What is local storage vs cloud storage for security cameras?

Local storage saves video directly onto a hard drive attached to your camera system. It works even without internet and costs nothing extra, but if the drive fails or gets stolen, the footage is gone. Cloud storage uploads your footage to a company's servers online. It's safe if the internet is down (footage keeps recording), but you pay a monthly fee and your video is stored on someone else's system. Most people use local storage for recording and cloud for backup.

Local storage means your camera writes video directly to a hard drive (called an NVR or DVR) that sits in your home or office. Cloud storage means your footage gets uploaded to the internet and stored on company servers. Local is cheaper and doesn't rely on internet speed, but cloud is safer because your footage stays backed up even if your hard drive fails or gets stolen. The best setup combines both. Local for instant access and cloud for protection.