What Is Wireless in Home Security?

The term “wireless” can be confusing, especially when it comes to home security systems. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve tested a wireless product that had to be plugged in. That doesn’t sound wireless, does it? Well, it depends on your definition.

Let’s break down the meaning of wireless in home security.

When a security product is wireless, that generally means one of the following three things:

1. The device straight-up has no charging cords. It has batteries or another charging mechanism, so it doesn’t need a plug. However, it might need to be wired to another device or your home electrical system to communicate.
2. The device communicates without wires. You don’t have to physically connect it to the rest of the system or hardwire it into your home. It speaks to other devices and any monitoring services by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio frequencies, or cellular signals.
3. The system doesn’t have cords and communicates without wires. (This is also referred to as wirefree.)

When something is wireless, sometimes we automatically assume we’re getting #3, wirefree. In reality, #1 or #2 is a much more common definition of “wireless.”

Why wireless security? There are a lot of advantages to using a wireless home security system.

If you have a wireless system without charging cords, your biggest benefit is saving money on your electric bill. Plus, devices that don’t have to be plugged in free up your outlets for smart lamps and Google Homes.

Systems that communicate without wires are often DIY systems. These systems are often quick and easy to set up. You install them on your own with minimal time and tools. That’s a major convenience if you ask us.

You can learn more about self-installed systems by checking out our best DIY home security systems.

Systems that communicate wirelessly are harder to disable than systems with wired connections. Your wireless system should have a backup battery. If someone cuts the power, the system continues working as long as the battery lasts.

The real danger to a wireless system is signal jamming. That’s difficult to do, but not impossible. We’ll talk more about that in a minute.

As great as wireless systems can be, there are also trade-offs to choosing one over a hardwired system.

If your system has no cords or wires, it probably runs on batteries. You might have to remember to change and/or charge the batteries. If the batteries last a long time, that’s not a problem. But if they don’t hold a lot of power, changing them out will get real old, real quick.

Check out our guide to choosing an internet speed to learn more.

The average citizen doesn’t have the skillset to signal jam security systems, so it’s not a common risk. Still, it does happen.

Some security systems have jamming fail-safes built into them. If you’re concerned about protection against jammers, talk to your home security system provider or manufacturer.

Wireless doesn’t always mean no wires, so make sure you double-check so you know what you’re getting. Talk to your potential security company to learn the limitations of the system you’re eyeing.

To get you started, we suggest looking at the best home security systems. We also have a wireless security camera review if you’re looking for a security camera system. The review goes over everything from night vision to motion detection to video storage for your home security camera.

When putting together your full integrated smart home you may also need to explore the best smart plugs.

Let’s walk through a few common questions about wireless security.