Frigate NVR vs Blue Iris
The two most-searched non-Noviscan NVRs, and near-opposites: Frigate is free, open-source and Docker/Linux with native AI; Blue Iris is a paid Windows app with a mature GUI, huge camera support and add-on AI.
Head to head
| Criterion | Frigate NVR | Blue Iris |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted (runs on your hardware) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works without a mandatory vendor account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works with any ONVIF/RTSP camera (no hardware lock-in) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in facial recognition | ✓ | ✗ |
| Encrypts stored footage at rest | ✗ | ✗ |
| Remote access without a vendor cloud | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web + desktop + mobile apps | ✗ | ✓ |
Choose Frigate NVR
Choose Frigate if you want free and fully open source, native real-time AI object/face detection, and you run Linux/Docker (or a NAS/Home Assistant).
Choose Blue Iris
Choose Blue Iris if you're on Windows, want a mature point-and-click GUI, up to 128 cameras and a cheap one-time licence, and accept bolting on CodeProject.AI for detection.
Bottom line
Frigate is the open-source, AI-first, free option; Blue Iris is the polished Windows workhorse. Your OS and your feelings about open source decide this one more than features do.
Full reviews:Frigate NVR ·Blue Iris