The Best Subscription-Free Home Security Cameras I’ve Tried

In the age of state surveillance and Big Tech trampling our data privacy rights, there are plenty of reasons to keep your security camera footage local. Whether you want to save money or ensure your video doesn’t end up in the hands of persons (or AI) unknown, subscription-free security cameras are the way to go.

That used to come at a compromise on the best features to keep your recordings local. But no longer. I’ve been testing security cameras for a decade, and the gap between the best cloud-connected and local cameras is closing. Even AI detection smarts can now be found in local systems.

Rather than just listing cameras, I’m highlighting four manufacturers to consider that I've tested. I will single out a few specific cameras I like, but most brands have a wide selection of options to suit different scenarios and budgets, so I’ll discuss a few alternatives beyond my main picks. I also plan to test more hardwired systems and local recording options in the months to come. You may also be interested in how to secure your video doorbell or my recommendations for the Best Indoor Security Cameras and the Best Outdoor Security Cameras .

Updated July 2026: I added Synology as a recommended brand, added details on its encryption options, added mention of IC Realtime, and updated prices and links.

With a very wide range of reliable security cameras, Eufy (a sub-brand of Anker) is my top pick for most folks. They are easy to set up, suitable for all budgets, and support different local storage options.