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Should you use a security camera with local storage?

September 28, 2026
Vivint Spotlight Camera Pro installed above a home's entrance

Surveillance cameras with local storage provide homeowners a variety of benefits. One major perk is the chance to maintain total control of your footage. Your clips aren’t uploaded to the cloud. Instead, they’re stored straight on the camera or on a separate in-home device. Continue reading to weigh your options and learn where to find the top surveillance systems in Joliet.

What’s better for your Joliet home? Comparing local and cloud storage

Explore the differences between local and cloud storage to determine the ideal video cameras for your Joliet home. Review our quick breakdown:

Local storage cameras

  • Clips are stored on the camera or an on-site storage device, so you’re always in complete control. 
  • You won’t have to stress about off-site servers and third-party access.
  • Cameras continue to record even if internet or Wi-Fi stops working.
  • You don’t have to pay monthly subscription fees.
  • Save footage for as long as you like (within storage limits).
  • Camera damage could cause you to lose footage.
  • MicroSD cards added to cameras and hard drives might be an added expense.

Cloud storage cameras

  • Video is saved to cloud servers and secured by a third party.
  • Video clips stay accessible if cameras are vandalized.
  • Simple to scale to accommodate changing needs.
  • Additional storage devices not required.
  • Usually requires a monthly subscription.
  • Video can’t be uploaded to the cloud if your internet fails.
  • Downloading and uploading video requires a good amount of bandwidth.

If you’re looking for tight control over your footage, no subscription charges, and the ability to record without an internet connection, local storage is better. Just remember that cloud-based systems can sometimes access videos faster when you’re not at home. 

Many homeowners choose a hybrid plan that permits them to upload local video to the cloud. If the internet goes down, you may still keep recordings locally. If your system is vandalized, you can still retrieve your clips in the cloud.

Why Vivint is the right choice for Joliet surveillance

Vivint’s cutting-edge surveillance cameras provide many possibilities with both cloud and local storage available. It’s all about flexibility, and you’ll find it from the leader in Joliet smart homes. You can even get a hybrid configuration with cameras hardwired to your home’s electrical system and wirelessly bridged to your smart security. You get a steady power source and the freedom to situate cameras wherever you need them without running wires all over your house.

You’ll have flexibility and robust security with outdoor cameras that proactively deter crime by using sound and light. You’ll also get wide viewing angles, night vision, and 4K images with zoom functionality. Vivint’s cameras are easily accessible through the Vivint app and work in harmony with your other smart home sensors.

Equip your Joliet smart home with Vivint’s industry-leading surveillance

Reach out to (815) 427-4864 today to customize your new Vivint smart home in Joliet. Our helpful agents will gladly answer any questions you have about local and cloud-based camera storage. We’ll help you find a system that provides outstanding convenience and security.