How to Avoid Paying for Security Camera Subscription Plans
Every few weeks I take down the security camera or doorbell and install a new one to test. Each time I download the included app and set up all the zones, views and preferences. While most camera apps have most of the same features, the main differentiating factor in my opinion is what clips the camera app will share with you without a subscription.
To make the best use of your CCTV camera, you need video clips.
If you have a video intercom or camera, you know how they work: You’ll get a notification on your phone that something is happening, and then you’ll tap the notification to watch a short video clip of what happened.
The problem is that for many cameras this video clip is part of a subscription service. Live streaming is usually a free benefit, but it doesn’t have much value – you’ll miss what’s already happened. (I don’t need to report that someone was on my porch—I need a video clip of them taking my package.) However, security cameras aren’t cheap, and no one needs another subscription in their budget. While a subscription typically costs less than $10 a month, that’s another $120 a year out of your pocket.
Some systems have workarounds for USB drives.
The solution is to choose cameras with local storage capabilities, and luckily there are several of them. For example, while Amazon Blink will offer you a subscription to get even basic clips from your cameras, you can purchase a sync module that has a slot for a USB drive . Sync can be used across all your Blink products, and clips are saved to a USB drive. You can download clips the same way as if you had a subscription. I have found that the location of the timing module makes a significant difference in its effectiveness; it should be near your camera. I was also not impressed with the lag time when playing clips. For these reasons, it’s not my favorite solution.
Look at brands that have dedicated hard drives.
For camera systems such as Eufy and Reolink, you will need to purchase a hard drive. Eufy calls it Home Base , and Reolink calls it Home Hub . In both cases, the hard drive is connected to the modem, and all cameras in your system are synchronized with the hub. The hub saves your clips and you can transfer them to your cameras as if you had a subscription. I’ve used both systems in my home and found that both work well enough to be my first choice for a local storage solution. The Eufy and Reolink systems tighten clamps quickly and without fuss.
Some cameras may have built-in microSD cards.
Some cameras allow you to use memory cards directly on the device itself. TP Link Tapo cameras have a microSD card slot, which allows you to skip the subscription, but you’ll need a card for each camera rather than one single storage device for all cameras. The Vosker VKX 4G camera works in the same way. You’ll find that a number of 4G cameras (which are meant for locations away from your Wi-Fi) will have microSD slots, as you don’t want to use up your 4G by sending clips back and forth on top of data.
You may lose some subscription features.
The downside of skipping a subscription may be missing out on other features your camera offers, such as artificial intelligence, which is becoming more common. These AI models can help make your notifications more informative, telling you whether you’ve received a package or whether there’s a person at your door, or in some cases, whether it’s a member of your family.
However, in most cases, canceling your subscription is worth it if you want to limit costs while maintaining the most important benefits from your security systems.