Do I need to buy cameras separately?
If you already have RTSP/ONVIF cameras (most commercial security cameras), they work with TinyGuard out of the box. No new cameras needed — just the Pi. If you're starting from zero, see our
camera recommendations.
What's the $399 setup fee?
It covers the Raspberry Pi 5 hardware, preconfigured with TinyGuard software, and shipped to your door. One-time cost. The Pi is yours to keep even if you cancel.
Is there a contract?
No. Month-to-month by default. Annual contracts save 15% if you prefer. Cancel anytime — your data is exportable and we keep it for 30 days after cancellation.
What happens after the 30-day trial?
Your account pauses. No auto-charge. We'll email you before the trial ends. If you subscribe, everything picks up where you left off. If not, you can export your data.
Do I need IT staff to set this up?
No. Plug the Pi into your network. Run one command. Your cameras auto-discover via ONVIF. Dashboard, parent app, and billing are live in under 5 minutes. If you get stuck, call us — we'll walk you through it.
Can I upgrade or downgrade later?
Yes. Upgrade takes effect immediately. Downgrade takes effect at your next billing cycle. No penalties either way.
What about Wyze, Ring, or Arlo cameras?
They don't work — they're cloud-only and don't expose a local video stream. See our
full compatibility list for alternatives starting at $30.