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Choose the smallest iCloud+ tier that covers the combined storage used by everyone in your Family Sharing group, then check the HomeKit Secure Video camera limit. The US lineup has five paid options, from 50 GB to 12 TB. Every paid tier includes iCloud+ privacy and email features, while camera support is the main plan-specific difference. If your household also wants Apple’s other subscription services, compare the required iCloud+ capacity with an Apple One bundle before subscribing.
The fastest way to choose
Start by looking at the storage currently used by each person and device that will join the family pool. Add photos, videos, documents, app data and iPhone or iPad backups for the whole household, and leave room for growth. Then apply the camera rule: the entry tier supports one HomeKit Secure Video camera, the next tier supports up to five, and the multi-terabyte tiers support unlimited cameras under the iCloud+ plan limits. If the household already needs Apple One services, include that bundle in the comparison rather than treating iCloud+ as an isolated purchase.
- Choose 50 GB when the group needs a modest amount of extra space and one HomeKit Secure Video camera is enough.
- Choose 200 GB when one person or a small family needs more headroom or the household wants several cameras.
- Choose 2 TB or more when the shared pool will exceed the smaller tiers or the household needs unlimited HomeKit Secure Video camera recording.
- Compare Apple One when the family already wants its included services; Apple says every Apple One plan includes iCloud+ and that a separate iCloud+ subscription can be combined with it for additional storage.
There is no universal “best” tier. Apple publishes capacities and feature limits, not a standard storage allowance per person, so the correct choice depends on your actual combined use.
Current US iCloud+ plans and prices
The following figures are monthly prices shown on Apple’s US pages accessed on October 13, 2026. Prices in other countries or regions can differ, and availability of individual features can vary with local rules and system requirements.
#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.
| Storage pool | US monthly price | HomeKit Secure Video camera limit |
|---|---|---|
| 50 GB | $0.99 | 1 camera |
| 200 GB | $2.99 | Up to 5 cameras |
| 2 TB | $9.99 | Unlimited cameras |
| 6 TB | $29.99 | Unlimited cameras |
| 12 TB | $59.99 | Unlimited cameras |
Apple lists the plan capacities and prices on its iCloud+ page; the camera limits and related requirements are described in Apple Support’s iCloud+ plans and pricing guide. The prices are recurring monthly charges, not a one-time purchase, and the table should not be used as a worldwide price list.
What each storage tier is designed to handle
50 GB: a small personal pool
This is the lowest-priced paid US tier. It can suit one person who needs more room than the free allowance, or a very small family whose photos, files and backups remain limited. Its one-camera HomeKit Secure Video allowance makes it a poor fit for a household planning multiple cameras. Because all members draw from one pool, even a single family member with a large photo library can make this tier feel cramped.
200 GB: the practical small-family step up
The 200 GB option gives a household substantially more shared headroom without moving to a multi-terabyte plan. It is the logical next choice when several people back up iPhones or iPads, when a growing photo library is shared across devices, or when the family wants up to five HomeKit Secure Video cameras. Check the combined usage rather than assuming that 200 GB is “per person”; the capacity belongs to the group.
2 TB: the first large household pool
The first multi-terabyte tier is appropriate when family photos, videos, documents and device backups are already consuming the smaller pools or are expected to grow quickly. It also removes the smaller camera-count ceiling: Apple lists unlimited HomeKit Secure Video cameras for this and the larger tiers. “Unlimited” describes the iCloud+ plan limit; every camera still has to be compatible with HomeKit Secure Video and the home must meet Apple’s hub and device requirements.
6 TB and 12 TB: more capacity, the same camera class
These tiers are for households whose shared data needs are larger than the first multi-terabyte pool. They keep the same unlimited-camera category, so the reason to move from the lower multi-terabyte option is storage capacity rather than an additional camera feature. Use the larger pools only when the family’s measured or reasonably expected use justifies the higher recurring charge.
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.
How to estimate the storage your family actually needs
Make the decision from the storage screen on every device that will use the family subscription. The labels can vary slightly by operating-system version, but the iCloud storage view shows which categories are consuming the pool.
- Record each person’s current iCloud usage. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap the Apple Account name at the top, choose iCloud, and review the storage breakdown. Repeat for every family member who will share the plan.
- Include device backups. iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive documents, Messages and app data are only part of the total. iPhone and iPad backups can also draw from the shared pool, so include the backup sizes shown for each device.
- Separate current use from future growth. A family close to a tier’s limit will repeatedly encounter warnings as new photos, videos or backups arrive. Leave a buffer instead of choosing a tier that is already nearly full on the day you subscribe.
- Check camera plans separately. Estimate how many HomeKit Secure Video cameras the household will operate. A storage total that fits a smaller tier does not override that tier’s camera limit.
- Select the next tier above the combined requirement. The subscription is one shared pool, not separate quotas. If the total is uncertain, choose the next larger pool and reassess after several billing cycles using the storage breakdown.
Apple’s family documentation explains how the shared pool works and what categories can use it in Use iCloud+ with your family.
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Can my family share an iCloud+ plan?
Yes. Apple’s iCloud+ page states: “Yes. You can share any iCloud+ plan with up to five other people in your Family Sharing group at no additional cost.” That means the organizer can share with as many as five additional members, for a possible group of six people, without buying a separate plan for each person. The exact statement appears on Apple’s iCloud+ product page.
What sharing does and does not combine
Storage is pooled, but personal content is not merged. Each member keeps their own photos, documents, backups and other information private and separate from the other members’ data. A family member can use the shared capacity without browsing another person’s files.
Shared capacity can cover photos, documents and iOS or iPadOS backups. Family members can also use the premium iCloud+ features described below. Sharing must be enabled through Family Sharing; simply purchasing iCloud+ does not automatically add relatives who are not in the 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.)
Custom email domains in a family
When the family uses a shared custom email domain, Apple’s family guide says each member can create up to three active email addresses on that domain. The addresses remain associated with the individual member rather than becoming a single communal inbox. Domain availability and setup requirements can depend on country, account configuration and supported software.
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Features included with every paid iCloud+ tier
Storage is the visible difference between tiers, but all paid options include the core iCloud+ features listed by Apple. Availability can vary by region and system requirements.
iCloud Private Relay
Private Relay is designed to help protect browsing activity in Safari by separating identifying information from the websites a user visits. It can affect services that rely on a visible IP address for sign-in, location checks or access control. If a website behaves differently after enabling Private Relay, Apple recommends checking the site or network requirements rather than assuming the iCloud+ subscription is malfunctioning.
Hide My Email
Hide My Email creates unique, random email addresses that forward to a personal inbox. You can use a different address for a sign-up and disable it later without exposing the main address. This feature is included in all paid tiers, so moving to a larger storage pool does not create extra Hide My Email capability.
Custom Email Domain
A paid plan can support a personal email domain through iCloud Mail, subject to Apple’s setup and regional requirements. Families can share a domain through Family Sharing, with the per-member active-address limit described above. Before switching an established domain, verify that every address and DNS record you need is supported by Apple’s current instructions.
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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.
Apple Invites
Apple’s current plan information also lists Apple Invites among the included iCloud+ features. The feature list can change with software releases and regional availability, so check the current local plan page if invitations are a deciding factor.
HomeKit Secure Video
HomeKit Secure Video stores supported camera recordings in iCloud without counting those recordings against the personal storage pool in the same way ordinary files do, while applying the camera limit associated with the chosen tier. The camera allowance is the clearest feature difference among the plans; the table above shows the limits Apple publishes.
HomeKit Secure Video: requirements beyond the subscription
An iCloud+ subscription by itself is not enough to record HomeKit video. Apple requires all of the following:
- A supported iCloud+ plan.
- A compatible security camera that supports HomeKit Secure Video.
- A supported Apple device configured as a home hub.
Check the exact camera model’s HomeKit Secure Video compatibility before buying it. “Works with” a general smart-home platform does not necessarily mean that the model supports Apple’s secure-video feature. Apple’s requirements and plan limits are documented in this support article and the family guide. Also confirm that the household’s devices meet the current operating-system and region requirements.
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Apple says iCloud+ is included in every Apple One plan and that you can combine Apple One with a separate iCloud+ plan to obtain more total storage. This matters when the household already pays for the other services in an Apple One bundle. Compare the bundle’s current local price and included storage with the iCloud+ tier you would otherwise buy; do not count a bundle as a saving unless the family actually wants its other services.
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.
If the family only needs cloud storage and the iCloud+ privacy features, a standalone tier is easier to evaluate. If several members already use the bundle’s services, adding the smallest separate iCloud+ capacity that closes the storage gap may be more practical than replacing the bundle. Apple’s iCloud+ page explains that the two subscriptions can coexist.
Decision examples without guessing at usage
One person, one camera
Measure the individual’s photos, files and backups. If the combined total comfortably fits the smallest paid pool and only one compatible camera is planned, the entry tier meets the stated requirements. Recheck the storage screen periodically as the library grows.
Two or three people with several devices
Add every member’s usage, including backups. If the total needs more headroom than the entry tier or the family plans up to five cameras, use the tier whose capacity and camera allowance cover both requirements. Do not divide the capacity into equal personal quotas; Apple supplies one shared pool.
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Count all current and planned cameras first, then total the family’s data. Once the household needs unlimited camera recording, choose among the multi-terabyte tiers based on storage growth and budget. The larger options differ in pool size, not in the published camera category.
A family already using Apple One
List the services each member actually uses, confirm the iCloud+ storage included in the local Apple One offer, and compare that with the measured family total. Add a standalone iCloud+ tier only for the remaining capacity you need, or choose a different Apple One configuration if it better matches the household’s services.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Choosing from one device only: a single iPhone’s storage view does not show the full family demand. Add every person and device before subscribing.
- Treating shared storage as private quotas: members draw from one pool, so one large photo library can affect everyone’s available space.
- Buying a plan before checking camera compatibility: the tier’s camera limit cannot make an incompatible camera work. Verify HomeKit Secure Video support and the home-hub requirement first.
- Assuming US prices apply elsewhere: Apple publishes regional prices and availability. Open the local Apple pricing page before budgeting.
- Ignoring system requirements: Private Relay, custom domains, Apple Invites and HomeKit features can depend on supported software, hardware and country.
- Paying for a larger pool without a need: the 6 TB and 12 TB tiers add capacity while remaining in the same unlimited-camera category. Move up for measured or expected storage demand, not simply because the number is larger.
Pre-subscription checklist
- Write down each family member’s current iCloud usage.
- Add iPhone and iPad backup sizes and expected photo or video growth.
- Count the HomeKit Secure Video cameras you have or plan to install.
- Confirm each camera supports HomeKit Secure Video and that a supported home hub is available.
- Check whether Apple One already supplies the services and storage the household needs.
- Verify the price, feature availability and system requirements for your country or region on Apple’s current pages.
- Select the smallest tier that covers the combined storage and camera requirements with reasonable headroom.
Where to verify current terms
Apple can change prices, feature names, regional availability and system requirements. For the latest terms, consult the iCloud+ product page, iCloud+ plans and pricing support page, and Use iCloud+ with your family. Apple’s general explanation of the service is also available in What is iCloud+?.
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.
