IP Camera vs Analog CCTV: Which Should You Choose?

Compare IP cameras and HD analog CCTV across cabling, power, recording, scalability, networking and cost.

IP CCTV

IP cameras transmit digital video over Ethernet. They can use PoE, support network-based management and scale naturally with switches and IP addressing. They are a strong fit for new structured-cabling installations.

HD analog CCTV

HD analog systems can provide high-definition surveillance over coaxial cable and are often useful when an existing coax infrastructure is being upgraded. Depending on the technology and recorder, power and video may be handled separately.

Networking and maintenance

IP systems require sound network design, including IP addresses, switches, PoE, bandwidth and cybersecurity. Analog systems can be simpler where coax already exists, but they still require correct cabling, power and recorder configuration.

Which is better?

Neither is universally best. Choose according to existing cabling, required resolution, network architecture, expansion plans, budget and the features needed at the site.