Best self-hosted VMS / NVR software
All of these run entirely on your own hardware — your footage never has to leave your network. They differ on openness, price, encryption and how you get AI. (Surveilbench is published by Secufor, Noviscan's publisher — read Noviscan's placement accordingly.)
NoviscanTested on our bench
Integrated commercial suite: built-in facial recognition, encrypted media at rest by default, web/desktop/mobile apps, and remote access without a vendor cloud.
Frigate NVRNot yet benchmarked
The open-source pick: free (MIT) with best-in-class real-time local AI detection, if you're comfortable with Docker/Linux.
Synology Surveillance StationNot yet benchmarked
Polished NAS-based NVR with AES-256 at-rest encryption and perpetual per-camera licences — if you own Synology hardware.
Blue IrisNot yet benchmarked
Cheap one-time Windows licence, up to 128 cameras and deep configurability (AI via a separate CodeProject.AI server).
ZoneMinderNot yet benchmarked
The veteran: fully GPL, no cloud dependency, and the broadest camera support including analog and USB.
Each product links to its detailed review, criteria and dated sources. See the Methodology.