What to Consider When Buying a Doorbell Camera

Experts weigh in on video storage options and privacy concerns with home security cameras.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:58am

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An extreme close-up of a minimalist, high-tech doorbell camera with a smooth matte black finish and subtle metallic accents, conceptually representing the privacy and security considerations around these home security devices.Doorbell cameras offer home security, but their video storage options raise privacy concerns for some homeowners.Baltimore Today

The release of video from a doorbell camera in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has raised questions about how these devices work and what homeowners should consider when purchasing one. Experts recommend evaluating whether a camera stores video locally or in the cloud, as well as the privacy implications of each approach.

Why it matters

Doorbell cameras have become increasingly common home security tools, but their use raises concerns about privacy and access to recorded footage. Understanding the storage options and implications is important for homeowners to make an informed decision.

The details

Most doorbell cameras send recorded video to the manufacturer's cloud servers, which requires a monthly subscription to access and store the footage. However, this cloud-based approach means homeowners don't have full control over the video, and police may be able to obtain it more easily. An alternative is cameras that store video locally on a microSD card or separate hub, giving homeowners more privacy and control, though this may lack some convenience features.

  • The FBI released video from a doorbell camera outside Nancy Guthrie's home in a recent missing persons case.

The players

Dan Wroclawski

A reporter with Consumer Reports who provided expert advice on doorbell camera video storage options.

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What they’re saying

“Usually, with most cameras, when you are recording and it goes to the cloud — but you don't have a subscription — the recording is not saved. It might temporarily get stored on the server, but it is eventually deleted.”

— Dan Wroclawski, Reporter

“If I were to do this all over again, I absolutely would go with cameras that use local storage.”

— Dan Wroclawski, Reporter

What’s next

Consumers should carefully research video storage options and privacy policies when purchasing a doorbell camera to ensure it aligns with their security needs and preferences.

The takeaway

Doorbell cameras offer convenience, but homeowners must weigh the tradeoffs between cloud-based and local video storage when selecting a device. Understanding how footage is accessed and controlled is crucial for protecting privacy in the home.