With the ever-present fear of home invasion always in the back of the minds of many homeowners, home security is always a top priority. Nowadays, you need more than a good lock for your doors. You also need good security cameras for greater security, and now you can get these cameras as part of your NVR security system.
It’s true that you can get yourself a smart security camera and you can then keep an eye out on your house through your smart phone. But that kind of system won’t allow you to record videos, which can help identify intruders. Many home security agencies offer cameras with the option of video recording, but that means paying a monthly fee for that storage.
With the NVR system, you get the video recording capability without having to pay an outside agency a monthly fee for cloud video storage. This makes the NVR system a great security camera choice. But not all NVR systems are equally as good, and with their different features and capabilities (and prices) you need the right one with the features you want in the price you can afford.
With so many choices available for homeowners these days, see below our buying guide on the top 10 best NVR systems currently available:
Best NVR Comparison Chart
& Frame Rate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| |   | Pre-installed 4TB HDD Supports up to 6TB Storage 1 extra HDD port 1 USB port | ||
| |  | Pre-installed 2TB HDD Supports up to 4TB Storage 1 extra HDD port 2 USB ports | ||
| |  | 2TB Supports up to 28TB Storage 1 extra HDD port 3 USB ports | ||
| |  | No pre-installed HDD Supports up to 4TB Storage No extra HDD port 2 USB ports | ||
| |  | 1TB Supports up to 6TB Storage No extra HDD port 3 USB ports | ||
| |  | No pre-installed HDD Supports up to 4TB Storage No extra HDD port 1 USB port | ||
| |  | 2TB Supports up to 6TB Storage No extra HDD port 2 USB ports | ||
| |  | 2TB Supports up to 4TB Storage No extra HDD port 1 USB port | ||
| |  | 3TB Supports up to 3TB Storage No extra HDD port No USB ports | ||
| |  | No pre-installed HDD Supports up to 6TB Storage No extra HDD port 1 USB port |
1. Amcrest NV4108E-4TB System (Best 8 Channel PoE 4k NVR)
We picked the package with the pre-installed 4TB hard drive, but you have the option of getting this with a 1TB HDD or without any hard drive at all. You can then put in your own hard drive, and this can support a 6TB hard disk. You can also add an external drive or a USB drive.
This gives you an easy plug and play setup, though you need a TV or a monitor to configure this. One this is done, you get 4K resolution from the cameras. The system uses H.265 compression technology, to help with storage space for videos. Without this compression technology, your videos may take up more space in your hard drives.
The system has 8 channels which means you can get up to 8 cameras with 8mp capability. You won’t have to deal with lag with the 80Mbps throughput, when you use the Amcrest app to view the live stream from your phone.
This can use various triggers, and then you can be alerted in several ways. You can get a buzzer alarm and receive an email and a video push when the motion sensor detects something. You also get a 1-year warranty, although you have to make sure you buy from Amcrest directly.
2. Reolink 4K Ultra HD PoE Security Camera System
This already gives you 4 cameras, and you have 8 channels overall; you can add 4 more cameras. The 8Mp cameras give you 4K resolution (that’s 3840 × 2160); in other words, it’s almost 4x as clear as 1080p with a frame rate is 20fps.
The setup is simple and considered a plug and play device, with the 2TB HDD already installed. However, you do have an extra port for an external hard drive. Both the internal and external drive ports can support up to 4TB each. If these aren’t enough, you also get 2 USB ports. You also get the app to let you access live streams and videos from your phone.
The Reolink app (android and ios) is part of the deal, to let you access all your cameras. This is advanced enough to let you watch 4 streams at the same time on your smartphone. You don’t get the H.265 compression technology here, so your videos may take up a bit more space. However, you do get a 2-year warranty.
3. GW Security 8 Channel H.265 4K System
We chose the 2TB package here with the 8 channels. However, you do have a lot of options when it comes to the features. You can go with no hard drive at all if you already have or plan to buy your own. But you can also go with two 5TB hard drives pre-installed for a total of 10TB. Each hard drive port lets you put in a hard disk with up to 8TB capacity. The channels can also go up to 16 or even 32.
This network video recorder supports 8MP cameras, and this can accommodate any third party IP camera as long as it’s ONVIF compliant. It also has 3 USB 3.0 ports for backup.
The system is able to send an email alert and a snapshot when motion detection is activated.
It uses the H.265 compression standard and has a 4K resolution. You get a 1-year warranty, along with free lifetime tech support.
4. Hikvision 8CH PoE Embedded Plug & Play System (Best Hikvision NVR)
We picked this 8-channel option as optimal for most homes, but you have the option of going up to 16 channels. This is basically a budget option, since you only work with 5MP cameras with video resolution of just 1920 × 1080p. Still, that should be good enough to positively ID the bad guys. The 80Mbps bandwidth makes sure that you don’t get any lag when you view a live stream from any of the 8 channels available in this model.
This can work with any 3rd party cameras, though of course you won’t get full use if they’re 8MP cameras. There aren’t any cameras in the package, and you don’t get a hard disk either. You can install a hard disk with up to 4TB capacity. There are 2 USB ports as well.
All in all, this is a no-frills NVR system which you can customize with your own hard disk and cameras. It’s easy enough to use as well.
5. ZOSI 1080p PoE Home Security Camera System
This is another reasonably priced system that shows you don’t have to be rich to have one of these things. What’s great is that your money includes a pre-installed 1TB hard disk along with 4 cameras as well. However, this system will only work with Zosi cameras.
These cameras are good though. They have a sophisticated motion detection system that you can customize so you can minimize those annoying false alarms. You can also pick recording modes (such as recording when motion is detected or for specified time frames.
This offers a plug and play setup, and the resolution isn’t bad at 1080p. You can expand the HDD capacity up to 6TB, while you have 3 USB ports.
6. Firstrend Wireless Security Camera System
We picked the package with the 4 cameras without the hard drive. That’s because the system is only compatible with Firstrend cameras, but it can accommodate a 4TB HDD. The cameras are terrific as you don’t need to wire them (hence the “wireless” in the name).
The setup is plug and play, and the camera resolution is 1280 x 960p. That’s good enough for most folks, especially with the nigh vision and the 65-ft range. You can go up to 8 cameras in the future. Like the other systems, this offers motion detection and remote viewing through your smartphone.
7. NexTrend 1080P Full HD POE Security Camera System
This is another good system, with 8 channels and a preinstalled 2TB hard drive with support for a 6TB HDD. You get 1080p resolution along 2 USB ports. You also get motion detection, night vision, and the usual remote access.
8. Foscam 8CH PoE 1080P System
We picked the package with the 4 cameras included, so with 8 channels we have the option to add more. We also got the usual pre-installed 2TB HDD, though it can handle a 4TB HDD. This also comes with a single USB port, though at least it’s USB 3.0.
Again, we have motion detection and night vision. These are crucial features that you can’t go without. The 1080p resolution isn’t bad either.
9. Lorex 16 Channel 4K NVR
This is an intriguing option, because the package comes with 4 bullet cameras and 4 dome cameras. This means you get the option to watch for inside your home right out of the box. The 4MP cameras have 2K HD capacity. This also comes with a preinstalled 3TB HDD.
10. Zmodo 32 Channel 1080p (Best 32 Channels NVR)
This may be a bit too expensive for most folks, with a price tag going into the 4 digits. That’s because it’s a hybrid, which integrates PoE and wireless features. The setup is a snap with the configuration taking only a few seconds.
The Zmodo camera only offers 720p resolution, but you have 32 channels here with 16 cameras as part of the package. This supports a 6TB hard disk, but you need to buy one separately. Interestingly, you also have the option of getting cloud service for a monthly fee.
NVR Security System Buying Guide
Here are the more important features to consider (according to most users):
Ease of Setup and Use
These things are basically useless if the homeowner can’t set up and use the NVR system properly. The good news is that nowadays these systems are increasingly easier to install. This is especially true for systems that are marketed as “plug and play” systems. Find out if the package includes all the necessary accessories you need for the installation. Check out the customer reviews as well so you can confirm that it really is easy to set up and use.
Storage Capacity
For this you need to consider 2 related factors. First, does it come with a built-in hard disk? Second, what’s the largest HDD it can accommodate? A system may come with a built-in 1TB hard disk, but it can handle a 4TB hard disk. It may allow you to add another hard disk, or you may have to buy the NVR system without the hard disk if you already have one of your own.
Footage Clarity
One of the main reasons NVR systems are becoming more popular is that you have the option to get HD resolution for your videos. This means you can use the videos to identify vandals and other types of criminals. So, you may as well go for up to 1080p resolution, instead of settling for 720p or even 480p.
You should also check the clarity of the videos when taking recordings at night. Most (if not all) of these NVR systems work with infrared cameras, so that you can catch criminals at night.
Smartphone Access
Gone are the days when you need to have a full security team watching a monitor fulltime. Instead, you can watch the livestream or the recording on your smartphone. After all, most of us have a smartphone with us all the time. In general, a sensor motion may trigger to begin a recording, while you’re alerted to a possible intruder alert.
The app on your phone should be easy to use. The quality of the live stream should also be good, and there shouldn’t be any lag.
Additional Factors to Consider
Here are some other considerations that you may want to think about:
Available Channels
Basically, the number of channels you have will determine the number of cameras you can use with the system. The basic rule is to get more channels than you think need at the time. That gives you the option of adding extra cameras in the future.
Quality of Motion Detection
Most if not all of these systems can detect motion to start recording and live streaming. What you want is accurate motion detection. Most of the time the problem is that you get too many false alarms, and that can lead to a “boy who cried wolf” scenario when you don’t check your alarms.
Some systems use certain lines that trigger an alert when they get crossed. Other systems can start recording when an area is entered. There’s now a “dwell detection” feature that lets you specify how long a person can stay within a certain area before the system triggers an alert.
Camera Versatility
Can it work with 3rd party cameras? Some systems require you to get the cameras from the same NVR manufacturer to get full functionality.
Built-in Wi-Fi
This isn’t absolutely necessary, as you can use your regular home router instead. However, you need a new router if you’re still using the stock router from your ISP. Get something better that can make sure that the NVR system covers the whole house.
NVR Camera System FAQs
What does “NVR” mean?
This is an acronym for network video recorder.
What’s the Difference between NVR and DVR?
You can read our detailed post on the difference between DVR and NVR here.
The DVR used to be the standard security camera system before the advent of the NVR. It stands for Digital Video Recorder, and it also acts as the hub for your security cameras. However, it’s a different system altogether. In fact, an increasing number of people regard it as an obsolete system. This explains why every year the percentage of the market for DVR gets smaller while NVR becomes more popular.
DVR does have its advantages. It’s a more affordable system, and it’s easier for most people to set up.
But it is also unable to connect with the cameras via Wi-Fi, unlike the NVR system. To maintain a good signal, you need to keep the cameras within a 300-ft radius from the recorder. With NVR, you can go up to 600 feet due to Wi-Fi connections.
DVR systems also work with just analog cameras. As you might expect, the resolution is rather low at 2mp at the most. Usually, the images are so fuzzy they don’t really work as definitive evidence. On the other hand, NVR systems can go up to 12mp or even greater HD resolution.
Even the installation isn’t as difficult nowadays. Manufacturers have become adept at explaining the setup procedure step-by-step, while you can find plenty of instructional videos on either YouTube or the manufacturer websites.
Are there cloud-based NVR systems?
Yes. In fact, these are the systems that the security agencies use to charge people when they send the videos to the cloud. However, you don’t really need such a system. After all, you can just save the videos on a hard disk drive or an external hard drive. You can also get yourself your own cloud service and then send the videos there.
What does the NVR software do?
The software for the NVR is already built-in. The software interface allows you to configure the setup and the settings, and then lets you view the videos either as a live stream or as a video recording. You can also use a desktop browser to view the videos, or use your smartphone.
Conclusion
Go with the 4K options, even if the 1080p resolution is good enough. As you may have noticed, we recommend getting 8 channels with 4 to start with, along with a 2TB hard disk. Most of these are plug and play systems, so they shouldn’t pose any setup issues.
Just keep in mind that with these systems, you no longer have to pay a monthly fee for your security videos. You can watch a live stream, and keep copies of your UHD videos for as long as you need them!
