Frigate NVR

Not yet benchmarked

Vendor: Open source (Frigate, Inc.)
License: MIT (open source)
Platforms: Docker, Linux, Home Assistant OS add-on, Proxmox

Open-source NVR (MIT) focused on real-time local AI object, face and licence-plate detection, with tight Home Assistant integration. Version 0.17.x as of mid-2026. Not yet benchmarked on our test bench.

Strengths

Best-in-class real-time local AI detection (objects, faces since 0.16, licence plates), all on-device.
Fully open source (MIT); optional paid Frigate+ model training is not required.

Limitations

Docker/Linux-centric with meaningful hardware needs (recommended GPU/Coral/NPU for detection).
Web UI only — no first-party desktop/mobile apps — and no turnkey remote access (you set up a reverse proxy, VPN or tunnel).
Recordings stored as plain MP4 files; no encryption at rest.

Criteria

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	✗

Sources

https://github.com/blakeblackshear/frigate — officiel (licence MIT, versions) (2026-07-21)
https://docs.frigate.video/configuration/face_recognition/ — officiel (reconnaissance faciale) (2026-07-21)
https://frigate.video/plus/ — officiel (Frigate+ optionnel) (2026-07-21)

This product has not yet been tested on our bench. The information above comes from dated documentary sources; no comparative verdict is published until a real test has taken place.