Quick Overview
- 1#1: Milestone XProtect - Comprehensive video management platform with advanced AI analytics for real-time detection, forensic search, and incident management.
- 2#2: Genetec Security Center - Unified security platform integrating video surveillance, access control, and AI-powered analytics for threat detection and operations.
- 3#3: BriefCam - AI-driven video analytics software specializing in video synopsis, rapid search, and behavior analysis for security investigations.
- 4#4: Avigilon Unity - AI-enhanced video management system with appearance search, unusual motion detection, and self-learning analytics for surveillance.
- 5#5: Verkada - Cloud-native surveillance platform with built-in AI analytics for people, vehicle, and face recognition across hybrid deployments.
- 6#6: Eagle Eye Networks - Cloud-based video surveillance solution featuring AI analytics for object classification, license plate recognition, and anomaly detection.
- 7#7: Rhombus Systems - Cloud-first physical security platform with integrated AI video analytics for real-time alerts and smart search capabilities.
- 8#8: Axis Camera Station - Video management software with edge and server-based analytics apps for object detection, classification, and metadata streaming.
- 9#9: Hanwha Vision Wisenet WAVE - Scalable VMS with AI analytics including object classification, people counting, and heatmapping for security and business insights.
- 10#10: Videonetics - Deep learning-based video analytics suite for real-time surveillance, predictive policing, and forensic analysis across industries.
We prioritized tools based on depth of AI capabilities, ease of integration with existing systems, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring the ranking reflects the most reliable and versatile options for modern surveillance needs.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right video surveillance analytics software is critical for effective security operations; this comparison table examines top tools such as Milestone XProtect, Genetec Security Center, BriefCam, Avigilon Unity, Verkada, and more, helping readers identify key features, scalability, and suitability for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milestone XProtect Comprehensive video management platform with advanced AI analytics for real-time detection, forensic search, and incident management. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Genetec Security Center Unified security platform integrating video surveillance, access control, and AI-powered analytics for threat detection and operations. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | BriefCam AI-driven video analytics software specializing in video synopsis, rapid search, and behavior analysis for security investigations. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Avigilon Unity AI-enhanced video management system with appearance search, unusual motion detection, and self-learning analytics for surveillance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Verkada Cloud-native surveillance platform with built-in AI analytics for people, vehicle, and face recognition across hybrid deployments. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Eagle Eye Networks Cloud-based video surveillance solution featuring AI analytics for object classification, license plate recognition, and anomaly detection. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Rhombus Systems Cloud-first physical security platform with integrated AI video analytics for real-time alerts and smart search capabilities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 8 | Axis Camera Station Video management software with edge and server-based analytics apps for object detection, classification, and metadata streaming. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Hanwha Vision Wisenet WAVE Scalable VMS with AI analytics including object classification, people counting, and heatmapping for security and business insights. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 10 | Videonetics Deep learning-based video analytics suite for real-time surveillance, predictive policing, and forensic analysis across industries. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
Comprehensive video management platform with advanced AI analytics for real-time detection, forensic search, and incident management.
Unified security platform integrating video surveillance, access control, and AI-powered analytics for threat detection and operations.
AI-driven video analytics software specializing in video synopsis, rapid search, and behavior analysis for security investigations.
AI-enhanced video management system with appearance search, unusual motion detection, and self-learning analytics for surveillance.
Cloud-native surveillance platform with built-in AI analytics for people, vehicle, and face recognition across hybrid deployments.
Cloud-based video surveillance solution featuring AI analytics for object classification, license plate recognition, and anomaly detection.
Cloud-first physical security platform with integrated AI video analytics for real-time alerts and smart search capabilities.
Video management software with edge and server-based analytics apps for object detection, classification, and metadata streaming.
Scalable VMS with AI analytics including object classification, people counting, and heatmapping for security and business insights.
Deep learning-based video analytics suite for real-time surveillance, predictive policing, and forensic analysis across industries.
Milestone XProtect
enterpriseComprehensive video management platform with advanced AI analytics for real-time detection, forensic search, and incident management.
Open-platform architecture enabling seamless integration with virtually any camera, analytics provider, or third-party system via the XProtect Marketplace
Milestone XProtect is a world-leading open-platform Video Management Software (VMS) designed for comprehensive IP video surveillance, supporting unlimited devices and users with robust scalability from small sites to global enterprises. It excels in video analytics through native features like motion detection, tampering alarms, and advanced AI-driven capabilities via integrations in the XProtect Marketplace, including object classification, facial recognition, and anomaly detection. The software provides seamless live monitoring, intelligent search, and event management, making it ideal for security operations centers (SOCs).
Pros
- Unmatched scalability supporting 10,000+ cameras per system with failover clustering
- Extensive ecosystem with 8,000+ validated devices and 1,000+ analytics integrations via XProtect Marketplace
- Advanced analytics including AI-powered video content analysis, license plate recognition, and people counting
Cons
- Initial setup and configuration can be complex for non-expert users
- Higher upfront costs for large-scale deployments and premium analytics add-ons
- Performance optimization requires significant server resources for heavy analytics workloads
Best For
Large enterprises and security teams needing highly scalable, customizable video surveillance with deep analytics integration.
Pricing
Quote-based perpetual licensing (e.g., ~$50-150/camera depending on edition); annual support ~20% of license cost; free Essential+ for up to 8 cameras.
Genetec Security Center
enterpriseUnified security platform integrating video surveillance, access control, and AI-powered analytics for threat detection and operations.
KiwiVision AI analytics engine for advanced object classification, people tracking, and automated forensic search across unified security data
Genetec Security Center is a unified enterprise security platform that integrates video surveillance, access control, ALPR, and advanced analytics into a single interface. Its KiwiVision analytics suite provides AI-powered features like object classification, people counting, occupancy management, intrusion detection, and forensic search capabilities. Highly scalable, it supports thousands of cameras and devices, enabling real-time monitoring and intelligent alerting for large-scale deployments.
Pros
- Comprehensive AI-driven analytics including object detection and behavior analysis
- Seamless unification of video, access control, and ALPR systems
- Exceptional scalability for enterprise environments with high reliability
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial configuration
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Requires significant hardware resources for optimal performance
Best For
Large enterprises and organizations needing a scalable, integrated platform for advanced video surveillance analytics and multi-domain security management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; perpetual licenses start around $100-$200 per camera plus analytics modules, with subscription options and additional fees for support and advanced features.
BriefCam
specializedAI-driven video analytics software specializing in video synopsis, rapid search, and behavior analysis for security investigations.
Video Synopsis technology that temporally compresses video to show key activities simultaneously, reducing review time by up to 95%
BriefCam is an AI-powered video content analytics platform designed for rapid review, search, and investigation of surveillance footage. It compresses hours of video into minutes using Video Synopsis technology, enabling users to quickly identify people, vehicles, objects, and activities of interest. The software integrates seamlessly with existing CCTV systems and provides advanced analytics for security operations, law enforcement, and business intelligence.
Pros
- Exceptional Video Synopsis for compressing hours of footage into minutes without losing context
- Powerful AI-driven searches for faces, vehicles, objects, and behaviors
- Scalable deployment supporting thousands of cameras and enterprise integrations
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing may deter small businesses
- Requires significant hardware resources for optimal performance
- Steep learning curve for advanced analytics customization
Best For
Large enterprises, law enforcement, and security teams handling high-volume video surveillance needing rapid forensic review and investigation tools.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually based on camera count and features, with quotes required.
Avigilon Unity
enterpriseAI-enhanced video management system with appearance search, unusual motion detection, and self-learning analytics for surveillance.
Appearance Search, enabling intuitive visual-based video queries without relying on metadata or timelines
Avigilon Unity is an enterprise-grade video management system (VMS) from Motorola Solutions that integrates AI-powered analytics for superior video surveillance. It provides features like Appearance Search, Unusual Motion Detection, facial and vehicle recognition, and object classification to enable proactive security monitoring. The platform supports scalable deployments from small sites to global enterprises with cloud and on-premise options.
Pros
- Advanced AI analytics including Appearance Search and self-learning Unusual Motion Detection
- Highly scalable with support for thousands of cameras and seamless integrations
- Robust reliability and performance in enterprise environments
Cons
- Complex initial setup and configuration requiring technical expertise
- Premium pricing that may be prohibitive for smaller operations
- Hardware-intensive for optimal analytics performance at scale
Best For
Large enterprises and critical infrastructure needing scalable AI-driven surveillance with advanced search and forensic capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing, typically $50-$150 per camera annually plus one-time setup fees, varying by scale and features.
Verkada
enterpriseCloud-native surveillance platform with built-in AI analytics for people, vehicle, and face recognition across hybrid deployments.
Hybrid edge-cloud AI processing for instant analytics and search without local servers
Verkada is a cloud-managed video surveillance platform offering high-resolution cameras integrated with AI-powered analytics for real-time monitoring and insights. It enables advanced search capabilities using computer vision for detecting people, vehicles, faces, and objects, while providing features like occupancy counting and license plate recognition. The system eliminates the need for on-premises NVRs or servers, allowing scalable deployment across multiple sites with centralized management.
Pros
- Powerful AI-driven analytics including facial recognition and people/vehicle tracking
- Simple plug-and-play installation with intuitive cloud dashboard
- Scalable for enterprises with unified management across cameras, access control, and alarms
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and ongoing subscription fees
- Requires reliable internet connectivity for full functionality
- Privacy concerns due to cloud storage and biometric data processing
Best For
Medium to large businesses seeking scalable, analytics-rich surveillance without on-site IT infrastructure.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $400-$2,000 per camera; annual cloud subscriptions from $100-$400 per camera (quote-based tiers).
Eagle Eye Networks
enterpriseCloud-based video surveillance solution featuring AI analytics for object classification, license plate recognition, and anomaly detection.
Eagle Eye AI analytics engine that processes video entirely in the cloud for real-time, edge-agnostic object recognition and forensic search.
Eagle Eye Networks is a cloud-based video surveillance platform specializing in professional-grade video management and AI-powered analytics for physical security. It enables remote access to live and recorded video from virtually any IP camera, with features like object detection, license plate recognition, and behavioral analytics to enhance threat detection and investigations. The system eliminates the need for on-premises NVRs, offering scalable storage and failover redundancy across multiple cloud regions.
Pros
- Fully cloud-managed architecture with 99.999% uptime and global redundancy
- Advanced AI analytics including person/vehicle detection and audio classification
- Broad camera compatibility (over 6,000 models) and seamless mobile/web access
Cons
- Subscription pricing can escalate with storage and advanced analytics add-ons
- Requires reliable high-speed internet, with potential latency in remote areas
- Customization options for analytics rules may feel limited for advanced users
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing scalable, hardware-free video surveillance with strong AI analytics for multi-site operations.
Pricing
Starts at $4.90/camera/month for basic cloud video (billed annually), with Premium plans at $8.90+ including analytics; storage extra at ~$0.10/GB/month.
Rhombus Systems
enterpriseCloud-first physical security platform with integrated AI video analytics for real-time alerts and smart search capabilities.
AI-powered Smart Search for instant forensic video retrieval using natural language queries and object/activity filters
Rhombus Systems offers a cloud-native physical security platform specializing in video surveillance with integrated AI analytics for object detection, people and vehicle tracking, and smart search capabilities. It unifies video, access control, and sensors into a single dashboard, enabling real-time alerts and forensic investigations without on-premises NVRs. Ideal for enterprises seeking scalable, cybersecurity-focused surveillance, it supports rapid deployment and open integrations.
Pros
- Cloud-native architecture eliminates hardware management and enables quick scalability
- Advanced AI analytics including person/vehicle detection and activity-based search
- Strong cybersecurity features with end-to-end encryption and zero-trust access
Cons
- Pricing can be premium for smaller deployments
- Heavy reliance on stable internet connectivity
- Limited advanced custom analytics compared to specialized AI platforms
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing a unified, cloud-managed surveillance system with robust AI for multi-site operations.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $15-30 per camera/month (quote-based for enterprises); includes cloud storage and analytics.
Axis Camera Station
enterpriseVideo management software with edge and server-based analytics apps for object detection, classification, and metadata streaming.
Axis Object Analytics – onboard AI for real-time object detection, classification, and tracking directly at the camera edge
Axis Camera Station (ACS) is a robust video management software (VMS) from Axis Communications, optimized for managing Axis network cameras with features for live monitoring, high-definition recording, and intelligent search. It incorporates Axis Object Analytics for edge-based detection and classification of people, vehicles, and other objects, alongside motion detection, tampering alarms, and event rules. The platform supports scalable deployments, mobile access, and integrations with third-party systems for comprehensive surveillance.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Axis cameras and devices for plug-and-play setup
- Intuitive interface with customizable views, maps, and mobile app support
- Edge-based Axis Object Analytics reduces bandwidth and server load
Cons
- Per-channel licensing increases costs for large-scale deployments
- Suboptimal performance and features with non-Axis third-party cameras
- Advanced analytics may require additional Axis edge devices or modules
Best For
Organizations heavily invested in Axis hardware seeking a reliable, scalable VMS with integrated edge analytics for mid-to-large surveillance operations.
Pricing
Perpetual base server license plus per-channel/device fees (typically $100-$300/channel); subscription options available; contact Axis for custom quotes.
Hanwha Vision Wisenet WAVE
enterpriseScalable VMS with AI analytics including object classification, people counting, and heatmapping for security and business insights.
Universal native client support across Windows, macOS, Linux, HTML5 web, and mobile for flexible, hardware-agnostic access.
Hanwha Vision Wisenet WAVE is a flexible video management software (VMS) platform designed for monitoring, recording, and analyzing video from IP cameras, with strong integration for Wisenet AI-enabled devices. It provides features like live viewing, intelligent playback search, health monitoring, and analytics such as object detection, people/vehicle classification, and anomaly detection. The software supports scalable deployments from small sites to enterprises, with native clients across multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, web browsers, and mobile apps.
Pros
- Free version supports up to 16 channels with no device limits, ideal for small setups
- Intuitive, modern interface with native multi-platform clients (Windows, Mac, Linux, web, mobile)
- Seamless integration with Hanwha Wisenet AI cameras for edge-based analytics like object classification and metadata search
Cons
- Advanced analytics heavily optimized for Hanwha hardware, limiting third-party camera capabilities
- Scalability for large enterprises requires paid licenses and additional server resources
- Fewer built-in advanced rules engine options compared to top-tier VMS like Milestone or Genetec
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses, system integrators, and Hanwha camera users seeking an affordable, user-friendly VMS with reliable analytics integration.
Pricing
Free for up to 16 channels; additional channels via perpetual licenses (~$50-100/channel) or subscription models for enterprise features.
Videonetics
specializedDeep learning-based video analytics suite for real-time surveillance, predictive policing, and forensic analysis across industries.
Deep Learning Video Analytics IP with rule-less, context-aware detection for superior accuracy in complex scenes
Videonetics offers an AI-powered video surveillance analytics platform that delivers real-time intelligent video analytics for security and operations. Key capabilities include facial recognition, ANPR, intrusion detection, loitering alerts, and advanced behavior analytics using deep learning algorithms. The solution supports edge, on-premise, and cloud deployments, integrating seamlessly with existing CCTV infrastructure for scalable surveillance.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 100 deep learning-based analytics algorithms
- Flexible deployment options including edge AI for low bandwidth
- Strong performance in diverse environments like transportation and public safety
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced configuration
- Limited third-party integrations compared to market leaders
- Higher costs for full-scale enterprise deployments
Best For
Medium to large organizations in high-security sectors like airports, smart cities, and retail needing comprehensive AI-driven video analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing upon request; perpetual licenses and subscription models start at $10,000+ depending on cameras and features.
Conclusion
The reviewed video surveillance analytics tools showcase a blend of advanced AI, real-time capabilities, and operational efficiency, with Milestone XProtect emerging as the top choice for its comprehensive management and robust analytics. Genetec Security Center and BriefCam stand out as strong alternatives, offering unified platforms and specialized investigation tools to meet distinct needs. Together, they demonstrate the evolution of surveillance technology, prioritizing both security effectiveness and user-centric functionality.
To unlock the full potential of your surveillance operations, consider starting with Milestone XProtect—its integration of AI and real-time management makes it a standout choice for elevating security outcomes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison