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Should you use a security camera with local storage?

September 28, 2026
Vivint Spotlight Camera Pro fastened to a home's exterior

Security cameras with local storage give homeowners a variety of benefits. One notable perk is the freedom to maintain control of your video. Your recordings don’t get sent to the cloud. Rather, they’re stored directly on the camera or on a standalone on-site storage device. Continue reading to weigh your options and find where to get the top surveillance systems in Evanston.

What’s the right choice for your Evanston home? Explore how local and cloud storage differ

Explore the main differences between local and cloud storage to find the right security cameras for your Evanston home. Here’s our quick comparison:

Cameras with local storage

  • Recordings are kept on the camera or a local storage tool, so you’re always in full control. 
  • You won’t have to worry about a third-party protecting your footage on remote servers.
  • Cameras continue to record even if internet or Wi-Fi goes down.
  • You don’t have to pay monthly subscription costs.
  • Hold on to footage for as long as you need (depending on storage capacity).
  • Damage to cameras could result in lost footage.
  • Hard drives and microSD cards incorporated into cameras may come at an extra cost.

Cloud-based storage cameras

  • Recordings are kept on cloud servers and safeguarded by a third party.
  • Video clips stay accessible if cameras are broken.
  • Simple to scale to meet changing needs.
  • No on-site hardware required.
  • Typically comes with a monthly subscription.
  • Video won’t save to the cloud if your internet drops.
  • Downloading and uploading video requires ample bandwidth.

If you’re looking for total control over your video, no subscription fees, and the capability of recording without internet access, local storage is better. Note that if you plan to regularly view footage away from home, cloud-based systems may be faster. 

Many residents choose a hybrid plan that allows them to send footage to the cloud. If the internet goes down, you may still record locally. If your system is stolen or damaged, you can still retrieve your recordings in the cloud.

Why Vivint is the right choice for Evanston surveillance

Vivint’s advanced video cameras give you many possibilities with both cloud and local storage options available. Flexibility is essential, and you’ll find it from the trusted name in Evanston smart homes. You can even get a hybrid installation with cameras hardwired to your home’s electrical system and wirelessly linked to your security system. You enjoy a steady power source and the opportunity to place cameras anywhere you need them, without running wires across your house.

Count on flexibility and strong security with outdoor cameras that proactively deter prowlers via sound and light. You’ll also get wide-angle viewing, night vision, and 4K imaging with zoom capabilities. Vivint’s cameras are simple to access in the Vivint app and work in unison with other smart home devices.

Design your Evanston smart home with Vivint’s modern video cameras

Contact (847) 925-7636 today to build your new Vivint smart home in Evanston. Our skilled representatives are pleased to address any questions you have regarding cloud-based and local camera storage. We’ll help you design a system that offers exceptional security and convenience.