Ultra 2 SmartHub vs. Subscription Plan

[KMWNAZ]

Was wondering what the ups and downsides are to either of these 2 options.  Not a big fan of the subscription price, but it's a no-brainer to check the camera and recordings.   Not sure how easy it is to access the same thing using a hub.  Understand that a hub plus micro SD will set me back around $200.   Hoping to get some clear direction on one or the other from experienced users. 

[StephenB]

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@KMWNAZ wrote:

Was wondering what the ups and downsides are to either of these 2 options.  Not a big fan of the subscription price, but it's a no-brainer to check the camera and recordings.  

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Downsides of direct access to local storage:

• Recordings can only be viewed in the app (not the browser)
• Recordings can only be viewed from the primary account (not shared accounts)
• No ability to make manual recordings or snapshots
• No thumbnails until recording is downloaded manually for viewing
• remote access requires router settings that many find difficult (and which will not work with some internet service providers).

There are of course other subscription features  - notably activity zones when on battery power.