The 10 Best Surveillance Hard Drive, Tested And Researched

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Best Surveillance Hard Drive
Best Surveillance Hard Drive

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: SEAGATE 4TB Surveillance Hard SATA Drive

The SEAGATE 4TB Surveillance Hard SATA Drive is the ideal DVR and NVR systems storage solution. It has been designed to offer reliable 24x7 performance and support up to 64 HD cameras. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Western Digital 2TB Surveillance Hard Drive

The Western Digital 2TB Surveillance Hard Drive is the perfect choice for creating a reliable security system for your business. Featuring Western Digital’s AllFrame technology, this surveillance storage provides enhanced reliability for capturing high-definition video. Read Review

3. Best Efficient: MaxDigitalData 1TB Surveillance Hard Drive

The MaxDigitalData 1TB Surveillance Hard Drive is perfect for surveillance and security systems. This hard drive is designed for 24/7 operations and can handle the most demanding CCTV DVR Devices. Read Review

4. Best Quality: Western Digital 10TB Surveillance Hard Drive

The Western Digital 10TB Surveillance Hard Drive is the perfect storage solution for any surveillance system. It has a 10TB capacity, a supported workload rate of up to 180 TB/yr, and support for up to 64 cameras. Read Review

5. Best Technology: MaxDigitalData 500G Surveillance Hard Drive

The MaxDigitalData 500G Surveillance Hard Drive is the perfect solution for all your surveillance needs. It is designed for 24/7 operation with enhanced video streaming capability and is optimized for surveillance recording. Read Review

Surveillance can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be impossible. Even in today's digital age, where almost everyone has easy access to a smartphone or a computer, it is possible to protect sensitive information by recording video footage on a separate hard drive. A suitable surveillance hard drive can distinguish between security and no security cameras. With the right hard drive, you can easily capture footage from any camera connected to your system.

Hard drives come in various sizes and offer different storage capacities depending on their performance and features. Note that price only sometimes indicates how good something is. It just depends on what you need it for! Fortunately, we have done most of the research for you, so you don't have to. Here are our recommendations for the best surveillance hard drives.

After lots of research based on customer feedback, the best surveillance hard drive is SEAGATE 4TB Surveillance Hard SATA Drive. This device is built for a 24/7 video surveillance system and supports 64 HD cameras. You can also check out the Western Digital 2TB Surveillance Hard Drive. We have provided you with a detailed buyer's guide and many other good choices to decide which is best for your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 SEAGATE 4TB Surveillance Hard SATA Drive
Our Score:
9.9
Seagate

The Seagate Skyhawk Surveillance Hard Drive is the ideal storage solution for video monitoring and other surveillance-related tasks. Custom-built with Image Perfect firmware, it is designed to handle 24x7 video workloads with crisp, precise imaging. With a maximum 180TB/year workload rating, it offers three times the workload rating of desktop drives for reliable performance in write-intensive surveillance systems. It also has RV sensors that help maintain performance in RAID and multi-drive scenarios with 4TB or higher capacity. 

Plus, with up to 10TB of storage capacity, it can store up to 10,000 hours of HD video, making it the perfect choice for surveillance applications that require high-capacity storage. With this Seagate Skyhawk, you can trust that your surveillance system will have reliable, high-capacity storage to capture every detail, every moment, and every angle. The only downside of this device is that it may be a little noisy.

TOP Choice #2 Western Digital 2TB Surveillance Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.8
Western Digital

If you're searching for a hard drive that can endure the demands of 24/7 surveillance workloads while still delivering crystal-clear video, your search may end here. This surveillance hard drive is crafted meticulously to cater to surveillance applications with Perfect Image firmware, ensuring you receive the best quality video footage. With a maximum workload rating of 180TB per year, three times that of desktop drives, this hard drive delivers reliable performance even in write-intensive surveillance systems.

Moreover, it also features Rotational Vibration (RV) sensors that help maintain performance in RAID and multi-drive systems of 4TB or higher. It can store up to 10TB of capacity, storing up to 10,000 hours of HD video footage. Plus, with AllFrame technology, you can enjoy the better performance for smoother playback and less pixelation. Furthermore, it supports up to 64 HD cameras, perfect for small to medium-sized businesses and residential surveillance systems. However, this device may get warm after a long time of using

TOP Choice #3 MaxDigitalData 1TB Surveillance Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.7
MaxDigitalData

If you need a hard drive for your surveillance system that is both dependable and robust, look no further than this Surveillance HDD with a whopping 1TB of storage space. Its high-speed 7200 RPM motor and 32MB cache capture video footage seamlessly and without interruption. With an estimated record time of up to 30 days, this hard drive can handle even the most demanding surveillance needs.

This hard drive is designed to operate 24/7 and is optimized for video streaming, and is guaranteed to deliver the highest quality surveillance footage. Whether using it for a CCTV DVR or a more extensive surveillance system, this hard drive is built to withstand heavy workloads and perform flawlessly, even under the most demanding conditions. Moreover, this hard drive is optimized for surveillance and can support up to 30 frames per second at 720P resolution. Unfortunately, this device may be making a clicking noise. 

4 Western Digital 10TB Surveillance Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.6
Western Digital

Regarding security systems, you need a reliable storage solution that can keep up with the demands of 24/7 video recording. That's where WD Drive comes in. This hard drive is designed specifically for high-definition security systems, so you can be confident that your footage will be crisp and clear. What sets this drive apart is Western Digital's exclusive all Frame technology. This technology improves video capturing and helps to reduce errors and video interruptions that could happen in a video recorder system. 

Moreover, with an enhanced workload rating, this drive can support systems designed for 24x7 video recording with up to 64 cameras. It means you can expand your security system without worrying about storage capacity or performance. And with PC compatibility, this drive is easy to install and integrate into your existing system. Nevertheless, it may take some time to familiarize yourself with all its functions. But once you have gotten used to it, you will be able to appreciate all of the fantastic qualities it possesses.

5 MaxDigitalData 500G Surveillance Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.5
MaxDigitalData

Whether you want to secure your home or business, this 500 GB surveillance hard drive is an excellent investment. It is optimized for HD video streaming, with a speed of 5900RPM and an 8MB cache to ensure smooth playback of ultra-high-definition movies. Additionally, it is an excellent option for round-the-clock monitoring due to its low power consumption and silent operation.

Furthermore, the hard drive used for surveillance is designed with reliability, ensuring it can deal with the demanding workload posed by continuous video recording. Also, you can be confident that your system will be operational when required since it has an estimated recording time of 15 days at 30 frames per second and 720 pixels in resolution. The only minor drawback of this remarkable device is that it doesn't come with a mounting screw, but this is undoubtedly not a deal breaker. 

6 Toshiba 4TB Surveillance Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.4
Toshiba

This 3.5" SATA hard drive is optimized for use in high-throughput security cameras. It has impressive specifications, including 7200 or 5400 rpm, 256 or 128 MB of buffer space, and continuous operation around the clock. It's ideal for security personnel who need consistent and high-quality surveillance footage, and it can support up to 64 video cameras for seamless real-time operation.

Moreover, the Toshiba dynamic cache technology enhances the read and write speeds, delivering a smooth and fast operation. The stable platter technology minimizes disk vibrations, reducing the risk of disk crashes and ensuring a longer hard drive lifespan. Furthermore, the Toshiba hard drive is engineered to withstand the demanding workload of continuous video recording and playback, making it the ideal choice. Nevertheless, this device may become warm when in operation. 

7 Western Digital 10TB Surveillance Hard Drive HDD
Our Score:
9.3
Western Digital

This hard drive is built from the ground up to handle the intensive processing needs of cutting-edge video solutions so that you can expect advanced features and unmatched performance. High reliability, workload capability, and performance are hallmarks of this state-of-the-art hard drive. These features make it a must-have for cutting-edge AI-enabled recorders, video analytics appliances, deep-learning servers, and cloud storage. 

Moreover, with a maximum workload rating of 550 TB/year, this hard drive can handle even the most demanding workloads, ensuring that your video data is always available and accessible. In addition, it is designed with tarnish-resistant components, making it suitable for harsh environments and ensuring its durability. This hard drive is also built with additional robustness for multi-bay enclosures, guaranteeing superior performance even in systems with multiple purposes. The only minor flaw of this device is that it may be noisy. 

8 MDD 4TB Surveillance Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.2
MaxDigitalData

Estimate Record : 112 Days (30FPS, 720P)

2 Years Warranty from Reseller, Worry Free Return, 100% Full Refund

4TB Capacity, 5900RPM 64MB Cache 3.5in Surveillance HDD

Quiet Operation, Low power consumption, cool temperature

Designed for 24/7 Operation, Enhanced for Video Stream, Optimized for Surveillance

9 Toshiba 8TB Surveillance Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.1
Toshiba

Support up to 180 TB/Year workload rating

Includes Toshiba 3-year limited

Designed for 24/7 surveillance and video recording security systems

10 MaxDigitalData 6TB Surveillance Hard Drive
Our Score:
8.9
MDD MAXDIGITALDATA

3 Years Warranty from Reseller, Worry Free Return! 100% Full Refund.

Works for Desktop PC/Mac, RAID System, NAS Network Storage, CCTV DVR, Surveillance System

Bare Drive Only, Single Pack, (No Screws, Cables or Accessories included) -Friendly Reminder- Please FORMAT HDD on system in order to be detected/shows on system.

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our buying guide to pick best surveillance hard drive for you need

Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices when it comes to purchasing best surveillance hard drive? Visitors didn't even know if a better option was available. We have a few suggestions which will make things easier and thus save you time and effort.

Review them out below to see whether the item you're looking for is right for you!

Size Of The Disk

I understand that you are buying the hard disk in order to eliminate the need to delete some files when you install a new game or add modifications. Also, at a time when a single game can take up to 100GB, Call of Duty WWII is 90GB; it only makes sense that you select the hard disk that will allow you sufficient storage space.

Speed

HDDs, or hard drives, contain spinning disks that read and write your data. The faster these disks spin—rated in rotations per minute (RPM)—the faster the drive can access data and transfer it to your computer.

Performance

Transfer speed is the feature that most people notice on a daily basis. We evaluated each drive with tests that replicated different real-world uses, and we focused on the drives that consistently outperformed the other contenders. Drives that did well on some tests but failed others were unreliable and not worth purchasing.

Cache Memory

This is a cache that functions much like Computer RAM Memory. It stores important files temporarily so that it takes less time to access them on the disk. The larger the cache size, the faster the hard disk will be. However, the difference is not major, and as such, this should not be the biggest determiner.

External Vs. Internal HDD

The main advantage of external hard disks is their portability. Which also makes them perfect backups in case your PC is compromised. Desktop PCs allow you room to add extra hard disks, but if you are using a laptop or other gaming device, you will have to replace your existing hard drive.

Rotation Speed

Did you know that hard drives store information on spinning magnetic plates? The faster these plates spin, the faster the load and access time. The rotation is measured in RPM (Rotations per Minute), and although we recommend hard disks with 7200RPM, 5400RPM is still a good option.

Reliability

All hard drives eventually die, and there’s no definitive answer on when that day will come. We recommend replacing your backup drives between the third and sixth years of use, if possible. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get metrics on which hard drive models are more reliable over the long run, and even so, there will always be outliers and failures that occur sooner than expected.

FAQs

What is a surveillance hard drive?

A surveillance hard drive is a hard drive specifically designed to be used in a security camera system. It is typically used to store recorded footage from security cameras.

What features do surveillance hard drives have?

Surveillance hard drives typically have features such as error-checking, data protection, and redundant storage to ensure data integrity. They are also designed to be used in harsh environments like extreme temperatures and vibrations.

What is the difference between a surveillance hard drive and a regular hard drive?

The main differences between a surveillance hard drive and a regular hard drive are reliability, data protection, and storage capacity. Surveillance hard drives are designed to be more reliable and provide more data protection than a standard hard drive. They also typically have more storage space and are designed to be used in harsher environments.

What should I look for when purchasing a surveillance hard drive?

When selecting a surveillance hard drive, you should consider the capacity, speed, and compatibility with your current surveillance system. It would be best to look for vibration and shock protection, low power consumption, and built-in error correction features. Additionally, it is essential to check the warranty and support options the manufacturer provides.

Conclusion

The website has a buying guide for best surveillance hard drive for your needs. It will assist you in determining what to purchase and how much was to purchase! If the above options do not meet your needs, consider MDD 10TB Hard Drive for Surveillance as an alternative.

Whether any of this makes it sound daunting or if you want more information, please give us a call, our members of the team are always happy to chat and brainstorm ideas with you!


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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.