Verkada and Cisco Meraki MV are the two names most UK businesses meet first when they look at cloud-managed CCTV. Both record on the camera, both are managed from a browser, and both are sold through partners. The differences are in licensing, what happens when a licence lapses, warranty and how much of the building each platform covers.
We’re a Verkada partner, so read this knowing that. We’ve kept to what each vendor publishes and linked every source at the end.
At a glance
| Verkada | Cisco Meraki MV | |
|---|---|---|
| Where footage is stored | On the camera, with cloud backup included in the licence (30 days on most models) | On the camera (MV2: cloud only); Cloud Archive is an optional extra |
| Recorder (NVR) needed | No | No |
| Management | Verkada Command | Meraki Dashboard and Meraki Vision portal |
| Licence terms | 1, 3, 5 or 10 years | MV Enterprise: 1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 years |
| Licence lapses | 30-day grace, then no access to Command; devices keep recording | Devices out of compliance become non-operational (Meraki licensing docs) |
| Camera warranty | Up to 10 years, depending on model (5 on some) | 5 years on MV13; 3 years on MV21, MV71 and MV2 |
| Wider range on the same platform | Access control, intercom, environmental sensors, guest and mailroom | MT sensors (the MT line goes end-of-sale on 10 November 2026) |
Recording and storage
Neither system needs a network video recorder. Verkada cameras record to onboard storage, and the camera licence includes cloud backup of footage, 30 days on most models, with longer cloud retention available per camera. Meraki MV cameras also record on the device (the MV2 flex is the exception and stores in the cloud), and Meraki sells Cloud Archive from 7 to 365 days as an add-on.
One Meraki detail worth knowing: its FAQ says removing a camera from a network deletes the footage stored on it.
Licensing, and what happens when it lapses
Both charge a licence per camera. Verkada sells 1, 3, 5 and 10-year terms, and every licence in an organisation co-terms to one expiry date. Meraki offers Subscription and Co-Term licensing to all customers; its older per-device model is closed to new customers. Under Co-Term every device shares one date, which is where the idea that Meraki cameras co-term with your network comes from.
The bigger difference is the lapse. Verkada gives 30 days’ grace, then you lose access to Command, but the devices carry on recording and badges keep working. Meraki’s documentation says devices that fall out of licence compliance become non-operational. Either way, plan renewals before the date arrives; Verkada emails a warning and shows a banner in Command 30 days before expiry.
Warranty
Verkada’s warranty is up to 10 years depending on the model; entry-level models, PTZ and the Remote camera carry 5. Meraki lists five years with advance replacement on the MV13 and three years on the MV21, MV71 and MV2.
How much of the building it covers
This is usually what decides it. Verkada puts cameras, access control, video intercom, environmental sensors (including vape detection) and guest and mailroom software in one platform. Meraki’s physical security line is its MV cameras plus MT sensors, and Cisco has announced the MT sensor range goes end-of-sale on 10 November 2026 with no replacement.
Which suits whom
Meraki makes sense if you already run Meraki switching and Wi-Fi, your IT team lives in the Meraki Dashboard, and you only need cameras.
Verkada makes sense if you want cameras, doors, intercom and sensors managed together, if facilities or security staff rather than network engineers will run it.
Questions
Do Verkada cameras work on a Meraki network?
Which has the longer camera warranty?
Can I move from Meraki MV to Verkada?
Do both need a recorder?
Sources
Checked on 17 October 2026. Vendors change their terms, so check the current page before you rely on any one detail.
- Verkada: manage your licences (grace period, renewals)
- Verkada: licence expiration date and co-terming
- Verkada: product warranty
- Verkada: common storage questions
- Cisco Meraki MV family datasheet
- Meraki MV13 datasheet (licence terms, warranty)
- Meraki MV smart camera FAQ
- Meraki general licensing FAQs
- Meraki support policies (warranty)
- Cisco: Meraki MT sensors end-of-sale notice
Weighing up a system? How buying Verkada works, try it for 30 days, or compare: Verkada vs Avigilon Alta, Verkada vs Rhombus.