare and is typically only done by acquaintances who already had access to the system. But with poor security habits your wireless network can be vulnerable to hacking. Always enable the highest level of encryption your home devices can support, and create a robust password for your Wi-Fi login.

You'll also have to decide whether you want your home security devices online at all. Connecting to the internet in any form can increase certain risks, like getting your info stolen in a large-scale database theft. But it also brings many benefits, including remote monitoring and cloud video storage.

How do I know if my security devices can work without a wireless network?

Below, we'll cover the best options for security system without Wi-Fi . But looking for cellular, PoE (power over Ethernet) and offline features is the best way to ensure your system doesn't need Wi-Fi, or can keep going if your router goes down.

Do home security systems without Wi-Fi cost more?

Sometimes, but they can also cost less -- it depends on the type of system you get. An offline camera system is likely to cost less. Cellular backup support will usually cost more.

The best home security without Wi-Fi

Quit relying on Wi-Fi for your home security management with several effective answers...

Option 1: Cellular backup for security systems

If you want (or already have) a traditional home security system with important features like app alerts and remote live views or controls, your best option is to equip your system with a cellular backup. These backups can replace Wi-Fi with a cell signal, and work in tandem with built-in hub batteries (another common inclusion in modern systems) to keep systems running even when the power is out.

The trick is that cellular backups aren't free. In some cases, you'll need to purchase an extra device, like this cellular and battery backup from Arlo ($80). In other cases, your security hub already has the capability. But you'll always have to pay a subscription fee for the service, and cellular support isn't always cheap.

Arlo, for example, requires a professional monitoring subscription to get cell and battery backup, which only kicks in at the Premium plan, currently around $20 per month. Ring Alarm starts cellular backup at its Standard plan for compatible systems, which costs $10 per month. Expect similar fees like these to enable cellular backup for essentially any security system.

Option 2: PoE (power over Ethernet) devices

PoE systems use a single cable connection to supply both power and an internet connection to a device such as a security camera. That makes them ideal for outdoor cams that are far away from Wi-Fi or that need more reliability. It won't help solve blackout problems, but otherwise it's a hands-off cam that doesn't require battery charging and still provides all the online benefits you want.

Reolink stands above most home security brands as one of the best choices for PoE cameras. It offers many options, but one of our favorites is the Reolink 4K RLC-810A outdoor camera. It's a high-res cam that's affordable; has object recognition and long-distance night vision; some smart home support; and is entirely subscription-free when you add a microSD card.

Option 3: Closed network NVR system

Homeowners also have the option to ditch the internet completely with an offline NVR or network video recorder, a favorite option for people who want to keep their home security away from the web, the cloud and any wireless signals entirely. The NVR is connected to a display where it can show multiple feeds at the same time, just like how a security guard monitors cameras in a store.

However, an offline NVR setup like this will put your security system back decades. You'll miss out on the most advanced features, including checking live views from a distance on your phone. We recommend staying online if possible: Consider a wired connection that still connects the NVR to the internet for the best of both worlds.

Option 4: A noncellular trail cam

Trail cams are a rough and ready option if you want to keep watch on a spot without relying on the internet. Founissa/CNET

Does managing cables annoy you? You have a final security option that ignores Wi-Fi and can work anywhere, wire-free. These are the same trail cams that capture inquisitive wildlife out in remote areas where cell connections aren't reliable.

Trail cams like this model for $80 have far-reaching night vision and lots of battery life so they can last for many months at a time even with 4K resolution and audio. The catch is that if you want to see what the camera picked up, you'll need to manually view it like a digital camera, or take out the SD card for a more lengthy inspection. Still, as a weatherproof set-and-forget option, trail cams have their place.

Get a more complete look at your options with our guides to the top DIY home security systems, wireless home security, and security systems that can easily move with you if you're frequently on the go.