How LookoutNVR Compares

See why users are switching from legacy NVR software and cloud-dependent cameras.

Feature	LookoutNVR	Blue Iris	Frigate	Ring / Nest / Arlo
AI Object Detection	Built-in	$30 add-on	Built-in	Built-in
Camera Limit	Unlimited	Unlimited ($70)	Unlimited	Per-camera fee
Self-Hosted	✓	⚠ Windows only	✓	✕
Cross-Platform	✓	✕	✓	✕
Desktop App	✓	✓	✕	✕
Mobile App	Roadmap	✕	✓	✓
Cloud Remote Access	Pro ($4.99/mo)	✕	✕	✓
Cloud Clip Storage	30 days (Pro – $4.99/mo)	✕	✕	Subscription req.
Push Notifications	✓	$30 add-on	MQTT only	✓
Open Source	✓	✕	✓	✕
Hardware Acceleration	✓	✓	✓	N/A
Works Offline	✓	✓	✓	✕
Recording Playback	Fast seek	Slow	Basic	Cloud-only
Privacy	Your server	Your server	Your server	Their cloud
Setup Difficulty	Easy	Moderate	Advanced	Easy
Price	Free–$24.99/mo	$70 one-time	Free	$3.99–$12/mo/cam

Competitor pricing as of Feb 2026. Prices subject to change.

LookoutNVR vs Blue Iris

✓ Fast playback — Blue Iris recording playback is notoriously slow. LookoutNVR uses byte-range streaming with HLS segments for instant seeking.
✓ Built-in AI — Blue Iris requires a $30 DeepStack/CodeProject.AI add-on. LookoutNVR includes YOLOv8 detection out of the box.
✓ Cloud remote access — Blue Iris requires VPN or port forwarding for remote viewing. LookoutNVR Pro includes a cloud relay — no network config needed.
✓ Free core — Blue Iris costs $70. LookoutNVR is free with unlimited cameras for local use.

• Maturity — Blue Iris has been around for 15+ years with a large user community.
• One-time payment — $70 once vs $4.99–$24.99/mo for cloud features (though LookoutNVR free tier is more capable).

Already using Blue Iris? Migration takes under 5 minutes — just point your RTSP cameras at LookoutNVR.

Switch Now

✓ Desktop app — Frigate is browser-only. LookoutNVR has a native Windows/Mac app with system tray and toast notifications.
✓ Cloud remote access — Frigate has no built-in remote access. LookoutNVR Pro includes a cloud relay.
✓ Push notifications — Frigate only supports MQTT which requires a Home Assistant setup. LookoutNVR has push notifications built in.
✓ Windows native — Frigate requires Docker/Linux. LookoutNVR runs natively on Windows.

• Home Assistant integration — Deep MQTT/HA integration for home automation workflows.
• Coral TPU support — Dedicated AI accelerator support for faster inference.
• 100% free — No paid tier at all (but no cloud features either).

Get a native app and cloud access without losing your camera setup. Same RTSP streams, better experience.

Try Free

✓ No per-camera fees — Ring charges $3.99/mo per camera. Nest charges $6–12/mo per camera. LookoutNVR is free for unlimited cameras.
✓ Privacy — Your footage stays on your server. Ring, Nest, and Arlo upload everything to their cloud. Multiple data breaches have exposed customer footage.
✓ No vendor lock-in — Use any IP camera from any brand. Ring/Nest/Arlo only work with their own cameras.
✓ Works without internet — Your NVR keeps recording even if your internet goes down. Cloud cameras are paperweights without a connection.

• Zero setup — Plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, done. No server hardware needed. LookoutNVR runs on any Windows or Mac PC you already own — no dedicated server required.
• Mobile-first — Polished mobile apps (though LookoutNVR's desktop app fills this gap on PC/Mac).
• Battery cameras — Wire-free options for renters or hard-to-reach locations.

Tired of per-camera subscription fees? Switch to LookoutNVR and own your footage.

“Switched from Blue Iris after 8 years. The playback speed alone was worth it — no more waiting 30 seconds to scrub through footage.”

Former Blue Iris user

“Was paying Ring $40/mo for 10 cameras. LookoutNVR does the same thing for free locally, and Pro cloud is $5/mo total. No brainer.”

Former Ring subscriber

“Love Frigate’s detection but needed a desktop app and cloud access. LookoutNVR gave me both without giving up any AI quality.”

Former Frigate user

Free forever with unlimited cameras. Set up in minutes.