If you’re in the market for indoor or outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, or a combination of both to protect your property, you know that finding a system you can trust can be quite challenging. With security scandals, unreliable software, expensive subscription plans, and laggy feeds, it’s hard to find a security camera brand that checks all the boxes. As someone who has tested numerous options, I can say that finding the perfect solution is no easy task. For those with Apple devices, the HomeKit Secure Video (HSV) system may seem like an attractive option, but how does it hold up in reality?
My experience with HomeKit Secure Video has been somewhat of a rollercoaster. Initially, it performed well, but then became flaky and unreliable for several months. Just when I was about to give up, it started to work like a charm. However, it still has some frustrating limitations and is best suited for households that are comfortable residing within Apple’s ecosystem. Despite this, there are some significant advantages to using this system, which I will detail below, along with its weaknesses and what worked for me to get the most out of it.
Firstly, using Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video is not as simple as purchasing a security camera that supports HomeKit. In addition to a compatible camera, you also need a home hub and an iCloud subscription. Some potential home hubs include the HomePod mini, HomePod, or Apple TV. While it is technically possible to use an iPad as your hub, it is not recommended. An iCloud subscription is the final piece of the puzzle, with options ranging from a 50 GB plan for one camera, a 200 GB plan for up to five cameras, to a 2 TB plan for unlimited cameras. Apple’s new iCloud+ plans also support unlimited HSV cameras, with the added benefit that the camera footage doesn’t count toward your iCloud storage limit. However, if you don’t already have an eligible device and an iCloud plan, these additional purchases make Apple’s system quite expensive.
One of the headline features of Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video is its end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your camera footage is secure. With this encryption, no one else, not even the camera manufacturer or Apple, can access your video or livestream. Even if a hacker were to intercept your stream, they wouldn’t be able to decrypt it. This level of security and privacy is not a given with other camera systems, as many manufacturers do not offer end-to-end encryption, and those that do often require you to opt-in.
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In conclusion, while Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video has its drawbacks, it also has some compelling features that make it worth considering for those deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. Its end-to-end encryption provides a level of security and privacy that is not commonly found in other camera systems. However, the additional costs associated with a home hub and iCloud subscription may put off some users. Nonetheless, for those willing to make the investment, the HomeKit Secure Video system can provide peace of mind when it comes to protecting their property.
