Highlights
- Open systems provide better long-term value and freedom of integration.
- Licensing models should never render hardware inoperable.
- Hybrid or local-first options offer more resilience during outages.
- Vendor trust, transparency, and ongoing support matter just as much as tech specs.
Verkada has been a major player in cloud-based video surveillance, attracting attention for its sleek interface, AI-powered features, and unified platform. Many organisations have appreciated its user-friendly deployment and all-in-one approach.
However, as businesses scale and long-term needs evolve, some IT professionals are evaluating whether Verkada still aligns with their infrastructure, security, and budget priorities. Common topics being discussed include vendor flexibility, total cost of ownership, and integration freedom.
This guide takes a closer look at alternatives that offer comparable or enhanced capabilities with more architectural flexibility and transparent pricing models.
Key Pain Points with Verkada
Verkada's biggest criticisms stem from how tightly it controls its ecosystem. Users on Reddit have reported that once a license expires, the cameras and access control devices become essentially unusable, even though the hardware itself is still intact. This model has sparked widespread frustration among IT administrators who expect their systems to continue operating regardless of subscription status.
Another major concern is the lack of interoperability. Verkada cameras cannot be used with third-party software, and third-party cameras cannot be added to the Verkada platform. For IT teams that prefer flexibility or already have existing infrastructure in place, this is a costly limitation.
Security breaches have also haunted the company’s reputation. High-profile incidents, such as the 2021 hack that exposed live camera feeds across hospitals and schools, continue to raise questions about the brand’s internal safeguards. The FTC’s 2024 investigation only intensified scrutiny.
Hardware quality has been inconsistent. Technical users point out issues like frozen door controllers, dropped sensor connections, and cameras that run dangerously hot. Meanwhile, the company’s aggressive sales approach-where reps reportedly bypass internal IT teams to pitch directly to executives—has further alienated decision-makers.
Companies Offering Alternatives to Verkada in 2025
- Coram - Smart Surveillance Without the Vendor Lock
Coram offers a camera-agnostic AI video management system that provides all the core capabilities of Verkada, while giving users more flexibility, openness, and control over their infrastructure. It’s a hybrid cloud/on-prem infrastructure. It’s gaining attention as a technically mature, transparent platform with real-time firearm detection, LPR, facial recognition, and even productivity monitoring.
- Works with any ONVIF-compatible cameras
- No forced license lockouts; modular pricing
- SOC 2 compliant; runs AI at the edge or cloud
- Offers Emergency Management System (EMS) and Access Control System (new in 2025)
"Coram lets us bring our own cameras and doesn’t lock us out. It’s a modern platform built by real engineers."
- Rhombus Systems — SaaS Video Security with IT-Friendly Features
Rhombus Systems offers cloud-native video surveillance with a strong focus on IT compatibility, scalability, and reliability. It's ideal for organisations that want smart alerts and streamlined deployment without sacrificing transparency or control.
- Native support for SSO and SCIM
- Open API for integrations and automations
- High reliability across multi-site deployments
- Trusted in education, logistics, and commercial real estate
- Hikvision (with HikCentral VMS) — High-Performance Surveillance at Scale
Despite controversy in some markets, Hikvision remains one of the most widely deployed camera manufacturers globally. Its enterprise-grade HikCentral VMS platform is suited for large deployments that require intelligent analytics, automation, and central control.
- Deep AI features: behavior analysis, facial recognition, people counting
- Supports thousands of camera models
- Can be deployed on-prem or in hybrid environments
- Cost-effective at scale, particularly in APAC and EMEA regions
- Avigilon Alta (Motorola Solutions)
Enterprise-Ready Cloud Security Stack Avigilon Alta offers scalable video security with:
- NDAA-compliant hardware
- License plate recognition, video summaries
- Face match with strong privacy controls
While still a Motorola stack, it offers more control and reliability than Verkada’s cloud-only lock-in.
- OpenEye — Hybrid Control With Full Ownership
If your team demands total auditability and self-hosting options, OpenEye offers a cloud-managed but flexible back-end.
- Works with various cameras
- Granular permissions and audit logging
- Option to store data locally or in the cloud
Great for campuses or municipalities with strict data retention policies.
Bonus: How to Evaluate an Open, Future-Ready VMS
When choosing a Verkada alternative, look beyond AI checklists. Prioritize platforms that offer:
- Camera flexibility (bring-your-own or multi-vendor support)
- Licensing that doesn’t disable hardware
- APIs and custom integration capability
- Offline recording fallback options
- Transparent security certifications (SOC 2, NDAA, HIPAA)
FAQs
Can I use my existing cameras with these platforms?
Yes. Most alternatives like Coram, OpenEye, and Hikvision support ONVIF and a wide variety of third-party IP cameras, giving you flexibility in infrastructure.
Do these systems work without internet access?
Yes. Platforms like OpenEye and HikCentral offer local or hybrid storage options that ensure video is still recorded even if cloud connectivity is lost.
What makes Coram different from Verkada?
Coram focuses on open architecture, optional AI modules, and no lock-in on hardware. It also supports emerging safety tools like EMS and access control with modular pricing.
Which vendors are best for large campuses or enterprise scale?
Avigilon Alta and Hikvision's HikCentral are designed for multi-site deployments and offer robust analytics, scalability, and compliance features.
Are these solutions NDAA-compliant?
Yes, except for Hikvision (which is restricted in some U.S. federal use cases). Coram, Avigilon Alta, and Rhombus are NDAA-compliant and widely accepted for public sector projects.
Final Thoughts
The video security market is shifting. Closed, aggressive platforms like Verkada are giving way to open, interoperable solutions designed for IT teams, not just sales growth. Vendors like Coram AI, Rhombus, and Eagle Eye are leading this evolution—with AI tools that improve safety while keeping control in your hands.
If you're planning a surveillance refresh in 2025, it's worth re-evaluating the long-term trade-offs of a closed ecosystem like Verkada.
Choose solutions that empower your IT team—not ones that lock you into dependence.
The article has been provided and sponsored by Peter Lee. Peter is a seasoned content marketer with a strong focus on B2B and AI-driven solutions.