CP Plus vs Qubo vs Hikvision in 2026 — Which CCTV Should You Buy in India After the New Rules?

India's CCTV market changed overnight on April 1, 2026.

With the government's new mandatory STQC certification rules now in force, buying a CCTV camera in India is no longer just about price and megapixels. It is now also about whether the brand you are buying is even legally allowed to be sold in the country.

As a Chennai-based CCTV dealer with over 500 installations completed, we get asked one question more than any other right now: Which camera brand should I buy — CP Plus, Qubo, or Hikvision? Here is our honest answer in 2026.

CP Plus — Our Top Pick for Most Chennai Customers

CP Plus is India's number one domestic CCTV brand and our strongest recommendation for the majority of customers in 2026.

Here is why CP Plus wins right now. CP Plus has already moved its supply chain away from Chinese chipsets, using Taiwanese components that pass India's new STQC certification — you will not face any supply issues. They offer one of the widest product ranges in India, from basic 2MP dome cameras for small apartments to 8MP 4K full-colour cameras for large commercial properties. Their mobile app is stable, supports remote viewing from anywhere, and works reliably even on 4G connections. CP Plus service and spare parts are widely available across Tamil Nadu.

Best for: Homes, apartments, shops, offices, schools, small factories, warehouses.

Price range in Chennai: Entry-level HD cameras start from around ₹800 to ₹1,200 per camera. Full-colour 4MP IP cameras around ₹3,500 to ₹5,000.

Qubo — Best for Apartments and Renters in Chennai

Qubo is made by the Hero Group — one of India's most trusted corporate groups — and is built entirely for the Indian WiFi-first customer.

Qubo cameras require no DVR, no coaxial cable, and no complex wiring. You screw the camera to the wall, connect it to your WiFi, and the app is running in minutes. Footage goes to a microSD card or the cloud. For anyone renting an apartment in Chennai, or anyone who does not want drilling and cable routing involved, Qubo is the cleanest solution available today.

Qubo cameras are fully STQC certified, made by an Indian company for Indian conditions, and priced accessibly between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 per camera.

Best for: Apartment renters, small homes, single-camera installations, people who want simple mobile-first security without installation complexity.

One important note: Qubo runs on WiFi. If your internet goes down, the camera stops recording. For properties where uninterrupted 24/7 recording is critical, a wired DVR system is more reliable.

Hikvision — Still Good, But Buy Carefully in 2026

Hikvision remains one of the world's top CCTV brands by technology and image quality. The confusion around the new rules has made many customers nervous about Hikvision — but the truth is more nuanced.

Not all Hikvision cameras are affected. Hikvision models that use non-Chinese chipsets have received STQC certification and are legal to sell and buy in India. The problem is that many unauthorised dealers are still clearing uncertified Hikvision stock at discounted prices — and customers buying these cameras are unknowingly purchasing non-compliant products.

Our recommendation on Hikvision: Buy Hikvision only from an authorised dealer who can show you the STQC certificate for the specific model. If a dealer cannot show you the certificate, walk away.

What About Dahua and TP-Link?

Dahua and TP-Link are facing serious challenges under the new rules. Both are Chinese companies whose products use Chinese-origin chipsets, and Indian regulators have not certified these products under the new STQC regime. We recommend avoiding Dahua and TP-Link for new purchases in 2026 until there is clarity on their certification status.

If you already have these cameras installed, your existing system will continue to work — but getting spare parts and replacements will become increasingly difficult.

The Bottom Line for Chennai Customers in 2026

The Indian CCTV market is going through its biggest shift in a decade. Chinese brands that once dominated shelves are now struggling for certification. Indian brands like CP Plus and Qubo have stepped up and are stronger than ever.

For most Chennai homes and businesses: CP Plus is the safest, best-value choice in 2026. For apartments and renters who want cable-free simplicity: Qubo is excellent. For high-resolution commercial installations: Certified Hikvision models from authorised dealers remain a strong option.

Before you buy any CCTV camera anywhere in Chennai, ask one question: Can you show me the STQC certification for this model?

If the answer is no — we can help. Call SBM Technologies at 9080313185. All cameras we stock are certified, genuine, and backed by full warranty.

SBM Technologies — Chennai's trusted CCTV dealer. 161, Strahans Road, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai 600012. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM.