Hard Wired or Wireless Home Security System: Which is Better?

By choosing a security system (wired vs wireless), there is so much that you will want to get right before installation.

The goal is to pick one that makes your life easier, right? To do this, you start with basic factors like checking the price, camera, sensors, etc.

Having been convinced of the above factors, you will still be faced with a major factor to consider. Is your house or apartment better served by a wired system or wireless security system?

It is not a clear answer. Deciding between wired and wireless home security systems is a debate that has divided opinions. It all depends on your needs and desires, regarding your alarm system.

There are advantages to wired home security, including reliability and ease of installation, i.e. for homes that already have hardwired systems in place.

If you compare them to those of wireless security systems, you can decide which one to choose for your home.

How wired and wireless home security systems work

Just as the name suggests, a wired home security system uses wires that run throughout the house to relay information to the central control panel and, if applicable, your security company’s monitoring center.

The things you choose to include in your system, such as cameras and sensors, are connected via tangible wires.

In contrast, wireless systems use the cellular network to communicate throughout your house.

Using radio frequency technology, wireless systems can relay information back and forth wirelessly. It can also include a monitor, just like a wired system.

Whether you choose a wired or wireless system, there are pros and cons to each. For example, installation can be much easier with a wireless system, compared to a wired system.

The downside of a wireless system is that the wireless network, on which it depends, is not as reliable as the wired security system.

So the hard-wired system can give you reliability, but the installation will probably give you some headaches.

Now that you know how both systems work, it’s time to learn about the pros and cons of wired systems and wireless home security systems.

Benefits of a wired security system

Here are some facts that give wired home security systems an edge over wireless security systems:

Very reliable

If you have used a wireless network, you can understand how frustrating it can be every time there is a network failure.

With a wired setup, you never have to worry about Wi-Fi signal degradation or camera battery charge.

The fact that wired security systems do not depend on the network makes them reliable. Not only does the system work consistently, it also means you get fewer false alarms or, worse yet, no alarms if there is a real problem.

In addition, wired security systems are less likely to be hacked, while still having the advantage of being able to connect to the Internet if desired. see pictures when you are away from home.

Safer

The fact that wired security systems can operate entirely locally makes them more secure, even though they can still be connected to the Internet.

If you feel less secure or your privacy is at risk, you are better off opting for wired security cameras.

Weak Wi-Fi signal? No problem!

Weak Wi-Fi signals mean your wireless cameras will not perform efficiently, increasing the risk of false alarm.

Instead, replacing it with a hard-wired system improves performance. A wired system will provide a reliable signal.

In addition, the video quality will remain constant as it will not be sensitive to fluctuations in bandwidth.

Lower monthly cost

A wireless setup will require cloud storage, unlike a wired setup, which records continuously. With a wired configuration, you must subscribe to cloud storage services and pay dues monthly, or perhaps annually.

In addition, cameras in wired systems cost less than those in wireless systems.

Disadvantages of a wired home security system

As good as anything can be, there are always flaws. Here are some of the disadvantages of wired home security systems:

Higher installation cost

Equipment for wired setup may cost less than their wireless counterparts, but the cost of installation makes a huge difference.

Often this is because it requires professional installation, bending the wires as needed and installing the central control panel.

No virtual assistant

The advancement of technology has seen the application of virtual assistants in almost every industry.

This makes life a lot easier which is not the case with a wired setup because it does not support virtual assistants. Everything is controlled from the control panel.

Additionally, you may also need to configure your monitor to view images, which is not the case with wireless systems as the images are accessed remotely as they use cloud storage.

Benefits of a wireless system

Here’s what makes wireless security systems the perfect home security system:

Easy installation

Perhaps the most common advantage of a wireless system, over wired systems, is that it is easy to install.

There is no problem with the cables you need go through walls or ceilings. With wireless, after assembly, you simply connect to Wi-Fi and the wireless alarm system is ready to go.

Easy to use

It is very easy to use a wireless system. Unlike their counterparts, where everything is controlled from the control panel which is parked at any given time, the wireless system allows you to use a smartphone or tablet to view the images. You can also change camera settings from the palm of your hand.

Advanced features

Wireless cameras have been incorporated with machine learning features, allowing them to identify for you whether it is an animal or a person in the images.

Disadvantages of a wireless system

Monthly fee

You will need to pay monthly fees for cloud storage. This is one of the main disadvantages of using wireless security systems.

Fluctuating video quality

As internet bandwidth fluctuates, the quality of the video will follow. As a result, your 4K cameras can sometimes transmit in just 720p, simply because there is not enough bandwidth to provide better quality video.

Should you have Wi-Fi for wireless cameras?

A wireless system will require that you have a Wi-Fi network in your home for it to function. In the event that there is no Wi-Fi, it is difficult to access the camera images outside of your home.

Cellular data can be used in place of Wi-Fi, although it does not provide the necessary fast speed, which will result in a reduction in the quality of the transmitted video.

Are there any privacy concerns with wireless home security cameras?

When you install the wireless security system in your home, your actions and those of your friends will be recorded.

If the camera is connected to the Internet, the data will be online, which creates a risk of hacking.

Most systems come with a default password. If the default password is not replaced with a stronger password, the data record can be easily hacked, raising privacy concerns.

By following simple steps to secure the password, you will be less a victim of a cyberattack.

Any device that records audio falls under federal and state wiretapping laws, which vary from state to state. You may need to consent to the other party about the recording.

To avoid legal and privacy concerns, turn off the cameras when you are home and turn them on when you are not at home.

Choose the perfect security system for your home

Finally, the decision of which system you should choose, wired or wireless home security systems, will depend entirely on your needs and wants.

Not everyone will want a wired or wireless security system installed in their home.

It is fair to say that you have to choose what works best for them, as long as the alarm system is working effectively.

The security of your home or apartment is paramount and therefore you would want the security systems to be reliable.

As such, it is important to have regular maintenance of security systems. This will help ensure consistent recording of footage as intended. In case of technical glitches, it is good to call on the services of an expert.