I'm looking for a security camera system and I bought the Eufy 2C, because it was one of very few systems that doesn't need a subscription to store/view footage.
However I discovered the hard way that it doesn't actually work when the internet is down (with it having its own hub I assumed it would), so I'm looking for alternatives. Even the Arlo system seems to require an internet connection to work.
Is there a (UK) alternative I could look at? Something which could give notifications and stills or clips like the Eufy App, but would work 'offline' too.
You could try Eufy integrated with something called Motioneye. It is basically a free NVR that is open source.
Also Eufy's that are battery powered won't stream without motion as well so that could be a issue with any system. I have two indoor cams that do 24/7 recording to motioneye and it works well.
They recently released outdoor cams that are powere that would be options for this as well.
The key is to setup the cameras with 24/7 continuous recorfing with RSTP and point Motion Eye to it. I wrote up a community post on Eufy's side to do it.
Arlo also has a option for local storage without asubscription which is available anywhere. You just need to have a VMB 4500(pro3) base station.
If you use Eufy's app you will always need internet to atleast Authenticate what cameras you can have access to. After that though you shouldn't need internet. I suspect Arlo is similar. So it it just a matter of authentication more then accessing it on your local network.
I used to favour Foscam cameras but have recently been switching out to Reolink. Both work offline / without internet and can record to SD card locally but also offer Cloud services if you'd prefer that route.
Both work standalone or work well with ONVIF capable NVR's, I use mine with my Synology NAS. The license fee per camera is a bit steep for it, but IMO the feature set is worth it, plus you can often pick up multi-packs of licenses on offer which reduces the outlay.
Reolinks often come up on Amazon on sale, I've been picking up various POE 4K versions (with the AI person / car detection) for ~ £60
Would your use case not support having a dedicated local NVR (Network Video Recorder) with hardwired cameras such as a HIK/Dahua system. These will record locally and don't require internet? These manufacturers also do wireless cameras if thats what you need.
