Shocking Truths About Long Term CCTV Ownership Costs in 2025
- By Marketing Team
- On Feb 26, 2025
- Comment 0
Protecting your home and loved ones will always be a priority but so is managing your budget. Many homeowners opt for modern DIY wireless CCTV systems, drawn in by the promise of low initial costs. However, the long-term expenses associated with these systems often remain hidden, lurking beneath the surface. Are you truly saving money in the long run, or are you falling into a subscription trap? This article will pull back the curtain on the true cost of CCTV ownership, comparing popular wireless options like Ring and Philips Hue with robust IP-based systems like SPRO and HiLook. We'll analyse upfront costs, recurring fees, and maintenance expenses to help you make a financially sound choice for your future.
Ring, a popular name in home security, offers a range of wireless, battery-powered cameras designed for easy DIY installation.
Their systems primarily rely on Wi-Fi connectivity and cloud storage subscriptions for video recording. Here's a breakdown of the camera types we'll be considering for our cost comparison:
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Indoor Camera (Stick Up Cam Gen2): These compact cameras are designed for indoor monitoring. They typically offer features like motion detection, two-way talk, and live video streaming. It has a resolution of 3MP.
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Outdoor Camera (Outdoor Camera Pro): Built to withstand the elements, outdoor cameras provide surveillance for your property's exterior. They offer similar features to indoor cameras but with added weatherproofing. Some models offer spotlight functionality for enhanced night vision, it has a resolution of 3MP.
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Doorbell Camera (Peep Hole Camera): A key element of many Ring systems, doorbell cameras replace your existing doorbell and offer a view of your front door. They feature motion detection, two-way talk, and often record when the doorbell is pressed. It has a resolution of 2MP (1080p)
Traditional systems offer a range of IP-based CCTV solutions designed for both residential and commercial use. These systems utilise network video recorders (NVRs) for local video storage and wired connections for cameras, offering a robust and reliable surveillance solution. Here's a breakdown of the components we'll consider for our cost comparison, mirroring the Ring system setup as closely as possible in terms of features:
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Network Video Recorder (SPRO A5 4 channel recorder with 4TB storage): The NVR is the central hub of the IP system. It receives video feeds from the connected cameras and stores the footage on a hard drive, this amount of storage will constantly record and keep footage for nearly 40 days with this setup. If you need help choosing your own hard drive we have a blog on that here.
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Dome Camera (SPRO 4MP Active Deterrence LITE): SPRO offers a variety of IP dome cameras suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. These cameras are versatile and can be mounted on ceilings or walls. They feature higher-resolution video, AI capabilities, and sirens & two-way audio to deter any potential break ins. Their adaptability makes them a good choice for various surveillance needs.
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Doorbell Camera (SPRO IP Doorbell): SPRO offers IP-based doorbell cameras that integrate into their system. These devices provide a view of the front door, unlock with a fob/ card, two-way audio, and recording 24/7 from the NVR. Like other SPRO cameras, they are connected to the NVR. It has a resolution of 2MP (1080p).
Let's Breakdown the costs of both systems:
SPRO IP System:
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Cameras: Two SPRO Active Deterrence Lite cameras at £99.99 each, totaling £199.98.
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NVR: One SPRO A5 4-channel Network Video Recorder with a pre-installed 4TB hard drive at £341.99.
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Doorbell Camera: One SPRO Doorbell camera at £166.99.
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Cables and Connectors: £50 (estimated)
Total Upfront Cost for SPRO IP System: £758.96
Ring Wireless System:
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Outdoor Camera: One Ring Outdoor Camera Pro at £159.99.
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Indoor Camera: One Ring Stick Up Indoor Camera at £89.99.
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Doorbell Camera: One Ring Peephole Camera at £119.99.
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First Month of Ring Protect Plan (Premium): £15.99.
Total Upfront Cost for Ring Wireless System: £385.96
This section clearly lays out the upfront costs for both systems. It highlights the significant difference in initial investment, with the Ring system appearing much cheaper at first glance. However, it's crucial to remember that the Ring cost includes only one month of their premium plan. The ongoing subscription cost will be the focus of the next section, where the "shocking truths" about long-term ownership will begin to emerge.
One of the most significant advantages of the SPRO IP system is the absence of mandatory monthly subscription fees. The upfront cost of the NVR and its included hard drive covers your video storage needs for an extended period. The Ring system relies heavily on its subscription for functionality. Without a subscription, you'll have limited access to recorded video, and many of the smart features that make the system attractive will be unavailable.
Now, with a big investment like this we want our home security to keep us protected for a long time, let's see the calculations year by year:
After the first year you would have paid £191.88 in subscription and £385.96 in upfront costs, totalling £577.84.
After year 2 the total would be £769.72, costing you just slightly more than the SPRO system at £758.96 (which has had no subscription fees at all).
Year three adds up to £961.60.
After 4 years you’ve paid over £1000 (£1153.48 to be exact) for less power than your wired IP system.
After 5 years the total reaches £1345.36, almost double the original price of the SPRO cameras.
Say you decide to keep the same system for 10 years without updating any equipment, the grand total over a decade is £1918.80.
Almost £2000 for what seemed like a £300 investment when you first started
Wireless systems that rely on batteries will eventually need replacing, and for a system with three cameras that can cost a lot as they don’t take typical AA’s. With brand specific rechargeable batteries, you haven’t got much choice in the matter and they could set you back £22 each. Provided your batteries last 5 years (and that generous), you will need one set of replacements totalling £60. Local systems aren’t in the clear either though, even surveillance rated hard drives have a lifespan, often also lasting 5 years at a stretch. A good 4TB hard drive (like the one included in our recorder) can set you back around £90 when purchasing alone. So, all in all, no system is free from the test of time.
As we've explored, the seemingly lower upfront cost of DIY wireless security systems can be deceptive. While the initial investment might be smaller, the recurring subscription fees, along with hidden maintenance costs, can significantly inflate the total cost of ownership over time. Our analysis reveals that a well-planned SPRO IP system, while potentially requiring a larger initial outlay, often proves to be a more cost-effective solution in the long run, especially when considering periods of five years or more.
Ultimately, the best security system is the one that best fits your specific circumstances. Carefully weigh the upfront costs against the long-term expenses and consider the features that are most important to you. Don't hesitate to research further, compare specific products, and even consult with security professionals.
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