130 products

Security Cameras & Systems for Home and Business

Lorex offers security cameras and systems for a wide range of properties, installation types, and recording needs. Options include wireless (Wi-Fi) cameras, complete wired security systems, and wired add-on cameras for expanding a compatible setup.

From simple single-camera monitoring to larger multi-camera systems, there are options to fit different spaces, installation needs, and recording preferences.

Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between wired and wireless security cameras is how they connect and where video is recorded.

Wireless (Wi-Fi) Security Cameras

Wireless (Wi-Fi) security cameras connect directly to your Wi-Fi network, are monitored and managed through a Lorex app, and can record to a microSD card, the cloud, or both.

Wired Security Camera Systems

Wired security cameras connect directly to a security recorder, where video is stored locally on the recorder’s hard drive.

Should I Choose Wired or Wireless Security Cameras?

Choose wireless (Wi-Fi) cameras for flexible placement, easier installation, and simple monitoring.

Choose a wired security system if you want a multi-camera setup with continuous recording, higher-capacity local storage, and more advanced recording, search, and system management options.

For some properties, the right solution can include a combination of wired and Wi-Fi cameras.

Types of Security Cameras and Systems

Different camera types are designed for different monitoring needs.

Wireless (Wi-Fi) Security Cameras

Wi-Fi cameras are available in a range of styles for different areas and installation needs, including indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, video doorbells, lightbulb cameras, and battery-powered cameras.

Shop Wireless Security Cameras

IP (PoE) Security Cameras and NVR Systems

IP security cameras connect to a Network Video Recorder (NVR) using Ethernet cables and represent Lorex’s most advanced wired security option.

Shop NVR Systems

Analog Security Cameras and DVR Systems

Analog security cameras connect to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) using coaxial cabling and offer a more affordable wired security option, especially for existing analog installations.

Shop DVR Systems

How to Choose the Right Security Camera or System

Consider What You Want to Monitor

Identify the areas you want to monitor to help determine the number and type of cameras you need.

Decide Between Wired and Wireless

Choose Wi-Fi cameras for flexible placement and simpler installation, or a wired system for continuous recording and larger multi-camera setups.

Determine How Many Cameras You Need

Consider how many areas you want to monitor and, for wired systems, make sure the recorder supports enough camera channels.

Choose How You Want to Store Video

Choose between local microSD storage, higher-capacity NVR or DVR storage, or optional cloud storage on compatible Wi-Fi cameras.

What Features Should I Look for in a Security Camera?

Security cameras offer a range of features designed to improve how you monitor, review, and respond to activity.

Video Quality

Look for higher resolution for more detail, higher frame rates for smoother motion, and advanced image processing, such as WDR, to help balance bright and dark areas within the same scene.

Night Vision

Choose the level of night vision based on your lighting conditions, with Color Night Vision adding an extra layer of detail in low light and infrared night vision providing visibility in complete darkness.

Smart Detection

Choose cameras that support the types of detection you need, such as people, vehicles, pets, or faces, to help you stay aware of important activity and reduce unwanted notifications.

Video Analytics

Consider cameras or systems with video analytics that can help identify activity patterns, highlight relevant events, and provide greater insight into what’s happening across your property.

Deterrence

Check to see whether a camera includes deterrence features such as warning lights, sirens, or voice alerts to help you respond to activity and discourage unwanted behavior.

Audio and Two-Way Talk

If desired, look for cameras with audio recording for additional context around events, or two-way talk if you want to listen and communicate through the camera.

Camera Views and Movement

Think about how much area you need to cover, then choose from fixed-view, dual-lens, PTZ, or motorized varifocal cameras based on the level of viewing flexibility you need.

Weather Resistance and Durability

For outdoor installations, look for weather-resistant cameras with IP66 or IP67 ratings for protection against dust and water, or IK10-rated vandal-resistant cameras for more demanding, within-reach locations.

Which Lorex Security Series Is Right for Me?

Lorex security cameras and systems are organized into different series based on installation type, performance, and feature level.

Smart Home Series

Wireless (Wi-Fi) cameras designed for flexible, app-based monitoring, with options including indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, battery-powered cameras, video doorbells, lightbulb cameras, and other smart home camera types.

Shop Smart Home Series

U Series

A value-focused wired security series for reliable everyday monitoring and local recording, with simple system options for homes and smaller installations.

Shop U Series

X Series

Lorex’s most advanced wired security series, built for higher-performance monitoring, advanced video technology, powerful AI analytics, and greater flexibility for larger or more demanding installations.

Shop X Series

V Series

A versatile wired security series with 4K video, smart person and vehicle detection, local NVR recording, deterrence features, two-way talk, and outdoor-ready camera options. V3, V5, and V7 provide increasing levels of low-light performance and AI-powered detection.

V3

The foundation of the V Series, with 4K video, smart person and vehicle detection, and the core features needed for everyday monitoring.

V5

Steps up with AI Color Night Vision, Color Smart Security Lighting, and more advanced AI detection, including face detection, line crossing, and intrusion detection.

V7

The most advanced V Series tier, adding Color Night IQ+ and expanded AI analytics, including License Plate Recognition with a compatible VF 16-Channel NVR.

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T Series

A wired analog security series with dependable local DVR recording and camera options ranging from 1080p to 4K. Choose from 8- and 16-channel DVR systems for different installation sizes and recording needs.

Shop T Series

Do Lorex Security Cameras or Systems Require a Monthly Subscription?

No. Lorex security cameras and systems support local storage, so a monthly subscription is not required for recording. Wi-Fi cameras can record locally to a microSD card, while wired systems store video on the NVR or DVR’s hard drive. Storage capacity can typically be upgraded with higher-capacity security-grade microSD cards or hard drives, up to the capacity supported by the camera or recorder.

Frequently Asked Questions About Security Cameras

What type of security camera system do I need?

The right system depends on how many areas you want to monitor, how you want to install your cameras, and how you prefer to record video. Wi-Fi cameras are well suited for flexible, simple monitoring, while wired systems are better suited for larger multi-camera setups, continuous recording, and higher-capacity local storage.

Should I choose wired or wireless security cameras?

Choose Wi-Fi cameras when flexible placement and simpler installation are priorities, or a wired system when you want continuous recording, larger local storage, and centralized management for multiple cameras.

Do security cameras need Wi-Fi?

Not all security cameras need Wi-Fi. Wireless cameras connect to a Wi-Fi network, while wired cameras connect directly to a security recorder and do not rely on Wi-Fi for camera-to-recorder communication.

Can security cameras work without internet?

Yes. Lorex cameras and systems with local storage can record without an active internet connection. Internet access is required for connected features such as remote viewing, mobile notifications, and cloud services.

Do Lorex security cameras or systems require a monthly subscription?

No. A monthly subscription is not required for local recording with Lorex security cameras and systems. Optional cloud storage is available for compatible Wi-Fi cameras.

How many security cameras do I need?

The number of cameras you need depends on how many areas you want to monitor and how much area each camera can cover. For wired systems, choose a recorder with enough channels to support the number of cameras you plan to connect.

How much storage do I need for security cameras?

Storage needs depend on factors such as the number of cameras, video resolution, frame rate, recording schedule, and how long you want to retain footage. Storage capacity can typically be increased with higher-capacity security-grade microSD cards or hard drives, up to the maximum supported by the camera or recorder.

How long do security cameras keep recorded footage?

Recording retention depends on storage capacity, the number of cameras, video resolution, frame rate, and recording schedule. Once storage is full, cameras and systems can typically overwrite the oldest recordings to continue recording.

Can security cameras record continuously or only when motion is detected?

Recording options depend on the camera or system. Wired NVR and DVR systems are designed for continuous 24/7 recording, while Wi-Fi cameras may use continuous or event-based recording depending on the model and storage configuration.

What should I look for in an outdoor security camera?

Look for weather resistance, night vision, smart detection, and a camera view suited to the area you want to monitor. For outdoor durability, IP66 or IP67 ratings provide protection against dust and water, while IK10-rated cameras offer added vandal resistance for within-reach locations.

Can I view my security cameras from my phone?

Yes. Lorex Connect cameras and compatible security systems can be viewed and managed through the Lorex Connect App, including live viewing, recorded video playback, notifications, and supported device controls.

What is a PoE security camera?

A Power over Ethernet (PoE) security camera is an IP camera that receives power and transmits video data through a single Ethernet cable when connected to compatible PoE equipment, such as an NVR or PoE switch.

Are all security cameras compatible with all NVRs or DVRs?

No. Camera compatibility depends on the recorder model, camera technology, and supported features, so compatibility should be confirmed before adding cameras to an existing wired system.

How far can security cameras be installed from the recorder or Wi-Fi router?

The maximum distance depends on the camera and connection type. Wi-Fi range depends on the strength of your wireless network and can be reduced by walls, building materials, and interference. Standard IP/PoE cameras can typically be installed up to 328 ft (100 m) from the NVR or PoE equipment using Ethernet, while analog cameras can use RG59 Siamese cabling up to about 300 ft for video and power, or up to 800 ft when the camera is powered locally.