Best 5GHz Wi-Fi Security Cameras

While Wi-Fi cameras aren't as reliable as wired cameras, they are significantly easier to install and great when you can't run cables. For 4K resolution with high frame rates, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi can lag while also clogging up your over-the-air bandwidth.

That is why 5GHz (or dual-band compatible) Wi-Fi cameras can be a good choice for high bandwidth continuous recording and lag-free streaming. That being said, with 5GHz's reduced range, you will need to make sure you have a router or access point close by.

Let’s begin.

Best 5GHz Wi-Fi Security Cameras

Our top pick is the Lorex 4MP 3-Camera / 6-Channel Security Camera System. This system includes three Lorex 2K Spotlight wire-free cameras (U471AA-E) and a Lorex Home Hub (H871T6D).

The entire setup supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi channels. Apart from the rechargeable battery, there is also the option for wired DC power and a solar panel.

The cameras have a 4MP sensor with a maximum resolution of 2560x1440. On top of that, they have an IP65 rating, and the in-built spotlight allows them to carry out full-color night vision.

The Lorex Home Hub acts as the NVR for this system. It can support four cameras at 2K resolution (or six cameras recording at 1080p) and includes a 32GB WD Purple microSD card for local storage. The Home Hub also has a built-in speaker and siren that can be set up to trigger when a camera detects motion.

The runner-up on our list is the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro. It is a 2MP wired camera that records at 1080p and supports dual-band Wi-Fi. The device carries no battery; hence, you will have to hardwire it to your home’s electrical wiring.

This camera requires an online subscription for storage because there is no MicroSD card slot or support for NVR. Apart from cloud storage, other features such as push notifications and remote viewing are unavailable without the subscription.

The Reolink RLC-511WA is a high-end 5MP bullet-type camera. The device needs DC for power and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi channels.

The camera supports either motion-based or continuous recording, and it doesn’t need a cloud subscription service. Storage options include FTP support and a MicroSD card slot with a maximum storage capacity of 256GB, although we highly recommend setting this up with an NVR.

The Reolink NVR is a leading contender in our Top NVR IP/PoE Security Camera Recorders list and a worthwhile investment for future expansions.

The Arlo Ultra 2 is a wire-free 8MP security camera. There’s a rechargeable battery, but you can also hardwire it to your home’s AC wiring. The camera needs Wi-Fi 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi for data transfer.

This device is easy to install, and the rechargeable battery can last up to six months on a single charge. (In the motion-activated recording configuration.)

The camera works with multiple widely-used smart integration platforms such as Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and even IFTTT. On top of that, there are MicroSD and USB storage options. However, the camera works best with the cloud storage feature.

The Amcrest ProHD 1080P PTZ Wi-Fi Camera is a mid-range device with support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands. The camera needs DC power and doesn’t include a rechargeable battery option.

The camera has a 2MP sensor with True WDR and a motorized lens. The lens allows for 355° panning, 90° tilting, and 3x optical zooming. (with 16x digital zooming.)

The cloud storage feature is optional, and there are MicroSD, NVR, NAS, and FTP options for local/remote storage. Also, this is one of the few devices that include an official IK08 rating.

The Nest Cam Battery is a compact and affordable mid-range wireless security camera that supports dual-band Wi-Fi.

As the name implies, this device comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that can standby (with motion-activated recording) for seven months.

The camera sensors can record 1080p footage and carry out human, vehicle, face, and animal detection. However, the camera only supports cloud storage; hence, you need an online subscription to store and retrieve the footage.

For 24/7 continuous recording, the camera should be hardwired and set up with a Nest Aware Plus package.

The Ubiquiti (UniFi) G3 Instant is a budget-friendly security camera supporting 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi bands.

The camera does not include full-color night vision, a weatherproof IP rating, and a rechargeable battery. Also, the storage options are limited to Ubiquiti’s line of NVRs, and there is no support for a MicroSD card slot.

The footage is recorded at 1080p and supports both continuous and motion-activated recording. However, for 24/7 recording, it needs to be hardwired.

Decision Factors when Choosing a 5GHz Wi-Fi Security Camera

Data Transmission Options

For wireless security cameras, the medium of data transmission is always the first spec that needs to be considered. Almost every device that supports the high-frequency 5GHz band will always include support for the 2.4GHz band. Before deciding on a camera, make sure that the camera’s installation location has 5GHz coverage. (Otherwise, the device will switch to 2.4GHz.)

IP rating

For most indoor locations, you don’t need to worry about the IP rating of your security camera of choice. For outdoor installations, we recommend going for IP66 or IP67-rated cameras. These ratings offer the best protection against rain, wind, and snow.  

Continuous or Motion-Triggered Recording

Transferring data through Wi-Fi can become expensive, especially if uploading footage to the cloud. These cameras recommend motion-activated recording because it helps conserve data and battery life. Therefore, some cameras will not include hardwired options for continuous recording. So take note of this if 24/7 recording is a crucial requirement for you. 

Camera Resolution

A security camera with a 2MP sensor cannot record footage at 4K resolution. Even though 1080p 2MP footage is good enough to carry out human and vehicle detection, it will be missing out on more important details. So we recommend sizing up your Wi-Fi camera based on the amount of information you are hoping to glean from that installation location.

Power Options

If you want a wire-free camera around your home (with motion-activated recording,) you can easily rely on rechargeable batteries. Typically, these batteries can last more than three months on a single charge. Therefore, we recommend noting down the battery capacity and how long it will be able to sustain itself. Also, some devices may include support for solar panels to help recharge the batteries.

Conclusion

The 5GHz Wi-Fi band has more bandwidth than the regular 2.4GHz, allowing high-resolution footage to get transferred faster. Therefore, making it the appropriate choice for continuous recording and lag-free streaming.

In the list above, we have cataloged seven of the best 5GHz Wi-Fi security cameras. Hopefully, this lineup helped you get some ideas about your next wireless camera/system.

Do you agree with our top pick? Let us know in the comments.