The 8 Best NVR IP/PoE Security Camera Recorders (2024) - SecurityCamHQ (2024)

You need a video recorder for a fully-fledged surveillance system. Currently, NVRs are the best option. This is because they leverage IP cameras and allow access to additional features.

NVRs are very simple to set up and maintain and can be significantly cheaper if purchased as part of a kit. Also, with PoE, wiring is less complicated.

My top pick for an IP-based NVR is the Amcrest 4K 8-Channel NVR. It can record 4K footage, and you can extend storage for a maximum of 20TB.

My second pick is the Dahua 4K 8-Channel NVR. This one supports 4K recording and is one of the few options with ONVIF 2.4. This helps you connect third-party cameras to the NVR.

Please note that this list has a mix of ONVIF-compatible NVRs and closed NVRs. Here, closed NVRs only support cameras from the same brand or manufacturer.

The 8 Best NVR IP/PoE Security Camera Recorders (2024)

Our top pick is the Amcrest 5 Series 4K POE NVR. (NV5208E) It is a reasonably-priced eight-channel NVR with all channels supporting PoE. The NVR supports 8MP cameras with 4K resolution and includes a fully-fledged control scheme on the NVR’s front panel.

The NVR does not include any storage drives; hence, you need to purchase them separately. However, you can install two hard drives to this NVR. (For maximum storage capacity, we recommend installing two 10TB HDDs.) Also, this Amcrest NVR supports FTP.

This NVR is also very versatile in terms of interoperability support. It is compatible with ONVIF, RTSP, CGI, and P2P protocols.

The Dahua N52B2P 8-channel NVR is my second pick. It’s a decent option for homeowners and small businesses.

The NVR supports Dahua’s “ePoE” transmission medium. This means it can run Cat5 cables for a maximum distance of 2625ft. Channels.

The NVR has HDMI and VGA output ports. You can connect to both these simultaneously and run video to two display monitors. However, the display will duplicate; you can’t control them separately.

The NVR includes intelligent features as well. This includes tripwire, face detection, and intrusion detection. It also supports specialized functions such as de-warping and license plate recognition.

Reolink’s RLN8-410 is another versatile option. This NVR supports PoE and includes a 2TB Seagate hard drive pre-installed.

You can access active deterrence features depending on the cameras you set it up with. These include color night vision, two-way communication, and spotlight controls, to name a few.

Besides that, the cameras can also bring intelligent functions to the table. These include face detection, tripwires, and customizable motion zones.

Reolink’s video management software is relatively straightforward and easy to use. The software supports viewing four security cameras at once.

You can also use the NVR to bridge your security cameras to the Reolink app. With the mobile app, you can receive motion alerts straight to your smartphone.

The Reolink RLN8-410 is a very reasonably-priced NVR. It can handle eight channels, each with a maximum of 12MP resolution, and includes a 2TB hard drive built into the system.

The NVR also includes PoE ports for directly powering the cameras. On top of that, it will also support wireless data transmission as long as it doesn’t exceed the eight-channel limit. (Either wired or wirelessly.)

For additional storage, you can connect another 6TB HDD using the eSATA interface for a total of 8TB. Also, the device supports RTSP and P2P.

Unfortunately, the cameras that can be configured to work with this NVR need to be Reolink security devices.

The Montavue MNR12082-8 is an 8-channel 4K-ready NVR. It comes with a pre-existing 2TB hard drive and includes PoE support for all eight channels. You can purchase this NVR without the included 2TB hard drive. Also, it supports two 10TB hard drives. (Adding up the total storage capacity of this device to 20TB.)

This NVR brings the Montavue mobile, desktop, and browser apps into the fold along with a plethora of intelligent features such as face detection, tripwire detection, missing object detection, and many more.

Also, it allows for performing 16x digital zoom on any compatible cameras.

The ANNKE 8CH 4K NVR is a great budget-friendly option for setting up eight ONVIF-compatible PoE cameras.

There is no pre-installed hard drive, and instead, you will have to purchase a separate hard drive for this system. One thing to take note of is that this NVR can only support one hard drive with a maximum storage of 6TB.

However, setting up cameras via this NVR offers you the ability to use Amazon Alexa to show your camera feeds along with support for the ANNKE Vision App.

The Swann SRNVR-88580H is a very compact and easy-to-use 4K-ready 8-channel NVR. Despite its relatively higher price tag, it offers PoE support for all eight channels along with a pre-installed 2TB hard drive.

The controls on the NVR are minimal, and you will have to connect a monitor and mouse to manage the cameras and NVR settings. Also, you can swap out the pre-installed hard drive and replace it with a 6TB HDD. (Which is also the maximum storage capacity of the NVR.)

Fortunately, one of the advantages of using this NVR is access to the Swann Security Mobile App, Swann HomeSafe View Desktop App, and smart integration with Google Assistant and Chromecast.

Our final item on this list is the AvertX A800+ ProConnect, a significantly expensive 8-channel NVR with support for a total of 24 channels with the help of an external PoE switch.

The basic package includes a 4TB hard drive, but you can also purchase the 10TB option and purchase an additional 10TB HDD. (Summing up the maximum storage capacity to 20TB.)

The NVR supports 4K cameras and is one of the few NVRs on this list that contains an alarm interface. Unfortunately, the control scheme on the NVR itself is very minimal, and for performing basic tasks, you will need to connect a monitor and mouse.

Also, the NVR supports Apple TV integration and any PoE camera with ONVIF Profile S compatibility.

Decision Factors when Choosing an NVR Security Camera Recorder

Channels

One of the most important specs to consider when picking out an NVR is the number of channels/cameras it can handle simultaneously. (Both wired and wireless.) Most NVRs on this list have an 8-channel minimum which is more than enough for most consumers. However, if you need more channels or hope to expand in the future, it’s best to go higher. (16 or 32.) Also, don’t count the number of channels just by the number of PoE ports on the back, as some NVRs can support more channels via a PoE switch.

Resolution

Almost all of the NVRs on this list support 4K resolution cameras. However, if you are going for a small-scale device (such as a 4-channel NVR) we recommend noting down supported maximum resolution. Also, when using some low-end NVRs, they might not be able to show multiple feeds of high-definition footage on the monitor, (at the same time) so take note of that as well.

Storage Options

Most NVRs include a 2TB hard drive right out of the box. Depending on the brand, you might get a chance to customize the amount of storage space on the NVR. Also, NVRs have a set amount of maximum storage they can support, so take note of this as well. (The extra capacity will be underutilized)

Interoperability

Most NVRs readily support third-party interoperability protocols such as ONVIF, RTSP and P2P. However, there are some recorders which are compatible with these protocols but can only work with the security cameras of their brand. So if you are setting up a new system from scratch, we highly recommend sticking to a single brand or picking out an NVR that freely supports third-party devices. (For more information about the differences between some of the top video surveillance brands, check out our brand comparison section.)

Audio-Based Interfaces

Most NVRs include a speaker and microphone input (via RCA) to perform two-way communication (Compatible only with cameras that support two-way communication.) However, the most important audio-based feature that you need to look for is the alarm interface, as most low-mid range devices do not include this Alarm I/O.

Controls

Very few NVRs include in-built controls on the NVR itself. These aren’t easy-to-use as the mouse, but they can help perform basic tasks such as switching between cameras and playing recorded footage when you cannot find a mouse device or only rarely use the NVR. (The Amcrest 5Series 4K POE NVR is a great example.)

Conclusion

A network video recorder (NVR) is essential For multi-channel IP security camera systems. With these, you must take note of the maximum resolution and storage space. Also, the number of cameras/channels and channel technology are equally important.

My main recommendation for an NVR is the Amcrest 4K 8-Channel NVR. It’s a premium option that supports 4K resolution and 20TB of maximum storage.

My runner-up pick is the Dahua 4K 8-Channel NVR. This device can support ONVIF-compatible cameras. Also, it can manage two hard drives with 10TB each.