This category covers hard disk drives (HDDs) made for continuous video recording in CCTV systems and network video recorders. Some models are also listed for use in a PC.
Our range has over 90 models from Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba and Axis. They suit home and business camera systems that record around the clock.
How to choose a surveillance hard drive
Capacity. The capacity you need depends on the number of cameras, the resolution and how many days of footage you want to keep. Our range runs from 8 TB to 24 TB, so there is a suitable drive for a two-camera home setup as well as for a larger site. If you are unsure, go for the bigger drive: the amount of footage grows quickly once you add cameras or raise the quality.
Built for 24/7 recording. Unlike an ordinary desktop drive, a surveillance drive is designed for non-stop writing from several cameras at once. These drives often include features that reduce the risk of dropped frames in the recording. A standard desktop drive in a recorder usually wears out sooner.
Durability and MTBF. MTBF is the average time between failures, given in hours. Our range includes drives rated at 1,000,000, 2,000,000 and 2,500,000 hours. A higher figure helps when a drive runs without breaks, but it is a statistical value rather than a guarantee, so it is worth backing up important footage separately.
Speed and camera count. The sustained transfer rate in the specifications of our drives runs from 180 to 285 MiB/s. A small system is fine with a slower drive, while a recorder that writes from many cameras and plays back footage at the same time benefits from a faster one. Also check the maximum number of cameras the manufacturer states.
Compatibility and operating conditions. Before buying, check the recorder manufacturer's list of compatible drives and the largest single drive it supports. Recorders often sit in closed cabinets, so look at the operating temperature: many of our drives are listed for 0 to 65 °C. Idle power draw ranges from roughly 2.5 to 7.5 W, which adds up when a recorder holds several drives.
Brands we carry
- Western Digital (WD): the largest group in our range, with over 40 models, known for drives adapted to continuous recording from many cameras.
- Seagate: one of the longest-established hard drive makers, with surveillance drives built for non-stop recording from several cameras.
- Toshiba: a Japanese company that makes hard drives for video recorders and network storage devices.
- Axis: known as a maker of network surveillance cameras, so its drives are mainly intended for its own surveillance equipment.
Also in our range: Transcend.
Frequently asked questions about surveillance hard drives
How is a surveillance hard drive different from a normal hard drive?
A surveillance drive is made to write data around the clock, while a normal PC drive usually works only a few hours a day. That is why surveillance models are optimised for long runtimes and for recording several video streams at once. Fast reading for everyday tasks matters less for them.
What capacity should I choose for a camera system?
It depends on the number of cameras, the video quality and how long you keep footage. Our range spans 8 to 24 TB. The more cameras you have and the longer you want to store recordings, the larger the drive you need, and you can work out the exact figure from each camera's bitrate.
Can I use a surveillance drive in a PC?
Yes, some models in our range are listed as suitable for a PC. Such a drive works well for storing data or an archive of recordings, but it is designed for continuous writing, not for fast boot times or gaming. For the operating system, an SSD is the better choice.
How long does a surveillance hard drive last?
There is no fixed figure, because it depends on workload, temperature and ventilation. A drive running all day and night wears faster than a PC drive, so it is worth checking its condition from time to time and planning a replacement in advance. High temperatures in a closed cabinet shorten its life.
