Your cameras send video to Angelcam over your internet connection. This article explains how fast that connection needs to be, how much data a camera uses, whether cellular connections work, and how to save bandwidth.
Upload speed
Your cameras send video to Angelcam using your internet upload speed (not download). We recommend at least 512 kbps upload per camera for reasonable image quality. For most cameras, 1–2 Mbps per camera works well. The average camera connected to Angelcam uses around 1.8 Mbps.
Depending on resolution and compression, a camera can use anywhere from 100 kbps to 10 Mbps or more. If you connect several cameras, add up their bitrates.
To check your upload speed, run a test at speedtest.net or ask your internet provider.
Connection stability
Besides speed, a stable connection matters. Aim for packet loss as close to 0% as possible. Small amounts of packet loss may still work, but the lower it is, the fewer problems you'll have with choppy or interrupted video.
How much data does one camera use per month?
These are estimates for one camera recording or broadcasting 24/7. Actual usage depends on your camera's settings and what it's filming (a busy scene uses more data than a static one).
Camera bitrate | Data per day | Data per month |
512 kbps (minimum) | about 5.5 GB | about 165 GB |
1 Mbps | about 11 GB | about 325 GB |
1.8 Mbps (average) | about 19.5 GB | about 585 GB |
2 Mbps | about 21.5 GB | about 650 GB |
You can see your camera's current stream details on its Timeline page.
Angelcam doesn't limit the maximum bitrate. You control it in your camera's streaming settings.
Some internet providers apply a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) that limits upload data too. If you plan to record or broadcast 24/7, especially with several cameras, check your provider's conditions.
Can I use a cellular (4G/5G) connection?
Yes, any type of internet connection works with Angelcam, including cellular. 🙂
Keep in mind that most cellular data plans can't handle the amounts of data needed for 24/7 recording (see the table above). With a cellular connection, Angelcam works well for live viewing when you need it. Follow the tips below to keep data usage low.
Tips for saving bandwidth
Use your camera's sub-stream. Most IP cameras offer a second, lower-quality stream (often called sub-stream or secondary stream). Connecting it to Angelcam uses much less data than the main stream.
Lower the bitrate, resolution or frame rate in your camera's video settings. See Recommended streaming setting.
Turn off cloud recording when you don't need it.
😇 We are here to help
Just email hello@angelcam.com or visit the Angelcam Community to connect with other users and share experiences and insights on security topics.