Looking for security cameras without internet?

I need to get some security cameras for my barn, but I don’t have internet out here. I can use a hotspot on my phone, but I’m not always at the barn. I’m okay with something that records 24/7, and I can check the footage later, but it needs night vision. Any recommendations?

Since you have a hotspot on your phone, that means there’s cellular service where you are. You might want to check with your cellular company. They offer internet devices that aren’t phones but use cellular service to connect to the internet.

Without internet, I’d recommend an NVR system with POE cameras. You won’t get notifications on your phone, but you can hook it up to a monitor and review recordings. Something like this might work and could store a week’s worth of footage on a 2TB drive:

@Toby
So if you go with wired/POE, you can’t get live alerts? What if you do have Wi-Fi available but still want a POE setup?

Torin said:
@Toby
So if you go with wired/POE, you can’t get live alerts? What if you do have Wi-Fi available but still want a POE setup?

You can get alerts with wired/POE cameras if you have cellular service or internet to send the notifications.

@Toby
Got it, thanks :+1:

@Toby
Thanks! So there’s no way to get live video without an internet connection, right?

Wei said:
@Toby
Thanks! So there’s no way to get live video without an internet connection, right?

That’s correct. Without internet, you won’t be able to get a live feed. Is there another building on the property with internet, or is it just hotspots?

Wei said:
@Toby
Thanks! So there’s no way to get live video without an internet connection, right?

You can get a live feed while you’re local, but not when you’re away without internet.

Costco has a pretty good deal on a Lorex 4K Fusion system with an NVR. It records locally, and you can view it online with an app if you do get internet later.

Are you okay with paying a small monthly fee, or do you want to avoid that?

Zeph said:
Are you okay with paying a small monthly fee, or do you want to avoid that?

Depends on how much it is. Is there any camera that can give me a live feed without internet? Maybe using satellites?

@Wei
I was going to suggest Ring Pro, but it requires internet for cloud backups. Another option might be Eufy’s system with a home base. Reolink is also a solid choice. You could hook either up to a cellular modem or a hotspot for occasional remote viewing. T-Mobile offers a $20-a-month backup internet plan with 130GB of data, which could be useful for low-traffic areas.

@Zeph
He’d still need internet to set up Ring or Eufy, which might not be possible for him. Wired systems might be his best bet for now.

Sam said:
@Zeph
He’d still need internet to set up Ring or Eufy, which might not be possible for him. Wired systems might be his best bet for now.

That’s true, and if there’s no reliable hotspot option, it would be tricky. Personally, I think that $20-a-month option from T-Mobile could be worth it for remote access, but if security is the main concern, a wired system might be more secure. It’s all about what works best for his setup.

Zeph said:
Are you okay with paying a small monthly fee, or do you want to avoid that?

Without internet, anything with a subscription would be pointless.

Uma said:

Zeph said:
Are you okay with paying a small monthly fee, or do you want to avoid that?

Without internet, anything with a subscription would be pointless.

Yeah, you’re right. That’s been addressed in the replies already.

Is there internet in a nearby building, like a main house?

What’s your budget for this?