Blue Iris is a video camera suite that enables users to capture still images or videos in their homes or workplace. The software is easy to install and works on Windows, Android, and iPhone devices.
However, it is not the only software in the category that gives excellent performance. Among the more popular Blue Iris alternatives are ZoneMinder, Shinobi, YawCam, and others. However, iSpy is the best Blue Iris alternative thanks to its affordability and feature-packed design.
Why Would You Need Blue Iris Alternatives?
One of the downsides to using Blue Iris is that its paid version can only accommodate 64 cameras. The free version only handles one camera.
Another problem is that it is relatively expensive when compared to others in the same category. It can be quite demanding on your computer system especially if you decide to connect as many as 64 cameras.
As mentioned above, there are a number of alternatives that can do an even better job than Blue Iris. Come along as we delve deeper into these.
Best Blue Iris Alternatives
1. iSpy
iSpy is one of the best video camera software suites you can use today. It offers a pretty straightforward installation process meaning you can have it up and running within a few minutes.
The software is compatible with hundreds of camera options so you can almost be certain that it will work seamlessly with your device. One of the most striking differences between iSpy and Blue Iris is that the former supports an unlimited number of cameras.
All you’ll have to do is ensure that the central PC system can accommodate as many cameras as you connect. The software uses your USB webcams, capture cards, IP cams, desktops, and microphones to detect and record movements or sounds.
It records media in the form of H264 mp4 files or AVI files and can easily integrate with Android or iOS devices for mobile usage. Another impressive thing about iSpy is that it is available to use completely free of charge.
That is if you are using it for domestic purposes. However, if you want to unlock its online features, you’ll have to subscribe to one of its paid plans which are quite affordable compared to most in the market today.
If you choose to activate the premium services, you’ll have remote access to all of your cameras and systems. You can then watch videos online, and delete or save files on the go.
This software can even detect a lack of movement which can be quite helpful when installed around the work area to monitor machinery. iSpy can be an ideal pick for different usages including home security, wildlife watching, and workplace monitoring.
2. ZoneMinder
ZoneMinder is touted as a full-featured, state-of-the-art video surveillance software system. In contrast to Blue Iris, ZoneMinder is a free, open-source software allowing just about anyone to access the source code and modify how it functions.
It is also among the best options to choose from because it is compatible with a variety of camera devices or models. The software can easily install from a package or source with the whole process taking up to a few seconds.
It incorporates APIs that facilitate integrations so that you can do so much more than just monitor video feeds. It comes with a zmNinja app compatible with mobile and desktop devices.
The software supports motion detection which means it can start recording or automatically turn to the area of action. It can also capture still images and offer in-depth analysis of situations.
The software sends out email alerts whenever there is something significant happening. You’ll be pleased to learn that ZoneMinder supports remote surveillance in case you need to monitor things while away.
This can be an ideal software to use when thinking of theft prevention, home security, household monitoring, and industrial or commercial security.
3. ContaCam
Another impressive software you can go for is ContaCam. Unlike Blue Iris, it is available to use free of charge.
It is also among the most lightweight options out there so it may just be the perfect pick for anyone with old or low-spec computer systems. Note that it is compatible with Windows 7 and above so anything below that may not work.
An incredible thing to know about this software is that it supports multiple languages so that you get to choose the one that you can easily understand. Some of the languages it supports include English, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Like most alternatives on this list, ContaCam incorporates motion detection so it can ensure your camera goes from a dormant state to active when it detects any movements. You can choose its daily video summary creation function so that you have a summarized file every day.
You can also monitor video feeds remotely when you activate the port forwarding feature or use a compatible cloud client. Another thing to note is that you can attach an unlimited number of parallel cameras as long as your central PC system can support them.
4. Shinobi
Shinobi is a network video recorder that performs extremely well. It differs from Blue Iris because it is a free and open-source alternative written in Node.js.
This particular software can handle an unlimited number of streams thanks to its modern design. It records videos in MP4 or WebM files so you can easily enjoy playback on modern devices.
The developers included a WebSocket so that you can get real-time data or events pushed to connected clients. The software supports multiple displays so that different people can observe the same thing.
It’s worth pointing out that you do not have to sign up to start using this software. What’s more, it works even when not connected to the internet.
While it is free software you can download and start using right away, there are certain cases when you may need assistance. For instance, if you want to use it in a large-scale manner, you may need to give your employees briefs and instructions or tutorials on how to go about the whole process.
Shinobi offers professional support but this may come at a fee because you’ll have dedicated experts working with your team to get things up and running.
This solution can work as a baby monitor, construction site montage checker, local store DVR, and wildlife watcher, among other things.
5. Yawcam
The word Yawcam is derived from the phrase Yet Another WebCam. It’s written in Java and is compatible with Windows systems.
The software is quite easy to install and boasts a simple interface so you can monitor events easily. Its motion detection feature ensures that nothing goes unrecorded while the image snapshot option grabs still images for you to look at later.
In case you want to keep tabs on happenings in real time, you can always activate the streaming option and connect to a compatible device.
The software supports webcam recording and multi-language options so you can easily switch from one language to another if that is what you like.
Unlike Blue Iris, it is available free of charge.
However, if you enjoy the features and functions available and want to support a good course, you can head over to the main site and donate toward cancer research.
6. AtHome Video Streamer
AtHome Video Streamer is another alternative to Blue Iris you should consider trying out. It is a cross-platform solution that works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
One of the major dissimilarities between this software and Blue Iris is that instead of connecting different cameras, it turns one of your smart devices into a surveillance camera.
For instance, it can use your desktop camera to carry out all the functions of a surveillance camera. You get to choose which device to use as the surveillance camera and then connect it to other devices for easy monitoring.
The software activates a variety of features and functions including a two-way talkback option allowing you to communicate with people on the other side. Its scheduled recording option makes it possible for the camera to automatically start recording at specified periods of time.
When installed on modern devices, users even get to enjoy night vision recording which can be an added advantage for those who want to increase security surveillance. AtHome Video Streamer supports a multi-screen display making it possible for you and your loved ones to monitor each other or the house.
7. tinyCam Monitor
The next alternative to Blue Iris you can turn to is tinyCam Monitor. It works with Android devices only.
However, it incorporates a wide variety of powerful features and functions to ensure users get the best possible experience. For starters, it has a two-way talkback function allowing users to communicate with other people remotely.
Its built-in web server facilitates video recording and live viewing of events. Another impressive thing about this app is that all recordings are stored in the cloud so you can access them anytime without fear of losing important details.
The app incorporates AI-powered motion detection so that it can capture any movements that occur. It also includes object and face detection.
It has a simple interface for easy navigation and control. With this app, you can even activate the picture-in-picture function to get a clear view of what is happening.
It is available in a free version with limited features and functions, and a paid version that unlocks all its potential.
8. Webcam Motion Detector
Webcam Motion Detector is another simple yet effective software you can use instead of Blue Iris. For starters, it has an intuitive interface with clearly marked sections, making navigation and control a breeze.
With this software, you can enjoy seamless video recording through different camera models. It incorporates a motion detector function so that you do not have to worry about missing any important movements.
It beats Blue Iris in the fact that it can handle more than 64 cameras as long as you have a PC that can accommodate such a huge number of endpoint cameras. Another thing to note is that this software makes it possible for you to connect your system to a remote monitor or device.
That means you can keep an eye on what is happening at the house or the workplace remotely. Another impressive point to note is that you can use this software to change or adjust individual camera settings rather than applying similar settings to all.
Webcam Motion Detector compresses all files so that you won’t have to worry about running out of storage space. In case the system senses something significant, it will immediately trigger an audible alarm or send you an alert.
It has a seven-day free trial but requires that you make a one-time payment for the full lifetime package.
9. Sighthound Video
Next up on this list is Sighthound Video. It is one of the easiest software to install thanks to its lightweight design and straightforward installation wizard.
In most instances, you can have it up and running in less than two minutes. One of the things that make it stand out is that it automatically detects all the cameras connected to a system.
It incorporates computer vision technology which analyzes various issues and determines if an event is worth raising an alert. That ensures you’ll not be bombarded with warnings only to find out that a majority of them are insignificant.
Before you start using it, consider installing its mobile app companion which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The app allows you to monitor happenings in real time even when you are a long way from home or the office.
Because it is compatible with most camera models, it can record videos in almost any resolution depending on the specs of the endpoint camera. It is worth pointing out that this software provides free cloud storage.
10. Web Camera Pro
Another option you should consider going for is Web Camera Pro. Unlike some software options that include external adverts, this particular option does not have any of that.
In fact, it doesn’t even require you to sign up for an account. All you have to do is install it on your system and start using it off the bat.
One thing that distinguishes it from Blue Iris is that it is a portable alternative. That means you can use it straight from a flash disk without having to run the installation process.
It has a multi-screen build that lets you have a look at different cameras at the same time. The drag-and-drop function lets you arrange each camera display according to priority.
It also makes it possible for you to record 24/7 time lapses using any of the cameras connected.
11. Eyeline Video Surveillance
This is another effective software you can use to enhance security in both residential and commercial areas. In contrast to Blue Iris, it can accommodate over 100 cameras at the same time.
The software installs fast and works with networked IP and USB cameras. Eyeline Video Surveillance ensures you can monitor live video feed on-site or remotely thanks to its online connectivity.
Its motion detection technology ensures that you save power and storage space because it only creates videos when something is happening. You can set it to send out an email or SMS alert when any motion is detected.
It boasts a simple interface allowing you to focus on the most important things only. The software includes a web control panel allowing you to access the system remotely and adjust settings or view live streams.
Eyeline Video Surveillance is compatible with Windows systems and supports cameras that have Windows drivers.
12. Ivideon
Ivideon is another excellent video camera software you can use for security and safety purposes. One of the things that make it stand out is its facial recognition feature.
That can be helpful in ensuring safety and collecting important data in places such as banks, stores, construction sites, or offices. Another impressive feature is its queue detection.
That allows the software to count the number of people on a line and provide the information to an administrator for management. The software provides access control through its facial recognition function which is an added advantage.
Immediately you install the software, it detects all the cameras connected to the system and then connects them to the cloud for the purposes of storage and control. In most cases, you do not have to change any hardware because it is compatible with most modern cameras.
The software comes with a mobile app that gives you full remote control. It also incorporates TLS encryption to ensure that data stays safe at all times.
Ivideon sends out notifications whenever there is an unusual movement or sound on site. You can also expect to get an alert when one of the cameras in the system goes off.
13. AiCam
If you are looking for something that can turn your iOS phone into a security camera, AiCam is just the software for you to go for. Once installed on your device, this software can easily boost the level of safety and security in your home or office.
Its AI smart event detection ensures that you receive alerts whenever something significant is happening. It also incorporates image recognition technology that detects different objects including humans and animals.
AI sound recognition can detect different sounds and distinguish them so that whenever you get an alert you know exactly what made the sound. For instance, it can detect a dog bark, human voice, siren, or baby cry.
Like most software on this list. AiCam records videos continuously or whenever you set it to do so. You can choose to store videos locally or connect to your private iCloud account.
This can be an ideal alternative to Blue Iris if you want to monitor an elderly person, a baby, or a pet.
14. WebcamXP
Another alternative to Blue Iris you should consider is WebcamXP. It is compatible with Windows systems and supports a wide range of network IP cameras.
Unlike Blue Iris which only handles 64 cameras, this particular software can accommodate a lot of cameras which is why it can be used in different areas including museums, hotels, shops, zoos, and aerospace centers, among others.
The software makes it possible for you to connect remotely on another computer or phone. You can then view live streams and adjust camera settings as you deem fit.
Another impressive feature of this software is that it can detect motion and that ensures you never miss anything of importance. Finally, it supports multiple languages making it accessible to people of different nationalities.
15. Vovsoft
Vovsoft is a simple software that allows you to monitor your webcams. Its minimalistic interface makes it easy for you to focus on the most important things instead of getting distracted.
With this software, you can either capture still images or record videos through your webcam. You can set it to take pictures at certain intervals and save the files locally or in the cloud.
It also lets you set the most appropriate resolution depending on your device. Vovsoft is different from Blue Iris because it is available to use free of charge.
This is one of the best options to pick if you want simple software to install on your device and add some level of security to your home or office.
Wrap Up
Ensuring safety and security in your home or commercial premise is paramount and that is why you should consider installing the most powerful and versatile video camera software. While Blue Iris can do the job, it pales when compared to the others on the list above.
If you want software that gives you full control of all cameras and is packed with features for all-around security, go for iSpy.
However, if you want something simple but can still improve security go for options like Vovsoft or AiCam.
