5 reasons to self-host your own home surveillance

Home security is more accessible than ever, with cloud-based cameras offering remote monitoring and AI features. However, these services come with subscription fees, privacy risks, and limited control over your data. A self-hosted surveillance system eliminates these drawbacks, giving you full control, better security, and greater customization. Here’s why it’s the smarter choice.

5

Privacy and full control over your data

One of the biggest concerns with cloud-based surveillance is the question of who actually owns your data. Many popular security camera brands store footage on their servers, meaning they have access to everything your cameras capture. While these companies often claim to use encryption and security measures, data breaches are not uncommon, and the risk of unauthorized access remains. You’re simply placing too much trust in the vendor.

When you host your own surveillance system, your footage stays on your local network, significantly reducing the chances of hacking or third-party interference. You are not relying on an external company to safeguard your recordings, giving you full control over your home security data. This is especially crucial for those who value privacy, as there are no external servers processing your footage or analyzing it for unknown purposes.

Additionally, self-hosting means you can determine where your data is stored and how long it is retained. Many cloud services impose storage limits or delete old footage after a set period unless you pay for extended storage. With a local setup, you can use a NAS device, external hard drives, or even use cloud backup as an additional backup location to keep your footage for as long as you need. Whether you want 24/7 continuous recording or only motion-triggered clips, the choice is entirely yours.

4

No monthly fees or vendor lock-in

Cut the costs, keep the features

Most commercial surveillance services require ongoing subscription payments to unlock essential features such as cloud storage, motion detection, or higher-quality video recordings. These fees can add up quickly, especially if you have multiple cameras or want access to advanced AI-powered features. Over time, the cost of maintaining a cloud-based surveillance system may far exceed the initial investment in the cameras themselves.

Hosting your own system eliminates these recurring costs. Once you set up your cameras and storage, there are no ongoing fees beyond potential maintenance or upgrades. You are not forced to subscribe to a plan just to access your own security footage or receive essential notifications.

Beyond the cost factor, many cloud-based surveillance providers lock users into their ecosystems. This means that if you want to switch services or upgrade your setup, you may need to replace your entire camera system. A self-hosted solution, on the other hand, allows you to use open-source software and choose hardware that is compatible with a wide range of platforms. Whether you prefer to use an existing NAS device, a dedicated home server, or a Raspberry Pi-based setup, you have the flexibility to build a system that works for you without being tied to a single brand or provider. In fact, you can even mix and match cameras should you choose.

3

Better performance and reliability

Zero-lag, guaranteed

Cloud-based surveillance systems often introduce delays due to the time it takes to transmit footage to an external server and then back to your device. These delays can be frustrating, especially when monitoring a live feed or responding to an alert. In some cases, high network traffic or server outages can cause further interruptions, making it difficult to access critical security footage when you need it most.

A self-hosted system, on the other hand, runs entirely on your local network. This means that live feeds and recorded footage are instantly accessible without being affected by internet speed fluctuations or server downtimes. Since your footage is stored locally, playback is smoother, and you don’t have to worry about buffering or lag.

Another major advantage is reliability. Many cloud-dependent cameras stop functioning properly when the internet goes down, leaving gaps in your security coverage. A self-hosted system continues recording even if your internet connection is lost, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance. This is particularly beneficial for those living in areas with unstable internet or during power outages where network connectivity may be disrupted.

2

Customizable and scalable to your needs

Your cameras, your rules

With a self-hosted surveillance setup, you are not limited to the features and restrictions imposed by a commercial service. You have the freedom to choose your own cameras, storage solutions, and software, allowing you to tailor the system to your specific needs. Whether you need high-resolution video, AI-powered detection, or cloud-like remote access without the privacy concerns, you can configure your setup accordingly.

For instance, if you require 4K video resolution for detailed footage, you can select high-end cameras that meet your requirements, rather than being restricted to what a cloud-first provider offers. If you prefer a decentralized storage approach, you can use multiple NAS devices or hard drives to store footage redundantly, ensuring that data is not lost due to hardware failure.

The ability to expand your system as needed is another significant advantage. Many cloud-based providers limit the number of cameras you can connect based on your subscription tier. With a self-hosted solution, you can add as many cameras as your storage and network can handle without incurring additional costs. Whether you start with a single camera and expand later or set up a multi-camera network from the beginning, the choice is yours.

1

Local AI and automation

Smarter security without the cloud

One of the biggest advantages of self-hosting is the ability to run AI-powered security features locally without relying on a cloud service. Many commercial providers charge extra for features like facial recognition, motion detection, and object tracking, but when you self-host, you can integrate these capabilities directly into your system.

For example, you can use Frigate, an open-source network video recorder that supports AI-based object detection. By running it on a dedicated machine with an affordable Coral AI accelerator, you can process video feeds locally and distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles. This significantly reduces false alerts, as you can configure the system to ignore movement caused by tree branches or shadows while still notifying you if a person is detected near your property.

A self-hosted system also allows for powerful automation. By integrating with smart home platforms like Home Assistant, you can set up rules to trigger specific actions based on AI detections. For instance, if the system recognizes an unknown person at the front door, it can automatically turn on outdoor lights and send you an alert. If a familiar face is detected, it can disarm the security alarm or unlock the front door. License plate recognition is another feature that can be added, allowing you to track vehicles entering and leaving your property without relying on an external service.

Since all AI processing happens locally, there’s no risk of your footage being analyzed by a third party. Even if your internet connection goes down, your security system continues to function as intended. This level of control and intelligence makes self-hosting not only a cost-effective alternative but also a far more powerful and private solution.

Take control of your home security

Self-hosting your home surveillance system takes a little effort to set up, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. You gain full control over your data, eliminate subscription fees, and build a system that grows with your needs. Whether you’re focused on privacy, cost savings, or customizability, hosting your own surveillance gives you the best of all worlds.