An NVR security camera system has several advantages over a DVR security camera system; however, it costs a lot more. It depends on your needs to choose the best fit wired security camera system.
Here are my top picks for the best wired security camera system:
Best security camera systems with DVR
- ZOSI 8CH Security Camera System HD-TVI – The best overall
- ANNKE Surveillance Camera System 8CH 3MP – The Longest night vision range
- SMONET 16 Channel Security Camera System – 16 Channel 5MP DVR!
Best security camera systems with NVR
- Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE Home Security Camera System – Best overall
- Reolink 4K PoE Security Camera System – Bighest resolution
- ONWOTE 5MP 8CH PoE Home Security Camera System with Audio – Most durable
Best security camera systems with DVR
DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder, which is a system that records video in a digital format to a disk drive. DVR systems process the video data at the recorder. They are cheaper than NVR.
However, in return, the BNC cable does not support sound and does not provide power to the camera – so you’ll need an additional power cable. The BNC cable can transmit data over a long distance – 300ft and up to 1,600 ft.
ZOSI 8CH Security Camera System HD-TVI – Best overall

- 4pcs 1080P 2.0MP cameras & 8 Channel 4-in-1 1080P DVR
- Aluminum housing, Weatherproof, Vandal-Proof wire
- 65ft Night Vision Automatically Activates When Low Light
- Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP
- Reasonable price
- Nothing to complain
The four included cameras are all weatherproof with aluminum housing and vandal-proof wire, which can stand extreme weather conditions outdoors. The camera’s automatic IR-cut filter helps to get a sharp and crisp image in dark environments, up to 65ft night vision. When the light is low, the night mode will automatically activate.
You can watch them live via the 1080P Full-HD HDMI/VGA/BNC outputs or via the app Zosi Smart. The motion detection function works effectively. You can also choose customizable zones for more meaningful alerts. For example, you should exclude the street where cars often pass by. Through the app, you’ll get notifications for unexpected movements as well.
Having all of those great features, yet the cost of ZOSI 8CH Security Camera System is very reasonable. This is the perfect Surveillance System.
Specifications
Dimension | 15 x 11.5 x 7.8 inches |
Connection Type | BNC Cable |
Resolution | 1080P |
Data transmitted distance | Up to 1,600 ft |
Field of View | 75 degrees |
Zoom | Yes |
Night Vision | 65 ft |
Highlight Features | 8 channel DVR; 8 bullet cameras; Weatherproof; Motion Detection; Remote Phone APP; 65ft of night vision |
ZOSI 8CH Security Camera System has all the features you need for a surveillance system at a reasonable price.
ANNKE Surveillance Camera System 8CH 3MP – Longest night vision range

- 8 Channel 3MP 5-in-1 DVR & 4pcs 1080P cameras
- 265+ Video Compression
- 100ft Starlight Night Vision
- IP66 Weatherproof, withstand -40 to 140 degrees (F)
- Customized Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP
- Not easy to setup
Besides supporting Analog, HD-TVI, CVI, AHD cameras like ZOSI 8CH, ANNKE Surveillance System’s 5-in-1 DVR also supports IP cameras. The video compression technology is also superior, which is the 265+ technology. It is 4 times more efficient than the 264 technology on ZOSI 8CH. The videos will be compressed at a greater rate, which helps maximize storage space (record up to 7 times longers) and transmission speed (83% faster). You’ll get more real-time images.
Durability and Smart functions, including Customized Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP, are the same as ZOSI 8CH.
So, of course, ANNKE Surveillance System costs more than ZOSI 8CH. Also, the system is not so easy to set up, which might take you half a day to install.
Specifications
Dimension | 15 x 12.1 x 7.5 inches |
Connection Type | BNC cable |
Resolution | 1080P |
Data transmitted distance | Up to 1,600 ft |
Field of View | 82,2 degrees |
Zoom | Yes |
Night Vision | 100ft |
Highlight Features | 8 Channel 3MP 5-in-1 DVR; 4pcs 1080P cameras; H.265+ Video Compression; 100ft Starlight Night Vision; IP66 Weatherproof, Customized Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP |
ANNKE Surveillance Camera System has a superior night vision up to 100ft with starlight effect.
SMONET 16 Channel Security Camera System – 16 Channel 5MP DVR!

- Easy to setup and easy to use
- 16 channel 5-in-1 5MP DVR & 8pcs 1080P Cameras
- IP67 weatherproof
- Night Vision Up to 65Ft
- Customized Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP
- Too much for home use
Besides multi-channel DVR and high resolution, SMONET 16 also has durability as an advantage. Eight included cameras are all IP67 weatherproof, which is durable enough to withstand all kinds of weather outsides.
SMONET 16 is very easy to set up and use. All you need is to plug and play. The instruction book is very clear and intuitive.
Other features and functions are pretty standard – 65 ft night view, Customized Motion Detection, and Remote Phone APP.
Specifications
Dimension | 16.3 x 11.3 x 12.5 inches |
Connection Type | BNC cable |
Resolution | 1080P |
Data transmitted distance | Up to 1,600 ft |
Field of View | |
Zoom | Yes |
Night Vision | 65ft |
Highlight Features | 16 channel 5-in-1 5MP DVR; 8pcs 1080P Cameras; IP67 weatherproof; 65ft Night Vision; Customized Motion Detection; Remote Phone APP |
SMONET 16 Channel is a high-performance surveillance system for buildings and factories.
Best security camera systems with NVR
NVR stands for Network Video Recorder, which is also a system that records video in a digital format to a disk drive. However, NVR systems process the video data at the cameras rather than on the recorder. So, not every camera can be used in an NVR system, but only IP cameras. IP cameras have several advantages; they have more-improved smart functionality and image quality.
The Ethernet cable is also an advantage as it can both transmit data (video and audio) and provide power to the cameras. So it would be much easier to wire the system; as well as you can talk and listen to whoever stands near the cameras.
However, as a tradeoff, NVR security camera systems are more expensive than DVR systems.
Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE Home Security Camera System – Best overall

- 8 Channel NVR & 4pcs PoE IP Cameras with Audio
- IP66 weatherproof aluminum housing; withstand -22°F~140°F
- 5MP of resolution, H.265 compression tech, 100ft IR Night
- Customized Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP
- Short data transmitted distance
The resolution supported by NVR and the resolution of included cameras are 5MP (2560 × 1920P), which brings you exceptional clear and sharp images. The video compression technology is H.265, which is the most advanced compression technology for security systems as said above. The night vision is also very impressive – 100 ft.
To bear the weather outsides, four included cameras have IP66 weatherproof aluminum housing that withstands -22°F~140°F. Smart functions on Reolink 8CH 5MP are great – it has Customized Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP for you to live view or get notifications; it also has 1-way audio that lets you hear anyone who is near the cameras.
However, a common drawback of PoE connection is the data transmitted distance. Up to 100ft from the NVR to the cameras, the system delivers a flawless display; Exceeding this distance, the video quality starts to degrade, however, it still maintains a 5MP high-definition image up to 330ft via CAT6 ethernet cables.
Specifications
Dimension | 14.6 x 10.6 x 11.4 inches |
Connection Type | Ethernet cable |
Resolution | 2560 × 1920/5MP |
Data transmitted distance | 270ft via CAT5 / 330ft via CAT6 |
Field of View | Horizontal: 80°, Vertical: 58° |
Zoom | Yes |
Night Vision | 100 ft |
Highlight Features | 8 Channel NVR; 4pcs PoE IP Cameras with Audio; 2TB HDD; IP66 weatherproof aluminum housing; 5MP of resolution; H.265 compression tech; 100ft IR Night; Customized Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP |
Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE is a high-quality and smart system to keep offices, homes, and small buildings under-protected.
Reolink 4K PoE Security Camera System – Highest resolution

- 4K Ultra HD (8MP, 3840 × 2160) & 100ft night view
- 8-Channel NVR & 4pcs PoE IP Cameras with audio
- IP66 weatherproof aluminum housing; withstand -22°F~140°F
- Customized Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP
- Lack of H.265 video compression technology
Reolink 4K PoE can be viewed as an upgraded version of Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE in terms of resolution. Other features are equivalent.
However, a big drawback of Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE is that it doesn’t use H.265 video compression technology, given that it is a 4K Ultra HD system. Video footage may eat up a lot of storage and bandwidth.
Specifications
Dimension | 14.8 x 7.7 x 11.4 inches |
Connection Type | Ethernet cable |
Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (8MP, 3840 × 2160) |
Data transmitted distance | 270ft via CAT5 / 330ft via CAT6 |
Field of View | Horizontal: 97°; Vertical: 51° |
Zoom | Yes |
Night Vision | 100 ft |
Highlight Features | 4K Ultra HD (8MP, 3840 × 2160); 100ft night view; 8-Channel NVR; 4pcs PoE IP Cameras with audio; IP66 weatherproof aluminum housing; Customized Motion Detection; Remote Phone APP |
Reolink 4K PoE surveillance system with 4K resolution delivers you highest quality images.
ONWOTE 5MP 8CH PoE Home Security Camera System with Audio – Most durable

- IP66 weatherproof aluminum housing, solid and vandal-proof
- 8MP (2592* 1944P) & 100ft night view
- 8 Channel H.265 NVR & 4pcs PoE dome cameras
- The audio range up to 15ft
- Customized Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP
- High price
Not only durable, but the system also has great specs, which are quite equivalent to the Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE. So, ONWOTE 5MP 8CH is an alternative choice of Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE – you’ll need to pay a little more for improved durability and compression technology.
Specifications
Dimension | 14.6 x 12.4 x 11.2 inches |
Connection Type | Ethernet cable |
Resolution | 5MP 2592* 1944P |
Data transmitted distance | 270ft via CAT5 / 330ft via CAT6 |
Field of View | around 90° |
Zoom | Yes |
Night Vision | 100 ft |
Highlight Features | 8 Channel H.265 NVR; 4pcs PoE vandal-proof dome cameras; IP66 weatherproof aluminum housing; 8MP (2592* 1944P); 100ft night view; 15ft audio; Customized Motion Detection; Remote Phone APP |
ONWOTE 5MP 8CH is a high-quality and vandal-proof surveillance system for your highest security.
How to choose the best wired security camera system?
There are a few things you need to take into account when choosing a wired security camera system:
- DVR or NVR: NVR systems are commonly better than DVR systems as they have better image quality, smarter functions, and easier to set up. Also, NVRs can deliver audio, while DVRs cannot. However, as a tradeoff, NVRs are more expensive than DVR systems. So, depending on your need, you have to choose between a DVR or an NVR.
- Durability: Security cameras are normally set up outsides. It’d better that your cameras are waterproof and can withstand a wide range of temperatures.
- Image quality and Night view: The standard specs are 1080p of resolution and 60ft of night view for a typical surveillance system.
- Smart functions: Real-Time View, Motion Detection and Remote Phone APP are three important functions for a security camera system.
Who makes the best wired security camera system?
Zosi Tech
ZOSI Technology is a Chinese brand. They are 13 years old and up to now, have become one of the greatest manufacturers in the surveillance camera industry. They focus on the smart home market with their smart and innovative technologies. Their H.265+ DVR/NVRs, IT solutions, and smart IP cameras are among the best on the market. Plus, ZOSI camera systems are easy to set up and easy to use. also great. Every day, they produce 30,000 cameras and security recorders and sell them all over the world. ZOSI is a trust-worthy brand.
ANNKE
ANNKE is also a Chinese company. They established in 2014. Despite being a very young company, they have become one of the global leaders in the home & business security solution industry. They are famous for their 4K Ultra HD cameras and industry-leading HDDs for DVRs/NVRs, which is a result of the cooperation between them and top-notch companies.
With over 5 million satisfied customers worldwide and more than 30,000 positive feedback, you can trust in ANNKE’s quality.
Reolink
Reolink is a security technology company based in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Reolink, with more than a decade of experience, makes some of the best security surveillance systems in terms of design and technology. It is not exaggerating saying that their PoE cameras are perfect. With Reolink, you are assured of both quality and service.
FAQs
Which is better NVR or DVR?
NVR systems have a number of advantages over DVR systems, including smarter functions, higher image quality, and easier to set up. Also, NVRs can deliver audio, while DVRs cannot. In short, I can say NVRs are better than DVRs. However, as a tradeoff, NVRs are more expensive than DVR systems.
Is there a security camera that works without WiFi?
Yes. Some non-WiFi security cameras use other methods to get connected, such as Cellular Technology or Wired connection – via Ethernet cable or BNC cable.
Is wired or wireless security cameras better?
Wired cameras are harder to install, but more reliable, especially when you have more than one camera. You can ensure all the cameras have good connections and power supply.
Is it legal to have security cameras outside your house?
As long as you don’t point them at others’ properties, it is completely legal.
Where is the best place to put security cameras?
You will want to put them at the front door, back door, and first-floor windows as these are the most common entryways for thieves. You also might want to put them around your porch and yard for more security.

I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.