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Top best free/paid video management software for IP cameras

Unifore Security

November 16,2017-11:10 PM

In order to setup a good video surveillance system, you should not only buy right equipment but also uses right software. When buying network security cameras/NVRs/DVRs, usually they include free mobile application and software from manufacturers. However, the software is either not compatible with Mac Os, or too simple and “cheap” may not be able to provide adequate features to let you have a good, smart, redundant and cross platform system. This dues to they lack R&D investment and experience on software.

No matter you are an end-user or a professional security installer, you can strengthen your video surveillance system by using third-party video management software that released by professional software companies. There are many free and open-source either free-trial VMS you can use. Herein we are so delighted to compile a list of best open-source, restricted use and trial version VMS. If you like this list, please bookmark or share it with your friends who need it too.

1# Open Source/Totally Free VMS

iSpy	Visual Studio 2015 source code is available as well as precompiled installable versions.
OpenCVR/Rapidvms	from veyesys
veyesys Rapidvms	Offers opensource code for most of the VMS platforms, but some components are only available as binaries.
Zoneminder	Offers precompiled packages for linux distros, and also open source code.
OpenALPR	OpenALPR is an open source Automatic License Plate Recognition library.

2# Free With Restricted Use

Alnet Systems Netstation	4 CH, 7 days recording, software login required every 8 hours
Argus DVR	Fully functional demo, displays "Unregistered" watermark on video
Arteco Me	2 CH
ATVideo VMS	No restrictions
Axxon Next	4 CH, 1TB storage
Devline Line	16 CH, no time limit, but only offers live viewing, no recording
GeniusVision NVR	16 CH, non-commercial use only
Herospeed VMS	64 CH, but partially stolen from Milestone / Video Insight
ipConfigure Orchid	4 CH/128GB storage free. Raspberry Pi version with no hard limits, effectively limited to 4-8 cameras, depending on resolution
ISS SecureOS	4 CH
Luxriot Evo	1080p max resolution supported
March Networks Command Lite	6 CH, 1 week of recording
Milestone Essential	8 CH, no storage limits, requires annual renewal for free license key
NovoSun	64 CH
Pelco DigitalSentry	4 CH
Sighthound	1 channel, low resolution only
Trassir	8 CH

3# Free For Trial Period

Aimetis Symphony	30 day trial
Avigilon Control Center	30 day trial of Enterprise product, sales people can provide 180 day trial keys
Axis Camera Station	30 day trial
Blue Iris	15 day trial with watermark on video
CathexisVision	5 CH, 60 day trial
Digifort VMS	30 day trial
Exacq	45 day trial, request key here
IndigoVision Control Center	5 camera/45 day trial, longer trial periods can be requested
Logiware go1984	30 day trial
Ksenos	90 day trial
Macroscop	30 day trial
Milestone XProtect	30 day trial of any version, 8 CH/5 days storage
netavis Observer	30 day trial, 20 CH
Network Optix nxWitness	(In US nxWitness is distributed as Digital Watchdog Spectrum)- 4 cameras, 30 day trial
OnSSI Occularis	30 day trial, requires providing project/user details
SecuritySpy	(runs on OS X) 30 day trial
SeeTec Cayuga	30 day trial
Sony RealShot Manager	30 day trial for up to 32 CH
Vicon Valerus	30 day trial
VideoInsight VI Monitor	60 day trial, up to 99 IP cameras
Wavestore VMS	30 day trial

4# Free With Same-Brand Cameras

ACTi NVR	Free for use with ACTi cameras + 1 free channel for non-ACTi cameras
Axis Camera Companion	Only works with Axis cameras, 16 channel limit
GeoVision G-VMS	Free for up to 32 GeoVision devices
Mobotix Control Center	Free for Mobotix cameras
Sony RealShot Manager	9 CH free for use with Sony IP cameras
Video Insight VI Monitor	Free when used with Panasonic security cameras
Vivotek VAST	32 CH free when used with Vivotek network cameras
last update:6/19 2017