NVR cloud storage provides a way to keep surveillance footage online instead of relying entirely on the hard drive inside your NVR. A cloud copy can protect important recordings if the NVR fails, its hard drive becomes damaged, or the recorder is stolen.
This guide is for homeowners, businesses, and security installers who want off-site video backup, remote access, or a hybrid local-and-cloud surveillance system. We focus on what actually matters in real use: NVR compatibility, cloud storage, retention, camera compatibility, reliability, and long-term costs.
TL;DR – Best NVR Cloud Storage Services (Quick Picks)
| Platform | Best For | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Eye Networks | Best Overall | Cloud backup for existing surveillance systems |
| Videoloft | Existing NVRs | Easy cloud upgrade path |
| Hikvision Hik-ProConnect | Hikvision Systems | Native cloud storage integration |
| Camcloud | Cloud Storage & Recording | Flexible cloud-first surveillance |
| Reolink Cloud | Reolink Systems | Simple cloud backup for compatible cameras |
Good to Know Before Buying
- Not every NVR can upload continuous recordings directly to the cloud
- Some services back up event clips rather than the entire NVR hard drive
- Cloud storage normally requires a monthly or annual subscription
- Continuous cloud recording requires considerably more upload bandwidth than event recording
- Hybrid systems can keep recording locally while sending important footage to the cloud
- ONVIF compatibility can make third-party camera integration easier
How to Choose the Right NVR Cloud Storage
Existing NVR vs Cloud-First
Existing NVR
- Keeps your current recorder and hard drive
- Cloud can provide an additional off-site copy
- Useful for protecting footage from NVR failure or theft
Cloud-First
- Cameras can record directly to the cloud
- May eliminate the need for traditional NVR hardware
- Usually depends more heavily on your internet connection
Continuous vs Event Recording
Continuous
- Records video throughout the selected schedule
- Requires considerably more cloud storage
- Requires more upload bandwidth
Event-Based
- Uploads motion or alarm-triggered footage
- Uses less cloud storage
- Usually more practical for smaller systems
Camera & NVR Compatibility
- Check compatibility with your exact NVR model
- ONVIF support can provide more flexibility
- Some cloud services are limited to a particular camera ecosystem
- Manufacturer-specific cloud services are often easier to configure
What About Retention?
- Short retention periods cost less
- Longer retention requires more cloud storage
- Businesses may need weeks or months of archived footage
- Consider whether you need continuous footage or only event recordings
What About Monthly Costs?
- Cloud storage normally uses recurring subscriptions
- Costs can increase with camera count and retention
- Local NVR storage usually has lower ongoing costs
- Hybrid storage can provide off-site protection without moving every recording to the cloud
Best NVR Cloud Storage Services (Detailed Reviews)
1. Eagle Eye Networks (Best Overall)
- Best for: Businesses and organizations that want cloud backup for an existing surveillance system.
- Not ideal if: You only need inexpensive cloud storage for a single home camera.
Eagle Eye Networks’ Cloud Video Replication is specifically designed to add cloud storage to an existing video surveillance system. Instead of replacing the existing VMS or recorder, organizations can keep local storage while creating an off-site copy of surveillance video in the cloud. This makes it particularly useful when the goal is protecting existing NVR/VMS footage rather than replacing the entire system.
Key Highlights
Cloud Backup
- Off-site copy of locally stored surveillance video
- Helps protect against local video loss
- Supports longer-term cloud retention
Existing Systems
- Can extend an existing surveillance system
- Designed to work alongside on-premise storage
- Reduces the need to replace existing infrastructure
Management
- Cloud-based video access
- Centralized management
- Suitable for multi-site deployments
Why We Like It
- Excellent solution for existing surveillance systems
- Keeps local and cloud storage together
- Strong enterprise capabilities
- Useful for disaster recovery
- Avoids replacing an entire surveillance system
Things to Keep in Mind
- Primarily designed for business and professional deployments
- More complex than consumer cloud services
- Hardware and subscription costs can be significant
Bottom line: The best overall option for organizations that want to add reliable off-site cloud storage to an existing NVR or surveillance system.
2. Videoloft (Best for Existing NVRs)
- Best for: Users who want to add cloud storage to an existing NVR or CCTV system.
- Not ideal if: You want a completely local system with no recurring subscription.
Videoloft focuses heavily on connecting existing surveillance infrastructure to cloud video storage. Rather than requiring users to replace their cameras and recorder, its cloud platform can provide a migration path from traditional CCTV systems toward cloud-managed surveillance.
This makes it particularly useful when the goal is to retain existing cameras and equipment while adding remote cloud storage.
Key Highlights
Compatibility
- Supports many existing surveillance systems
- Supports ONVIF-compatible equipment
- Designed for CCTV and professional installations
Cloud Storage
- Off-site video storage
- Cloud recording
- Flexible retention options
Hybrid Systems
- Can work alongside existing local surveillance infrastructure
- Provides a cloud upgrade path
- Suitable for multi-site deployments
Why We Like It
- Easy way to modernize an existing CCTV system
- Reduces the need to replace existing cameras
- Supports many different surveillance systems
- Useful for businesses with multiple locations
Things to Keep in Mind
- Requires compatible hardware
- Subscription fees apply
- Compatibility should be checked before installation
Bottom line: One of the easiest ways to add cloud storage to an existing NVR-based surveillance system.
3. Hikvision Hik-ProConnect (Best for Hikvision Systems)
- Best for: Hikvision users who want integrated cloud storage and management.
- Not ideal if: You use cameras and NVRs from several unrelated manufacturers.
Hikvision’s Hik-ProConnect platform provides cloud-based management and supports cloud storage for compatible cameras connected through supported Hikvision devices and NVRs. Hikvision’s current documentation shows that compatible NVRs can be used to enable cloud storage for cameras, with event-related videos uploaded to the cloud. Availability and supported devices can vary by region.
This makes Hik-ProConnect particularly useful for users already invested in the Hikvision ecosystem.
Key Highlights
Cloud Storage
- Cloud storage for compatible cameras
- Event-related video uploads
- Cloud-based playback
Hikvision Compatibility
- Designed around Hikvision equipment
- Compatible NVRs can act as part of the cloud-storage setup
- Integrated device management
Security Management
- Remote device management
- Remote video access
- Centralized surveillance management
Why We Like It
- Strong integration with Hikvision systems
- Easier than building a third-party cloud setup
- Cloud storage can work alongside local NVR storage
- Useful for professional Hikvision installations
Things to Keep in Mind
- Requires compatible Hikvision equipment
- Cloud storage availability varies by region
- Event-based cloud uploads may not be equivalent to backing up every NVR recording
Bottom line: The most straightforward cloud-storage route for users already running a compatible Hikvision surveillance system.
4. Camcloud (Best Cloud Storage & Recording)
- Best for: Users who want cloud recording without relying entirely on traditional NVR storage.
- Not ideal if: You specifically need to back up the complete hard drive of an existing NVR.
Camcloud takes a cloud-first approach to video surveillance, allowing compatible cameras to send video to cloud storage rather than depending entirely on a local recorder. This can provide remote access and off-site storage while reducing dependence on physical NVR hardware.
The platform supports different recording approaches, including continuous and motion-based recording, making it possible to choose a storage strategy based on the system’s requirements.
Why We Like It
- True cloud-first approach
- Reduces dependence on local NVR hardware
- Good remote accessibility
- Useful for multiple locations
- Flexible recording options
Things to Keep in Mind
- Requires stable internet connectivity
- Subscription costs increase with storage requirements
- Camera compatibility varies by model
Bottom line: A strong option for users who want cloud recording and storage rather than simply backing up an NVR’s hard drive.
5. Reolink Cloud (Best for Reolink Systems)
- Best for: Reolink users who want simple cloud storage alongside their camera or NVR setup.
- Not ideal if: You need cloud storage for mixed-brand cameras.
Reolink Cloud provides cloud storage for compatible Reolink cameras. Reolink’s documentation distinguishes between recordings stored on an NVR hard drive and recordings uploaded to Reolink Cloud. Supported cameras can upload motion-triggered recordings to the cloud when a compatible plan is active. Availability and supported models vary by region.
This makes Reolink Cloud particularly convenient for users who already have a Reolink surveillance system and want an additional off-site copy of important events.
Why We Like It
- Very easy for existing Reolink users
- Works alongside local NVR storage
- Simple cloud access
- Useful for off-site event backup
- No need to build a separate cloud infrastructure
Things to Keep in Mind
- Limited to supported Reolink equipment
- Cloud availability varies by region
- Primarily designed around motion/event recordings rather than full NVR-drive backup
Bottom line: The simplest choice for Reolink users who want cloud storage in addition to their local NVR recordings.
Final Recommendations
- Best overall: Eagle Eye Networks
- Best existing NVR upgrade: Videoloft
- Best for Hikvision systems: Hik-ProConnect
- Best cloud-first storage: Camcloud
- Best for Reolink systems: Reolink Cloud
FAQ
What is NVR cloud storage?
NVR cloud storage is a way to store surveillance footage remotely instead of keeping every recording only on the NVR’s local hard drive. Depending on the service, cloud storage can either supplement an existing NVR or replace local recording.
Can I back up my NVR to the cloud?
Yes, but compatibility depends on the NVR and cloud platform. Some services are specifically designed to replicate locally stored surveillance video to the cloud, while others upload event recordings from compatible cameras. Eagle Eye Networks, for example, provides Cloud Video Replication for adding an off-site copy to an existing surveillance system.
Does NVR cloud storage require a subscription?
Most dedicated cloud storage services use recurring subscriptions. The cost generally depends on factors such as the number of cameras, recording type, and retention period.
Can an NVR record locally and to the cloud at the same time?
Yes. Hybrid setups can keep recordings on the NVR while sending selected footage or a duplicate stream to cloud storage. This provides local recording while also creating an off-site copy.
What happens if the internet goes down?
The result depends on the system. A traditional NVR can generally continue recording locally during an internet outage, while cloud recording cannot upload new footage until connectivity is restored. Hybrid systems can therefore provide an advantage when local recording is important.
Can I use cloud storage with Hikvision or Reolink NVRs?
Some Hikvision and Reolink systems support cloud storage, but compatibility depends on the exact equipment, region, and service. Hikvision documents cloud storage for compatible cameras connected through supported NVRs, while Reolink provides cloud recording for supported camera models.
Is NVR cloud storage better than a hard drive?
Cloud storage and local NVR storage serve different purposes. A hard drive provides inexpensive local recording and can continue recording without internet access. Cloud storage provides an off-site copy that can remain available if the physical NVR or its hard drive is damaged or stolen. Many systems therefore use both.