iSpy vs Blue Iris - Which Is Better?

What better way to keep an eye on your home than by installing surveillance cameras?

iSpy and Blue Iris are both video software solutions that allow you to connect your cameras and microphone to your computer. This way, you can monitor all cameras at once and receive alerts whenever something moves suspiciously in front of them.

As much as these software share a lot of similarities, they differ in some features, pricing, and even ease of use. In this article, I’m going to break down these differences, and also highlight areas where they are similar.

In the end, you’ll have enough insights to choose the best video software for your security camera.

Without much ado, let’s dive right in!

iSpy Vs Blue Iris – Introduction

What is iSpy?

Released in 2007, iSpy is an open-source camera surveillance software. It allows you to connect different types of cameras like webcams, IP cameras, ONVIF devices, and even local USB cameras and microphones to your computer.

The software has an enormous capacity, so there is no limit to the number of devices you can add to it. On days when you’re not close to your computer, you can still check to see what’s happening at your home or office with your smartphone.

Thankfully, with the introduction of Agent DVR in January 2022, you can download the mobile app and connect your iSpy account to it for better remote access. However, you must have a strong internet connection anywhere you are.

It also helps that the software’s sensor is sensitive enough to detect movements around your premises and send you an alert immediately through email, SMS, push notifications, or desktop alerts. There are lots of notification options available.

If you’re not close to your computer or too busy to spy with your smartphone, you’ll eventually get a recording of everything that has been happening in your absence. This feature comes in handy if you need evidence of something later on.

Overall, using iSpy heightens your home security as well as prevents theft and break-ins. Users can easily navigate it even though it’s their first time. That’s how lightweight and user-friendly the software is.

You can download the mobile version of Agent DVR from the Google Play Store and Apple Store. It also works on both Windows, OSX, Mac, and Linux.

Also Read: Best Google Nest Alternatives

What is Blue Iris?

The great thing about Blue Iris is that you can use up to 64 cameras and also capture recordings in different formats including standard MP$, AVI, advanced DVR, or Windows media file formats.

Interestingly, you don’t always have to be on your desktop to get this done – your smartphone can take care of this as long as there’s an internet connection.

Aside from viewing both live and recorded videos, you can also manage multiple camera installations and listen and talk to people at your home. This way, you can easily keep tabs on what’s happening.

Blue Iris’s video security feature is quite extensive. You can either use motion or audio sensing to trigger recording.

Alternatively, you can choose to record continuously or periodically. That is to say, you decide when and how your footage should be captured.

If you need specific details in the video like the current date and time of the event, you can get that done too. In situations where an unusual motion has been detected at your premises, you’re alerted either via loudspeaker, instant message, email, or even voice phone call.

Blue Iris is a Windows Software and requires at least 2GB RAM and a Pentium dual-core or equivalent 2GHz processor to function properly. You can also download the mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

iSpy Vs Blue Iris – Features

Features of iSpy

Multiple Camera Support

iSpy is known for supporting multiple cameras and you can connect as many as you want including audio devices too. This allows for more flexibility when purchasing a security camera.

Records and Saves Footage

To have proper evidence in case of important incidents, iSpy captures and saves footage in different formats like MP4, VP 8/9, and RAW. When you have different video formats, you can easily access them with supporting devices or software.

Detects Motion

This is another known feature of iSpy. It comes with a wide range of motion detectors, from basic motion detection to object tracking and recognition.

Whenever an unusual activity or movement is detected, you’ll be notified via email, push notification, or desktop alert.

There are also AI integrations aimed at minimizing false alarms. This means that you’ll only be alerted when there is genuine activity or intrusion.

Full Integrations With Other Smart Devices and Platforms

iSpy comes fully integrated with software like PlateRecognizer.com to help you capture and analyze license plate information from camera footage. This feature comes in handy whenever you see unauthorized vehicles on your premises.

Object Recognition and Analysis

Since iSpy allows for integration with platforms like DeepStack AI and CodeProject.AI, it can easily detect and analyze objects. For example, it can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles. You’ll have more detailed information to work with.

Remote Access

No matter the router configuration needed, you can easily access your surveillance system and respond to alerts with your smartphone. All you need is a strong internet connection.

This flexibility allows you to monitor your loved ones and property from anywhere.

Privacy Masking

Another fascinating thing to note about iSpy is that it allows users to block out specific areas of the camera’s field of view. This means that you can conceal some sensitive or private areas from being recorded or viewed.

Scheduled Recording

With iSpy, you can schedule to capture footage during certain hours of the day. This is super helpful if you’re interested in capturing specific events.

Pan-Tilt-Zoom Control

Since this software allows multiple camera connections, it has all it takes to support its features. So, for cameras that support PTZ functionality, you can remotely control the pan, tilt, and zoom movements. This adds more dynamics to your footage.

User-friendly Interface

iSpy is highly intuitive and user-friendly. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-timer, you’ll easily find your way around the software. There are also helpful guides that will assist you in configuring your cameras and settings effectively.

Features of Blue Iris

Supports Multiple Cameras and File Formats

Blue Iris allows you to connect a wide range of cameras but you’re only limited to 64. There’s also enough flexibility to capture and save your footage in different file formats like MP4, AVI, advanced DVR, and Windows Media.

Advanced Motion Detection

This software is also known for detecting unusual motions on the premises and triggers either alerts or recordings.

Alerts and Notifications

Whenever a specific event happens, Blue Iris notifies you immediately. It can either be through email, SMS, or even phone calls. This feature ensures that you stay informed at all times regarding any potential security breaches in your home or office.

Remote Access

You don’t always need to be around your computer to monitor your surveillance cameras. If you’re away from your home or office, you can use your smartphone to view live feeds and recorded footage from your camera.

Recording and Playback

Blue Iris makes sure to save all recorded footage for future viewing. They are either stored locally on your computer or any network-attached storage (NAS) device. You can easily search, review, and play back the recorded video at your convenience or whenever evidence of a security breach is detected.

Mobile Apps

For better mobile access, Blue Iris has two dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices. This makes it easier for you to monitor your cameras, receive alerts, and control camera functions from your smartphone from anywhere.

User-friendly Interface

The fifth version of Blue Iris was recently released and one of the features that stands out is its intuitive dashboard. Now, you can easily set up your camera, configure other settings, and monitor your footage.

Flexible Recording Options

Blue Iris is also popular for its different recording modes. You can either continuously record or schedule the recording for a later time and date.

Alternatively, you can customize the recording to kick off after a specific motion is detected. You can also alter your camera settings, resolution, frame rate, and compression to suit your needs.

iSpy Vs Blue Iris – Ease of Use

iSpy

iSpy appears much more straightforward and easy to use. The interface is simple to navigate and users can quickly access the important features and settings. You won’t be overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity.

It also helps that it’s an open-source software. So, the source code is openly accessible to anyone.

Additionally, iSpy comes with helpful user guides to help you get through the process of adding cameras, configuring settings, and getting the system up and running. At least you can get started with minimal hassle.

Although iSpy has some advanced features, it also comes with simplified settings for beginners. It even helps that the free version allows you to add as many cameras as you like. You can also choose the level of customization that you need.

Overall, iSpy is best suited for beginners or users looking for effortless video surveillance software.

Blue Iris

Blue Iris, on the other hand, offers more features and advanced functionalities. This makes the interface appear more complex and sophisticated compared to iSpy.

For example, I noticed that, unlike iSpy, Blue Iris comes with a built-in web server (UI3) that enables you to access the software from anywhere as long as you have a web-enabled device.

While this richness in features is beneficial for experienced users, it presents a steeper learning curve for beginners.

If this is your first time trying video surveillance software, you’ll need to invest more time and effort in figuring out how to use Blue Iris effectively.

However, the good thing is that no matter how extensive the customization options are or how advanced the interface is, there are tutorials and helpful resources to help you get by.

iSpy Vs Blue Iris – Functionality

iSpy

iSpy allows you to connect unlimited cameras of any kind, even with the free version. Aside from that, the software is open source and works on Windows, Linux, Mac, and OSX devices. I noticed that there are no specific system requirements which makes it more accessible for users.

iSpy can also be integrated with other systems and platforms like home automation systems and AI algorithms to create customized workflows and automate tasks.

For example, it can integrate with software like PlateRecognizer.com which comes in handy on days when you need help analyzing the license plate information of a car captured in your video footage.

Platforms like DeepStack AI and CodeProject AI also help in detecting and analyzing objects.

Blue Iris

Blue Iris, on the other hand, only supports 64 cameras which is a bit limiting. Aside from that, the software only works on desktops with Windows OS.

I noticed that the system requirement is a bit strict. The minimum requirement of the computer is 2GB RAM and Pentium dual-core or equivalent 2GHz with a Windows 7 OS.

For better performance, the software recommends an Intel Core i7 processor with QuickSync for hardware decoding, 8GB or more RAM, Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit OS, an NVIDIA graphics adaptor for efficient screen display, 7200+ RPM drives, and an SSD drive for storage.

However, the good part is that the software has dedicated mobile apps for easy access.

iSpy Vs Blue Iris – Pricing

iSpy

iSpy is correct to have pointed out that it has “Flexible plans to suit your budget.” You can use it for free as long as it’s for private use within a local network.

This free plan even allows you to add as many cameras as you like without any restrictions. It’s the best option for users who just need basic surveillance.

If you need more features like access to remote services and cloud storage, you can opt for the Basic Plan which goes for $7.95 per month. The Pro Plan allows you to connect three servers and you can grant permission to other users. You only need $14.95 per month to get started.

With the Pro Plus Plan which costs $29.95 per month, you can connect up to five servers, and play back recorded footage in high definition. If you want to connect more servers, you can opt for the Ultimate Plan at $49.95 per month.

I also noticed that iSpy offers non-subscription options, especially for users who prefer a one-time purchase rather than a recurring subscription. The perpetual license only goes for $49.95.

Overall, iSpy has different payment models to accommodate all kinds of users.

Blue Iris

Blue Iris comes with two purchase options – the Full version, which costs $79.95, and the LE version which goes for $39.95. These are one-time payments that only serve you for a year.

There is also a 15-day demo period that allows you to try out the software before making a purchase decision.

While it appears that Blue Iris offers a one-time payment plan, you need to either opt for the Extended Yearly Plan of $34.95 or the Priority Plan of $99.95 per year to enjoy prioritized support when you need help.

The support can either be through emails, phone, or desktop. If you don’t subscribe to any of the plans, you’re only entitled to basic email support. All software upgrades will always reflect on your end.

At face level, this arrangement might seem more affordable, but it isn’t. Even with the one-time payment, you need to keep up with the yearly subscription to have more access to the support team in case you encounter any problem with the software.

iSpy Vs Blue Iris – Pros and Cons

iSpy

Pros

iSpy allows you to connect multiple cameras.
It is an open-source software.
It detects motions and sends notifications.
Users can easily customize the settings and configurations to meet their specific needs.
The software records and saves video and audio recordings.
It allows for monitoring from anywhere with an internet connection.
iSpy is user-friendly, especially for beginners.
The software is very affordable and has subscription plans that fit every budget.
Videos are recorded in different formats including MP4, VP8/9, GPU, and RAW.
It integrates with other smart devices like Home Assistant, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, DeepStack AI, CodeProject AI, OpenAI, and PlateRecognizer.com.

Cons

If you’re working with many cameras, you’ll need a stronger computer.
As an open-source software, the security is highly questionable.
Advanced settings may require time and effort to learn effectively.

Blue Iris

Pros

Blue Iris works with a wide range of cameras.
The software notifies users via email, SMS, or push notification.
There are dedicated apps that help you access and manage the cameras from smartphones or tablets.
Users can customize recording modes, resolution, and frame rates for each camera.
Blue Iris also supports cloud storage and external storage.
The fifth version of the software has a more intuitive interface.
The software has different recording modes and also saves footage in various formats.

Cons

Blue Iris only allows for 64 cameras.
It’s much more expensive.
Beginners will have a hard time navigating the software at first.
It only works for Windows.

iSpy Vs Blue Iris – Similarities and Differences

Similarities

iSpy and Blue Iris can connect with different cameras including IP cameras, webcams, and analog cameras.
Both of them can detect motion from the camera and trigger recordings or send alerts.
Both of them allow users to monitor their cameras from anywhere with an internet connection.
Both of them are also compatible with Windows OS.
They come with different recording options like continuous recording and motion-triggered recording.
Footage from the camera can be recorded and saved for future viewing.

Differences

Unlike Blue Iris, iSpy is cheaper. You can either use it for free to opt for the Basic plan which costs just $7.95 per month.
iSpy works on devices with different operating systems. It works on Windows, Linux, OSX, and Mac. Blue Iris only works on Windows.
iSpy has a simpler user interface than Blue Iris.
Unlike iSpy, Blue Iris has dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS devices.
Unlike Blue Iris, iSpy allows for full integration with smart devices and platforms like Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa.