Are you looking to purchase reliable software that will control your security cameras?
With a few different options to choose from, you may be wondering which one would be better for you.
In this article, we will be comparing two camera monitoring software services, Blue Iris and Zoneminder.
We will be going into the specification details of both, including the price and what they have to offer.
We hope this information will help you to decide which is the best choice for you.
We will be splitting our article into useful specification sections so you can see how both companies fair against each other.
Price
Blue Iris
The Blue Iris software has two different options you can choose between. The first option covers just one security camera. It is called the LE Version is the cheapest option available. This is due to you being limited to only one camera.
The second option is called the Full Version. This is significantly more expensive, but it allows you to have full access to the software and you can connect up to 64 different cameras to the system.
With both of the packages, Blue Iris offers you a 15 day trial period before you commit to purchasing either.
Zoneminder
The payment for Zoneminder is a lot different compared to other IP camera software companies. Technically it is completely free to use and download.
However, there is a donation option, which allows you to donate to the company and its users. While you do not have to do this, many users do. There is no set amount of money that you can donate. Rather, you donate how much you think the software is personally worth.
You can donate as a one-off payment, or you can make your donation a monthly recurrence.
If you are looking for good software on a budget, we would recommend Zoneminder. If you want a more complex system, we would recommend Blue Iris.
Overall Specification Features:
Blue Iris
Blue Iris has a wide range of features available with its software such as:
Video security – This allows you to connect and have access to all of the cameras in your work or home. You can easily switch between all of the different cameras. All of your cameras are featured on the left-hand side of the screen and then you can choose which camera you want to place in the center.
Time and date – Each camera has the time and date stamps included so you can easily find the parts of the video you are looking for.
Mobile Access – You can access this software on your phone too. This is great if you want to keep an eye on your home or business while you are on the go.
Live and Recorded footage – You have access to both live and recorded footage with this software. This is a great feature as you can rewind and fast forward past footage if you are searching for any potential issues.
Web Server – The web server allows you to access your camera footage from anywhere in the world. If you are on a trip, this is a great option.
Alert Action Lists – This software also alerts you on any issues with your camera or software that needs to be addressed. This information is all kept on one list for easy access.
Zoneminder
Here are the features that are available with Zoneminder:
Internet-accessible – With this feature, you can access your security camera footage from anywhere in the world. This is great if you are not at home or are on holiday. You can access this feature on the internet or via the downloadable app.
Types of the camera – With Zoneminder, you are not limited to the brand of cameras you can use. The software will link up to any type of IP-Enabled or analog camera.
Your Data – If you are concerned about security, you can rest assured with Zoneminder. You are in complete control of your data. You have control of where your data goes and although you can link this software to places such as the cloud, you do not have to do this.
Advanced AI-powered detection – Zoneminder has a handful of third-party companies that contribute to their website. You can optionally choose to use their features. These features include things such as object and person detection.
Which Software Is Better?
Which software is better is entirely down to the individual. Both Blue Iris and Zoneminder offer different benefits and features.
If you are just beginning to use security cameras and want to try a free service with the option of donating to support its upkeep, Zoneminder is a great option.
Zoneminder provides you will the basics of what you will need from a security camera software. It is fairly easy to use and navigate.
Zoneminder gives you the option of using third party software to enhance your overall experience and enables you to be in control of your data.
While it may not be the most advanced security camera software available, it provides you with everything you need. You can also connect the majority of cameras to it, so it is a great place to start.
If you are looking for software that will give you more complete control, Blue Iris may be the better choice. However, it is significantly more expensive, especially if you require access to the full subscription.
The security you receive from Blue Iris is great and you can connect up to 64 cameras to the software. While this is great for use in the house, you can use this software for a small business too.
As a whole, Blue Iris is more of a step up in comparison to Zoneminder and this is reflected in the increased cost. You can record and watch live footage which is great if you need access to everything your camera has recorded.
Overall, both software systems are great and will give you peace of mind, especially when you are not at home.
