6 Best Network Video Recorders for IP Cameras

Network video recorders (NVRs) are at the heart of any IP camera security system. For the uninitiated, NVRs store and manage your camera’s video feed, making it easy to view, playback, and share footage. That being said, there are many different NVRs on the market. As such, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. If you’re looking for the best Network Video Recorders (NVRs) for IP cameras, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the best NVRs for IP cameras. We’ll consider factors such as resolution, number of channels, storage capacity, and features to help you find the perfect NVR for your needs. Based on these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and find the best NVR for your IP cameras.

But first, you might want to check out the following:

CCTV cameras are conventional security cameras that transmit analog video signals over coaxial cables. CCTV cameras are less expensive than IP cameras, but they also have lower video quality and fewer features. For storage, they rely on Digital Video Recorders (DVR).

On the other hand, IP cameras are newer and transmit digital video signals over ethernet cables. IP cameras have higher video quality and more features than CCTV cameras. Contrary to CCTV cameras, IP cameras rely on Network Video Recorders (NVRs) for storing the footage.

Network Video Recorders (NVRs) are used in video surveillance systems to capture, store, manage, and retrieve video footage from connected IP cameras. Unlike traditional analog systems that use Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), NVRs are designed to work with IP (Internet Protocol) cameras, which transmit video data over computer networks.

Acting as the central hub of a surveillance system, NVRs receive video streams from multiple cameras and process them for storage and viewing. They offer high-resolution support, allowing for superior image quality and detailed monitoring.

Additionally, they have built-in or external storage options with varying capacities, enabling weeks or months of continuous recording. In terms of added features, they often bundle nifty utilities such as motion detection and intelligent video analytics.

NVRs are physical devices that store video footage on-site. On the other hand, cloud surveillance stores video footage in the cloud.

In general, NVRs are a cost-effective and private solution. They are a one-time investment, and all your data is stored privately on your own hardware. Additionally, NVRs are not marred down by the latency and bandwidth limitations of the internet. As a result, they perform better than cloud surveillance. The same is especially true for large or high-resolution video streams.

Cloud surveillance systems have their own set of advantages. For most users, cloud surveillance is easier to set up, and user-friendly too. However, with the data being in the cloud, it can be accessed by third parties. Additionally, most cloud services require a subscription, which can be quite costly in the long run, especially if you plan to add more cameras to your network.

All in all, while each system has its own advantages, NVRs are easy to recommend to folks who are willing to put some work into getting the apparatus up and running. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the best NVR security systems out there.

Buy

If you want a basic NVR that stores your camera recording and allows you to monitor in real-time, the Evtevision 4K 16CH NVR is an excellent option. It’s one of the most affordable options on the market and, despite that, packs in plenty of features.

In terms of connectivity, the Evtevision NVR comes supports 16 channels. As such, you can connect multiple IP cameras with a maximum resolution of 8MP or 4K resolution. Moreover, you can output the feed via the VGA or the HDMI port.

Additionally, you can even access the recordings remotely. All you need to do is connect the NVR to the Internet via the LAN port on the back. As for storage, the NVR comes with a single SATA port with support for up to 8TB of storage. However, there’s no HDD included, so you’d have to buy one for yourself. Nonetheless, all things considered, the Evtevision 4K 16CH NVR is great for home users.

Buy

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly NVR from a reputed brand, then the Amcrest NV4108-A2 4K 8CH NVR is the one for you. While it offers fewer channels than Evtevision’s contender, it relays native 4K playback across all eight channels with no loss in quality.

The package includes a USB mouse, network cable, and quick start guide. By the way, the process of configuring the Amcrest NV4108-A2 is relatively simple. To that end, you need to install an HDD inside the NVR, connect it to a display using either the VGA or HDMI port, and just follow the on-screen instructions. Also, as far as storage is concerned, you can use up to a 10TB storage drive with the device.

That’s not all, as the NVR supports both, wired as well as wireless IP cameras. While the NVR doesn’t get Wi-Fi capabilities, you can still use it to monitor Wi-Fi cameras as long as they are on the same network.

Buy

REOLINK is one of the most trusted brands in the security camera space. And, the REOLINK RLN8-410 is a highly capable network video recorder too. To that end, the device offers excellent performance and functionality for small to medium-sized camera systems.

The NVR supports both PoE (Power over Ethernet) and Wi-Fi cameras, offering flexibility in camera selection and installation. The PoE feature eliminates the need for separate power cables. As a result, it simplifies the setup process and reduces cable clutter. That being said, one thing to note here is that it works only with REOLINK’s own IP cameras.

As for storage, it comes with a pre-installed 2TB hard drive. That’s ample storage capacity to store video recordings. However, if you require more storage space, the RLN8-410 has a SATA port as well as an eSATA port. Each of those ports can be interfaced with up to a 6TB HDD, taking the combined storage to 12TB. Alternatively, the NVR can also be connected to a network-attached storage (NAS) device.

Buy

Just as the REOLINK RLN8-410 works only with REOLINK’s IP Cameras, the UniFi Protect should be your NVR of choice if you use Ubiquiti’s IP cameras. The NVR offers a range of features that make it an attractive choice for both small-scale and large-scale surveillance deployments.

One of the standout features of the UniFi Protect UNVR is its scalability. It supports a wide range of UniFi Protect cameras, allowing you to build a customized surveillance system to suit your specific needs. Whether you require indoor or outdoor cameras, PoE, or Wi-Fi connectivity, the UniFi Protect NVR can accommodate your requirements.

In terms of storage, it comes with four 3.5″ drive bays. You can spec each bay with up to an 8TB HDD. The thing to note here is that the storage will be in RAID 5 configuration. As such, your recordings will not go astray, even in case of a drive failure. And, while the storage might seem a bit low, thanks to its compression standards, you get up to 30 days of storage for 15x 4K cameras or 50x Full HD cameras.

The UniFi Protect NVR can be easily incorporated into an existing UniFi ecosystem, allowing for centralized management and monitoring of multiple networks and devices. Add to that, the UniFi Protect software provides intuitive and user-friendly management. It offers advanced features such as motion detection, customizable recording schedules, along with intelligent search capabilities.

Buy

If your surveillance setup comprises 4K cameras, and you want a powerful NVR for efficient monitoring, look no further. The Amcrest 4K NV5232 caters to the needs of medium to large-scale installations, providing exceptional performance and reliability.

The standout feature of the Amcrest 4K NV5232 is its support for 32 channels, allowing you to connect and manage a large number of cameras. This makes it suitable for commercial and industrial applications, where extensive coverage is required. The thing to note here is that you can only view four feeds in 4K @ 30fps, while the rest of the feeds are relayed at 30fps in 1080p resolution.

That being said, the recording for all the feeds is still done in proper 4K resolution. Speaking of recording, the NVR comes with support for dual HDDs of 10 TB each, taking the total capacity to 20 TB. But that’s not all, and you can add external storage to the device via the dual USB 3.0 ports.

The Amcrest 4K NV5232 supports a wide range of IP cameras. However, if you install it with Amcrest’s IP Cameras, you also get access to versatile recording options, including continuous, scheduled, and motion detection-based recording.

Buy

Synology is one of the biggest names in the storage biz. Nevertheless, the company also has a range of smart NVRs under its belt. Case in point, the Synology DVA1622, which is a premium network video recorder designed specifically for video surveillance applications.

One of the standout features of the Synology DVA1622 is its built-in GPU, which enables on-device deep learning analytics. As such, the NVR analyzes video footage in real-time, detecting and categorizing objects, people, and events with impressive accuracy. The deep learning capabilities provide enhanced security and efficiency by reducing false alarms and enabling intelligent search functionality.

In terms of connectivity, the DVA1622 supports a wide range of IP cameras with up to 4K resolution. As for storage, the NVR ship with dual 3.5″ drive bays. The unit uses hot-swappable drives and can be specced with up to 18 TB of storage, per bay. You can check out Synology’s list of compatible drives on the official website. Additionally, you can use a RAID configuration of your choice. As such, you can choose between maximum storage or better backups.

While the AI features are great for surveillance, there’s a chance that you might not require them. Instead, if you want an NVR for multiple camera streams with plenty of storage, you can check out the Synology DiskStation DS3622xs+. With 12 drive bays, the DS3622xs+ is a NAS that can be used as an NVR for your surveillance needs.

Yes, most NVRs offer remote access capabilities. Users can access their NVRs remotely through dedicated software or web interfaces. This allows them to view live video feeds, playback recorded footage, and manage the NVR’s settings from anywhere with an internet connection, using smartphones, tablets, or computers.

NVRs are designed to work with IP cameras, which transmit video data over a computer network. These can include wired cameras using Power over Ethernet (PoE) or wireless cameras that connect via Wi-Fi.

To install an NVR (Network Video Recorder), first, ensure that you have a stable network connection and power. Then connect the NVR to your network router using an Ethernet cable and power it on. Configure the NVR’s settings using the manufacturer’s instructions and connect the desired IP cameras to the NVR using Ethernet cables. Finally, install any necessary software or mobile apps for remote access and configure the system according to your preferences. If you face any issues, you can always refer to your NVR’s user guide for detailed instructions for your specific model.

Well, those were our picks for some of the best network video recorders (NVRs) on the market. Ultimately, the best NVR for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. For most home users, the Evtevision 4K 16CH NVR or the Amcrest NV4108-A2 should suffice. If you are into the Ubiquiti ecosystem, then the Ubiquiti UniFi Protect UNVR is a no-brainer. Finally, for premium users who want to embrace AI features for better surveillance, nothing beats the comfort, performance, and reliability of the Synology DVA1622.

Last updated on 10 July, 2023

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The content head for the Guiding Tech YouTube channels, Varun also contributes to the website for Buying Guides and Product Explainers. Feel free to reach out to him on Twitter.