Choosing the right cloud-managed security camera platform is a critical decision for businesses looking to protect their facilities. Rhombus and Verkada are two of the most popular options on the market, and both offer compelling features. This comparison breaks down the key differences to help Tucson businesses make an informed choice.
Platform Overview
Both Rhombus and Verkada deliver cloud-based video surveillance with on-camera processing, eliminating the need for traditional network video recorders. Each platform provides a web-based console and mobile app for live viewing, playback, and alerts.
Rhombus
Rhombus is known for its open and flexible approach to security. The platform offers a range of dome, bullet, and fisheye cameras with built-in edge processing and AI-powered analytics. Rhombus emphasizes data privacy and provides organizations with full control over their footage and retention policies.
Verkada
Verkada provides an integrated physical security suite that includes cameras, access control, environmental sensors, and guest management under a single dashboard. Their cameras feature on-device AI analytics and hybrid cloud storage that keeps footage locally on the camera while syncing metadata to the cloud.
Camera Hardware and Image Quality
Both manufacturers produce high-quality camera hardware suited for indoor and outdoor commercial environments. Resolution options range from 5MP to 12MP across their product lines, ensuring clear and detailed footage.
Build Quality and Form Factors
Rhombus and Verkada both offer dome and bullet form factors with IK10 vandal-resistant and IP67 weather-rated housings. Rhombus also provides a fisheye model for 360-degree coverage in open areas, while Verkada includes a mini camera designed for discreet indoor monitoring.
AI and Analytics
Both platforms perform AI processing directly on the camera. Features like person and vehicle detection, motion search, and object filtering are available on both systems. Verkada adds facial recognition capabilities in certain license tiers, while Rhombus focuses on privacy-first analytics that avoid storing biometric data.
Software and Management
The management experience differs between the two platforms and may influence which is a better fit depending on your organization's priorities.
Dashboard and Usability
Both platforms offer clean, browser-based dashboards with live views, timeline playback, and alert configuration. Verkada's console integrates cameras alongside access control and sensors for unified management. Rhombus provides a focused video management interface with robust search and filtering tools.
Integrations and API Access
Rhombus offers an open API that makes it straightforward to integrate with third-party systems and custom workflows. Verkada also provides API access but places greater emphasis on its own ecosystem of first-party products.
Pricing and Licensing
Both platforms use a camera-plus-license pricing model. Hardware is purchased upfront, and an annual or multi-year cloud license covers software updates, cloud storage, and support. Verkada's licensing tiers unlock additional analytics features at higher price points, while Rhombus includes most analytics features in its standard license.
Total Cost of Ownership
When evaluating total cost, consider hardware pricing, license fees, installation, and any additional modules you may need. Rhombus tends to offer a more straightforward pricing structure, while Verkada's bundled physical security suite can be cost-effective for organizations that need cameras, access control, and sensors from a single vendor.
Which Platform is Right for Your Business?
The best choice depends on your specific requirements. Rhombus is an excellent option for organizations that value open integrations, privacy-focused analytics, and transparent pricing. Verkada is a strong fit for businesses seeking an all-in-one physical security platform with cameras, access control, and environmental monitoring in a single dashboard.
Unio Digital installs and supports both Rhombus and Verkada systems for businesses across Tucson. Contact our team for a consultation and we will help you select the platform that best fits your security goals and budget.
