HomeKit Secure Video
Ranked 3 of 3 NVR software by recommenders
People recommend it because video is end-to-end encrypted, so Apple cannot view it and it stays out of iCloud storage limits.
People recommend it because video is end-to-end encrypted, so Apple cannot view it and it stays out of iCloud storage limits.
7 people gave an opinion
- recommend it
- 5
- criticize it
- 2
- approval share
- 71%
Recommended in 3 of 13 months
- November 2025: not recommended
- December 2025: not recommended
- January 2026: not recommended
- February 2026: recommended
- March 2026: recommended
- April 2026: not recommended
- May 2026: not recommended
- June 2026: not recommended
- July 2026: not recommended
- August 2026: not recommended
- September 2026: not recommended
- October 2026: recommended
- November 2026: not recommended (month in progress)
Why it doesn’t carry the badge
- 5 people recommend itNeeds 10 or more, not met.
- 2.5 recommenders for every criticNeeds 2 to 1 or better, met.
- Recommended in 3 of 13 monthsNeeds 4 or more, not met.
The same three rules apply to every product, and the badge can’t be bought. How the badge works
What people say about it
The reasons people give, with the number of comments that give each one. Open a reason to read what they said.
Why people recommend it
Each mark is one comment
End-to-end encrypted, Apple lacks keys
“Apple can't see the video, it doesn't go to Amazon or Flock, nothing counts against your iCloud storage.”
Comment from 18 Mar 2026 in “Remove your ring camera with a claw hammer” “Apple's solution is e2ee and they don't have the keys.”
Comment from 14 Feb 2026 in “Ring cancels its partnership with Flock Safety after surveillance backlash” “For one thing it’s end to end encrypted.”
Comment from 13 Feb 2026 in “Ring cancels its partnership with Flock Safety after surveillance backlash” Video handled securely within HomeKit
“it's all done securely using HomeKit video”
Comment from 13 Feb 2026 in “Ring cancels its partnership with Flock Safety after surveillance backlash” “For one thing it’s end to end encrypted.”
Comment from 13 Feb 2026 in “Ring cancels its partnership with Flock Safety after surveillance backlash”
Other NVR software people recommend
The two most recommended other NVR software, with the same counts for each, so you can compare like for like. The tick on each bar marks the 2 to 1 line the badge needs.
| Product | Recommend | Criticize | Approval | Months | Owned | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigate NVR | 54 | 4 | 93% | 12 | — | Approved |
| UniFi Protect | 13 | 7 | 65% | 5 | — | — |
| HomeKit Secure VideoThis page | 5 | 2 | 71% | 3 | — | — |
What people said
All 7 comments that mention it, newest first. Each links to the original comment.
“You don't need to buy Homekit certified product.”
“Apple can't see the video, it doesn't go to Amazon or Flock, nothing counts against your iCloud storage.”
“Apple's solution is e2ee and they don't have the keys.”
“it's all done securely using HomeKit video”
“Apple stores your key in their servers and will give it to whoever legitimate looking asks for it.”
“we also have Android phones in my household, so HomeKit Secure Video is a no-go”
“For one thing it’s end to end encrypted.”
Counts come from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026. How we count. Report a mistake.