Private and open-source alternatives to Ring
9 security cameras rated against the same public privacy criteria as Ring, with our picks first.
Why look for an alternative?
- Open source: no. Closed source.
- No trackers or telemetry: no. The Exodus report finds Bugsnag and Google Firebase Analytics in the Android app, and the privacy notice describes third-party web and app analytics.
- No ads or data sales: partial. The privacy notice says activity on Ring websites and apps may be collected by ad networks for interest-based advertising.
- Independent audit: no. No independent audit is published.
The alternatives
Secluso Grade B
Open source, end-to-end encrypted home security camera system for the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, with mobile apps for live video, alerts and recordings through a relay that cannot decrypt footage.
Secluso scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the security cameras criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales.
ZoneMinder Grade B
Open source video surveillance software for Linux that records and analyzes IP, USB and analog cameras through a web interface.
ZoneMinder scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the security cameras criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales.
Scrypted Grade C
Self-hosted video integration platform that brings IP cameras into HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and Home Assistant. The paid Scrypted NVR plugin adds recording, detection and mobile apps.
Based in the United States (Five Eyes). Scrypted scores 65 out of 100 (grade C) on the security cameras criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales.
Frigate Grade D
Open source network video recorder for IP cameras with local real-time object detection, running in Docker and integrating with Home Assistant.
Frigate scores 50 out of 100 (grade D) on the security cameras criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: open source and no ads or data sales.
Shinobi Grade D
Self-hosted video surveillance and recording software written in Node.js, with a web interface, motion and object detection plugins, and paid Pro licenses.
Shinobi scores 50 out of 100 (grade D) on the security cameras criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: open source and no ads or data sales.
eufy Security Grade F
Anker's line of security cameras, video doorbells and home base stations that store video locally, with an app for live view and alerts. Optional end-to-end encryption is available for video.
Based in China. eufy Security scores 20 out of 100 (grade F) on the security cameras criteria. It partly meets no ads or data sales and independent audit.
Wyze Grade F
Low-cost smart home cameras, video doorbells and sensors with an app for live view, motion alerts and optional cloud recording through a Cam Plus subscription.
Based in the United States (Five Eyes). Wyze scores 10 out of 100 (grade F) on the security cameras criteria. It partly meets no ads or data sales.
Agent DVR Grade F
Video surveillance software from iSpyConnect for Windows, macOS, Linux and Docker, with motion and AI detection, free for private local use and a paid subscription for remote access.
Based in Australia (Five Eyes). Agent DVR scores 0 out of 100 (grade F) on the security cameras criteria. It does not meet open source, no trackers or telemetry, no ads or data sales and independent audit.
Arlo Grade F
Wireless security cameras and video doorbells with an app for live view, motion alerts and cloud recording through an Arlo Secure subscription.
Based in the United States (Five Eyes). Arlo scores 0 out of 100 (grade F) on the security cameras criteria. It does not meet open source, no trackers or telemetry, no ads or data sales and independent audit.