Home security cameras are essential devices that provide surveillance and help protect homes from potential intruders. One common question that arises regarding these cameras is, "How long do home security cameras keep footage?"
The duration for which home security cameras retain footage varies depending on a few factors. First and foremost, it depends on the type of camera system being used. Some security cameras store footage on physical storage devices like hard drives or Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, while others utilize cloud-based storage systems.
For cameras with physical storage, such as DVR or NVR systems, the recording duration is dictated by the storage capacity of the device. These cameras can often store footage for weeks or even months, depending on how much recording space is available. However, once the storage device is full, the oldest footage is usually overwritten by the latest recordings in a loop.
On the other hand, cloud-based security camera systems generally retain footage for a longer duration. The exact duration can vary depending on the camera brand, subscription plan, and any additional fees paid. Some providers may offer a certain number of days' worth of footage storage for free, while others may require a subscription fee to access a longer-term storage plan.
It is important to note that there might be limitations on how far back one can access the recorded footage. For instance, if a cloud storage plan offers 30 days of storage, the user can only access footage from the past 30 days. After that period, the oldest footage may be automatically deleted or inaccessible.
It is also worth mentioning that some security camera systems come with motion detection features. These systems only record when motion triggers the camera, saving storage space by not continuously recording hours of mundane footage. By doing so, they can extend the duration of stored footage.
In conclusion, the duration for which home security cameras keep footage can vary depending on the type of camera and the storage system being used. Physical storage devices have limited storage capacity, whereas cloud-based systems generally offer longer-term storage options, often with associated fees. It is important to be aware of these factors and choose a system that aligns with your specific storage needs.
Best Home Security Cameras of 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen) - wireless, weather-resistant HD security camera, two-year battery life, motion detection, set up in minutes – 2 camera system
-
Blink Outdoor is a wireless battery-powered HD security camera that helps you monitor your home day or night with infrared night vision.
-
With long-lasting battery life, Outdoor runs for up to two years on two AA lithium batteries (included).
-
Store video clips and photos in the cloud with the Blink Subscription Plan and save events locally to the Blink Sync Module 2 via a USB flash drive (sold separately).
-
Outdoor is built to withstand the elements to help you protect your home inside or out, come rain or shine.
-
Designed so you can set up yourself in minutes. No wiring, no professional installation required.
-
Get motion detection alerts on your phone with the option to customize motion zones in the Blink Home Monitor app so you’re only alerted when you need to be.
-
See, hear, and speak to visitors with live view in real time and two-way audio features on your Blink app.
-
Works with Alexa – use your voice to monitor your home through supported Alexa-enabled devices.
-
Includes two Blink Outdoor cameras and one Sync Module 2.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Arlo - Wireless Home Security | Night vision, Indoor/Outdoor, HD Video, Wall Mount | Includes Cloud Storage & Required Base Station | 1-Camera System (VMS3130)
-
Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately); Audio not supported
-
Patented 100 percent Wire Free design for easy placement anywhere and field of view 110 degree
-
Night vision cameras work even in the dark
-
Motion activated cameras and real time email or app notifications
-
Records and alerts only when motion is detected so no battery power ever goes wasted Battery:Four Lithium CR123 Photo
-
Indoor/ outdoor weather resistant cameras; Operating temperature: 14° to 122° F (-10° C to 50° C)
-
App to securely view live video while home or away
-
Arlo Smart adds powerful intelligence to your Arlo cameras; Customize alerts to detect people, specific zones, and contact emergency responders right from your smartphone's lock screen (optional service, includes 1 month trial)
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Cameras for Home Security, 1080P Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor with Motion Detection Spotlight/Siren Alarm Color Night Vision 2-Way Talk Waterproof SD/Cloud Storage Battery Powered WiFi Cam 2-Pack
-
[Powerful PIR Motion Detection & Advanced AI Analysis] Geekee wireless outdoor cameras utilize efficient PIR motion detection technology to keep an eye on any unauthorized activity around your home in real time. Powered by advanced AI technology, they can intelligently analyze captured footage and distinguish between people, pets, packages, and vehicles. Receive real-time alerts on your smartphone to ensure you are notified promptly and accurately while avoiding false alarms.
-
[1080P High Resolution & Full Color Night Vision] Equipped with state-of-the-art color night vision technology and boasting 1080P high-definition resolution, home security cameras ensure crystal-clear visibility, even in low-light conditions. With this exceptional image quality, you can easily identify individuals or objects in the footage. Experience the sharpness and clarity of 1080P resolution, allowing you to see every detail with precision, day or night.
-
[Boosted Security Features & 2-Way Talk] Powerful spotlights illuminate the entire area, deterring potential intruders and using the built-in two-way talk feature to deter potential intruders. With the Vicohome APP on your phone, you can send a verbal warning or have a conversation. Meanwhile, the alarm can be triggered automatically when motion is detected, alerting you and scaring away intruders.
-
[Convenient Battery Powered & 100% WiFi Coverage] Battery power does not require complicated wiring or power outlets, giving you the flexibility to place your camera where you need it most. With WiFi connectivity, you can effortlessly connect the wifi cameras to your home network, enabling convenient remote access and real-time monitoring from your smartphone. Enjoy the freedom of a wire-free setup and stay connected to your home security system anytime, anywhere. (*Only supports 2.4Ghz WiFi)
-
[Reliable Storage Options & Weatherproof Design] Store recorded footage locally on an SD card for quick access, or opt for secure cloud storage to ensure your data is backed up and accessible from anywhere. With an IP65 waterproof rating, outdoor security cameras are built to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted operation and protecting your home. *( Free 3-day permanent recurrent cloud storage or 0.5GB recurrent cloud storage without subscription)
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
GALAYOU Cameras for Home Security Outside- 2K Battery Powered WiFi Surveillance Indoor/Outdoor, Security Cameras with AI Motion Siren, Color Night Vision, Spotlight, Waterproof, Cloud/SD Storage
-
Rechargeable & Waterproof & Wire-Free: This security cameras outdoor can provide 1 to 5 months of worry-free use for once charge. The wireless outdoor camera with IP65 waterproof can work in any weather. It has been tested to withstand extreme weather conditions, so you can install it indoors/outdoors with confidence. Since the WiFI camera is completely wireless, it requires no power or network cables and can be mounted almost anywhere with the provided bracket and screws.
-
2K Resolution & Color Night Vision: The security cameras wireless outdoor provide a degree wide angle, 3MP quality provides crystal video and image. The outdoor cameras for home security also features two floodlights and six IR lights, which provide clear, colored images even in complete darkness. You can easily monitor your home or business during the day or night, and easily recognize any potential threats or intruders.
-
2-way Talk & Multiple Users: The wireless security camera system outdoor has a built-in microphone and speaker supporting real-time communication. You can directly communicate with family, friends and couriers through the “Wansview Cloud" App. You can also create several family accounts and share the home camera with your family and friends, so everyone can stay connected and protected.
-
Smart PIR Motion Detection with Siren: The wifi camera outdoor wireless is equipped with PIR sensor and AI detection which is smart enough to recognize people or other moving objects. Based on monitoring target settings on the app and working with PIR motion detection ensures accurate detection and fewer false alarms. Whether you are at home or not, you can receive an instant alert message on your phone when motion is detected and scare off the uninvited guest by the alarm Siren.
-
SD Card Recordings & Cloud Storage: This outside camera wireless supports up to 128G SD card (not included) and recorded videos can be saved on it. We also offer a 30-day free trial of premium features, including upgraded cloud storage, time shifting, custom alert zones, and more, start and cancel anytime you want.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery HD security camera with custom privacy controls, Simple setup, Works with Alexa - White
-
See, hear and speak to people from your phone, tablet or select Echo device with Stick Up Cam Battery, a battery-powered camera that can be mounted indoor or out.
-
With Live View, you can check in on your home any time through the Ring app.
-
With a Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately), record all your videos, review what you missed for up to 180 days, and share videos and photos.
-
Place on a flat surface or mount to a wall with the versatile mounting bracket. Add-on the Mount for Stick Up Cam (sold separately) for ceiling mount.
-
Watch over your entire home by connecting one or multiple Stick Up Cams to the Ring app.
-
Easily setup Stick Up Cam Battery by inserting the battery pack and connecting to Wi-Fi.
-
For added peace of mind, pair with Alexa to help you keep an eye on your home.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
ANNKE 3K Lite Security Camera System Outdoor with AI Human/Vehicle Detection, 8CH H.265+ DVR and 8 x 1920TVL 2MP IP66 Home CCTV Cameras, Smart Playback, Email Alert with Images, 1TB Hard Drive - E200
-
【AI Motion Detection 2.0】Driving AI to the next level, human&vehicle detection, line crossing, or region entrance detections are more accurate than before. For quicker locating in crucial moments, human&vehicle smart searching in recordings offers you great help.
-
【Tried-and-True Safe Guard】This one-stop security solution includes 8pcs 1080p wired cameras & 8CH 3K lite DVR that works with TVI, AHD, CVI, CVBS & IP cameras. The DVR can hook up with 1080P@30fps cams or 3K/5MP@20fps ones. Plus, the advanced sensor & smart IR capture clear images up to 100ft away.
-
【H.265+ for Smoother & Longer Recording】Upgraded to H.265+, the recording time is lengthened, and the bandwidth is lessened. And an included 1TB hard drive saves you extra expense. (Support up to 10TB HDD, package comes with 1TB HDD.)
-
【24/7 Peace of Mind】Whenever real threats are detected, immediate pushes pop up on your phone, and you can check it out via 3G/4G/5G/Wi-Fi. However far away you are from home, this reliable security system secures your peace of mind day&night.
-
【IP66 & High-Quality ABS Housing】With IP66 weatherproof and the best ABS exterior housing, these wired cameras can stand from cold to hot, from -40°C/-40°F to 60°C/140°F. Every detail is designed for a longer lifespan.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
WGV Security Camera -2K Cameras for Home Security with Smart Motion Dection, Night Vision, Two-Way Audio,Cloud & SD Card Storage,Work with Alexa, Ideal Indoor Camera for Baby Monitor/Pet Camera
-
360°Coverage with 2K Resolution: With 2K resolution(2304*1296P), WGV security camera provide crisp and top-quality monitoring and recording. This baby monitor boosts 30fps which makes smoother and faster streaming of online videos possible.The WVG indoor camera can track up to 355°horizontal & 110° vertical rotation range to create a complete 360°coverage of your home, no blind spot.
-
Clear Night Vision & Two-way talk: With the intelligent IR-Cut switch, the indoor security camera will automatically change into day/night mode according to light changes. You can also manually turn it on or off as you like, the night vision distance is up to 33 feet in pitch dark. Every motion of your lovely baby is before your eyes, even at night. Built in microphone and speaker allowing you to keep in touch with your baby, family or pet anywhere anytime.
-
Optional Cloud & Local Storage:Enjoy storing up to 128GB of SD (NO SD card is INCLUDED). Store and record daily events and keep your home and loved ones safe. Cloud storage enables the indoor security camera to keep a nonstop recording in the cloud, avoid the risk of losing video footage from a SD card. Recorders are securely uploaded to the US Amazon AWS Cloud.
-
Widely Application& Device Sharing:The surveillance cameras is widely used in home/office/store surveillance. Also it's a good choice for your baby care/elder care/pet care when you are out or busy. Support adding multiple surveillance cameras on the app and displaying 4 live videos to keep up with everything in your house.You could share your camera with friends and family for good moments.
-
Enhanced App: A lot of wifi security cameras require complex configuration before use, considering customers' needs, our camera is however such amazingly easy to configure. WGV IP cameras are basically a three step installation process, install an App, log into your WiFi, and scan a QR code, it really is that simple.(This home surveillance camera must be connected with 2.4Ghz WiFi when the first time connect)
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Wireless Indoor Security Cameras,1080P Battery Powered Outdoor AI Motion Detection WiFi Home Camera with Siren, Spotlight, Color Night Vision,2-Way Talk, SD/Cloud Storage
-
【1080P HD Full Color Night Vision, Video and Picture】Wireless, Rechargeable, Indoor/ Outdoor Camera provides 1080P quality live video and image. The security cameras wireless outdoor has two options for night vision: full-color mode and infrared mode with a 33ft visible range. It provides wide and clear vision, even at night, and gives your home peace of mind with continuous 24-hour per-day protection.
-
【100% Wire-Free, Waterproof, Rechargeable】The cameras for home security is completely wireless. Simple installation requires no power cords or network cable. This outdoor camera wireless provides 1-6 months of worry-free use per each charge. It is IP65 waterproof and can work in almost any weather and location.
-
【Smart Motion Detection & AI Analysis Recognition】This security camera has an AI PIR sensor with smart recognition designed to recognize people, vehicles, pets and packages. The App will push the notifications to your phone when it detects motion, allowing you constant access to the area you are monitoring.
-
【Spotlight Instant Siren & Two-Way Audio】The home security camera has a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing for real-time two-way audio calls. It has 3 instant sirens, a white spotlight, and a siren / talking feature. These options will allow you to draw attention to any unsavory visitors and communicate with them, from the safety of your home, and can scare away any thieves.
-
【Cloud/SD and Free 3-Day Cycle Cloud Storage】The outdoor security cameras provide a free 3-day rolling cycled cloud storage without any subscription, plus it supports SD card storage and cloud storage. In addition, it provides a 30-day free trial of advanced features, including AI recognition, upgraded cloud memory, custom alert areas, and more! The advanced features start at $2.99 per month after a 30-day free trial.
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
WYZE Cam Pan v3 Indoor/Outdoor IP65-Rated 1080p Pan/Tilt/Zoom Wi-Fi Smart Home Security Camera with Color Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Compatible with Alexa & Google Assistant, White, 2-Pack
-
Indoor/Outdoor: Wyze Cam Pan v3 is a wired pan-and-tilt video camera with an IP65 rating, so you can confidently install it and track the action, whether outside in the rain or inside in the nursery.
-
Pan, tilt, and zoom in full 1080p HD: Livestream from anywhere and control remotely using the Wyze app to check any part of the room, fast. Or monitor a room automatically, in a constant pattern, by setting 4 predefined waypoints. Panning has a 360° left/right rotation range and tilting has a full 180° vertical up/down range.
-
Motion Tracking: Go beyond motion and sound alerts. Wyze Cam Pan doesn’t just detect motion, it locks onto it—unfriendly, friendly, or fury—automatically following the action all around the room.
-
Smooth, quiet operation: Engineered for speed, precision, and quiet operation. Wyze Cam Pan v3 does its job smoothly and discreetly, without noisy gearworks.
-
Color Night Vision: Record nighttime video in full, vivid color in environments up to 25x darker than traditional cameras.
Do wireless home security cameras maintain footage for the same duration as wired cameras?
The duration for which wireless home security cameras maintain footage can vary depending on the specific camera model and its storage capabilities. In some cases, wireless cameras can have the same duration as wired cameras if they have sufficient storage capacity. However, wireless cameras may also be limited by factors such as available memory or cloud storage space. It is essential to refer to the product specifications or consult with the manufacturer to determine the exact duration for which a particular wireless camera can maintain footage.
Do different types of home security cameras have different retention periods?
Yes, different types of home security cameras can have different retention periods. The retention period refers to the length of time that recorded footage is stored in the camera's memory or on the associated storage device, such as a DVR or cloud storage.
Generally, the retention period varies based on factors like the camera's storage capacity, the chosen storage method (local or cloud), and the manufacturer's settings or subscription plans.
For example, some cameras with built-in storage may only retain footage for a few days or weeks before overwriting older recordings. On the other hand, some cameras that utilize cloud storage may offer longer retention periods, ranging from a few weeks to several months or even years, depending on the subscription plan or payment scheme.
It's important to review the specifications or user manuals of specific camera models or consult with the manufacturer or service provider to determine the retention period associated with each camera.
Can footage from home security cameras be used as evidence in legal proceedings after the retention period expires?
I am not a legal expert, but I can provide some general information. The admissibility of footage from home security cameras as evidence in legal proceedings may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. However, in many jurisdictions, there are limitations on the use of evidence if it is obtained in violation of privacy laws or if it is not properly authenticated.
Regarding the retention period, once the retention period expires, it is possible that the footage no longer exists or has been deleted. If the footage is no longer available, it may not be possible to use it as evidence. However, if the footage is still available even after the retention period expires, it may be possible for it to be used as evidence if it meets the relevant legal requirements.
It is important to consult with a legal professional in your jurisdiction to understand the specific laws and regulations that apply and to obtain accurate information regarding the use of footage as evidence after its retention period has expired.
Are there any potential drawbacks to retaining home security camera footage for too long?
Yes, there can be potential drawbacks to retaining home security camera footage for too long. Some of these drawbacks include:
- Privacy concerns: The longer you retain footage, the greater the risk of violating someone's privacy. Home security cameras often capture activities of people outside the house, such as neighbors, pedestrians, or even public spaces. Retaining footage for an extended period may result in unintended surveillance, infringing on individuals' rights to privacy.
- Legal implications: Different jurisdictions may have different laws regarding the retention of surveillance footage. In some cases, you may be required to delete footage after a specific period. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences. It is crucial to understand local laws and regulations governing the retention of surveillance footage.
- Storage space and costs: The longer you store video footage, the more storage space it requires. High-quality video surveillance systems can generate a significant amount of data, which may quickly fill up storage devices or cloud storage, leading to additional costs to accommodate the increased data storage needs.
- Increased maintenance and management: Longer retention periods lead to an accumulation of vast amounts of stored footage, requiring more effort and time to manage and maintain. It can become challenging to find specific incidents or events from the past as the volume of stored data grows. This can impede the effectiveness and efficiency of the surveillance system.
- Outdated technology: Over time, surveillance camera technology improves with better image quality and advanced features. By retaining footage for an extended period, you may miss out on advancements in technology as you continue to use outdated equipment and software, potentially compromising the effectiveness of your security system.
- Data security risks: The longer you retain footage, the higher the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access to your stored video data. It is important to implement proper security measures to protect the stored footage from unauthorized access, hacking attempts, or cyber threats.
It is advisable to strike a balance by determining an appropriate retention period based on legal requirements, privacy concerns, and your specific security needs.
Are there legal requirements determining how long footage from home security cameras must be stored?
The legal requirements regarding the length of time home security camera footage must be stored can vary depending on the jurisdiction. There is no universally applicable answer to this question as different countries, states, or regions may have their own laws and regulations addressing this issue.
In some jurisdictions, there may not be explicit legal requirements dictating the specific duration for which footage from home security cameras must be stored. However, there might be general data protection and privacy laws that require individuals or organizations to handle and retain collected data responsibly and securely.
On the other hand, certain places may have specific laws outlining the retention period for surveillance footage. For example, some states in the United States may require businesses to retain security camera footage for a certain duration, especially if the footage captures criminal activities or is relevant to ongoing investigations.
To get accurate information regarding the legal requirements in a specific jurisdiction, it is advisable to consult local laws, regulations, or seek legal advice to ensure compliance with the applicable guidelines.
