Sun. Mar 10th, 2024

Source: Android Central

Best
Security Cameras That Store Locally
Android Central
2021

As our connected lifestyles and smart homes continue to merge, we find new ways to secure our houses and belongings, like choosing from among the best security cameras with local storage. In light of recent data breaches and privacy scandals, many are looking for options that feature on-device storage solutions (a.k.a. don’t use the cloud), so we’ve put together a list of some of the best options for your reference. My favorite out of the bunch is the eufy Cam 2. It has all of the features I want, with none of the added expenses (subscriptions).

Best overall security camera with local storage: eufy Cam 2

Source: Eufy

Eufy makes a line of quality smart home products like this Indoor/Outdoor camera, but one of the things we like best about its products is the one-time fee model they espouse. You don’t have to purchase an ongoing cloud storage subscription to access or store your videos, and this device even comes with 16GB EMMC digital storage, which is enough to store up to a year’s worth of recordings. Eufy also promises that USB storage expansion will be coming soon to the product line. While all files are stored locally, you can use smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant to connect the camera to the rest of your smart home system. Unlike some other cameras on this list, you can view your recordings through the app safely and securely.

This particular bundle comes with two cameras and a base station. The camera films in 1080p with night vision and has an IP67 weatherproof rating, protecting it from most weather events. The camera’s 140-degree field of view isn’t the best on this list, but it’s still comprehensive. Best of all? A single charge will last up to a full year, so there is no fiddling about charging the batteries every few months.

Pros:

  • No monthly subscriptions
  • 16GB of on-device EMMC storage built-in
  • Works indoors and outdoors
  • Year-long battery life
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons:

  • Storage capacity could be better
  • A bit on the pricey side
  • Field of view isn’t the best

Best overall security camera with local storage

eufyCam 2 Security Camera System

No nickel and diming here

This 1080p wireless security camera system is weatherproof and is suitable for use both indoors and outside.

Best value indoor security camera with local storage: Wyze v3 Cam

Source: Wyze

This little device from Wyze is a true utility camera. Not only can you record and live stream in full 1080p HD (including night vision), but you can use Alexa or Google Assistant to control the camera from wherever you are. Perhaps most impressive of all improved clarity of the video, even in dark environments, not to mention the inclusion of color night vision. Oh, this camera is also rated for IP65 weather and dust resistance should you want to take a peek outdoors as well.

All of your controls are available directly in the Wyze app, making you feel like a security guard at a high-end Las Vegas casino. That’s right; you can keep tabs on your cat all directly from your phone!

Yes, Wyze has come under fire due to a major data leak, but if you opt-out of its cloud service in favor of the onboard storage option (of up to 32GB), then you should have no worries. Unfortunately, this device is not compatible with 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, but it should still record and stream adequately for most needs.

Pros:

  • Color and black & white night vision
  • IP65 weather resistance
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Superb value
  • HIgher storage than the top pick

Cons:

  • Recent data leaks are concerning
  • Expandable storage limited to 32GB
  • Doesn’t work on 5GHz networks

Best value indoor security camera with local storage

Wyze v3 Cam

Versatile value camera

This camera works indoors and out to make sure you see everything going on — in color.

Largest overall capacity security camera with local storage: Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera

Source: Arlo

The Arlo Ultra 2 might be one of the more expensive security camera systems available, but it comes packed with many great features. For starters, the base-level configuration comes with two cameras and a base station that enables the Arlo cameras to communicate with each other wirelessly. You can back up your data locally on a microSD card via a USB drive connected to the base station.

The downside to all of that local storage is that you can’t view recordings through the otherwise good Arlo app; instead, you’ll have to connect it to your computer. If you want to view recordings in the app, you’ll have to subscribe to Arlo’s cloud storage plan.

Not only can you view and record in 4K HDR, but you can even view and record in color during the day or night. The cameras also feature an integrated spotlight and sport a 180-degree field of view.

Setup also could not be easier. There are no wires to mess with, and the cameras attach magnetically to their mounts. You also recharge the battery with a magnetic cable (similar to some smartwatches), and each charge lasts up to six months. Most impressive of all the Arlo Ultra 2’s features is that you can store up to a whopping 2TB of footage through the external hub. That’s a lot of squirrel footage to go through!

Pros:

  • Can store up to 2TB via the hub
  • Color night vision
  • Record in up to 4K HDR
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons:

  • One of the more expensive systems
  • Can’t view local storage through the app

Largest overall capacity security camera with local storage

Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera

Wireless wonder

This system features upgrades from the previous version, including a built-in spotlight, 4K HDR recording, and color night vision.

Biggest microSD capacity security camera with local storage: Blurams Outdoor Pro

Source: Bluerams

This brand might not be as well-known as others higher up on this list, but don’t take that as a sign of its quality. This affordable security camera comes packed with a ton of great features, including IP65 weatherproofing, ultra-wide 1080p imaging, night vision, two-way audio, and up to 128GB microSD card capacity for a ton of on-device, local storage.

The Blurams Outdoor Pro camera offers a pretty robust experience, with the ability to set up alerts and view live and on-demand video. There’s even facial recognition that allows you to set familiar faces within the app to help distinguish those you know from strangers. While you can put up to a 128GB microSD card in the device, Bluerams offers a 30-day trial of their cloud service, should you wish to try out that option before committing to a subscription plan.

The loud motion detection alarm can scare away any intruder, but you can also carry a conversation with visitors thanks to its two-way audio capability.

Pros:

  • 1080p image and night vision
  • 128GB capacity for local storage
  • Two-way audio
  • IP 65 weatherproofing
  • Great value

Cons:

  • Power cable is only about 9ft long
  • No battery-powered option

Biggest microSD capacity security camera with local storage

Blurams Outdoor Pro

Cheap curbside coverage

This camera has high-end features at a low-end price, including tons of on-device storage capacity and IP65 weatherproofing.

Most imposing security camera with local storage: Foscam G4 Outdoor Security Camera

Source: Foscam

Some cameras are innocuous, and some just mean business. This Outdoor Security Camera from Foscam definitely looks the part of a menacing security guard, which might be just the deterrent you’re looking for at your home. On the other hand, it has one of the better IP ratings we’ve seen on a security camera with IP66, and it can see up to 66 feet ahead at night with its night vision and IR lights. On the downside, its 112-degree field of view isn’t the best we’ve come across, and it doesn’t have a battery-powered option.

The 4-megapixel camera can record up to 1080p, and it has built-in, two-way audio so that you can communicate with whoever may be on the other side of that lens through Foscam’s app. As with all of these providers, Foscam offers cloud storage solutions, but you don’t have to take advantage of that if you don’t want to. This camera can accept up to a 128GB microSD card so that you can store all of your files locally for added peace of mind. Note that this camera only works on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi spectrum.

Pros:

  • Military-grade appearance
  • 128GB capacity for local storage
  • Human detection
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons:

  • No battery-powered option
  • Doesn’t support 5GHz spectrum
  • A relatively short field of view

Most imposing security camera with local storage

Foscam G4 Outdoor Security Camera

This camera means business

Not only does this camera look tough, but it IS also tough with IP66 weatherproofing and infrared lights.

Most futuristic security camera with local storage: EZVIZ Outdoor Security Camera

Source: EZVIZ

I love this little camera not just for what it’s capable of but also for how it stands out. To me, it looks like something straight out of WALL-E or Voltron, and those looks alone go a long way towards making it “futureproof.” This device sits somewhat in the middle of the others in terms of price but has a few features that are not common with the other cameras on this list.

For starters, the camera is on a 360-degree swivel base, so you really can get a full view of your front or backyard. It has a siren and strobe lights (which is a first as far as I’ve seen) to alert you to the presence of an intruder and scare them away. Like many recent smartphones, its camera also features two different focal lenses for a wide-angle view and a zoomed view! Best of all, you can put in a 256GB microSD card to keep your footage in-house. It also has IP66 weatherproofing and works with Alexa and Google Assistant. If you don’t have an Amazon Echo Show or Nest Hub, fret not. All of the camera’s excellent features can be accessed via the EZVIZ app, including the ability to zoom in up to eight times.

There is a new, more premium option available with dual-lens color night vision if that’s something you’re interested in, though you’ll pay a premium for it. Alternatively, you can opt for a lower-resolution, 720p version if you’re looking to save a bit.

Perhaps the biggest downside to this camera is the way it’s powered. It needs to be within three feet of an outlet, or you’ll have to configure Power over Ethernet, which may require additional hardware and/or professional installation. So just be prepared to get a little help setting it up.

Pros:

  • Highest storage we’ve seen for microSD card
  • Dual-focus lenses
  • Built-in strobe light
  • 360-degree viewing

Cons:

  • No battery-powered option
  • Installation can be challenging

Most futuristic security camera with local storage

EZVIZ Outdoor Security Camera

The future of surveillance

This little camera punches above its weight class, with features like strobe lighting, dual-lenses, and ample storage capacity.

Best value outdoor security camera with local storage: Wyze Cam Outdoor Starter Bundle

Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

The Wyze team has had a busy 2020. Not only did they release a fitness band, sprinkler controller, robot vacuum, thermostat, headphones, video doorbell, and other smart home devices, but Wyze launched several interesting cameras like the Wyze Cam Outdoor.

The Wyze Cam Outdoor is one of the best values in outdoor security cameras. It records in 1080p and has night vision capabilities, plus it comes with a base station. It’s quick and easy to set up, and you can control it through your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant device. The battery lasts half a year on a single charge, and it is IP65 weather-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about the elements. I’ve had mine up in my Austin, TX backyard for over six months now, and it’s experienced temperature swings from 20F to 110F, as well as crazy Texas thunderstorms and hailstorms, and it still works great!

An added benefit to the included base is putting a microSD card into it for more local storage. Combined with the slot on the camera, this means you can store up to 64GB on devices. And there’s also free 14-day rolling storage through Wyze’s cloud service if you want to take advantage of that.

Pros:

  • On-device local storage on camera and base station
  • Free 14-day rolling cloud storage (if you want it)
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
  • IP65 weather-resistance
  • Wireless with up to 6-month battery life

Cons:

  • Charges over MicroUSB cable
  • Requires base station to operate
  • Not widely available

Best value outdoor security camera with local storage

Wyze Cam Outdoor Starter Bundle

A Wyze choice

Not only is this outdoor wireless camera a great value, but you can store up to 64GB locally between the camera and base station.

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