Whatever you want To keep your kids, pack delivery or pets, security cameras and video doorbells are an affordable and easy way to keep them. But before deciding on the ideal home security setting, there is an important question to solve: Where will you store these videos? The convenience of the cloud is perfect for some, while others may prefer to stay local and subscribe.
I’ve been testing security cameras and video doorbells for years and I’ll walk you through the main differences between cloud and on-premises storage, discuss everyone’s strengths and weaknesses, and give you a cost comparison including all major cloud storage services.
Looking for recommended equipment? Our guide to the best outdoor security cameras, the best indoor security cameras, the best video doorbells and the best pet cameras can help.
Cloud and local storage
Videos stored in the cloud will be uploaded remotely or uploaded to or downloaded from a storage server connected to the Internet, most likely the camera manufacturer’s facility or rented hardware. Locally stored videos are saved to the camera’s hardware (such as microSD cards), or in the wheel hub or plug-in bell at home.
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is a secure remote server space. Your videos will be encrypted and your login details need to access them. You can use the app on your phone to transfer videos from anywhere. There are actually only a few cloud storage for security camera videos.
- Editing records: When the camera detects motion, it will trigger short recording, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. This duration is usually configurable and sometimes there will be a cooldown to trigger again. A few manufacturers offer limited free clip recordings, but this is rare. Subscriptions will usually give you a 30 or 60-day record of event and then delete any unsaved clips. Only the upload clip helps maintain bandwidth and has low power requirements.
- Continuous recording: Through continuous recording, the camera continuously uploads the video to the cloud. When viewing videos, there is usually a schedule that can be scrubbed with marked motion detection events. Again, few are available for free, but some manufacturers do offer hours of video without a subscription. Monthly fees, you can extend the recording period, usually from about 7 days to 30 days. Cameras that record to the cloud continuously require strong Wi-Fi signals and a lot of bandwidth and usually require plugging in (some battery-powered cameras can now record continuously, but only at very low frame rates, usually up to 1 fps).
Advantages of cloud storage
- Videos can be stored securely online (if someone steals or destroys your camera, the lens remains)
- Videos are usually quickly accessible and streamed no matter where you are or any device you are using
- You don’t need any other hardware, just camera and internet connection
- Less likely to lose video (lower risk of failure, no maintenance required)
Disadvantages of cloud storage
- Cloud storage usually requires ongoing paid subscriptions
- If the camera is offline for any reason, no video will be recorded
- You are trusting a provider through a video (a data breach occurs, and the provider can increase the subscription price)
- Uploading and downloading videos can consume a lot of bandwidth
Compare these cloud storage services
Top Cloud Storage Camera
What is local storage?
Local storage is the storage hardware in your home. When you store security camera videos locally, it is not sent to the Internet. You can access videos from anywhere using the app on your phone (provided that the device is connected to the Internet). Your videos will be encrypted and you need to log in details to access them. There are several types of local storage.
- Built-in storage: Some security cameras, video doorbells, or center devices have built-in storage space that cannot be deleted. It is usually limited to a few gigabytes. Network video recorders (NVRs) or digital video recorders (DVRs) also often come with built-in storage, but they tend to provide Terabytes.
- Removable storage: Most security cameras with local recording options use removable storage. This includes microSD cards, USB flash drives, SSDs or hard drives. Whether it’s the removable storage space itself, the connected hub or chime, or DVR or NVR, it’s usually sold separately and there are usually size restrictions, so be sure to check it out.
Advantages of local storage
- No subscription required; you pay for hardware once and there is no ongoing fee
- Even if your internet fails, the video will be recorded
- Clips other than locally stored are hard to access to by anyone but you
- You can keep videos and share them or back them up as long as the hardware works
Disadvantages of local storage
- You usually have to purchase storage separately, such as a microSD card or hard drive
- If someone physically steals the camera or hub, they can destroy the lens
- Most cameras have storage limits and can be very low (e.g. 128 GB)
- Local storage can be slower, especially if you are out and away
Top local storage camera
Should I choose local or cloud storage, or both?
It depends on your home, your favorite brand and other preferences. If you don’t mind paying for your subscription and think you may be accessing videos when you are often away, cloud storage may be your best bet. If you are at monthly expenses or are worried that the camera company has all the videos, choose local storage. To get the most out of your security camera and to make sure you don’t lose video, consider both.
Although subscriptions are technically optional for some security cameras, if you are reluctant to buy Nest, Arlo, Ring, Blink, Blink or Philips Hue cameras, if you are reluctant to subscribe, because their best features are already bundled together. You can bring it to local storage, which includes most of the best features without having to subscribe to Eufy, Aqara, Aqara, and Ezviz. Annoyingly, TP-Link and Reolink have both local options and reliable bundled notifications, including photos in photos.
Cloud and local storage costs
Cloud storage plans can be expensive over the years, but you usually get discounts if you pay annually. While a single camera plan is relatively expensive, if you have multiple devices, a subscription is better value. Unless your hardware fails, local storage is upfront charge, but this is unlikely (I never failed with MicroSD card or SSD, although it may take several years of testing).
As the finalist, let’s compare the costs of some of our major suggestions over time. This is based on the price at the time of writing, so it may change.
