During our research, we found that there are so many DVRs in the market doing the same job. But there are small differences either in feature or the way it works. Hence, we tested each unit to create a list that would help users like you to find the best DVR security systems. We recommend you to buy the TIGERSECU Super HD 1080P because fulfills the need for almost all types of users.
Top Pick
Quick Navigation
Top 6 DVR Security System
1. TIGERSECU Super HD – Best For Home Use
This is DVR+NVR system by TIGERSECU in which you can add up to 16 security cameras for surveillance. It uses the latest compression of H.265+. This Super HD 1080P system is compatible with five types of security cameras namely CVI, AHD, TVI, analog, and ONVIF-compliant IP cameras. An app is also available to control the device remotely without any fees. It also contains a motion detection option to record only motions and save space in HDD. There is an audio recording channel up to four that helps to record audio along with the video.
And, after opting for motion detection, a lot more space was saved. Thus, it’s a good feature to save space and get smooth and clear pictures. Depending upon the frames per second, you are going to see the quality of the picture. However, the remote control function from the app is somewhat annoying after some time. It just got stopped immediately. If this will be the case, you need to call customer care and thanks to their friendly support.
- High resolution.
- Latest compression used.
- 16 channels.
- Easy to setup.
- Can add night vision.
- Saves storage space.
- The app may stop working after some time.
- Needs to separately purchase hard drive and cameras.
- Expensive.
Bottom Line
Among all the units we tested, we realized that TIGERSECU DVR security camera system is perfect for the home user. The reason being it is easy to use and provides the high-quality images right on your phone. Yes only thing bugged us is that hard disk is not included in the package.
2. ZOSI 8CH Security Camera System – Best For Complete Home Security
This is an 8 channel DVR system along with a 1TB hard drive and 4 security cameras. The DVR system uses H.264 compression and records up to 1080P resolution videos. Along with that, you are going to get 4 cameras of 2.0MP of 1080P. These home security cameras have an automatic IR-cut filter and a night vision of up to 65ft. The system can support CVI, HD-TVI, Analog and AHD camera. It uses motion detection system where you get alerts on detecting unexpected motions upon your smartphone. There is also an app control system.
You can set up to 30fps within the settings, and that’s the good part of getting clearer and smooth picture. Basically, as per our preference, we changed the quality settings and all the stuff like that. The cameras are actually weather resistant as noticed within rainy conditions. In case, it doesn’t accept BNC input from TV; then you need to additionally buy BNC to RCA adaptor. There is also a downfall with the app. After installation, it may stop working after some use and then start working again that is very annoying.
- High resolution.
- Includes hard drive and security cameras.
- Motion detection option.
- Durable security camera quality.
- Remote controller.
- night vision.
- Less compression.
- The app may not be useful.
- Fewer channels.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for the best outdoor wireless cameras with DVR, do not look beyond ZOSI 8CH Security Camera System. It has everything you require for your home security camera system. It is also among the best outdoor security camera systems with dvr.
3. ANNKE 8CH 5-in-1 – Best For Budget Conscious Users
ANNKE presents a DVR system that uses compression of H.264+ in 8 channels. The description says that you can also add two more IP cameras along with 8 analog cameras within the DVR. It also uses an app control feature. There is a motion detection option with instant alerts that gets you notification over the smartphone upon detection of unexpected motions. In Analog HD cameras, it supports resolution of 1080P Lite or 720P at 12fps. Whereas, in IPC recording, the supporting resolution is 1.3M at 30fps.
We connected 2 analog cameras indoors and one IP digital camera outdoors. It gave a good interface and allowed multiple recording options. You cannot customize the app as well. It is generic, works well but not customizable. The default option on the app is a standard definition which may be blurry to look at. So, you should change the home security camera settings to get back to high resolution and do not refresh after that to retain those settings.
- High resolution.
- 8+2 channels support.
- Customizable motion detection with a line crossing feature.
- Easy to set up and use.
- 6TB hard drive capacity.
- night vision
- Does not include hard drive and cameras.
- App is not customizable.
- May face problem in playback.
Bottom Line
Many home security camera systems use motion sensors in addition to cameras. By using ANNKE 8CH 5-in-1 1080P Lite Security Standalone DVR, you will be able to control the motion sensors more effectively. Also when you compare the price of Annke DVR and other, it is the best budget DVR security system.
4. Amcrest 1080-Lite Digital Recorder – Best For Commercial Property
This is a 1080P 8 channel DVR security system by Amcrest. It is compatible with Pentabrid TVI, AHD, CVI, 960H Analog and Amcrest IP cameras on 2 channels. The hard drive support is 6TB at 1080P on 30fps. This DVR can deliver a good range of signal transmission at 984ft. It uses a plug and play system and transmits all the data over a coaxial cable while eliminating the need to run new types of cables over the device. It also supports BNC cable connections.
Setting up IP addresses is, however, not that difficult as it looks. You just need to go through the instructions manual to get a little idea. But, to use other features like motion detection, then it takes a couple of days to get used to. Thus, this DVR security system is somewhat hard to install and learn, but the quality and functions are noteworthy. You will get the exact performance as mentioned with clear picture quality and good storage capacity.
- High resolution.
- Wide range of signal transmission.
- App controls.
- Efficient functioning.
- Night vision support.
- Hard to install.
Bottom Line
Amcrest is of the biggest manufacturer of DVR. They also have their own line of other security devices. If you own a commercial entity and want to cover it with something reliable it is a perfect option.
5. Swann 4K Ultra HD- Best For Wireless Connectivity
Swann introduces a security dvr recorders along with 8 security cameras and 2TB hard drive. It can work with Google Assistant for voice controls. There is also an app control feature for remote viewing. It supports a high-quality resolution of 4K Ultra HD that is also compatible with digital zoom feature. The cameras are efficient and support a vision of 150ft/45m in all darkness and 200ft/60m in ambient light conditions. With the hard drive, you can set up recording of up to 90 days and can save the footage directly over your Dropbox account.
Except for the cameras provided, you cannot use your existing IP cameras as it is not compatible with using IP cameras. The voice control feature is amazing. You can use any device that supports Google Assistant or simply use Google Assistant app over the iPhone or smartphone. The app is all over very easy to use and control from remote locations. If you encounter any video delays, make sure to connect it properly with the existing network.
- 4K Ultra HD resolution.
- Digital zoom feature.
- Wide range vision.
- Night vision.
- Wireless cameras
- Heat sensing technology to detect future actions.
- App controls.
- Voice controls through Google Assistant.
- Fewer channels.
Bottom Line
It is another DVR security camera system that comes with a camera. But the best part about this home security camera system is that it supports voice control through Google assistant. Among all the systems that we tested it is the best wireless DVR security system.
6. JZTEK Hybrid 5-in-1 AHD – Best Option With QR Scan Access
This is NVR+DVR security system by JZTEK which supports 8 channels and compression of H.264. It also supports HDMI/ VGA output synchronously. There is an app to control it remotely from anywhere you desire. It supports a resolution of 1080N Hybrid AHD. You are also going to get a motion detection feature within this DVR that helps to save a lot of hard drive storage space. Overall, the device is highly compatible with 5-in-1 support of DVR/NVR/HVR/TVI/CVI surveillance. Moreover, it is also compatible with ONVIF IP camera.
Picture quality is good but not full HD if you are looking for one like that. It has 4 audio in ports to record audio. While connecting to the LAN network, you may get some problem. To fix that, have some patience and wait for a while or two to get the connection secured properly. Also, you can’t use the device to turn off IR lights on the security camera system as like other systems do. However, all of the functions are quite satisfactory and worth the price.
- Wide range of surveillance support.
- The wide reach of network protocol compatibility.
- Easy to install.
- night vision up to 80 ft.
- Connection to LAN may be problematic.
- Less compression.
Bottom Line
If you are looking to install NVR+DVR using a single unit, then this security camera system could be a great option for you. It also has all necessary features of NVR system. It only lacks 4K video support.
7. Eversecu Mini CCTV Video Recorder – Best Option Motion Detection Support
It’s a CCTV DVR recorder by Eversecu. This device is compatible with 1080P HD-TVI/ AHD/ HD-CVI/ CVBS camera. It also features app controls with XMEYE apps for live view and playback options. This DVR supports 1080N image resolution at 25fps. There is a motion detection feature to get notified upon email when unexpected motions occur. It uses compression of H.264 and can work in temperature between 0°C to 55°C. You can connect security camera to its 4 channels.
The security camera system is cheaply made with less durable material. Its life totally depends upon your care and maintenance. But its compact size impressed our heart. Moreover, the app with the P2P server is also compatible with other DVR and Goodeye apps. So, overall, the device is budget-friendly, compact and performed well. It is also best wired dvr security system if you own home security camera system that are mostly wired.
- Works in a wide range of temperatures.
- Easy to set configuration.
- Easy to use the app.
- Portable.
- Night vision compatible.
- Supports ONVIF IP cameras.
- Made of the cheap outer material.
- Average image quality.
Bottom Line
We have included this home security camera system only because of its low cost. If the cost is your biggest priority and you just want a basic security system, then we would advise you to go for Eversecue Dvr security system.
Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider ?
Whenever you are going to choose between security systems, there should always be a smart pick. One of these smart security solutions is DVR security systems. These security camera systems are must if you have security cameras. They will enable you to digitally record the footage directly within the DVR that can be accessed on a laptop, computer or any smart device.
Take note of following points if you are also deciding to purchase DVR security systems this year.
1. DVR or NVR
Most of the times, you will come across to choose between DVR and NVR. But the modern devices come with the compatibility of both DVR and NVR. However, there is a slight difference in the type of cameras used with both of the devices. Network Video recorders use mostly IP cameras, and DVRs use analog cameras. But as we technology advancement where we find features of both NVR and DVR in one device, we will have the advantage of using both IP cameras as well as analog cameras. So, it’s a good option to go for devices where we can use both types of cameras.
2. Cable
DVRs use coaxial cables. The typical cables used are BNC coaxial cables that may have some limitations but are important to use with DVR. Thus, when you are going to purchase a DVR, make sure to check your compatibility with existing cables. However, you will get cables along with the security camera system but make sure of the above point in case of absence.
3. Ease of use
It’s the important factor as complex to use the device is always time-consuming. DVRs should be easy to set up and use with the configuration settings. Usually, you will also get app controls from where you can remotely control the device. It’s easy and helpful. But, along with it, use of settings and connection of cables over the device should also be easy.
4. Channels
It’s the number of security cameras you can connect with DVR. Basically, they are known as channels and usually come in a range of 4 to 8 to 16. There are always audio channels where you can connect audio cables to record audio. As per your preference, you can choose from a number of channels. For that, you can check the security camera requirements for your home or business place.
5. Compression
DVR uses compression for recording videos in hard drives. The latest version of compression used, the more of space you are going to save on your hard drive. For instance, the latest compression is H.265+. If this compression is used by a DVR, it means that your hard drive will retain lots of space even after using for 24 hours depending upon the TB you are using. Basically, the good compression used is space-efficient and removes the tension having backups or changing hard drives frequently. All units in our list use H.264 compression.
FAQs
1. Does the DVR include hard disk?
Unfortunately, not all the DVR systems include hard disk. You will have to buy separately. However, there are some DVR packages that come with a hard disk like Swann 8 Camera 16 Channel 4K Ultra HD DVR Security System . It comes with 2 TB hard disk in the package.
2. Can I access the footage remotely using my phone?
Yes, with all the major DVR security systems this features is available. It is probably the most important feature of all. Even all units that have mentioned have these feature. All you have to do is download the respective app on your phone and plug in the required credentials, and you are good to go.
3. Can motion sensors be added to the DVR?
During the research, we found that most of the cameras had the motion sensor. Many top brand DVR provided additional settings to control the motion sensor. If the sensor setting permit, you can fine-tune the way the sensors work using DVR. Only motion sensor, might not work with all DVRs but cameras that have in-built sensor might.
4. Is it necessary to have a DVR and camera of the same brand?
No. If you are buying a standalone DVR, they are designed to accommodate any cameras. During testing, we tested DVR with different brands of security cameras, and it worked perfectly with all.
Final Thought
DVR will be at the centre of the security camera system. Hence, you want the top DVR security systems to make sure that all the security devices work efficiently. All the systems listed in our post are included after lot of testing and research. We have tried to include the DVRs of every kind to provide something for all kinds of users. Please make sure you know what you require out of security and choose according to it.
TIGERSECU Super HD- Editor's Choice
Summary
Among all the units we tested, we realized that TIGERSECU DVR security camera system is perfect for the home user. The reason being it is easy to use and provides the high-quality images right on your phone. Yes only thing bugged us is that hard disk is not included in the package.
Leave a Reply