10 Best Nvr Systems 2024 in the US

A Network Video Recorder, or NVR, is essentially a computer with an operating system dedicated to operating security cameras. It differs from a DVR (=Digital Video Recorder) security system in that a DVR takes in analog movie content and converts it to digital format, and an NVR records in digital format. Practically speaking, an NVR uses Ethernet cables or WiFi to communicate with the security cameras, while a DVR will use a coaxial cable.

An NVR system will help you synchronize and store footage from many security cameras that you have installed around your home or business. And if you have security cameras operating 24/7, an NVR will allow you to compress huge amounts of video footage in a format that won’t take up so much storage space on a hard disk.

But there are still differences between the different NVR systems and the special software that comes along with them. You may want to film only when something interesting happens on your premises. There are NVR systems that turn on only when there’s “action”. And there is special software that will identify whether people or animals have entered the field of view, and it’s not just leaves or branches being blown around in the wind. We’ll do a brief overview of the major features in the MSN list of the 10 Best NVR Systems so that you can choose what best fits your security needs.

What are the Types of NVR Systems?

• Using PoE cameras: PoE [=Power over Ethernet] cameras hook up to the NVR via Ethernet ports. They receive their power from the Ethernet cable, as well as using the cable for data transfer. You don’t have to worry about providing power to the cameras this way. A good item from the MSN Top Ten NVR Systems is the REOLINK 4MP 16 channel PoE Security Camera System. A glance at the back panel of the REOLINK will show you the Ethernet ports, where you can hook up 16 security cameras.

REOLINK 4MP 16 channel PoE Security Camera System

• Using WiFi cameras: Some NVR systems allow you to hook up the cameras wirelessly. You’ll have to make sure that each camera receives power from a power cord. An example is the Crystal Vision All-in-One True HD NVR CCTV. It comes with a 10.1” monitor, for you to observe what the cameras are seeing. You can also use a WiFi extender, to connect even more cameras.

Crystal Vision All-in-One True HD NVR CCTV

Another example is the Wisenet SNK-B73041BW 4-Channel WiFi NVR. Here’s a look at the back panel of the Wisenet device:

Wisenet SNK-B73041BW 4-Channel WiFi NVR

As you can see, they both allow you to hook up the output by means of a VGA or HDMI cable. An Ethernet cable hooks up the NVR to your router. The antennas on the device hook up to your wireless security cameras. The USB port allows you to connect a wired or wireless mouse. (You may want a unit with 2 USB ports, to hook up another portable hard drive.)
 

Which NVR System Should I Choose?

Here are some factors that may help you decide which NVR system is best for you:

• Cost: We can compare the cost of the various NVR units. An 8-channel WiFi NVR system can cost as little as $228, such as the EverGrow 8-Channel NVR. That’s a small investment to provide yourself with 24/7 security around your home. A PoE NVR system, such as the Lorex 4K Ultra HD IP 8-Channel NVR System costs around $530. On the other hand, you also save money with an NVR system, because you don't have to pay for cloud storage of the video recordings.

• Microphone and speaker on the security cameras: We saw that the back panels of some NVR systems also have audio outputs and inputs. That allows you to hear and speak over the security camera. That can be useful for an intercom system and the like.

• ONVIF: This stands for Open Network Video Interface Forum. You’ll see that some products have ONVIF device compatibility. It means that you can add cameras from different manufacturers to your NVR system, and the NVR unit will have no trouble synchronizing them. (If the system you buy is not ONVIF compatible, you may be forced to purchase additional cameras from the same manufacturer.)

What Features Should I Look for in a Good NVR System?

• The number of channels: It’s advised that you buy an NVR system that can accommodate more cameras than what you need at the moment. When an NVR’s specifications say that it can only handle 8 channels, that means that, even though it may have 8 Ethernet ports, you can’t attach 8 cameras with Ethernet cables and add a few WiFi cameras. The total number of cameras that the NVR can handle can never exceed 8. Therefore, experts advise buying an NVR that can take 16 cameras, even though you only need 8 at present.

• Compression technology: You’ll see NVR systems with H.264 or H.265 compression technology. H.264 is also known as “Advanced Video Coding”, while H.265 is the latest advancement, known as “High-Efficiency Video Coding”. H.265 can compress the video recordings as much as 50% less than if an NVR uses H.264, without sacrificing the quality of the video resolution. So, you should prefer products that have H.265 capability.

• Storage space: There are NVR systems that have space to insert 2 large 8 TB SATA hard drives, such as the Amcrest 4K NV4216E-AI NVR. Although this particular model requires you to buy the hard drives separately, other Amcrest models come with a 4 TB hard drive already installed. Some also allow for an external hard drive, and some allow you to attach a microSD card, to take data with you.

Amcrest 4K NV4216E-AI NVR

• How much storage space will I need?: How long will it take to fill up an 8 TB hard drive with video footage? Well, the Lorex 4K PoE NVR uses H.265 compression, and users noticed that footage from 4 cameras, recording 24/7, took more than a week to fill up a 2 TB hard drive. Competitors, who use H.264 compression, took 4-5 days to fill up 2 TB.

• Facial recognition and Vehicle Detection: If you have a security incident of intruders or trespassers, you won’t want to have to search through hours and hours of security footage. Fortunately, NVRs come with AI software that provides facial recognition and vehicle detection. This way, you can rule out family members (or their cars) from arousing any suspicion. You can assign a name to particular faces, and discern whether they have entered the frame.

• PIR sensors: PIR [=Passive Infrared] sensors on cameras will measure the infrared radiation being emitted by living objects. This will provide the cameras with night vision. Also, the software will also distinguish between people or animals entering the camera’s field of vision, as opposed to some inanimate object getting into the field of vision.

• Notifications: You can configure many of the NVR systems so that they will allow you to view the video footage over your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You can also opt to receive notifications when something suspicious enters the field of view.

• Waterproof cameras: You’ll notice that many of the brands in the MSN list of the Top Ten NVR Systems have security cameras that have an IP66 rating. This means that the cameras are totally protected against dust entering inside, and protected against strong jets of water from all directions. Some, such as the OOSSXX Wireless Security Camera System 8-channel NVR, have an IP67 rating, meaning that the cameras can even be immersed in water and still work!

Wrap Up

We have examined some of the features of the best NVR systems, and have seen what they offer you in terms of enhanced security. We looked at the different types of NVR interfaces, and the best features that they provide in filtering video content. Feel free to look at the other MSN buying guides for security system products--you’re sure to be able to find something in the right price range!