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Shelly launches $50 1080P security camera with no mandatory subscription

Confirmed1 source · Sep 1, 2026

The device can livestream and record locally without paid plans, though subscription options add cloud recording and AI object detection.

Shelly launches $50 1080P security camera with no mandatory subscription
Image via The Verge

What happened

Shelly announced a $49.99 security camera that operates without requiring a subscription service. The camera captures 1080P video with a 110-degree horizontal and 70-degree vertical field of view, includes night vision, and can livestream to phones or record events locally to microSD cards. It requires a USB-C power cable during installation. Optional paid subscriptions unlock cloud recording and smart object detection that distinguishes between people, pets, and vehicles. The camera will be available soon from Shelly's online store and other resellers in black or white.

Context

Shelly's subscription-optional model addresses a consumer pain point in the security camera market, where many competitors impose mandatory ongoing fees. The device integrates with Shelly's ecosystem, allowing automations like triggering floodlights on motion detection. At $49.99 with 1080P resolution, it positions itself in the budget segment occupied by competitors like Wyze, though Wyze offers 2K resolution at $40. The trade-off is the requirement for wired power rather than battery operation, which constrains installation flexibility but ensures continuous operation.