NVR vs cloud storage for CCTV: what actually happens to your footage
4 min read
Every camera system has to store footage somewhere, and the two main options work very differently. Neither is universally better, the right choice depends on what you actually want from your cameras.
How local NVR storage works
A Network Video Recorder sits in your home, connected to your cameras, and saves footage to its own hard drives. There's no monthly subscription, footage stays on your property, and it keeps recording even if your internet drops. The tradeoff is that if the NVR itself is stolen or damaged, footage can be lost with it.
How cloud storage works
Cloud storage sends footage over the internet to be saved remotely, usually through a subscription. It survives even if the camera or hardware at home is stolen or destroyed, and it's easy to access from anywhere. The tradeoffs are the ongoing monthly cost and a dependency on your internet connection staying up.
What we usually recommend
For most homes, a local NVR with a large enough hard drive covers the need without a subscription. If footage of a specific entry point is genuinely critical, we sometimes recommend a hybrid setup, local storage as the default with cloud backup on that one camera.