Quick Overview
- 1#1: Blue Iris - Professional video surveillance software for Windows with advanced zone-based motion detection and AI-powered object recognition.
- 2#2: iSpy - Open-source video surveillance platform offering robust motion detection, remote access, and support for thousands of camera models.
- 3#3: ZoneMinder - Full-featured open-source video surveillance system with intelligent motion detection, recording, and event filtering.
- 4#4: Shinobi - Modern open-source CCTV software providing real-time motion detection, unlimited cameras, and customizable alerts.
- 5#5: Xeoma - Modular multi-platform video surveillance software with powerful customizable motion detection and automation modules.
- 6#6: Luxriot - Scalable video management system featuring high-performance motion detection, analytics, and forensic search capabilities.
- 7#7: Kerberos.io - Lightweight open-source motion detection solution optimized for servers and embedded devices with machine learning integration.
- 8#8: ContaCam - Free Windows software for motion detection from webcams and IP cameras with automatic recording and email notifications.
- 9#9: Yawcam - Simple free webcam application with built-in motion detection, image capture, and live streaming features.
- 10#10: Milestone XProtect - Enterprise video management platform with advanced motion detection, scalability, and integration for large-scale surveillance.
We ranked these tools based on advanced features like AI and scalability, along with user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring each entry delivers exceptional performance for its intended use case.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading motion detection software tools, including Blue Iris, iSpy, ZoneMinder, Shinobi, Xeoma, and others, to guide users in selecting the ideal solution. Readers will uncover key features, customization capabilities, and practical use cases, empowering them to make informed choices for their surveillance setups.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue Iris Professional video surveillance software for Windows with advanced zone-based motion detection and AI-powered object recognition. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | iSpy Open-source video surveillance platform offering robust motion detection, remote access, and support for thousands of camera models. | other | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | ZoneMinder Full-featured open-source video surveillance system with intelligent motion detection, recording, and event filtering. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.7/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 4 | Shinobi Modern open-source CCTV software providing real-time motion detection, unlimited cameras, and customizable alerts. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 5 | Xeoma Modular multi-platform video surveillance software with powerful customizable motion detection and automation modules. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Luxriot Scalable video management system featuring high-performance motion detection, analytics, and forensic search capabilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Kerberos.io Lightweight open-source motion detection solution optimized for servers and embedded devices with machine learning integration. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | ContaCam Free Windows software for motion detection from webcams and IP cameras with automatic recording and email notifications. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | Yawcam Simple free webcam application with built-in motion detection, image capture, and live streaming features. | other | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Milestone XProtect Enterprise video management platform with advanced motion detection, scalability, and integration for large-scale surveillance. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Professional video surveillance software for Windows with advanced zone-based motion detection and AI-powered object recognition.
Open-source video surveillance platform offering robust motion detection, remote access, and support for thousands of camera models.
Full-featured open-source video surveillance system with intelligent motion detection, recording, and event filtering.
Modern open-source CCTV software providing real-time motion detection, unlimited cameras, and customizable alerts.
Modular multi-platform video surveillance software with powerful customizable motion detection and automation modules.
Scalable video management system featuring high-performance motion detection, analytics, and forensic search capabilities.
Lightweight open-source motion detection solution optimized for servers and embedded devices with machine learning integration.
Free Windows software for motion detection from webcams and IP cameras with automatic recording and email notifications.
Simple free webcam application with built-in motion detection, image capture, and live streaming features.
Enterprise video management platform with advanced motion detection, scalability, and integration for large-scale surveillance.
Blue Iris
specializedProfessional video surveillance software for Windows with advanced zone-based motion detection and AI-powered object recognition.
Advanced AI-integrated motion detection with object masking and recognition for precise, low-false-positive alerts
Blue Iris is a robust Windows-based video surveillance software that excels in motion detection for IP cameras, enabling users to monitor multiple feeds with high accuracy. It offers customizable detection zones, subpixel motion analysis, and integration with AI tools like DeepStack for object recognition to reduce false alerts. The software supports continuous or event-based recording, timeline scrubbing, and versatile alerting options including email, SMS, and push notifications.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate motion detection with zone-based triggers and AI object recognition for minimal false positives
- Supports unlimited cameras (with Pro license) and a wide range of protocols like ONVIF and RTSP
- Powerful automation, alerting, and search features including audio detection and timeline analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive customization options
- Windows-only, with no native mobile app (relies on third-party viewers)
- Can be resource-intensive on lower-end hardware with many high-res cameras
Best For
Advanced users and professionals seeking a highly customizable, feature-rich motion detection solution for multi-camera home or business surveillance.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $34.95 for Basic (1 PC, limited cameras), $69.95 for Pro (unlimited cameras, full features); 15-day free trial.
iSpy
otherOpen-source video surveillance platform offering robust motion detection, remote access, and support for thousands of camera models.
AI-powered object detection and tracking for precise alerts without false positives
iSpy (from ispyconnect.com) is a powerful open-source video surveillance platform that excels in motion detection for IP cameras, webcams, and ONVIF devices, turning any PC into a full-featured security system. It supports customizable motion zones, triggers for recording and alerts, and advanced AI-based object recognition to minimize false positives. Users can access live feeds and recordings remotely via web, mobile apps, or integrations with systems like Home Assistant.
Pros
- Highly accurate motion detection with zones and AI object recognition
- Unlimited cameras supported in the free version
- Cross-platform Agent DVR for flexible deployment
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced setup
- Dated user interface
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
Best For
Advanced users or hobbyists seeking a free, customizable motion detection solution for multi-camera home or small business surveillance.
Pricing
Free open-source version; premium cloud storage and advanced features from $4.99/month.
ZoneMinder
specializedFull-featured open-source video surveillance system with intelligent motion detection, recording, and event filtering.
Advanced zone-based motion detection with per-zone sensitivity, filters, and blob analysis for highly accurate triggering.
ZoneMinder is a free, open-source video surveillance software designed for Linux systems, specializing in motion detection from IP and USB cameras. It allows users to define customizable zones on camera feeds for precise motion triggering, event recording, and alerting. With support for thousands of cameras, it offers scalable monitoring, filtering, and analysis tools for professional-grade surveillance setups.
Pros
- Highly customizable zone-based motion detection reduces false positives
- Scalable for hundreds of cameras with robust event filtering and storage management
- Completely free and open-source with strong community support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring Linux expertise
- Outdated web interface feels clunky compared to modern alternatives
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware without optimization
Best For
Tech-savvy users and system administrators seeking a powerful, no-cost motion detection solution for multi-camera Linux deployments.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no licensing costs).
Shinobi
specializedModern open-source CCTV software providing real-time motion detection, unlimited cameras, and customizable alerts.
Pixel-precise motion zones with support for machine learning-based object detection via plugins
Shinobi is a free, open-source video surveillance platform designed for IP cameras and NVR setups, with robust motion detection at its core. It enables users to configure precise motion zones, masks, and triggers for recording, alerts, and automation via email, webhook, or API. Supporting RTSP, ONVIF, and numerous hardware encoders, it processes high-resolution streams efficiently on modest hardware.
Pros
- Highly customizable motion zones and masks for accurate detection
- Excellent multi-camera support with low resource usage
- Open-source with active community and frequent updates
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring server knowledge
- Web interface feels dated and occasionally buggy
- Limited native mobile app; relies on web access
Best For
Tech-savvy users and homelab operators seeking a powerful, self-hosted motion detection system for multiple cameras without subscription costs.
Pricing
Core software is free and open-source; Pro edition starts at $5/month per server for advanced features like AI plugins.
Xeoma
specializedModular multi-platform video surveillance software with powerful customizable motion detection and automation modules.
Modular 'constructor' interface for building infinite custom motion detection pipelines with drag-and-drop modules
Xeoma is a modular video surveillance software specializing in advanced motion detection, allowing users to build custom detection pipelines via drag-and-drop modules for precise monitoring and alerts. It supports thousands of cameras simultaneously, ONVIF compatibility, and AI-enhanced detectors to minimize false positives. Available cross-platform on Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and embedded devices like Raspberry Pi, it caters to scalable security needs from home to enterprise.
Pros
- Highly customizable modular system for tailored motion detection workflows
- Scales to 2000+ cameras on a single PC with low resource usage
- AI-powered detectors and filters for accurate motion recognition
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex module-based interface
- Outdated UI that feels clunky for beginners
- Many advanced features locked behind per-module purchases
Best For
Advanced users or businesses requiring highly scalable and customizable motion detection across large camera networks.
Pricing
Free edition for basic motion detection; paid modules start at €9.95 one-time per module per camera, with bundles for multi-camera setups.
Luxriot
enterpriseScalable video management system featuring high-performance motion detection, analytics, and forensic search capabilities.
AI-based video analytics for intelligent motion detection, including people/vehicle classification and behavior analysis
Luxriot Evo is a professional-grade Video Management System (VMS) designed for IP camera surveillance, featuring robust motion detection with AI-enhanced analytics to minimize false alarms. It supports real-time monitoring, event-based recording, and advanced features like object classification, license plate recognition, and facial detection. Ideal for scalable deployments, it handles thousands of cameras across Windows and Linux platforms.
Pros
- Highly accurate AI-powered motion detection with object classification to reduce false positives
- Broad compatibility with over 10,000 camera models and ONVIF support
- Scalable for enterprise-level deployments with failover and multi-server clustering
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Higher upfront costs unsuitable for small-scale users
- Limited native mobile app functionality compared to cloud competitors
Best For
Security teams in medium to large businesses needing scalable, AI-enhanced motion detection for professional surveillance systems.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses starting at $99 per IP channel for Basic edition, up to $299 for Enterprise with AI analytics; volume discounts available.
Kerberos.io
specializedLightweight open-source motion detection solution optimized for servers and embedded devices with machine learning integration.
Edge-deployed machine learning for real-time object detection without relying on cloud services
Kerberos.io is an open-source video surveillance platform specializing in motion detection, designed to run on edge devices like Raspberry Pi for efficient local processing. It captures footage from IP cameras or USB sources, detects motion using customizable zones, and triggers alerts via email, Telegram, or webhooks. The software includes a web dashboard for live viewing, event browsing, and optional machine learning for object classification, making it suitable for self-hosted security setups.
Pros
- Lightweight and optimized for low-power hardware like Raspberry Pi
- Customizable motion zones and machine learning object detection
- Flexible notifications and open API for integrations
Cons
- Initial setup requires technical knowledge, especially Docker configuration
- Web interface feels dated and less polished than commercial options
- Community support can be inconsistent for complex issues
Best For
Tech-savvy users and hobbyists building affordable, self-hosted surveillance systems on edge devices.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise plans start at €10/month per agent for advanced features and priority support.
ContaCam
otherFree Windows software for motion detection from webcams and IP cameras with automatic recording and email notifications.
Watchdog mode for rock-solid, unattended operation with auto-restart and minimal system impact
ContaCam is a lightweight Windows-based video surveillance software specializing in motion detection from IP cameras, webcams, or video files. It provides customizable motion zones, sensitivity adjustments, and triggers actions like video recording, snapshots, sound alarms, or email notifications. The software excels in unattended 'Watchdog' mode for reliable 24/7 monitoring with minimal resource usage.
Pros
- Free for personal/non-commercial use with solid core motion detection
- Extremely low CPU and memory usage for efficient performance
- Simple wizard-based setup and customizable detection zones
Cons
- Dated, basic user interface lacking modern polish
- Windows-only with no native mobile or cloud integration
- Limited advanced features like AI analytics or remote access in free version
Best For
Budget-conscious home users or small setups needing reliable local motion detection without high resource demands.
Pricing
Free for personal use; Pro version (ContaCam Watchdog) for commercial/multi-camera use starts at around €30 one-time license.
Yawcam
otherSimple free webcam application with built-in motion detection, image capture, and live streaming features.
Customizable motion detection grid that allows precise sensitivity adjustments per zone for targeted surveillance.
Yawcam is a free, lightweight, Java-based webcam software primarily for Windows that excels in basic motion detection and surveillance tasks. It captures video from webcams, detects motion through a customizable grid system, and triggers actions like snapshots, recordings, or FTP uploads. While simple and resource-efficient, it offers streaming via a built-in web server for remote monitoring.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no hidden costs
- Low CPU and memory usage ideal for older hardware
- Straightforward motion detection setup with grid-based sensitivity
Cons
- Outdated user interface that feels clunky
- Limited to Windows with no official support for macOS or Linux
- Lacks advanced features like AI analytics or cloud integration
Best For
Budget-conscious users or hobbyists seeking simple, local motion detection on Windows PCs without needing enterprise-level capabilities.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, no paid tiers or subscriptions).
Milestone XProtect
enterpriseEnterprise video management platform with advanced motion detection, scalability, and integration for large-scale surveillance.
Federated multi-server architecture enabling unlimited scalability and centralized motion event management without performance degradation
Milestone XProtect is a leading video management software (VMS) platform that incorporates advanced motion detection as a core feature for IP-based surveillance systems. Users can configure customizable motion zones, sensitivity levels, and metadata-based alarms to trigger recordings, notifications, or analytics. It excels in enterprise environments by supporting thousands of cameras with scalable architecture and integration of AI-driven video analytics for more accurate motion events.
Pros
- Highly customizable motion detection zones and sensitivity adjustments
- Scalable federated architecture for large-scale deployments
- Seamless integration with over 8,000 camera models and third-party analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and advanced configuration
- Higher cost for full enterprise features beyond the free tier
- Resource-intensive for smaller setups or low-end hardware
Best For
Enterprise security teams managing large camera networks who need robust, scalable motion detection integrated into a comprehensive VMS.
Pricing
Free Essential+ for up to 8 devices; paid editions (Professional+, Expert, Corporate) licensed per device/channel starting at ~$50-$150/year, with custom enterprise pricing.
Conclusion
Evaluating the tools reveals Blue Iris as the top choice, boasting advanced AI and zone-based detection. iSpy impresses with open-source flexibility and wide camera support, while ZoneMinder stands out for its robust, intelligent tracking—each offering unique strengths to suit diverse needs.
Dive into Blue Iris to experience its exceptional motion detection; it’s the ideal pick for anyone seeking reliable, high-performance surveillance software.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison