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10 Best Hard Disk For Cctv 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MaxDigitalData 2TB 32MB Cache 7200PM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5in Internal Surveillance CCTV DVR Hard Drive (MD2000GSA3272DVR) - w/ 2 Year Warranty, Mechanical Hard Disk

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,193
Compatibility

Most important from
982 reviews

Compatibility
Installation was a breeze, and it works perfectly.

The MaxDigitalData 2TB Surveillance Hard Drive (MD2000GSA3272DVR) is a solid choice for CCTV systems. With a substantial storage capacity of 2TB, it can record up to 60 days of footage at 30 frames per second in 720p, making it ideal for continuous monitoring needs. Its 7200 RPM speed and 32MB cache ensure decent write speeds, which is essential for handling multiple camera feeds without lag.

Designed for 24/7 operation, this drive is optimized for video streaming and surveillance, promising reliable performance over long durations. The drive operates quietly and consumes less power, maintaining a cool temperature which enhances its durability and reliability over time. Compatibility with desktop setups and SATA 3.0Gb/s connectivity makes it relatively easy to integrate into existing systems.

It is important to note that this is a renewed product, meaning it is not brand new and has been refurbished. While it claims 100% health and no bad sectors, some users might have reservations about the longevity compared to a new unit. Also, the 7200 RPM speed, while good, is not the fastest available on the market. Despite these considerations, customer reviews are quite positive, with a 4.4-star rating out of 964 reviews, indicating general satisfaction among users. This hard drive offers a good balance of capacity, reliability, and performance for surveillance purposes, especially if you are looking for a cost-effective, renewed option.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,193
Compatibility

Most important from
982 reviews

Compatibility
Installation was a breeze, and it works perfectly.
#2

MaxDigitalData 8TB 7200 RPM 256MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5inch Internal Hard Drive for Surveillance (MD8000GSA25672DVR) - 3 Years Warranty

Rating
9.6
Storage Capacity
Reliability and Durability
Write Speed

Most important from
92 reviews

Storage Capacity
This hard drive was inexpensive compared to other drives of the same size and it's rated as a surveillance grade drive.
Reliability and Durability
I've had a pair of these running in a NAS as backup for about 2 years so far, no significant issues.
Write Speed
All of these drives just completed a full-disk dd with no issues whatsoever.
Power Consumption
To stop the drives from parking the heads so aggressively, disable the idle_b state via SeaChest or openSeaChest.

The MaxDigitalData 8TB 7200 RPM hard drive is designed specifically for surveillance systems and heavy-duty, 24/7 operation, making it a solid choice for CCTV setups. It boasts a generous 8TB storage capacity, which is sufficient for storing extensive amounts of video footage. The drive operates at a speed of 7200 RPM, ensuring smooth video recording and playback, which is crucial for surveillance applications.

Its reliability is enhanced by an impressive Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 2 million hours and an Annualized Failure Rate (AFR) of 0.44%, indicating a long lifespan and minimal downtime. However, it is important to note that this product comes as a bare drive only, without any screws, cables, or additional accessories, which may require purchasing extra components for installation. Additionally, users need to format the drive for it to be detected by their system.

Its compatibility with desktop PCs, Mac systems, RAID systems, NAS network storage, and CCTV DVRs makes it versatile. While power consumption details are not provided, its performance features likely emphasize efficiency. The renewed status may be a concern for some consumers, but this hard drive would be most beneficial for users needing reliable and high-capacity storage for continuous surveillance operations.

Rating
9.6
Storage Capacity
Reliability and Durability
Write Speed

Most important from
92 reviews

Storage Capacity
This hard drive was inexpensive compared to other drives of the same size and it's rated as a surveillance grade drive.
Reliability and Durability
I've had a pair of these running in a NAS as backup for about 2 years so far, no significant issues.
Write Speed
All of these drives just completed a full-disk dd with no issues whatsoever.
Power Consumption
To stop the drives from parking the heads so aggressively, disable the idle_b state via SeaChest or openSeaChest.
#3

MaxDigitalData MDD 4TB 64MB Cache 5900PM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Surveillance CCTV DVR Hard Drive (MD4000GSA6459DVR) - w/ 2 Year Warranty

Rating
9.5
Reliability and Durability

Most important from
406 reviews

Reliability and Durability
Excellent working condition even after initial apprehensions due to past experiences with other white label drives.

The MDD 4TB 64MB Cache 5900RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5inch Internal Surveillance CCTV DVR Hard Drive (MD4000GSA6459DVR) is a solid choice for those needing reliable storage for CCTV systems. With a substantial 4TB capacity, it can store approximately 112 days of high-quality footage (30FPS, 720P), which should be sufficient for many security setups. The 5900RPM speed and 64MB cache ensure it can handle constant data writing, critical for surveillance applications.

Additionally, this hard drive is designed for 24/7 operation and is optimized for video streaming, enhancing its reliability for continuous use. Its low power consumption and quiet operation are also beneficial, reducing operating costs and noise in a home or office environment. However, being a renewed product could raise potential concerns about long-term durability and reliability, despite the 2-year warranty.

Compatibility is broad, fitting into standard 3.5-inch bays and using SATA connections, making it suitable for most desktop-based DVR systems. It offers a good blend of capacity, performance, and efficiency for anyone looking to expand or upgrade their CCTV storage solution.

Rating
9.5
Reliability and Durability

Most important from
406 reviews

Reliability and Durability
Excellent working condition even after initial apprehensions due to past experiences with other white label drives.

Buying Guide for the Best Hard Disk For Cctv

Choosing the right hard disk for your CCTV system is crucial to ensure reliable and efficient storage of your surveillance footage. The hard disk you select should be able to handle continuous recording, provide ample storage space, and offer durability to withstand the demands of a security system. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking a hard disk for your CCTV setup.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the hard disk can hold. This is important because CCTV systems often record continuously, generating large amounts of footage. Storage capacities typically range from 1TB to 10TB or more. If you have a small setup with fewer cameras, a lower capacity like 1TB to 2TB might suffice. For larger systems with many cameras or higher resolution recordings, you might need 4TB to 10TB or more. Consider how long you need to store footage before it gets overwritten and the resolution of your cameras to determine the right capacity for your needs.
Reliability and DurabilityReliability and durability are critical for hard disks used in CCTV systems because they need to operate 24/7 without failure. Look for hard disks that are specifically designed for surveillance purposes, as they are built to handle continuous writing and reading operations. These disks often have enhanced durability features such as vibration resistance and higher MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures). If your CCTV system is in a high-traffic area or subject to vibrations, prioritize hard disks with these features to ensure long-term reliability.
Write SpeedWrite speed refers to how quickly the hard disk can record data. This is important for CCTV systems because they need to capture and store video footage in real-time. Write speeds are usually measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). For standard definition cameras, a lower write speed might be sufficient, but for high-definition or 4K cameras, you will need a higher write speed to ensure smooth recording without frame drops. Assess the resolution and frame rate of your cameras to choose a hard disk with an appropriate write speed.
Power ConsumptionPower consumption is the amount of electrical power the hard disk uses during operation. Lower power consumption is beneficial for reducing overall energy costs and minimizing heat generation, which can affect the longevity of the hard disk. Surveillance-specific hard disks often have optimized power consumption features. If your CCTV system runs continuously, selecting a hard disk with lower power consumption can be advantageous for both cost savings and maintaining a cooler operating environment.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the hard disk can work seamlessly with your CCTV system. Ensure that the hard disk you choose is compatible with your DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder). Check the interface type (e.g., SATA, SAS) and the maximum supported storage capacity of your recording device. Compatibility is crucial to avoid any issues with installation and operation. Review your CCTV system's specifications and choose a hard disk that matches those requirements.

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