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

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,435
Storage Capacity
Reliability and Durability
Write Speed

Most important from
88 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
9.8
Chosen by1,435
Storage Capacity
Reliability and Durability
Write Speed

Most important from
88 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.
#2

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
9.6
Compatibility

Most important from
966 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
9.6
Compatibility

Most important from
966 reviews

Compatibility
Installation was a breeze, and it works perfectly.
#3

MaxDigitalData 3TB 32MB Cache 5700PM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Surveillance CCTV DVR Hard Drive (MD3000GSA3257DVR) - 2 Year Warranty

Rating
9.5
Compatibility

Most important from
845 reviews

Compatibility
The hard drive setup fast and works great as replacement drives for an NVR.

The MaxDigitalData 3TB hard drive is tailored for CCTV surveillance systems, boasting a substantial storage capacity that can support long recording durations—approximately 84 days at 720p resolution and 30 frames per second. Its 5700 RPM speed and 32MB cache ensure decent performance in terms of write speed, which is crucial for continuous video recording.

Designed for durability and 24/7 operation, this drive utilizes Coolspin technology to minimize power consumption and heat output, making it suitable for prolonged use without overheating or excessive energy use. Additionally, it offers quiet operation, which is beneficial for environments where noise levels need to be kept low.

On the compatibility front, it seamlessly fits into desktops with a 3.5-inch form factor and uses SATA 6.0Gb/s connectivity, ensuring backward compatibility with older systems. As a renewed product, potential buyers should consider the refurbished nature of the drive, which may not provide the same level of performance and reliability as a brand-new unit. This hard drive appears to be a solid choice for those looking to enhance their CCTV systems, offering a good balance of capacity, efficiency, and durability.

Rating
9.5
Compatibility

Most important from
845 reviews

Compatibility
The hard drive setup fast and works great as replacement drives for an NVR.

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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