Picking an NVR means weighing channels, PoE ports, AI capability, subscription cost, and app quality. This tool compares any two NVRs side-by-side so you can see the differences at a glance. Current spec data for 2026.
NVR Side-by-Side Comparison
Pick any two NVRs to see them compared head-to-head. Data current as of 2026.
How to Use This Tool
Pick the NVR you are considering on the left, and an alternative on the right. The table updates immediately to show every spec side-by-side. Use it to verify that the upgrade you are considering really gets you what you need.
What Each Spec Means
Channels
The maximum number of cameras the NVR can record simultaneously. Reolink and Hikvision NVRs count this strictly (8-channel means 8 cameras, period). UniFi Protect and Blue Iris use a license-based model where channels are effectively unlimited per the license tier.
Built-in PoE Ports
PoE ports power and connect IP cameras over a single Ethernet cable. NVRs with 0 PoE ports require a separate PoE switch ($30 to $150 depending on port count and PoE budget). UniFi UNVR has 0 ports because UniFi assumes you already run a UniFi PoE switch.
AI Capability
AI runs on either the camera (Reolink AI cameras) or the NVR (Hikvision AcuSense, Dahua SMD, UniFi Smart Detect). On-camera AI reports detections to the NVR; NVR-side AI processes the video stream centrally.
Subscription
Almost every NVR in this list records to local storage without monthly fees. Optional subscriptions add cloud backup, AI features, or pro-monitoring. UniFi AI Plus is a one-time $99 unlock, not a monthly fee.