SwitchBot devices can make life much easier when automating your home and the brand has proven to be one of the most reliable on the market.
But do SwitchBot products require a subscription?
It is totally optional. SwitchBot offers a cloud storage service with many plans available, where you can store footage from cameras, share clips and receive motion-detection notifications, but the devices can also be used with a microSD card.
Let us explore the best subscription plans and the benefits of using SwitchBot Cloud Storage subscriptions.
Key Points
- You don't need a subscription to use SwitchBot devices.
- SwitchBot offers a cloud storage service for its cameras.
- This facilitates you to store continuous camera footage on the cloud for up to 30 days
Does SwitchBot Require a Subscription?
No, SwitchBot devices don't require a subscription, but the brand offers a cloud storage service for its cameras. With its many plans, you can store footage on the cloud, monitor your live feed in real-time and share clips with friends.
SwitchBot offers many different plans for its cloud storage service, each one with different features and catering to different use case situations, as we will explain further down the article.
What Subscription Services Does SwitchBot Offers?
If you own a SwitchBot camera, you can subscribe to SwitchBot's cloud storage service, which is compatible with most camera devices from the brand.
With a cloud storage subscription, you can access several features. Firstly, you can store continuous camera footage on the cloud for up to 30 days, and download and access it remotely via the smartphone app.
The service also allows you to monitor your camera remotely in real time. You can check the live feed and recorded footage from anywhere using the smartphone app or a compatible device.
Moreover, you can tell the app to send you notifications when your cameras detect any motion. It is very easy and straightforward to set up this feature
A useful extra feature is the video-sharing option. You can share clips and videos with anyone on your contact list via the smartphone app as well.
There are several plans available for the cloud storage service, as stated on SwitchBot's website:
| Plan | Rate (USD) | Number of Devices Supported | Free-Trial Period | Payment | Validity Period | Plan Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Monthly Plan | 4.99 | 1 | Not available | Charge monthly | 30 days | Event recording for the past 30 days |
| Standard Annual Plan | 49.90 | 1 | Not available | Charge annually | 365 days | Event recording for the past 30 days |
| Premium Monthly Plan | 7.99 | 2 | Not available | Charge monthly | 30 days | Event recording for the past 30 days |
| Premium Annual Plan | 79.90 | 2 | Not available | Charge annually | 365 days | Event recording for the past 30 days |
| Family Monthly Plan | 9.99 | 3 | Not available | Charge monthly | 30 days | Event recording for the past 30 days |
| Family Annual Plan | 99.90 | 3 | Not available | Charge annually | 365 days | Event recording for the past 30 days |
The best plan for your particular use case will depend on how many SwitchBot devices you own and how you plan to use them. Since most plans are quite affordable, starting at $4.99/month, we do recommend you make use of the service.
What Products Are Compatible with SwitchBot's Cloud Storage?
According to the company's website, the cloud storage service is compatible with: SwitchBot Indoor Cam, Pan/Tilt Cam(2K/3MP), Pan/Tilt Cam, and Outdoor Spotlight Cam.
Can I Use a Third-Party Camera with SwitchBot's Cloud Storage Service?
No, you must own SwitchBot cameras in order to use the cloud storage.
How Can I Use SwitchBot Cameras Without a Cloud Storage Subscription?
You can still use your SwitchBot cameras without a cloud storage subscription by inserting a microSD card of up to 128GB into the device. The microSD card should be formatted in FAT32 format.
However, if you plan to record your camera's input continuously, then this option might not be feasible unless you turn on the auto-wipe option.
According to the brand's website, a 32GB microSD card can record continuously for up to 3 days, a 64GB for 6 days, and a 128GB for 12 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Download Video Data from SwitchBot's Cloud Storage?
How Long is Data Kept on SwitchBot's Cloud Storage?
How Many Devices Can I Use with SwitchBot's Cloud Storage?
Conclusion
As you can see, SwitchBot devices don't need a subscription per see, however, SwitchBot offers a cloud storage service for use with its cameras which can come in handy and make your life easier when automating your home.
If you own any SwitchBot cameras or you're planning to buy one or more, we definitely recommend you consider the subscription service since you will be able to store footage on the cloud and check your live feed remotely. The plans are also quite affordable considering the convenience they offer.
If you prefer to use your SwitchBot cameras without subscribing to the cloud storage service, you will need a microSD card for each device. We recommend going with 128GB since they can record continuously for 12 days.
Thank you for reading this article. If you're in the process of automating your home, make sure to check our related guides on our website.
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