1. Blue Iris

2. ZoneMinder

Best Computer Programs for CCTV Surveillance Systems

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3. SecuritySpy

4. iSpy

5. Shinobi

6. Luxriot EVO

7. Kerberos.io

8. Xeoma

9. Contacam

10. MotionEyeOS

11. Anycam.io

12. Axxon Next

13. ZoneTrigger

14. MacEye

15. DVRViewer

Conclusion

Choosing the right CCTV surveillance software depends on various factors including platform preference, required features, scalability, and budget. Whether you are looking for a robust enterprise solution, a user-friendly home system, or an open-source project, the programs listed above provide a wide range of options to meet different needs.

Best 20 Free Open source CCTV, NVR and DVR solutions

Free Open-source CCTV, NVR and DVR packages

Load More : 10 Best Free Security Camera Software

1- iSpy

iSpy is a free and open-source multi-platform CCTV system that offers DVR agents and a rich plugin list.

You can run it on Windows, Linux, macOS, even ARM, and Docker. It also supports 32 and 64 bit.

Agent DVR features multi-monitor support, unlimited cameras, multiple camera types (like USB cameras), data recording, sensor support, thermal cameras, recording with GPU support, alerts, remote access, and a long list of integration-ready service sockets.

However, if you want to use it remotely with other fancy features, you can subscribe for about $8/ month for the basic plan.

2- ZoneMinder

ZoneMinder is a free open-source video surveillance software package for home security, industrial usage, and house care.

ZoneMinder features a scalable NVR/ DVR system, install wizard, developer-friendly API, mobile and desktop apps, third-party plugins, and integrations.

Furthermore, It supports remote access, all sort of known cameras, 4k cameras, GPU image processing, and Raspberry Pi setup.

3- Shinobi

Shinobi is a free and open-source web-based CCTV system. It is written with Node.js and offers an easy-to-use interface.

Because it is easy to install and configure, Shinobi can be used for baby monitors, stores, houses, and constructions sites, and more.

Shinobi utilizes WebSocket technology, which provides you with a real-time video stream directly to your browser. It also supports recording in modern video formats like MP4 and Web.

Shinobi comes in two editions: Shinobi CE; a free community edition under GPL v3 for small office setup and houses, and Shinobi Pro; a professional edition with a commercial license for a large setup.

4- Kerberos

Kerberos is an open-source security platform to build scalable and distributed video surveillance security systems.

The project consists of:

1. an agent (Kerberos Agent) to record video streams and scale cameras with Kubernetes,
2. a Vault (Kerberos Vault) which store videos with full offline and on-premise support and offers a machine-learning integration
3. a hub (Kerberos Hub) which analyzes the video streams and video files.

Kerberos Agent is a complete security system that works on the web, desktop, and mobile. Besides, it has a Raspberry Pi image, and a docker container that runs on AMD, ARM7, and ARM64.

While the agent is a free open-source project for anyone to download and use, the other parts are built for enterprise use.

5- Bluecherry

Bluecherry is a free open-source Linux-based video surveillance application. It has a low memory footprint, supports ONIVF, and uses GPU for motion detection.

Bluecherry features automatic camera detection and adding, a web client for configuration, a cross-platform client, multiple user support with roles and permissions, and an easy-to-install wizard.

Unfortunately, Bluecherry is no longer available. We have listed it here, because it is still usable, as it has many users.

6- Motion

Motion is an open-source video surveillance monitor program that supports many cameras and devices.

With Motion, you can record from IP cameras, save videos or pictures, invoke or trigger certain scripts when certain events occur, log all activities into a database, follow and track motion detection.

Furthermore, Motion supports network cameras visa RTSP, RTMP and HTTP, Raspberry Pi cameras, V4L2 Webcams, Video Capture cards, and more.

Motion app also works as a video analytic software for existing video and movie files.

7- DeepCamera

DeepCamera or SharpAI is open-source software packages that add AI Face Recognition/ Person Detection to NVR “Network Video Recorder” systems.

It turns any camera into an AI-powered machine. It runs on Raspberry Pi, Android, PC, or even AWS.

Not only that, but it works seamlessly on Nvidia Nano GPU and uses a Telegram bot for notification.

8-  OpenCCTV

OpenCCTV is an open-source server application that provides an analytic platform for CCTV cameras. It consists of 3 components: a web application (OpenCCTV), OpenCCTV server, and an analytic Server.

10- JeVois

JeVois is an open-source intelligent machine vision quad-core camera. It works with all sorts of cameras like Webcam and CCTV cameras.

JeVois aims to help developers build artificial intelligence apps. It comes with a dozen of samples and libraries.

9- MONITOR

Monitor is a free open-source monitor software for security cameras, IP cameras, Radios, and TVs.

It features.m3u playlist support, video display, video recording, many video formats support, multiple monitors, web MRLs and IPTV channels.

Monitor works in a portable mode, which means no installation is required.

10- BioSuite Professional

BioSuite Professional is a complete security suite for employees and a security camera management system.

BioSuite supports internet cameras, CCTV, Webcam. It also has a built-in employee and personnel manager, fingerprint identification system, and barcode and smart card recognition.

Moreover, it offers a session manager and multiple computer interfaces for corporate and enterprise usage.

The project source code is available in C#.

11- Dolphin DVR Player

This software package is a custom CCTV, HVR, NVR, and DVR video player. Dolphin DVR Player makes it easy to browser, display, export, and manage security videos easily.

It is a lightweight Windows app that works for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.

12- Frigate

Frigate is a free and open-source NVR solution with real-time object detection for IP cameras. It is designed for Home Assistant and comes with a rich set of features.

It utilizes TensorFlow and communicates with other devices over MQTT, which eases device integration.

Frigate features video recording, re-streaming, motion detection, and supports multiprocessing.

13- zmNinja

zmNinja is a cross-platform client for ZoneMinder built on the Ionic platform.

zmNinja works on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and the web.

Its features include multiple ZM server support, live view, even view, timeline view, push notifications, responsive design, and smooth performance.

Even though, the project released a discontinuation notice this year, it still has many users worldwide.

14- Viseron

Viseron is a self-hosted NVR system that comes with object detection. The system is written in the Python programming language.

It offers real-time video analysis, object detection, face recognition, motion detection, CUDA support for GPU, and full NVIDIA Jetson Nano support.

A specific image can be built for Raspberry Pi3B+, Raspberry Pi 4, and NVIDIA Jetson Nano.

Viseron offers camera control over MQTT, Home assistant integration via MQTT, zone to limit detection, and multi-arch Docker containers.

15- Simple NVR

Simple NVR is a new open-source simple network video recorder written in Node.js.

The project connects multiple camera streams using FFmpeg over TCP and UDP. Besides, it allows saving the stream into .mp4 files.

16- motionEyeOS

motionEyeOS is a Linux distribution that turns single-board computers (SBCs) into a complete video surveillance system.

It works smoothly on Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, and many other SBCs. It requires tech knowledge to install, configure and run.

Here is a tutorial on how to get it working on Raspberry Pi.

17- ContaCam

ContaCam is a Video Surveillance software for Windows (7 to 10) machines.

ContaCam features CCTV support with motion detection, multilingual support, manual records, multiscreen support, easy installation, re-streaming of the video feeds, and Webcam support with the audio feed.

Note that, ContaCam does not have Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 support, as it was dropped by its developers.

18 -Yawcam

Yawcam (Yet another WebCam) software that turns your webcam into a security surveillance device. It features real-time video streaming, motion detection, text and image overlays, FTP upload, time-lapse movies, web browser view, runs in the background, and multiple languages support.

Although the package is written in Java, it is released only for Windows machines.

19- Ivideon

Ivideon is a CCTV solution for Linux. It does not require a state-of-art computer machine to run, rather than Intel® Atom™ Processor, 1 GB RAM, 500 MB for the software, and 11 GB for daily video archive recording.

It is an affordable solution for businesses, homes, and industrial use. Not only that, but it also offers iOS and Android apps.

Although it is available for Ubuntu-based desktops, Windows, and macOS.

20- ONVIF

ONVIF is an open industry forum and a community to promote and standardize interfaces for IP-based physical security products.

ONVIF offers specifications, schemas, and guidelines.

In the end

Here, we listed our finds of the best open-source CCTV and DVR solutions. We hope it will serve as a guide for those who are looking for reliable solutions.

If you know of any other similar solutions that we didn’t mention, please let us know.

Here is a review of the best security camera software, and every single one has a free option. Share this article on social media if you find the right camera software for you.

But if you are new in this field, then you might want to know some basic technique terms introduced following, before we jump to choose the best security camera software.

What Is an IP Camera?

When people say, “IP camera,” they usually mean a camera that uses the Internet in some way so that it may do its job. A typical CCTV camera connects a camera to a computer via a wire. An IP camera can connect over the Internet.

Sometimes, the connection is remote. This means that the camera may be in one location and still be connected to another computer that is miles away.

However, many IP cameras are installed in a home and only travel a few feet/meters to the nearest computer. In short, an IP camera doesn’t need a local recording device because the signal can be sent over the Internet or with a Wi-Fi connection.

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What Is Camera Software Used for?

Most people and businesses use camera software to connect their cameras to their computers or their Smartphones. This is often cheaper than buying dedicated recording hardware. The camera and its software are usually used to monitor camera feeds that are life, and to records them onto a hard drive or to the Cloud.

How Do You Pick the Best Security Camera Software?

In most cases, the best software is simply the software that works with your cameras, and that offers all the functions you need. Compatibility is the first concern, but you also want it to work well with your device. For example, if your cameras have a zoom function, but your software doesn’t allow zooming, then that piece of software is not the best one for you.

For example, if you are using Linux, then you want Linux security camera software. And, some people insist that their software allows them to monitor their cameras from their Smartphones. The great thing about free security camera software is that you can test it out first without the risk of losing your money.

10 Best Free Security Camera Software

Now let’s have a look at the 10 best free security camera software with very comprehensive choosing details.

1. NetCam Studio

There is a free version of NetCam Studio, but if you want something more powerful, then you can buy one of their licenses. These licenses allow you to use the software for as long as you like, and they will update the software for up to two years after purchase.

After the two-year period, you can keep the software running as normal, but if you want upgrades, then you will have to buy them. Upgrades shouldn’t be needed unless you buy a new piece of camera hardware and it requires a new type of camera software.

The NetCam Studio Features

If you go for the free version of NetCam Studio, then you get to use a camera feed from two sources. There is a watermark added to the camera images, and you get five-day notifications. There is also community support.

The paid features include up to 64 sources, no watermarks, 250-day notifications, and you get priority support. After the 250 days is up, you may buy upgrades in order to keep the notification system going.

Pros

The free version does not expire in any way besides the notifications

You are able to use this software with a wide variety of camera brands

Updates are frequent enough to tackle most system-breaking bugs

Cons

The interface needs updating to make it more user friendly

They need to better explain the “Add Source” procedure

Troubleshooting audio problems is very difficult

2. Security Eye

The reason Security Eye ranks so highly is that it is a professional piece of software that somebody decided should be free. It is not open source security camera software, but the developers have decided that it should be free. There used to be a free version where you would get 2 hours of free surveillance per day for free, but in 2019 the company removed its payment system. Will they keep it up or go back to paid subscriptions? Who knows, but you should get it while it is still free (if you can).

Security Eye Features

You can use a timer to determine when the video feed should start. You can capture images as JPEGs and then compress them. The system also allows you to receive alerts via a loudspeaker. It works with motion-detection devices too.

Pros

It comes with the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec

The full version has no nag screen or recording limit

The Security Eye interface is pretty modern for what is essentially a free piece of software

Cons

Demands 1GB of RAM and 2GB of HHD space

Requires at least an Intel Pentium 1.8 processor

The icons should be more intuitive

3. Perfect Surveillance

There are three types of free security camera software for you to choose from. There is one for IP cameras, one for web cameras, and there is a piece of viewing software that people may use if they do not have something like VLC video viewer installed.

Perfect Surveillance Features

Simple icons and a clear interface is a great benefits. Determine when the cameras start monitoring and set up your own layouts to suit your viewing style.

Pros

A simple program that works in a very uncomplicated manner

Most of its icons are intuitive to where you can guess what they do

The Perfect Surveillance system has motion detection and allows you to monitor up to 64 devices

Cons

Installing seems overly long and bloated

There are not enough instructions on how to get your cameras connected

They do not explain how to capture and export screenshots

4. iVideon

There are times when a piece of free software simply does its job good enough to warrant no complaints, and that is exactly what iVideon offers. There are plenty of ways it can be improved, but there is nothing about it that demands harsh criticism.

iVideon Features

One of its most advertised features is facial recognition, but it is not very accurate. It does allow for very good mobile usage. You can view live and recorded footage on your desktop or mobile device. It is also available for Mac OS X and Linux.

Pros

Online home use and access is completely full-featured and freeware

It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps

it doesn’t take long to learn how to use the iVideon interface

Cons

Seems rather light on features

Installing and connecting cameras requires a better tutorial

Embedding live video on your website is trickier than it first seems

5. Xeoma

This program has plenty of features, but most of them are locked off to free users. It takes over too long to learn how to use the system, but it may be worth it if you have many cameras. The paid version has all sorts of perks from SMS texts to system health monitoring.

Xeoma Features

The lite version is the free version. It allows you to add four cameras with up to six modules in each chain. You can test out and use the lite version as long as you like, or you can get a free trial of the larger fully-featured program.

Pros

Record and monitor from four cameras

Updates are very frequent

This software works with mostly every type of camera

Cons

Around 90% of features are locked off to free users.

Xeoma is difficult to learn and set up

Connecting many cameras is difficult because the system is difficult to learn as a whole

6. Genius Vision

The Genius Vision system is a fairly advanced piece of software that is probably best used for businesses. If used at home, then there are many features that may never be used. It also works on mobile devices too.

Genius Vision Features

There are plenty of features to play with, including a massive array of settings to fit the many types of camera that this program can be used with. You can even support the company through Patreon and get more extensions on the program.

Pros

Works in-depth with many types of camera

The tools are very sophisticated and accurate

The drop-down menus are complicated while also being thoughtfully laid out

Cons

Getting paid upgrades is trickier than just buying on their website

Setting up the remote features is difficult

You have to figure out most of how to use the program based on which camera you have connected

7. Deskshare IP Camera Viewer

The Deskshare IP Camera Viewer company has a great piece of security camera software that they repackage into many different names and then give away on their website. They do this because the software comes with lots of unwanted bloatware that the company is paid to promote. The sad part is that many other websites will replace this bloatware with Trojan viruses, which means it is difficult to get a clean version of this program.

Deskshare IP Camera Viewer Features

Live recording, playback, and split-screen is all available. You can use up to 4 cameras at a time, and it works with 2200 different camera models. If your hardware allows it, then you can pan, tilt and zoom your camera.

Pros

It is compatible with many types of camera brand

You can set up floating surveillance windows if you want

Adjust the properties of each camera individually

Cons

Installing is very difficult to do correctly

Comes with bloatware and/or unwanted content

The IP software has the least features of all the Deskshare camera software

8. Anycam

The Anycam system is a very average piece of software, but it works with most any type of camera. The interface is basic but easy to use and easy to set up. You will discover that the free version is only limited in terms of record time, you can still use all its features.

Anycam Features

Anycam is mostly featureless. It works with motion-detection cameras. It allows for video recording and playback. Plus, you can watch a live feed. Other than that, there is very little you can do with this basic-but-effective piece of software.

Pros

The program seems to work with any type of camera

Anycam has a paid version where you only make a one-time payment and get free lifetime updates

Installing and setup is very easy

Cons

Trying to find specific events on the timeline is very fiddly

The free version only allows two cameras to be linked

The recording is very limited with the free version

9. ContaCam

In the strictest terms, this piece of software is not free. The developers ask you for a donation, but there is nothing forcing you to give them one. Plus, you can try the software, and then if it turns out to be brilliant, then you can always go back and donate to them.

ContaCam Features

Despite seeming very complicated, the interface is actually very self-explanatory. At first glance, it looks overly condensed and full of features, but each explains itself very well. You can configure the cameras very precisely to the point where you can even specify within which seconds it starts and stops.

Pros

A rather advanced piece of software

The interface layout is very condensed without being confusing

You can use web servers, the Internet, or intranet to receive live feeds

Cons

The interface has no aesthetic decoration at all

ContaCam takes a long time to learn through trial and error testing

The developers say this will never work with mobile devices

10. Agent DVR

The great thing about Agent DVR is that it is completely free because it is freeware. The sad part is that it was created by a developer who went on to finer things and left the program lodged on a few high-use servers. It is now being passed around freeware websites, which means it is sometimes difficult to find a clean version. Nevertheless, it is a fine piece of camera software that still works for many types of cameras.

Agent DVR Features

The Agent DVR software allows for video surveillance with a live feed, and for recording. You can use it with motion-detection software, and it still works for many different types of cameras. It uses a reliable SSL algorithm for its signal encryption, and it is very lightweight, which means it is not a big drain on your device’s CPU.

Pros

A very simple and lightweight piece of software

Works all the way back to Windows 7

It still works with motion detection systems

Cons

Agent DVR will become more obsolete as newer cameras appear over the coming years

Updates will never occur beyond Windows 10

The interface looks very dated compared to the modern camera software

Conclusion

As you can tell by this article, getting good security camera software is difficult because there is so much to choose from. Plus, installing is often an issue, as is companies trying to nag-free users into paying. There is also the issue of connecting cameras and the problem with tagged-on viruses and bloatware.

Nevertheless, there is plenty to try without having to pay, so that is a positive. What do you think?

Have any of these worked for you? Ask your friends on social media, start a discussion, and share this article to help others discover the best free security camera software.