Back that thing up (locally) with these security cameras

As our connected lifestyles and smart homes continue to merge, we are finding 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

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, which should protect 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

eufy Cam 2

• $300 at Best Buy
• $246 at Walmart

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 Cam Pan

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 is the granularity of control that this indoor camera affords users. You can pan, tilt, and zoom through the app, and once it’s attached to its base, this camera rotates at a full 360-degrees to view the entire room.

All of these granular controls are available directly in the Wyze app, which makes you feel like a security guard at a high-end Las Vegas casino. That’s right; you can follow your cat all around the house 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. This device is not compatible with 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, but it should still record and stream adequately for most needs.

Pros:

• 360-degree view with rotating base
• Can pan, tilt, and zoom
• 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 Cam Pan

• $38 at Amazon
• $38 at Walmart

Versatile value camera

This camera can pan up to 360 degrees and even tilt up and down to make sure you see everything that’s going on.

Largest Overall Capacity Security Camera with Local Storage: Arlo Ultra 2

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 data your data locally on a microSD card via a USB drive that can be 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 be able 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 regardless if it’s 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 (like the one for 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
• Local storage can’t be viewed through the app

Largest Overall Capacity Security Camera with Local Storage

Arlo Ultra 2

• $500 at Amazon
• $600 at Best Buy

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: AHOME A1 Outdoor Security Camera

This brand might not be as well-known as some of the 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 IP66 weatherproofing, 1080p imaging, night vision, two-way audio, and up to 128GB microSD card capacity for a ton of on-device, local storage.

The AHOME A1 camera offers a pretty standard app experience, with the ability to set up alerts and view live, on-demand video. While you can put up to a 128GB microSD card in the device, AHOME 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:

• FHD image and night vision
• 128GB capacity for local storage
• Two-way audio
• IP 66 weatherproofing
• Great value

Cons:

• No AI or machine-learning human detection
• No battery-powered option

Biggest microSD Capacity Security Camera with Local Storage

AHOME A1 Outdoor Security Camera

• $30 at Amazon

Cheap curbside coverage

This camera has high-end features at a low-end price, including tons of on-device storage capacity and IP66 weatherproofing.

Most Imposing Security Camera with Local Storage: Foscam Outdoor Security Camera

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. 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 Outdoor Security Camera

• $80 at Amazon

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

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. Its camera also features two different focal lenses for a wide-angle view and a zoomed view, like many recent smartphones! Best of all, you can put in a 256GB microSD card to keep your footage literally 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. 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

• $90 at Amazon
• $50 at Best Buy
• $89 at Walmart

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

The Wyze team has had a busy 2020. Not only did they release a fitness band, sprinkler controller, robot vacuum, thermostat, headphones, a video doorbell, and other smart home devices, but they dropped 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 its own 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 the ability to put 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

• From $59 at Amazon

A Wyze choice

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

Best Alexa-enabled Indoor Security Camera with Local Storage: Blink Indoor

If you’re someone who is heavily invested in the Amazon smart home ecosystem and its Alexa smart voice assistant and you are looking for the best Ring camera alternatives for whatever reason, the good news is that you still have quality choices. Another Amazon security camera brand also works great with Alexa and is not Ring — and that brand is Blink.

Blink was mainly known for its popular Blink XT2 camera, but that device was mostly used for outdoor purposes. Now the brand has introduced a couple of purpose-built indoor cameras, one of which is the Blink Indoor. There’s nothing particularly exciting about this camera, but it gets all the basics right. You get a wireless, battery-powered device that can go up to two years without replacing its two AA lithium batteries (which come included), and you can carry on two-way conversations and monitor the feed through your Blink or Alexa apps or on your connected Fire TV or Echo Show devices.

There is a cloud subscription plan available, but the real bonus here is that you can store your videos locally thanks to the included Blink Sync Module. Plus, it is super easy and convenient to place or mount just about anywhere inside your home.

Pros:

• Ships with Blink Sync Module 2 for local storage
• Can set privacy zones
• Battery pack makes mounting easy
• Battery can last up to two years
• Works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa

Cons:

• Even though it’s not Ring, it’s still an Amazon brand
• More expensive than other indoor cameras with Alexa integration
• Doesn’t work with Google Assistant

Best Alexa-enabled Indoor Security Camera with Local Storage

Blink Indoor

• $80 at Amazon
• $80 at Best Buy

Best of both worlds

The Blink Indoor camera lets you choose local or cloud storage and access your cameras via Alexa and your voice.

Best Alexa-enabled Outdoor Security Camera with Local Storage: Blink Outdoor

Everything that you need to know about the Blink Outdoor camera can be learned from reading about its indoor sibling in the above section; well, everything except for two crucial details. You get all of the advanced camera features, app support, and Alexa integration, as well as the extended battery life and easy installation here that you do with the Indoor Camera.

What sets this device apart is that it is custom-built to be used outside, where the temperature variations are more extreme and where it has to face the elements, whether it’s sunshine, heat, cold, or precipitation. Because this device is built with the outdoor elements in mind, it is only natural that it is priced slightly higher than the Indoor Camera.

Pros:

• Ships with Blink Sync Module 2 for local storage
• Can set privacy zones
• Battery pack makes mounting easy
• Battery can last up to two years
• Works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa
• Weatherproof to withstand the outdoor elements

Cons:

• Still an Amazon brand
• More expensive than Blink Indoor camera
• Doesn’t work with Google Assistant

Note: The Blink Outdoor is in high demand and may be temporarily out of stock at Amazon. You can still place an order, however, and you won’t be charged until your item has shipped. — 12/1/20

Best Alexa-enabled Outdoor Security Camera with Local Storage

Blink Outdoor

• $100 at Amazon
• $100 at Best Buy

Rough and ready

The Blink Outdoor camera has all the same benefits as its indoor sibling but is built to withstand the outdoor elements.

Bottom line

While the list of the best wireless security cameras continues to expand, the list of devices that can store video locally seems to be dwindling. I think that the eufy Cam 2 is the best security camera with local storage because the company offers an excellent product for a flat fee, with no hidden costs and no subscriptions required. Assembly is simple, the camera is durable, and the battery lasts forever. Win, win, and win!

If the eufy is a little too pricey for you or doesn’t quite meet your needs, then there are several less expensive alternatives with varied feature sets. Whatever device you go with, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your data is safe in your hands.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Jeramy Johnson is proud to help Keep Austin Weird and loves hiking in the hill country of central Texas with a breakfast taco in each hand. When he’s not writing about smart home gadgets and wearables, he’s defending his relationship with his smart voice assistants to his family. You can follow him on Twitter at @jeramyutgw.