Security camera placement is impacted by the range of the device, meaning both its wireless signal range and the range capable of its lens. If your connection is too weak, you might need a long range security camera.
A powerful zoom overcomes the problems caused by placing the camera too far from the Wi-Fi router. Alternatively, a greater signal range enables it to be placed farther from the router.
Read on to find out what the best long range security cameras are, including 4K long range security cameras and the best long range Wi-Fi security cameras. Then, discover our top tips for extending a poor signal.
Table of Contents
Best Long Range Security Cameras
- Best long range security camera wireless – Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight
- Best solar powered long range wireless security camera – Eufycam 3
- Best long range night vision security camera wired – Lorex 4K Ultra HD Smart Deterrence IP Camera with Smart Motion Detection Plus
- Best long range wifi security camera – AlfredCam Plus
- Best battery powered long range wireless security camera with motion detection – usogood Trail Camera WiFi 24MP 1296P
Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight
Best long range security camera wireless
Available from Arlo and BestBuy. From $249.99.
Pros
- Up to 12x digital zoom.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi helps alleviate signal issues
- Super crisp 2K video
Cons
- Expensive
The Arlo Pro 5S is a wireless rechargeable camera that supports up to 2K video with HDR. 12x digital zoom makes the most of this and the impressively wide 160 degree field of view, so even the farthest of subjects are seen clearly.
Dual band Wi-Fi is included, which can greatly improve signal range by automatically connecting to the strongest network.
Key Specifications
- 2K HDR
- 160 degree field of view
- Dual Band Wi-Fi
- Two way audio
- Spotlight
- Color night vision
- Built in siren
Eufycam 3
Best solar powered long range wireless security camera
Available on eufy, BestBuy, and Amazon. RRP $549.99.
Pros
- Crystal clear 4K with 8x digital zoom
- Super long signal range (upwards of 300 feet or more)
- AI learns and recognizes faces
Cons
- Expensive
- Solar panel sold separately
- Hub must be connected via Ethernet cable
Eufycam 3 is a 4K long range security camera with 8x digital zoom, complex AI that recognizes faces, a spotlight, siren, and the option for solar charging.
Thanks to the fact it must be connected to a Hub (itself connected to the router via an Ethernet cable), the camera can be placed as far as 300 feet from the hub. In fact, by some accounts, it greatly exceeds this already long range.
Key Specifications
- 4K video
- 135 degree field of view
- 6 month battery life
- Two way audio
- Spotlight
- Color night vision
- Alexa and Google Voice Assistant
- Built in siren
- IP65 weatherproof
Lorex 4K Ultra HD Camera
Best long range night vision security camera wired
Available on Lorex. From $97.49.
Pros
- 4K image resolution
- Up to 150 feet night vision range
- Intelligent AI-based features
Cons
- Narrow field of view
- PoE/NVR only
Bullet cameras are useful for monitoring specific locations in workplaces, storefronts, and homes. This 4K long range security camera option from Lorex boasts super crisp resolution with color night vision, a warning light, siren, and two-way audio, as well as the option to play announcements using a built-in speaker.
Though its 105 degree field of view is rather narrow, its night vision promises a 150 foot range, which is unusually long range for a security camera. It makes it the perfect option for seeing distant subjects in the dark, and is ideal for those looking for a long range camera that works with NVR rather than wirelessly.
Key Specifications
- 4K HD
- 105 degree field of view
- Two way audio
- Spotlight
- Color night vision
- Built in siren
- IP67 weatherproof
AlfredCam Plus
Best long range wifi security camera
Available on Amazon and AlfredCamera. From $39.99.
Pros
- Solid wireless connection indoors and out
- 4x digital zoom (Premium only)
- 64 GB microSD card included for continuous recording
Cons
- Plug in power
AlfredCam Plus makes advanced security affordable. Take 2K QHD video, excellent infrared night vision, and advanced motion detection indoors or outdoors as needed. Because AlfredCam Plus’ live feed maintains a consistent connection, it excels as a long range wifi security camera.
Premium users can take advantage of the sharp, 130 degree field of view with 4x digital Zoom.
Key Specifications
- 2K QHD video
- 130 degree field of view
- Two way audio
- 64 GB microSD card included
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- IP65 weatherproof
- Unlimited devices per account
usogood Trail Camera WiFi 24MP 1296P
Best battery powered long range wireless security camera with motion detection
Available on Amazon. From $89.99.
Pros
- 65 foot detection range
- Wi-Fi-enabled, with a corresponding app
- Battery powered (8 x AA)
Cons
- Wi-Fi setup can be awkward.
- IR lights shine downward, limiting the effective range of night vision
The wild card choice: a trail camera. Because they are purpose-built for monitoring animals in the great outdoors, they moonlight as excellent long range outdoor cameras.
Even this affordable entry-level trail camera from Usogood, which we mentioned in our best wildlife cameras list, has a motion detection range that significantly outperforms most security cameras. It’s triggered by movement as far as 65 feet away even at night, whereas most security cameras fail to detect anything beyond 30 feet.
Key Specifications
- 24MP camera
- 120 degree field of view
- 65 foot motion detection range
- Battery powered
- Infrared night vision
- IP66 weatherproof
Do I Need Long Range Cameras?
Most people do not need long range cameras for home security. But there are certain scenarios where a security camera with a long range zoom or long range wireless connection is necessary.
Discover the most common reasons people need long range cameras below.
Construction sites
It’s common to have all sorts of hazards on a construction site, like heavy machinery or dust and debris.
That’s why an outdoor security camera system should be kept quite far from the action on a construction site. Maximize vertical space by mounting a camera with strong zoom functionality and a wide field of view up high. Users might also prefer a security camera that doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi for data transmission.
Large yard
If your front or back yard is especially large, a long range zoom is super beneficial for honing in on detail, like a mailbox or parked vehicle. While a long range connection allows you to put the camera far from the house, ensuring it has a strong vantage point is more important.
Hence, security camera users often prefer to have the camera at the window and use zooming instead.
High-rise living
Monitoring vehicles parked below is a pain when living several stories high. But it’s illegal to place surveillance in a shared parking area to monitor the vehicle.
If the window provides a decent view of the parking area, a camera with a superior optical zoom works wonders in observing what’s below.
Poor internet connection
Sometimes, poor internet range causes wifi security cameras to not work properly, even when they aren’t far from the Wi-Fi router.
In such instances, Wi-Fi extenders may be necessary to increase range. Connecting the camera to an ethernet port also improves internet connection.
Tips for Enhancing the Range of Outdoor Security Cameras
As detailed in our article on Wi-Fi range, there are reliable ways in which Wi-Fi signal can be improved where Wi-Fi is poor.
Wi-Fi extenders
A cheap and effective way of relaying and expanding the wireless signal, plug in a Wi-Fi extender near the location where the signal is temperamental.
Hardwiring/Ethernet cable
If Wi-Fi extenders fail to improve the signal sufficiently, connecting an ethernet cable to the device allows for much more reliable data transfer.
Varifocal lens
If the device can’t be moved far from the wireless router, don’t move it! Instead, consider purchasing a device with a varifocal lens, which allows for altering field of view. If DIY is your thing, be aware that replacing a lens will void the product warranty.
What’s the Difference Between Optical Zoom vs Digital Zoom?
Optical zoom is ‘true’ zooming, where the lens moves to make the image appear closer.
Digital zoom mimics this by cropping part of a captured image and enlarging it to the number of megapixels the camera has.
That’s why optical zooming doesn’t decrease the quality of the image, whereas digital zooming does. Digital zoom is therefore much more useful on devices that have a high image resolution.
Camera image quality is therefore important when using digital zoom, since low quality cameras create blurry images. AlfredCam Plus supports crystal clear footage up to 2K QHD footage, which enables Premium users to digitally zoom while retaining a strong level of clarity.
FAQ
What is the longest distance for a security camera?
Some security cameras may be capable of up to 500 feet or more, but it’s highly unusual for a security camera’s range to go beyond 150 feet.
What is the range of an outdoor security camera?
The range of an outdoor security camera is typically no more than 150 feet.
How far can a security camera be from WIFI?
How far a security camera can be from a Wi-Fi router depends on the model, and whether it connects to 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Some Wi-Fi security cameras need pairing to a hub, which is then connected to the router, This helps increase the achievable distance. Eufycam 3, for example, can be placed upwards of 300 feet from its hub.
Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?
Wired security cameras likely have a faster and more reliable connection, allowing the quality of footage to remain relatively consistent. Wire free cameras are more convenient. Check out our discussion of the differences, including pros and cons of each.
Are there security cameras that don’t need to be plugged in?
Many security cameras are rechargeable and work without being plugged in, though this means periodic charging. Google’s Nest Cam can last around 6 months after a single charge. Take a look at our hands-on review of Nest Cam.
Conclusion
A strong ‘range’ in a security camera is a combination of strong optics and a strong internet connection.
Camera lenses, optical and digital zoom, dual band Wi-Fi, and whether the camera connects directly to the router or to a hub all contribute to the effective ‘range’ of the camera.