Choose an iCloud+ plan by adding up the storage used by everyone who will share it, then check whether HomeKit Secure Video camera limits change the decision. Apple’s paid tiers are 50 GB, 200 GB, 2 TB, 6 TB, and 12 TB. Every paid tier supports Family Sharing with up to five other people, while camera recording increases from one camera on 50 GB to unlimited cameras on 2 TB and larger plans.
The prices below are Apple’s US monthly prices shown on October 13, 2026. Apple sets different prices by country or region, and some features have regional or system requirements, so verify the local terms before subscribing.
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iCloud+ plans at a glance
This table compares the plan capacities, US monthly prices, and HomeKit Secure Video limits listed by Apple. The prices are not global prices and may change.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors| Storage pool | US monthly price | HomeKit Secure Video limit | Most suitable when |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 GB | $0.99 | 1 camera | You need a small shared pool and one camera at most |
| 200 GB | $2.99 | Up to 5 cameras | A person or small household needs more headroom or several cameras |
| 2 TB | $9.99 | Unlimited cameras | Shared use is substantial or camera count must not be a constraint |
| 6 TB | $29.99 | Unlimited cameras | The household needs a much larger shared pool |
| 12 TB | $59.99 | Unlimited cameras | The household has exceptionally high shared storage needs |
Apple lists the capacities and subscription features on its iCloud+ page, while the camera limits and plan details are documented in Apple Support’s iCloud+ plans and pricing.
#1 Best Overall
- 2K Clarity Day and Night: The G100 Wi-Fi Camera films in 2304×1296 (3MP) resolution with a 140°FOV and a wide-angle f/1.8 lens for superior image quality. It features two night vision modes: Spotlight Color Night Vision and IR Detection Mode. The spotlight provides illumination in dark, great for color recording outdoors at night. The G100 also includes 940 nm infrared lighting, ensuring covert illumination without alerting potential intruders. (Note: Both Spotlight and IR night vision modes must be manually enabled in the app and do not turn on automatically.)
- Indoor/Outdoor Ready IP65 Protection: With durable, weather-resistant IP65-rated housing, the G100 surveillance camera is both an indoor camera and outdoor security camera, offering reliable home surveillance for flexible indoor or outdoor mounting. Withstands rain, dust, and rugged environments.
- Local and Cloud AI Detection: The G100 surveillance cameras supports local motion and person detection, and the HomeGuardian Plan unlocks cloud-based recognition for pets, vehicles, packages, and faces, with AI event tagging. Integrated Events automatically can be triggered when paired with other Aqara devices (subscription required). It also supports Lens Obstruction Detection, custom audio files, and 2-way audio (Notes: Only in Aqara Home App).
- HomeKit Support & Wide Compatibility: The Aqara G100 Camera provides full support for HomeKit Secure Video (Note:Requires an active iCloud subscription and an Apple Home hub. HomeKit limits resolution to 1080p. When connected to both Apple and Aqara Home, the G100’s resolution in Aqara Home will also be limited to 1080p, but will return to 1296p if HomeKit is disconnected.) The G100 has some of the best third-party ecosystem support on the market, it can stream to Google, Alexa compatible smart displays, and even Home Assistant via the RTSP protocol, making it easier to interact with visitors or check in on loved ones.
- Flexible Storage Methods: Record 24/7 with a microSD (up to 512GB, not included) or NAS. Time-lapse mode compresses 24-hours of footage to 15-second clips (wired connection and microSD card required). Automatically store detected events with end-to-end encryption in the cloud with a HomeGuardian subscription, ensuring protection against data theft and guaranteeing your privacy at home.
How to choose the right storage capacity
There is no reliable universal “gigabytes per person” rule. Your total depends on photo and video libraries, device backups, documents, and how many people will use the pool. Make the decision from the combined amount already in use and the direction it is heading.
1. Count everyone and every device
List each person in the Family Sharing group and the devices whose backups or files will use iCloud. Include phones, tablets, and computers that sync photos, documents, or other data. A plan that looks generous for one person can fill quickly when several people share it.
2. Use current consumption, not the device’s advertised capacity
A phone with a large local drive does not automatically consume that much iCloud storage. Base the estimate on the storage categories shown in each person’s iCloud account: photos, backups, documents, and other synced data. Add those figures together before comparing with the plan pool.
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3. Leave room for growth
Storage use rises when people record more video, replace devices, or keep additional backups. If the current total is close to a tier’s limit, moving up a tier avoids repeated upgrades. If use is comfortably below the limit, the smaller plan may be sufficient; review the total periodically rather than paying for capacity that will remain unused.
4. Treat camera count as a separate decision
HomeKit Secure Video limits do not scale continuously with storage. The jump is one camera on the smallest tier, up to five on the next tier, and unlimited on all three largest tiers. A household with modest file storage can therefore need a larger tier solely because it wants more cameras.
Rank #2
- 2K Clarity Day and Night: The G100 Wi-Fi Camera films in 2304×1296 (3MP) resolution with a 140°FOV and a wide-angle f/1.8 lens for superior image quality. It features two night vision modes: Spotlight Color Night Vision and IR Detection Mode. The spotlight provides illumination in dark, great for color recording outdoors at night. The G100 also includes 940 nm infrared lighting, ensuring covert illumination without alerting potential intruders.
- Indoor/Outdoor Ready IP65 Protection: With durable, weather-resistant IP65-rated housing, the G100 surveillance camera is both an indoor camera and outdoor security camera, offering reliable home surveillance for flexible indoor or outdoor mounting. Withstands rain, dust, and rugged environments.
- Local and Cloud AI Detection: The G100 surveillance cameras supports local motion and person detection, and the HomeGuardian Plan unlocks cloud-based recognition for pets, vehicles, packages, and faces, with AI event tagging. Integrated Events automatically can be triggered when paired with other Aqara devices (subscription required). It also supports Lens Obstruction Detection, custom audio files, and 2-way audio (Notes: Only in Aqara Home App).
- HomeKit Support & Wide Compatibility: The Aqara G100 Camera provides full support for HomeKit Secure Video (Note:Requires an active iCloud subscription and an Apple Home hub. HomeKit limits resolution to 1080p. When connected to both Apple and Aqara Home, the G100’s resolution in Aqara Home will also be limited to 1080p, but will return to 1296p if HomeKit is disconnected.) The G100 has some of the best third-party ecosystem support on the market, it can stream to Google, Alexa compatible smart displays, and even Home Assistant via the RTSP protocol, making it easier to interact with visitors or check in on loved ones.
- Flexible Storage Methods: Record 24/7 with a microSD (up to 512GB, not included) or NAS. Time-lapse mode compresses 24-hours of footage to 15-second clips (wired connection and microSD card required). Automatically store detected events with end-to-end encryption in the cloud with a HomeGuardian subscription, ensuring protection against data theft and guaranteeing your privacy at home. The Aqara Camera G100 requires a power adapter with DC 5V/1A output which is not included in the box. Zigbee2MQTT and comparable third-party USB dongles are not officially supported by Aqara. Full product functionality may be limited or unavailable.
What each iCloud+ tier is designed to solve
50 GB: the lowest-cost paid option
The 50 GB tier is appropriate when the shared pool is small and one HomeKit Secure Video camera is enough. It is Apple’s lowest-priced paid US tier in the checked plan information. Because all family members draw from one pool, confirm that their combined photos, documents, and backups will fit rather than judging the tier from a single account.
200 GB: more headroom and up to five cameras
The 200 GB tier is the practical step up for a person whose library is growing or a small household that needs a larger shared allowance. Its defining camera limit is support for up to five HomeKit Secure Video cameras. Choose it when that limit covers the household’s planned setup and the combined storage total remains below the pool.
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2 TB: the first unlimited-camera tier
The 2 TB tier is where HomeKit Secure Video recording becomes unlimited under Apple’s plan limits. It also creates a substantially larger shared pool for several people and devices. It is the relevant threshold when camera count, rather than just file storage, is the deciding factor.
6 TB and 12 TB: larger pools with the same camera limit
The 6 TB and 12 TB tiers retain the unlimited-camera limit of the 2 TB plan while increasing the amount of shared storage. Select between them by measuring the household’s actual and expected file use. Paying for the larger pool does not add a different HomeKit camera allowance; its purpose is capacity.
“Can my family share an iCloud+ plan?”
Yes. Apple says any iCloud+ plan can be shared with up to five other people in your Family Sharing group at no additional cost. The statement appears on Apple’s iCloud+ product page. Six people in total can therefore use one subscription when the organizer and five additional members are in the same Family Sharing group.
Rank #3
- Super-Crisp 2K Resolution & 360° Viewing and Night Vision: (Note: A 5V 2A USB-A power supply is required and is not included.) Experience crystal-clear surveillance with a high-resolution 2304 × 1296 pixel sensor and a wide-angle f/2.0 lens. The Pan/Tilt motor allows for a full 360° viewing angle which enhances the person tracking feature. The E1 also includes a 940 nm infrared backlight designed not to disrupt your sleep during nighttime use. (The Camera E1 uses an industry-standard USB-C port.
- HomeKit Support & Wide Compatibility: The Camera E1 provides full support for HomeKit Secure Video (An active iCloud subscription and an Apple Home hub is required), including end-to-end encryption and local recognition, which ensures protection against data theft and safeguards your privacy at home. Moreover, thanks to Aqara Home scenes, the Pan&Tilt mechanism, Privacy Mode, and other functionalities can be controlled on third-party platforms like HomeKit, Alexa and IFTTT.
- Privacy Protection and On-device Detection for Local Automation: The Camera E1 offers an automated privacy mode that can pivot the lens and deactivate the camera. Additionally, audio recording or the microphone can also be disabled, either manually in the app or through automations. Moreover, the built-in NPU supports advanced features such as filtering motion events, recording a video, or triggering an automation in case of person detection.
- Multiple Storage Methods: The Camera E1 supports end-to-end encrypted cloud storage with Aqara HomeGuardian. It also supports microSD cards (up to 512 GB) for local, continuous (24/7) recording in full quality, which can be backed up to an SMB3-compatible NAS storage. (A supported Micro SD card and SMB-compatible software are required.)
- Advanced Wi-Fi 6 and WPA3 Security: The Security Camera E1 supports Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, an advanced wireless protocol known for its improved performance, even in the most congested network environments, for smoother live views and lower latency. Moreover, the latest Wi-Fi security standard WPA3 is supported to further protect your data. (Note: Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and 5 GHz Wi-Fi is not supported.)
How the shared pool works
The subscription provides one storage pool for the group. Photos, documents, and iOS or iPadOS backups consume space from that pool, so the capacity decision must include everyone’s usage. A member who fills the pool affects the remaining headroom available to other members.
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Sharing storage does not merge personal libraries. Apple’s family guidance explains that each person’s files, documents, and other information remain private and separate even though the storage allowance is shared. Members do not receive access to one another’s photos or documents merely because they share the subscription.
Premium features for family members
Family members can use iCloud+ features such as iCloud Private Relay and Hide My Email through the shared plan. Apple’s family guide also says each member can create up to three active email addresses on a shared custom email domain. Availability of individual features can depend on country, region, and system requirements.
HomeKit Secure Video: the plan is only one requirement
An iCloud+ subscription alone does not turn a camera into a HomeKit Secure Video device. Apple requires three pieces: a supported iCloud plan, a compatible HomeKit-enabled security camera, and a supported device configured as a home hub. Check the exact camera model’s HomeKit Secure Video compatibility before buying hardware. Apple lists the requirements in its plan support article and family-use guide.
Match camera needs to the tier
- One camera is covered by the 50 GB tier.
- Up to five cameras are covered by the 200 GB tier.
- The 2 TB, 6 TB, and 12 TB tiers allow unlimited cameras under Apple’s listed plan limits.
“Unlimited” describes the plan’s camera allowance; it does not remove the need for compatible hardware, a home hub, supported operating systems, or regional availability.
Rank #4
- 2K Clarity Day and Night: The G100 Wi-Fi Camera films in 2304×1296 (3MP) resolution with a 140°FOV and a wide-angle f/1.8 lens for superior image quality. It features two night vision modes: Spotlight Color Night Vision and IR Detection Mode. The spotlight provides illumination in dark, great for color recording outdoors at night. The G100 also includes 940 nm infrared lighting, ensuring covert illumination without alerting potential intruders. (Note: Both Spotlight and IR night vision modes must be manually enabled in the app and do not turn on automatically.)
- Indoor/Outdoor Ready IP65 Protection: With durable, weather-resistant IP65-rated housing, the G100 surveillance camera is both an indoor camera and outdoor security camera, offering reliable home surveillance for flexible indoor or outdoor mounting. Withstands rain, dust, and rugged environments.
- Local and Cloud AI Detection: The G100 surveillance cameras supports local motion and person detection, and the HomeGuardian Plan unlocks cloud-based recognition for pets, vehicles, packages, and faces, with AI event tagging. Integrated Events automatically can be triggered when paired with other Aqara devices (subscription required). It also supports Lens Obstruction Detection, custom audio files, and 2-way audio (Notes: Only in Aqara Home App).
- HomeKit Support & Wide Compatibility: The Aqara G100 Camera provides full support for HomeKit Secure Video (Note:Requires an active iCloud subscription and an Apple Home hub. HomeKit limits resolution to 1080p. When connected to both Apple and Aqara Home, the G100’s resolution in Aqara Home will also be limited to 1080p, but will return to 1296p if HomeKit is disconnected.) The G100 has some of the best third-party ecosystem support on the market, it can stream to Google, Alexa compatible smart displays, and even Home Assistant via the RTSP protocol, making it easier to interact with visitors or check in on loved ones.
- Flexible Storage Methods: Record 24/7 with a microSD (up to 512GB, not included) or NAS. Time-lapse mode compresses 24-hours of footage to 15-second clips (wired connection and microSD card required). Automatically store detected events with end-to-end encryption in the cloud with a HomeGuardian subscription, ensuring protection against data theft and guaranteeing your privacy at home.
Features included with every paid tier
Apple’s current plan information lists iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domain, and Apple Invites with all paid iCloud+ tiers. The storage and camera allowance are the main differences between tiers; these listed premium features are not reserved for the larger plans.
iCloud Private Relay
Private Relay can affect how websites handle IP-based sign-in or access. If a service relies on identifying your approximate network location or IP address, enabling the feature may change its behavior. This is a compatibility consideration, not a reason to assume the feature is unavailable.
Hide My Email
Hide My Email creates alternate addresses that can forward to a personal inbox, helping separate sign-ups from a primary address. The feature is available across the paid tiers, subject to Apple’s regional and system requirements.
Custom Email Domain
A custom domain can use an address at a domain you control rather than an address at a public mail provider. Family members can participate when the domain is shared through Family Sharing; Apple’s family documentation sets the limit at three active addresses per member on that shared domain.
Apple Invites
Apple’s current iCloud+ plan information also lists Apple Invites among the included features. Confirm local availability and software requirements if this feature is important to your decision.
Best Value
- Works with HomeKit Secure Video and All Major Ecosystems: Fully compatible with Apple HomeKit Secure Video (HSV) for encrypted recording, iCloud storage, and real-time notifications directly on Apple devices. Also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings. Pro-level compatibility provides more options via RTSP/ONVIF support, NVR integration, and other advanced setups. *Note: To use this device with HomeKit Secure Video, an iCloud+ plan and an Apple home hub are required.
- 2K HD 165° Head-to-Toe Vision: See everything from packages at your feet to faces at the door. Featuring 2K HD resolution and a 165° ultra-wide field of view with a 3:4 aspect ratio, the G400 doorbell camera provides a vertical perspective that traditional 16:9 cameras miss. Equipped with nearly invisible 940nm infrared LEDs, this doorbell captures bright, high-definition video in total darkness, monitoring discreetly without alerting intruders or disturbing neighbors. *Note: When connected to Apple HomeKit, the resolution is limited to 1200p. This limitation also applies to Aqara Home when both platforms are used simultaneously.
- Reliable Hardwired Power & Stable Wi-Fi 6: You can utilize the high-efficiency PoE connection or reuse your existing 8–24V AC/DC wiring, simplifying the upgrade path while maintaining stability. Additionally, the Wi-Fi video doorbell supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi 6 and meets WPA3 security standards for reliable and secure connections.
- Local AI Detections & Custom Replies: Reduce false alarms with local person recognition and zone intrusion, ensuring you're instantly notified when it matters, with no cloud processing required. When someone rings, use custom quick replies or the voice-changing intercom to answer the door safely. Our wired doorbell camera also features visitor face recognition and cloud package identification for total peace of mind.
- IP65 Weatherproof & Easy Setup: Built to withstand the elements with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, it works flawlessly in wind and rain. The package includes a wedge kit for optimal positioning and a plug-in chime for indoor alerts. The smart doorbell supports 24/7 continuous recording directly to a microSD card (up to 512GB, not included). For added peace of mind, all local footage is automatically backed up to your SMB-compatible NAS server, keeping your video safe and secure.
When Apple One changes the calculation
Apple says iCloud+ is included in all Apple One plans. If your household already wants the other services bundled by Apple One, compare that bundle’s current local price and included storage with a standalone iCloud+ subscription. Apple also says an Apple One subscription can be combined with a separate iCloud+ plan for more total storage.
Do not assume Apple One is automatically cheaper: the result depends on which services your household would otherwise buy and on the price in your country or region. Use Apple’s current local plan pages before switching, because bundle contents and prices can change.
A practical decision checklist
- Write down the current iCloud storage used by every person who will join the Family Sharing group.
- Add the totals and identify whether the household expects significant photo, video, document, or backup growth.
- Count the HomeKit Secure Video cameras you plan to operate, including cameras you may add later.
- Eliminate tiers whose camera allowance is too low, even if their storage would otherwise fit.
- Among the remaining tiers, choose the smallest storage pool that leaves sensible room for growth.
- Compare that standalone price with Apple One if the household wants Apple’s other bundled services.
- Check the price, feature availability, and system requirements for your country or region immediately before subscribing.
Regional pricing, availability, and current terms
The dollar figures in the comparison table are specifically for the US Apple page accessed on October 13, 2026. Apple publishes different prices by country or region, and feature availability or system requirements can vary. The camera limits and included features described here reflect Apple’s current plan information, not a guarantee that every feature is enabled on every device.
For the latest local terms, start with Apple’s iCloud+ page and then review the regional iCloud+ plans and pricing support page. If you are setting up family sharing, Apple’s instructions are in Use iCloud+ with your family. Those pages are the appropriate places to confirm a price or requirement that may have changed since the figures in this guide were checked.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
