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10 Best Security DVRs 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Swann DVR8-5580 DVR-5580 8 Channel 4K Ultra HD DVR Security System | 2TB HDD, HDMI, BNC

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,265
Remote Access

Most important from
47 reviews

Remote Access
The simplicity and practicality of the system provide peace of mind with remote surveillance capabilities.

The Swann DVR8-5580 DVR-5580 is a robust security DVR system that offers a good balance of features and performance. It supports 8 channels, allowing you to connect up to 8 cameras, which is suitable for comprehensive monitoring of your property. The standout feature is its 4K Ultra HD resolution, which ensures high-quality, clear footage, enabling you to see minute details like faces and license plates. This system also boasts powerful night vision capabilities, making it reliable for 24/7 surveillance.

The included 2TB hard drive provides substantial storage, capable of recording continuously for up to 180 days, and supports expansion up to 6TB if needed. The system utilizes BNC video input and offers HDMI and VGA outputs for flexible connectivity options. Remote access is facilitated through the Swann Security App, compatible with both iOS and Android devices, enabling you to monitor your property from anywhere. Motion detection is integrated, enhancing the system's ability to alert you to any suspicious activity promptly.

However, it's worth noting that the system uses wired connections, which might be more cumbersome to install compared to wireless setups. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Swann DVR8-5580 remains a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and high-resolution security DVR system for home or small business use.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,265
Remote Access

Most important from
47 reviews

Remote Access
The simplicity and practicality of the system provide peace of mind with remote surveillance capabilities.
#2

REOLINK 4K Security Camera System, RLK16-800B8 8pcs H.265 PoE Wired with Person Vehicle Detection, 8MP/4K 16CH NVR with 4TB HDD for 24-7 Recording

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Storage Capacity
Remote Access

Most important from
1383 reviews

Resolution
The 4K Ultra HD resolution provides almost four times the clarity of 1080p, ensuring the highest quality view with no flaws or distortions, even when digitally zooming in.
Storage Capacity
The continuous 24/7 recording feature with a pre-installed 4TB HDD offers reliable recording and the option to expand storage up to 6TB.
Remote Access
Remote access through the Reolink app allows live views and playbacks from anywhere, providing peace of mind and ensuring the establishment is always secure.

The REOLINK 4K Security Camera System (RLK16-800B8) offers impressive features for anyone looking to enhance their security setup. With 16 channels and 8MP/4K resolution, it delivers exceptional video clarity, making it easier to spot details. The inclusion of person and vehicle detection helps to minimize false alerts, ensuring you receive relevant notifications.

The system comes with a pre-installed 4TB HDD, supporting continuous 24/7 recording and offering a substantial storage capacity, expandable up to 12TB if needed. The H.265 compression technology is efficient, helping to save on storage space without compromising video quality. Remote access via the free Reolink app allows you to monitor your home or business from anywhere using your smartphone or computer, providing convenience and peace of mind.

Installation is simplified with the plug-and-play PoE system, which requires only a single network cable for connectivity, making it suitable for both beginners and DIY enthusiasts. However, the REOLINK system has some limitations. The cameras can only be used with Reolink PoE NVR and are not compatible with Smart Home devices like Alexa. Additionally, it's not a Wi-Fi camera, so you need to ensure a proper wired setup. Despite these minor drawbacks, the REOLINK 4K Security Camera System stands out for its high-resolution video, intelligent detection features, and user-friendly remote access capabilities, making it a strong candidate for anyone seeking a robust and reliable security solution.

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Storage Capacity
Remote Access

Most important from
1383 reviews

Resolution
The 4K Ultra HD resolution provides almost four times the clarity of 1080p, ensuring the highest quality view with no flaws or distortions, even when digitally zooming in.
Storage Capacity
The continuous 24/7 recording feature with a pre-installed 4TB HDD offers reliable recording and the option to expand storage up to 6TB.
Remote Access
Remote access through the Reolink app allows live views and playbacks from anywhere, providing peace of mind and ensuring the establishment is always secure.
#3

REOLINK 4K Wireless Security Camera System, 4pcs Outdoor 4K/8MP Plug-in WiFi 6 Cameras, Color Night Vision, Person/Vehicle/Animal Detection, 12CH WiFi NVR with 2TB HDD, RLK12-800WB4

Rating
9.1
Storage Capacity
Motion Detection

Most important from
72 reviews

Storage Capacity
The 2TB hard drive filled up quickly, so upgrading to a larger capacity is recommended.
Motion Detection
The person, vehicle, and animal detection works well at a good distance, with only occasional false alarms.

The REOLINK 4K Security Camera System is a robust option for outdoor security needs. It features four 4K/8MP cameras ensuring crystal-clear resolution, even with its advanced night vision capabilities up to 100 feet. The system uses WiFi 6 technology, which provides enhanced stability and faster video transmission, reducing lag, making it a reliable choice for remote monitoring.

The 16-channel NVR and 2TB HDD ensure ample storage for 24/7 recording, and the storage capacity can be expanded up to 16TB if needed. The cameras are IP67 rated, making them weatherproof and durable for various outdoor conditions. Motion detection is sophisticated, identifying not just people but also vehicles and animals, with the added benefit of motion-triggered spotlights and siren alerts to deter intruders.

Setup is relatively user-friendly, supporting up to 16 Reolink IP cameras, though the absence of PoE support may necessitate additional equipment for some configurations. One downside is the system's reliance on WiFi, which might be a concern in areas with weak signals. Additionally, while the included storage is significant, the system doesn't use advanced compression technology, which could affect data usage. This system is best suited for those needing comprehensive and high-quality surveillance coverage with customizable detection settings.

Rating
9.1
Storage Capacity
Motion Detection

Most important from
72 reviews

Storage Capacity
The 2TB hard drive filled up quickly, so upgrading to a larger capacity is recommended.
Motion Detection
The person, vehicle, and animal detection works well at a good distance, with only occasional false alarms.

Buying Guide for the Best Security DVRs

When choosing a security DVR (Digital Video Recorder), it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a device that meets your needs. A DVR is a crucial component of a security system as it records and stores video footage from your security cameras. The right DVR will depend on factors such as the number of cameras you have, the quality of the footage you need, and how long you want to store the recordings. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure your security system is effective and reliable.
Number of ChannelsThe number of channels on a DVR indicates how many cameras it can support. This is important because it determines the maximum number of cameras you can connect to the system. DVRs typically come with 4, 8, 16, or 32 channels. If you have a small property or only need to monitor a few areas, a 4 or 8-channel DVR might be sufficient. For larger properties or more extensive surveillance needs, consider a 16 or 32-channel DVR. Choose a DVR with enough channels to cover all your current cameras and any future additions.
ResolutionResolution refers to the clarity and detail of the recorded video. Higher resolution means clearer and more detailed footage, which is crucial for identifying faces, license plates, and other important details. Common resolutions include 720p, 1080p, and 4K. For general home or small business use, 1080p is usually adequate. However, if you need very high detail, such as for a large property or critical security areas, consider a 4K DVR. Choose a resolution that matches your security needs and the capabilities of your cameras.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity determines how much video footage your DVR can hold before it starts overwriting old recordings. This is important for maintaining a record of past events. Storage is typically measured in terabytes (TB). A DVR with 1TB of storage might hold a few weeks of footage, while a 4TB DVR could store several months' worth. The amount of storage you need depends on the number of cameras, the resolution of the recordings, and how long you want to keep the footage. Consider your recording needs and choose a DVR with sufficient storage to avoid losing important video.
Compression TechnologyCompression technology reduces the size of the video files without significantly compromising quality, allowing you to store more footage on your DVR. Common compression formats include H.264 and H.265. H.265 is more efficient than H.264, meaning it can store more video in the same amount of space. This is important for maximizing your storage capacity and ensuring smooth playback. If you need to store a lot of high-quality footage, look for a DVR with H.265 compression. Choose the compression technology that best balances storage efficiency and video quality for your needs.
Remote AccessRemote access allows you to view your DVR's footage from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This is important for monitoring your property when you're not on-site. Most modern DVRs offer remote access through a dedicated app or web interface. This feature is particularly useful for business owners or homeowners who travel frequently. When choosing a DVR, ensure it offers reliable remote access and is compatible with your devices. Consider how often you need to check your cameras remotely and choose a DVR that makes this process easy and secure.
Motion DetectionMotion detection allows the DVR to start recording only when movement is detected, saving storage space and making it easier to review footage. This is important for focusing on relevant events and reducing the amount of unnecessary video. Some DVRs offer advanced motion detection features, such as customizable detection zones and sensitivity levels. If you want to minimize storage use and quickly find important footage, look for a DVR with robust motion detection capabilities. Choose a DVR that offers the level of motion detection that suits your security needs and reduces false alarms.

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