Frigate NVR vs ZoneMinder
Two open-source self-hosted NVRs from different eras: Frigate is modern and AI-first (Docker, MIT); ZoneMinder is a long-lived GPLv2 project with very broad camera support (including analog and USB) and a dated web UI.
Head to head
| Criterion | Frigate NVR | ZoneMinder |
|---|---|---|
| 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 for modern, AI-first local detection (objects, faces, plates), tight Home Assistant integration and a clean setup — if your cameras are IP/RTSP.
Choose ZoneMinder
Choose ZoneMinder for maximum longevity and stability, fully-GPL freedom, and the broadest camera support — notably analog and USB cameras that Frigate does not handle.
Bottom line
Frigate is where modern local AI lives; ZoneMinder is the veteran that still supports the widest range of cameras. Face detection in ZoneMinder needs community ML add-ons, whereas Frigate has it natively.
Full reviews:Frigate NVR ·ZoneMinder