The efficiency of your home security system depends a lot on the video management software (VMS) you use. While CCTV DVR programs have the same purpose, the features, functionality and ease of use varies greatly. Deciding what to use can confusing, but no need to worry as we have rounded up the best camera DVR software.
#1. Blue Iris (Security and Webcam Software)
Blue Iris is a CCTV video security program that gives you full DVR security control using your PC. You can use up to 64 cameras including IP, the one on your PC, analog cards, networks, camcorders and webcams. Blue Iris also captures JPG images and movies in AVI, MP4, Windows Media and other DVR formats.
There is a web server built in and there’s an option to post on the Blue Iris website. You can also push on the Windows media server. The multiple view options allow you to keep an eye on every part of your home, and you get notifications and alerts in case motion is detected. The notifications are sent via email, loudspeaker and your mobile phone.
Both the desktop and mobile versions are easy to use so it belongs on this list of the best IP camera DVR software. While there are differences between the desktop and mobile versions, they’re both intuitive and easy to use even if you are not an expert on surveillance.
Blue Iris is available for Windows 8.1 and higher. A mobile version for Android and the iOS is also available for download (read real user reviews here). You can also get more details from our detailed Blue Iris software review post here.
#2. Ivideon Server (Best Free IP Camera Software)
Ivideon comes in two editions, for home and business, and in terms of performance it is better than most free IP camera recording software. With this you can keep tabs on what’s going on even if you’re nowhere near the device. The device sends notifications whether it is in the cloud or stored in your HDD. If there’s a sound or a sudden occurrence you’ll be notified right away.
The Ivideon works like a baby monitor except it is more efficient. Once you’ve set it up the software runs automatically so if something happens you’ll be aware of it. What’s even better is you can access all the cameras linked to the software. Whether it is from a smartphone or your computer the performance is the same.
Its notifications have been enhanced so you don’t need to be constantly in front of the monitor. What Ivideon does is can the surroundings using the camera’s FOV. The sophisticated algorithms detects movements, flickers in fixtures and other changes that ordinary surveillance software cannot see.
Ivideon is available for the Android, iOS, Mac, Linux and Windows (This software is a good ip camera viewer windows 10). The surveillance feed is also accessible from the official website.
#3. SmartViewer (Software for Both nvr or dvr)
Developed by Samsung, SmartViewer is a management application that simplifies Wisenet device control. Running over a network you can keep an eye on recorded videos and live feeds via the intuitive interface. SmartViewer is compatible with NVR and DVR cameras and devices.
You can run up to 72 cameras on the system and use up to two monitors. With Internet access the app automatically updates to the latest version. Setting up the access and permission are easy and you can export videos and there’s a viewing app to boot. With its log search you can look up the backup log, record or system user.
You can view favorites and there is built in support for sequence function. SmartViewer also lets you play and search the data according to the kind of event which occurred. And because there is support for 72 cameras coverage can be comprehensive.
The program gives you full control of your DVR anywhere. The program itself is intuitive and the frequent automatic upgrades makes this one of the top best surveillance DVR software. For home use, few that can match the SmartViewer.
SmartViewer is available for Windows PCs.
#4. ZoneMinder
One of the best security DVR software today, ZoneMinder is accessible from any device that has Internet access. It allows you to use IP and analog cameras so both DVR and NVR systems can be used with this program. There is even support for 4K resolution and they’re developing cloud support too.
ZoneMinder is designed for home and business use and is built to work with different types of server class hardware. You’ll also get video analytics and get other statistics. As an open source program, ZoneMinder is free to download. But don’t let the word free mislead you as its features are comparable to paid security software.
You can install ZoneMinder from the package or the source, either way the setup is easy. The program is robust enough to handle large amounts of data. Advanced users can also integrate third party programs to further enhance performance. Once installed you’ll be able to fully protect your home, business establishment or other facilities.
ZoneMinder is available for Ubuntu, RedHat, Debian and Gentoo operating systems. There are apps for iOS and Android too called zmNinja. The program is designed for Windows however.
#5. C-MOR IP Video Surveillance VM Software
This is a multi platform video security program that self-installs for your convenience. With C-MOR you’ll be able to monitor your home over the Internet or a network. From your desktop or mobile you’ll also have access to live and recorded footage. The settings, recording configuration, IP and other options are set up on their website so no installation needed.
All major IP camera brands are supported for your convenience. The default settings work fine but you can change some of the settings to suit your specific preferences. Other notable features on the program are support for up to 15 IP cameras, resolution support up to 2048 x 1536, simultaneous viewing of multiple cameras and compatibility with most video streaming protocols.
Its preview mode is ideal if you have low bandwidth, giving you a sneak peek so you can decide if it’s worth downloading or not.
C-MOR IP Video Surveillance VM Software can be downloaded as a pre-defined or plain installation ISO image for VirtualBox or Vmware. The software is compatible with Linux, MAC and Windows. The program also works on Android and iOS devices.
#6. Freedom VMS
One of the leading digital surveillance system international DVR software, Freedom VMS provides full support for current CCTV technologies including Hdcctv v2, HD-SDI, HD-IP, HD-TVI, HD-CVI, SD CCTV and more. VMS also supports coax, fiber, cat5 and other types of cable to ensure compatibility.
The timeline playback provides a timeline for the camera you have chosen for playback. Just click the time/sector and it’ll play the recording back. With the E-map playback you can click and drag: click the picture you want to look at and drag to the playback screen.
VMS allows you to play up to 4 cameras at the same time, and it’s real handy feature if you want to go over a footage and view it from different angles. You can also sync the cameras you’ve chosen so all cameras show the same time.
VMS also lets you export and download footage that’s been recorded. The user interface is also intuitive so even a first timer will know what to do. Connecting to DVR, NVR, encoders and servers is possible and you can hook up to all cameras or just the ones you select.
Freedom VMS is available for PC systems.
#7. Contaware ContaCam
Contaware is a free, open source surveillance program that offers support for HD cameras and webcams. Light and versatile, Contaware can be used for manual snapshots, manual recording, live webcam snapshots and security surveillance. Offering full support for Windows 10, Contaware comes with motion detection and is capable of recording 24/7.
Incidents that have been detected by the motion sensors are displayed in your browser as thumbnails, and the program can send the images via email or FTP. Setting it up for live webcam is easy and there’s limitless camera setup. You can commence the program as a Windows service too.
Remote access is possible via Dropbox or port forwarding. There is support for IP cameras, network cameras, DV, WDM and webcams, and the web server has Intranet and Internet password protection.
Contaware is designed mainly for security surveillance, but its snapshot feature can also be used for recording movies, taking game screenshots and more. Support for USB webcams is also provided.
Contaware is designed for Windows systems, but they do run on MAC and Linux systems. There is no app version available yet.
#8. SGS HomeGuard Free
Consistently ranked among the best IP camera software 2018, HomeGuard Free is an all in one surveillance device designed for home and business use. You can also link the program to your PC and use it as a monitor. When installed, HomeGuard Free stores and captures stills from your PC’s webcam.
This program allows you to change various settings to suit your needs, and it is discreet enough to be used to monitor children. Setting this up for viewing on a webcam is straightforward, and it has a preview mode that saves time and bandwidth. You can also tweak the preferences so it records upon motion. This is a nice feature that saves time and space.
HomeGuard Free is available for Windows 2000 and up. Microsoft. .NET Framework Version 2.0 and up is also required. If you like the free version you can also purchase the standard that has even more features.
The Standard edition includes all the features of the free, plus it has one year free updates. Saving screenshots is easier and there is a smart noise reduction filter as well. Other notable features on this IP camera surveillance software include an events log, time scheduler and more.
#9. Visec Surveillance Software
This DVR security system software lets you play back, analyze and record video footage locally or from the Internet. While the software is used by cities for its license plate analysis capabilities it is also effective for home security. This versatile software also allows you to monitor your property from your smartphone or desktop PC.
Visec sports a one button design so you can quickly find that IP camera in your network. There’s a log window for your convenience and you can tilt and zoom in for a better view. If there is an incident an alarm goes off so you’ll be notified immediately on your phone. Multiple views are available and you can choose from analog and IP cameras.
There is support for h.264, MJPEG and MPEG4 and the menu makes it easy to navigate. The software supports webcams, capture cards, CCTV and other types of analog cameras. Motion settings can also be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Visec Surveillance Software is designed to work with Windows systems (98 and up), and it is also accessible from your iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
#10. WebcamXP
Any talk of the best IP camera software for PC is going to include WebcamXP as it is versatile and easy to set up. Designed to work with different types of CCTV cameras, it simplifies monitoring of your home and property. Essentially what it does is turn your Internet connection into a security device.
WebcamXP can connect to mobile devices and desktop computers and transmits the video to your website. Footage is transmitted in real time and you can adjust the settings so it captures stills or recordings when needed. With its motion detector you’ll have control over its actions.
WebcamXP has support for a number of different network cameras and is used in industries, commercial establishments and homes. USB webcams are supported by the software as well as AVI, MOV, MP4, WMV and other popular formats.
The software also works with Windows media streams, https posts, FTP and has tilt, zoom and pan controls. Its advanced controls also provide options for controlling and restricting access to certain users only.
WebcamXP is compatible with computers using Windows XP and up. Webcam 7 offers support for Windows 10.
#11. AM Wizard
CAM Wizard is a top of the line video surveillance application designed for USB and IP cameras. All the essential features like alerts, notifications, motion detection, FTP upload and time schedule are included. The device records to your hard disk drive so you can access the footage anytime.
The motion detection capabilities are first rate and it only takes seconds to set everything up. The program is fast and accurate and it links back to the feed in case there is an interruption. Whether it is an IP or network camera, CAM Wizard gets to work. It can take MPEG an JPEG stills so whether you want clips or images, the camera gets it for you.
Its motion detection is advanced and performs consistently. It also uses the latest algorithms to keep false alerts to a minimum. As soon as an event is detected you’ll be notified right away. The device also uses a compression system to reduce storage use.
CAM Wizard is compatible with computers running Windows XP and up. Media Player 10 and DirectX8 or better must also be installed in your computer however.
#12. Genius Vision NVR CmE
Genius Vision NVR CmE is a video management application for security and surveillance. There are several versions including NVR Lite, NVR subscription edition, enterprise, community and hybrid edition. While the features vary there are some elements they all share.
The Genius Vision surveillance apps are designed to work with widely used security and CCTV cameras. Once installed the software links all your cameras at a central hub and you can adjust the settings as suits your requirements. There is remote access built in and it is compatible with webcams as well.
The Genius Vision app offers full remote control and management via your web browser. You can hook up several monitors to your system and it won’t be a hindrance. The program also provides a panorama view, visual tamper detection and you can export video to AVI.
There are mobile apps for Android and iOS so you have remote access to the footage. With its trigger rule and event management it is simpler to manage surveillance.
Genius Vision NVR CmE is available for desktop computers. There is an app for Android and the iOS available too.
#13. iSpy
Developed by iSpyConnect, iSpy is an open source security program which you can connect to your IP camera or webcam. Once set up you can access the viewer on the iSpy website or your own. If your IP cameras are PTZ enabled you’ll be able to use them too. The program also allows for unlimited camera use.
With its text to speech you’ll be able to talk via the website, and you’ll be able to monitor and listen to the mics you’ve set up. Scheduling support is provided as well as remote access with iSpy Connect. If motion is detected you’ll be notified by tweets, email and SMS. You can set up the program to take timelapse and snapshots.
iSpy lets you upload SFTP and FTP frames onto the iSpy server and you have full control over the camera movement detection properties. If you want you can also record audio and video on demand and upload data to your private YouTube account.
iSpy is compatible with systems running Windows 7 and up.
#14. IcamViewer
The IcamViewer is built for IP camera viewing, and it is one of the best around. While emphasis is on IP connectivity you can also use this to view analog CCTV cameras as well. All the usual mobile playback features and controls are here as well as a section for YouTube, Twitter and read the latest news related to CCTVs, IPs and security cameras.
You can hook up to 16 CCTVs or IPs, suitable if you want to cover a large area. Setting up is quick and in just a few minutes you’ll be ready to go. You can use the app to take images and video clips and evaluate them. You can even share the images on the social media or email. All of this just takes a few seconds and the interface is easy to figure out.
What sets the app apart is its surveillance section as it keeps you updated. This is actually one of the most important features of the app as you’ll be updated on the latest technological advances and know what features are necessary.
The app comes with a lot of features, but it is still easier to use than others. The fact that it works with a wide range of security cameras makes this an excellent choice for iPhone users.
iCamViewer is available for the iPhone and iPad.
#15. Azimuth VMS CCTV
The original VMS program was discarded by the company that founded it, but its programmers resurrected it and this is now one of the best free IP camera software. This program is compatible with analog CCTVs and you can hook up an unlimited number of cameras, great for monitoring large areas.
The VMS has support for h.264 compression, MPEG4 and MJPEG so compatibility will not be a concern. While other surveillance software only support analog or IP, VMS can handle both, so whether you’ve got a DVR or an NVR the software will run correctly.
Other notable features of the VMS are its PSIM connection, client multiscreen and its multilayer map and support for Intel IPP. There is edge detection included as well as 360 and Flat support. There is video analytics integrated and it is compatible with SIM intercom as well.
The VMS also has features that reduce false alarms and an advanced motion detection system. The software also has advanced options for recording, but the interface remains easy to use. Even if you’re new to home security programs this one is easy to learn.
VMS is compatible for all PCs and there are mobile versions available.
Conclusion
If you’re running a PC for your home security you don’t want to settle for anything less than the best free IP camera software Windows 10 and Mac computers. With the products on this list you can get the most out of your DVR security system and get peace of mind. Which software do you use? Please share your experiences with us in the comments section below.