Wired vs. Wireless Home Security Systems: Full Guide

The safety of your family is paramount, and studies show that security systems, including cameras and alarms, are strong deterrents from burglars who might otherwise enter your home.

The best home security system is a comprehensive one that includes locks, cameras, alarms, motion sensors, breaking glass sensors, and remote monitoring. But what kind of comprehensive security system is better: a hardwired security system or a wireless security system? We’ll explore both of these security systems below, including their pros and cons and who each system is best for.

Hardwired Security System vs. Wireless Security Systems: Key Differences

The main difference between a wireless and wired system is in how the system’s sensors communicate with the control panel, and how that control panel alerts the monitoring station.

• A wired system connects cameras and sensors to the control panel in your home with actual wires, and it may also use an ethernet cable or telephone line to connect to the remote monitoring station. Wired home security systems have a more reliable signal, but they require professional installation and aren’t portable if you move.

• Wireless security systems use radio signals to communicate between devices and the control panel and a cellular connection between the control panel and the remote monitoring station. They work during power outages and are more flexible when installed, but the signal can be interrupted, and they require regular battery maintenance.

What Is a Wired Home Security System?

A wired security system is one that uses physical wires to connect cameras and sensors to a control panel, as well as a telephone line or ethernet cable to connect the control panel to the security company’s monitoring station.

These systems can be challenging to install, as you’ll have to make holes in drywall, ceilings, and floors to run wires to all the necessary cameras and sensors, but they are reliable and great for larger properties. While they won’t work in a power outage, you can equip your system with a backup battery to ensure it still runs.

Best for:

• Houses with weak WiFi signals

• Families who plan to stay in the same house for a long time

• Larger houses with more square footage (or acreage) to cover

Pros of Wired Home Security Systems

Wired home security systems don’t depend on radio signals from sensors and cameras; the physical wire connection is much more reliable and not easily susceptible to interference. While wireless sensors need to be close to the control panel to stay connected, a wired system can spread farther (as far as the wires can go), which is ideal for a larger home.

The components of a wired home security system are also more affordable than those of a wireless system. 

Cons of Wired Home Security Systems

There are some drawbacks to wired home security systems. The installation requires an experienced home security system installer near you, and potentially an electrician. This can make the system much more expensive unless your house was previously wired for a home security system. The installation can also be awkward and messy since you’ll need wires running to every camera and sensor.

Wired security systems are also susceptible to power outages, though you can install a backup battery to keep it running at all times. If you move to a new house, you can’t easily take the wired system with you, and if you rent a house or apartment, your landlord may not even let you install a wired system.

What Is a Wireless Home Security System?

A wireless home security system, as the name suggests, doesn’t rely on wires for the cameras and sensors. Instead, these security devices use radio signals to communicate with your central control panel, which then uses a cellular network to communicate with the security company.

Such systems are compatible with a comprehensive “smart house” (one with other connected smart devices) and are easy to upgrade. Homeowners can often install these systems themselves to save money and take them with them when they move. However, the systems aren’t as reliable as wired systems, as there can often be signal interference.

Best for:

• Renters or homeowners who move regularly

• Families with a comprehensive “smart home” approach

• Houses with brick or stone walls

Pros of Wireless Home Security Systems

Wireless home security systems are easy to install. Many homeowners choose to do it themselves and can get it set up in a few hours—there's no drywall patching or mess to clean up, either. Upgrading the system over time is easy, too, and wireless systems can tap into your home’s overall smart network.

Plus, when you’re ready to move, you can easily bring your system with you, and you don’t have to worry about your system going down in the event of a power outage.

Cons of Wireless Home Security Systems

While wireless home security systems aren’t at risk during power outages, you do need to keep up with battery replacements to ensure you don’t lose power. Plus, your system can go down if your WiFi does. Wireless systems also suffer from radio interference from other devices, such as baby monitors and microwaves.

The components of a wireless system tend to be more expensive, and you’re also limited in terms of how far away you can place wireless cameras and sensors and still get the radio signal to work.

Wired vs. Wireless Home Security Systems

So what’s the better type of system for home security: wired or wireless? It depends on your situation, home, and budget.

Reliability [Wired]

In general, wired home security systems are more reliable. You don’t have to worry about signal interference or issues with WiFi, and you don’t have to remember to regularly replace batteries. Though wired systems can go off the grid in a power outage, many allow you to install a backup battery, just in case.

Portability [Wireless]

If you move regularly or rent, a wireless system is much more convenient. You can simply pack it up and take it to your next home. A wired system likely has to stay behind with your home; while a nice selling point to potential buyers, you likely won’t get a strong ROI on it, and you’ll have to pay for a new one at your new place.

Coverage Area [Wired]

Wwired security systems aren’t limited by signal strength. While you need to strategically place wireless home security components close enough to the control panel that the radio signal will work, wired systems can be spread out farther, ideal for larger properties. As long as you can run the wire, you can make it work.

Install [Wireless]

Installing a wireless home security system is much easier, cheaper, and cleaner. Many homeowners install the system themselves, and you don’t have to cut into walls, ceilings, and floors to run wires all over your home—or pay for a professional to do all that for you.

System Cost [Wired]

While wired home security systems may require a large labor cost to install, the components themselves tend to be cheaper than those for wireless systems. Review our full breakdown of home security system installation costs before committing to a specific option.

Comprehensive System [Wireless]

A wireless system can connect with your smartphone and other smart devices around your home. If you’re tech-savvy and want a “smart home,” a wireless system is the way to go. Plus, it’s easy to upgrade the home security software as the companies release new updates.

Vulnerability [Tie]

Both wireless and wired security systems are vulnerable to criminals. Savvy criminals can theoretically hack into wireless systems to disable them and potentially access data over their networks. However, a wired security system that uses a telephone line can also be disabled if a criminal knows how to cut the line.

Bear in mind: This is rare. Most burglars do not go to these lengths, but it’s worth noting the vulnerabilities of each type of system.

Safety [Tie]

Sure, wired systems can go down if your home loses power or a criminal cuts the phone line, and wireless systems can struggle with signal interference, dead batteries, and tech-savvy hackers. But overall, any type of home security system—wired or wireless, a large fence or a deadbolt, flood lights outside, and lights on a timer inside—goes a long way to keep you safe.

Data shows that cameras and alarms deter criminals. Recent studies demonstrate that security cameras reduce burglaries by 50%, and 60% of criminals will back down if they spot an alarm system. Wired or wireless, your family and your home are safer when you install a security system.