Rhombus alternative
Keep your existing CCTV cameras and add cloud video storage, remote access and multi-site management with Videoloft.
Is Videoloft a good alternative to Rhombus?
Yes. Videoloft is a good Rhombus alternative for businesses that want to add cloud video management and secure off-site storage to compatible existing CCTV cameras and recorders.
Videoloft brings live and recorded video, users, alerts and multiple locations into one cloud VMS. Businesses can keep supported cameras from different manufacturers, choose their cloud retention and add video analytics where needed.
Rhombus takes a different approach. Its wider physical security platform covers video surveillance, access control, sensors and alarms. The system is mainly built around Rhombus cameras, although Relay Core and Relay Lite can connect compatible third-party RTSP cameras.
Videoloft vs Rhombus
Videoloft and Rhombus both provide remote video access and multi-site management. The main difference is their approach to hardware and storage. Videoloft adds off-site cloud recording to compatible existing CCTV systems, while Rhombus primarily uses cameras with onboard storage as part of a wider physical security platform.
| What you need | Videoloft | Rhombus |
|---|---|---|
|
Best fit |
Businesses that want to add cloud storage and central management to compatible existing CCTV systems. |
Businesses that want a wider physical security platform covering cameras, access control, sensors and alarms.
|
|
Existing CCTV cameras |
Works with many compatible IP cameras, DVRs and NVRs from established CCTV manufacturers. |
Third-party RTSP cameras can be connected through the N100 Relay Core, using ONVIF where supported. |
|
Main hardware approach |
Adds a cloud layer to compatible cameras and recorders through a Cloud Adapter or Virtual Cloud Adapter. |
Primarily built around Rhombus cameras, with Relay Core available for some third-party systems. |
|
Where video is stored |
Video is stored in AWS S3 data centers in either Dublin, Ireland or North Virginia, USA. Video is stored in the nearest region to you. |
Rhombus cameras primarily store footage onboard. Cloud archiving is available separately, with 30 days included under the Enterprise license. |
|
Third party camera capacity
|
Supports an unlimited number of compatible third-party cameras. Cloud Adapters are available for different camera counts, and multiple adapters can be managed through one account. |
Relay Core supports up to 10 third-party cameras per N100 at 1080p. Onboard storage varies by model, resolution, bitrate and motion levels. |
|
Multi-site management
|
Manage footage and alerts across unlimited cameras and locations, with unlimited users included. |
Supports unlimited locations and users, with role management available. |
|
Camera choice
|
Customers can continue using many compatible camera and recorder brands. |
The native experience is designed around Rhombus cameras, although Relay Core provides a migration route for selected third-party cameras. |
|
Retention
|
Flexible cloud retention options can be selected to suit the customer or site, from 2 days to 10 years. |
Rhombus lists between 20 and 365 days of onboard storage, depending on the camera and configuration. Cloud archiving is also available. |
|
Analytics flexibility
|
Optional analytics include Smart Motion Alerts, license plate recognition, people counting and PPE detection. |
Features include people and vehicle detection, facial recognition, license plate recognition, occupancy counting, line crossing, color search and AI video search. Availability varies by license. |
Why businesses choose Videoloft as a Rhombus alternative
Simplicity
Videoloft is designed for fast adoption, with an intuitive VMS for users across permission levels.
Affordability
Videoloft gives businesses a cost-effective way to add cloud VMS features without unnecessary hardware replacement.
Compatibility
Videoloft is compatible with hundreds of camera and recorder brands, helping businesses keep compatible existing systems.
Flexibility
Scale storage, users, analytics and site coverage as your needs change, making Videoloft a practical option for multi-site CCTV management.
Choosing the right fit for your business
The right choice depends on whether you want to improve an existing CCTV system or adopt a wider physical security platform.
When Videoloft may be the better fit
Videoloft may be a better fit if you want to add cloud video management to an existing CCTV system without replacing compatible cameras and recorders.
It is particularly useful for businesses with multiple locations, mixed camera brands or DVR and NVR systems that are difficult to manage centrally. Footage is uploaded to secure off-site cloud storage, with flexible retention and optional analytics available for selected cameras.
VS
When Rhombus may be a better fit
Rhombus may be a better fit if you want video surveillance, access control, environmental sensors and alarms from one physical security provider.
Its native cameras record video onboard and are managed through the Rhombus cloud platform. Compatible third-party RTSP cameras can also be connected through Relay Core or Relay Lite, although features, storage and licensing vary.
Add AI analytics when you need them
Videoloft lets businesses add AI video analytics to selected cameras rather than applying the same features across the entire CCTV system.
Available options include Smart Motion Alerts for people and vehicles, licence plate recognition, people counting and PPE detection. Businesses can start with cloud video storage and remote access, then add analytics to specific cameras or locations as requirements change.
Rhombus alternative FAQs
If you are looking for a low-cost alternative to Rhombus for cloud video storage, Videoloft is worth comparing on subscription cost, hardware requirements, storage retention and ease of migration.
Is Videoloft a good alternative to Rhombus?
Yes. Videoloft is a good Rhombus alternative for businesses that want cloud video storage, remote access and central management while keeping compatible CCTV cameras.
Rhombus may be more suitable when the business also wants access control, sensors, intercoms and alarms from the same provider.
What is the main difference between Videoloft and Rhombus?
Videoloft adds a cloud VMS and off-site recording to compatible cameras and recorders from a range of manufacturers.
Rhombus offers a broader physical security platform centred on Rhombus cameras, which primarily store footage onboard, although its Relay products can connect compatible third-party RTSP cameras.
Can Rhombus work with existing CCTV cameras?
Yes, provided the cameras meet its compatibility requirements.
The N100 Relay Core connects third-party RTSP camera streams and uses ONVIF where supported. It can support up to 10 streams and up to 20 days of local storage per camera, although actual capacity varies depending on settings and enabled features.
A Professional or Enterprise licence is required per third-party camera where Rhombus AI features are enabled. Buyers should confirm the licensing needed for their exact setup.
Can Videoloft work with existing CCTV cameras?
Yes. Videoloft supports many compatible IP cameras, DVRs and NVRs from established CCTV manufacturers.
The cameras or recorder connect through a Videoloft Cloud Adapter or Virtual Cloud Adapter, allowing video to be viewed, managed and stored in the cloud.
Is Rhombus a cloud camera system?
Rhombus is better described as cloud-managed with onboard video storage.
Its native cameras generally record footage locally, while the cloud platform is used for management, access, search and other services. Cloud archiving is available separately, with 30 days included under the Enterprise licence.
Does Videoloft store CCTV footage in the cloud?
Yes. Videoloft uploads recorded footage from compatible CCTV systems to secure off-site cloud storage.
This reduces reliance on a recorder or hard drive remaining available at the premises.
Which is better for an existing CCTV system?
Videoloft is likely to be the more natural fit when a business wants to keep a larger mixed estate of compatible cameras and recorders.
Rhombus can connect selected third-party cameras through Relay Core, but each N100 is limited to up to 10 streams. Businesses should include the number of Relay devices, storage requirements and applicable camera licences when comparing costs.
Which is better for a new security installation?
Rhombus may suit a new project where the business wants cameras, access control, sensors and alarms within one platform.
Videoloft may be more suitable when the organization wants more freedom over the cameras it installs, needs off-site cloud recording or does not want its VMS tied to a wider hardware ecosystem.
Is Videoloft cheaper than Rhombus?
Videoloft can be a more affordable option for businesses with compatible existing CCTV cameras and recorders, as there may be no need to replace the entire system.
Rhombus typically combines camera or Relay hardware with ongoing licences, while Videoloft pricing depends on the required cloud storage, recording settings and optional analytics. Actual costs will vary by setup, so businesses should compare like-for-like quotes.
Does Rhombus require an ongoing license?
Yes. Rhombus states that all of its native cameras require an ongoing license to operate.
For cameras connected through the N100, a Professional or Enterprise license is required per camera to enable Rhombus AI features.
Do both systems support multiple locations and users?
Yes.
Videoloft supports central multi-site video management and unlimited users, with permission levels used to control what each person can access.
Rhombus also lists unlimited locations, unlimited users and role management under its camera licences.
Does Rhombus offer more than video surveillance?
Yes. Rhombus provides cameras, access control, video intercoms, environmental sensors and alarm monitoring.
Videoloft is more focused on cloud video management, off-site storage, remote access and optional video analytics.
What should I look for in a Rhombus alternative?
Start with the system you already have and the problem you are trying to solve.
Check:
- Whether your current cameras are compatible
- Where recorded video will be stored
- How much cloud storage is included
- The cost of longer retention
- Hardware needed at each location
- Any limits on third-party cameras
- Ongoing licence costs
- User and permission controls
- Analytics charges
- What happens during an internet outage
- Warranty and support
- The total price as the system grows
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