A practical Verkada alternative for operations teams.
Verkada is a polished, vertically integrated camera platform. Gobi takes a different approach: keep your existing RTSP cameras, pay flat per node, and add the AI and dashboard layer on top.
Takes 2–3 minutes · No credit card required
- Works with existing RTSP cameras
- Flat pricing — no per-camera fees
- Setup typically under 1 hour
Used by: construction sites, municipalities, farms, and multi-site operations.
How they differ
| Gobi | Verkada | |
|---|---|---|
| Cameras | Any RTSP camera you own | Verkada-branded cameras |
| Pricing | Flat per node | Per camera, multi-year licenses |
| Lock-in | Hardware-agnostic | Proprietary ecosystem |
| Public webcam / RTMP | First-class | Limited |
| Sensor + automation layer | Node-RED + MQTT included on Automate | Limited |
When Verkada is the better fit
Honest answer: large enterprises that want a single vendor for cameras + access control + alarms in one polished package, with full hardware refresh, will likely prefer Verkada's integrated approach.
When Gobi is the better fit
- You already own cameras and don't want to replace them
- You want flat pricing as the camera count grows
- You need public-facing webcams or YouTube streams
- You need sensor + camera automation on the same platform
The five things people ask first.
Will this work with my cameras?
If they expose RTSP on the local network — yes, almost always. Run the compatibility check.
Do I need IT to install it?
No. One small node, plugged into power and the network. Outbound-only — no port forwarding, no VPN, no static IPs.
Is it expensive?
Flat per node, not per camera. Most single-site deployments land between $49 and $199/month. See pricing.
What happens to my data?
You own it. Cameras stay private by default. Data lives in your tenant. Export anytime. Privacy & security overview.
How long does setup take?
A typical single-site deployment is under one hour from node power-on to live dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
Can Gobi import my Verkada cameras?
Verkada cameras don't expose RTSP by default, so no. Gobi works with the broader ecosystem of standard RTSP-compatible cameras.
Does Gobi work with my existing cameras?
Yes. If your cameras stream RTSP (most IP cameras and NVRs do), Gobi can usually pull them in without replacing hardware.
Is Gobi priced per camera?
No. Gobi uses flat per-node pricing. You can grow your camera footprint without growing the bill.
How fast do AI events appear?
AI motion events typically appear in the searchable log within 5–12 seconds of being captured.
Do I need port forwarding or special IT setup?
No. The Gobi node creates an outbound connection to the cloud. No inbound ports, no VPN, no static IPs required.
How long does setup take?
A typical single-site deployment is under one hour once the node has internet and the cameras are reachable on the local network.