Wired vs. wireless home security systems

Since a wired security system transfers data through wires, as opposed to a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection that uses radio waves, wired systems also aren’t as vulnerable to jamming (blocking the signals between components in a security system). They’re also less susceptible to incidental radio interference caused by your neighbor’s Wi-Fi network, baby monitors, walkie talkies, radios, and microwaves.

Wired systems don’t have the same range limitations as wireless sensors and cameras, making them a better choice for securing large properties.

Wired systems allow you to install multiple control panels in different locations throughout the home for added convenience and control.

Cameras and sensors on a wired system have a constant power source, so there’s no need to change or recharge camera and sensor batteries periodically.

Many wired components, including security cameras, are usually cheaper than wireless hardware.

Most wired systems have a DVR, which allows you to save footage on hardware located in your home, eliminating the need to pay a monthly subscription fee for a cloud service to store and access camera footage.

Since a wired system uses a coaxial or ethernet cable to transfer data, it can better support the high data demands of a high-definition 4K camera than a wireless connection, reducing lag and ensuring good picture quality. And, since wired security systems have a constant power source and ample space for data storage, it’s possible to have surveillance cameras that take round-the-clock video.

A wired security system doesn’t rely on a router to transfer data, so it can still record camera footage even when your network is down.

Due to the complexity of running wire through a home and hardwiring the system’s components to a power source, most wired systems require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost of the system. This design also makes it more difficult to add more sensors or cameras at a later date.

Some wired systems have a control panel located in the home that serves as the only means of controlling the system. You won’t be able to control the system via a mobile app.

Since this type of security system requires the installer to hardwire it to the home, you won’t be able to remove it easily. If you move, you probably won't be able to take the system with you.

Installing a wired system in a preexisting home will require the installer to drill holes in your walls in order to run wires. While professional installers know how to minimize the impact of a wired security system installation, they probably won't be able to conceal all the wires, creating an eyesore.

Unless the wired security system has a hub that can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network, you won’t have many of the features that come with a wireless system, including the ability to arm and disarm it, receive alerts, or monitor camera footage from a smartphone. Most wired systems also don’t support advanced features found on wireless systems, such as two-way talk that allows you to communicate with visitors via a doorbell camera.

Since a wired system relies on the home’s electrical system to power it, a power outage can disable the system unless it has a battery backup. Some wired systems also require you to have a landline in order for the system to communicate with the monitoring service.

Since more wired security systems with monitoring require professional installation, you’ll more than likely have to commit to a multi-year contract when you purchase one unless you choose to go with a DIY wired security system.

Since a wireless security system doesn’t involve running wire from a base unit to each piece of hardware, installation is usually very easy. In fact, many homeowners can typically install their whole system in under an hour. Wireless sensors and motion detectors are usually peel-and-stick for easy installation, and wireless security cameras come with easy-to-install mounting hardware. These simple installation methods also make it easy to expand the security system.

If you’re a renter or plan on moving in the near future, a wireless system is easy to remove and reuse in your home thanks to its wireless design and simple installation methods.

Since these systems connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network, it’s generally easier to integrate them with other smart home hardware, including digital assistants, smart thermostats, lights, and locks.

Wireless systems offer features that may not be available on wired systems, including the ability to arm and disarm the system, view video footage, and communicate via two-way talk remotely from a mobile device.

Since wireless systems use cloud storage, they allow you to access footage online from anywhere you have an internet connection. Cloud storage also serves as a back-up for your camera footage.

Many DIY home security systems don’t require their customers to commit to contracts, and some give their customers the option to self-monitor.

Since wireless systems use batteries to power their various components, you’ll need to periodically change or charge them. While this isn’t much of an issue with sensors and motion detectors, which have batteries that last between five and 10 years, it’s more of an issue with cameras, which can burn through batteries much more quickly. A wireless camera battery typically only lasts between three to six months before you need to replace or recharge it.

Since a wireless system uses radio signals to transfer data, it’s easier for hackers to disable the system by jamming those signals. Jamming prevents sensors and motion detectors from alerting the security system’s hub—and hence you—in the event of a break-in. It’s important to note that most professionally installed and DIY wireless systems use anti-jamming algorithms that make their systems very difficult (though not impossible) to jam.

There’s a limit to how far a wireless sensor or camera can be from the security system’s hub. The average range of a wireless camera, for example, is only about 150 feet once obstructions, such as walls and radio interference, are taken into account. While this range is adequate for small to mid-sized properties, it may not be enough for large properties.

Surveillance cameras are data hogs, which limits the number of cameras you can typically add to your wireless security system. While wired systems can support a dozen or more wired security cameras, wireless signals are slower, which can make it difficult to use multiple high-definition cameras on a wireless system.

Wireless systems typically require customers to use a smartphone app to access many of its features. This can make a wireless system feel complicated for someone who’s used to entering a code into a keypad and may not be comfortable using smartphones and apps to control their security system.

Since your wireless security system relies on your router to communicate data, you may lose camera footage and the ability to receive alerts should your router go down.