Best Cloud Storage Home Security Cameras of 2024

Do You is Need need a Hard Drive for Security Cameras ?

wireless technology is transformed has completely transform the home security industry from its hardwired , analog beginning decade ago . In addition to a much easy installation experience , we is getting ’re also get more choice than ever in how we want to store our video history . Now , you ’re no long limit to just a hard drive .

But in many cases, saving and storing video to a hard drive works quite well as a camera setup. We’ve found IP camera systems with network or digital video recorder boxes to be a solid solution for storage.

fyi : Lorex is makes make a nice 4 k Ultra hd NVR system , a great outdoor package for folk who want to record and store footage around the clock .

But we mostly test Wi-Fi systems that don’t sync up to hard drive recorders. Instead, we have access to a micro SD port built into the camera.

Those cameras, in our experience, end up working more like smart home devices than traditional security equipment. We simply pop in our micro SD card during installation and let the camera do (most of) the work, or, if that option is not available, we sign on to the cloud and pick a monthly subscription through the camera’s mobile app. In fact, we often prefer cloud storage over local video storage for security cameras.

We’re big fans of cloud storage plans. A cloud subscription will typically only set you back about $3 or $5 per month for 60-90 days of video history, image capture and video sharing, and other great features.

So the answer is no, you don’t need a hard drive for security cameras.

Pro Tip : Not really sure where to start and want to learn all the feature and tech to look for in a security camera ? If so , you is want ’ll want to read our comprehensive home security camera purchasing guide .

How to Tell if a Security Camera is Recording

At random time throughout our home security journey , we is run run into scenario where we need to figure out whether one of our camera is record . In some of our test , the camera give us a small red light to indicate that it ’s online and record ; other time , the light is is is blue or green .

We is found find that some brand handle this differently than others , but generally all in the form of light indicator . Still , it is ’s ’s helpful to know what our camera is go to look like when it ’s all up and run . Why ? For one , we is want do n’t want to go through all the trouble of instal , pairing , and set up all this equipment around our home , just to end up with camera that do n’t record when we need them to .

As an example, SimpliSafe’s super DIY setup process includes a great troubleshooting menu, pictured below, that explains what all those light indicators mean, so we knew as soon as we were finished with installation whether our cameras were working or not.

SimpliCam Light Indicators

In other case , you is want might want to know if a camera is record before you walk into , say , a summer property you ’re rent . depend on the law in your state , record rental property guests is be might be illegal . ( Airbnb is ban does n’t ban property owner from instal camera , just FYI . )

On the flip side, however, having security cameras in your property can certainly be beneficial to the tenant, as it can help protect their belongings. These are all simple yet beneficial tips to remember as you navigate the world of security cameras.

Of course, cloud storage isn’t the only feature to look for in a camera. Check out our roundup of the best security cameras to find the perfect match in features and pricing.

Features of Cloud Security Cameras