Are you wondering what is the better option between Blue Iris vs Zoneminder? While looking for surveillance software, you have likely seen these options on the market. However, there are some differences between these software programs.
Blue Iris and Zoneminder both have their set of advantages that users can use to improve their security. Choosing the right option will depend on your individual needs and technical knowledge.
After testing both software programs, our team has learned the ins and outs of these products. Keep reading further to learn the similarities and differences between this two software. By the end, you will know which one is right for you.
Overview of Blue Iris vs Zoneminder
Blue Iris and Zoneminder are surveillance software platforms that help users record footage for their properties. Once you link this software to your security cameras, you can watch live video footage and program security alerts for your system.
Below is a quick breakdown of the features of these programs:
| Feature | Blue Iris | Zoneminder |
| Price | $39.95 to $79.95 | Free |
| OS | Windows OS | Linux OS |
| Support | Yes | No |
| Video Security | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Management | Yes | Yes |
| Camera Limit | 64 Cameras | No Limit |
While both software offers video surveillance and remote management, they are only compatible with specific operating systems. Blue Iris is compatible with Windows operating systems, and Zoneminder is compatible with Linux operating systems.
Additionally, the Zoneminder software is an open-source option with no license fee for unlimited cameras. Blue Iris has two licenses: a LE license for $39.95 and a Full Version for $79.95 per year.
Blue Iris Features and Tech
The Blue Iris program is the more popular software due to its compatibility with numerous surveillance camera models. If you have a standard RTSP, MJPEG, or similar video camera protocol, you can connect them.
If you are unsure if your camera model will work with Blue Iris, you can visit their expansive list of compatible cameras. This list features every manufacturer and model that works with the Blue Iris interface.
Once integrated, you can view live cameras, recorded clips, and receive alerts to your devices. Along with capturing and recording video, you can enable audio recording that can trigger video recording.
You can bring your Blue Iris interface anywhere with a web server. From desktop to mobile viewing, you can keep tabs on what’s going on around your property. Additionally, you can enable permission-based viewing for authorized people only.
Pros
- Compatible With Most Cameras
- Audio and Motion Sensing Technology
- Timer Feature to Set Alerts
- Priority Customer Support
Cons
- Paid License
Zoneminder Features and Tech
If you don’t want to pay for a software license, Zoneminder may suit your surveillance needs. This surveillance software offers CCTV and security camera monitoring with limitless hardware capabilities.
Whether you have a small surveillance setup or have dozens of cameras, you can connect them with Zoneminder. While the program is open source and free, you can also pay for a managed version with a support team.
For those not tech-savvy, the user interface of Zoneminder may be complex for those with limited technical knowledge. Zoneminder offers many of the features of Blue Iris, but it takes a bit of practice to get used to it.
If you don’t mind tweaking the technical aspects of surveillance software, then Zoneminder may be worth it. However, we have found the inference of Zoneminder to be a bit outdated and unsuitable for many modern cameras.
Pros
- Free License
- Unlimited Cameras
- Monitor From Anywhere
- Works With Analog and IP Cameras
Cons
- No Support
- Outdated Interface
Similarities Between Zoneminder and Blue Iris
Blue Iris and Zoneminder offer a wide variety of features for users. If you want to keep track of all surveillance cameras in one place, you can choose either of these options. Both options can be accessed via desktop or mobile phone.
When downloaded, you can remotely manage your cameras and program the settings to meet your preferences. These software programs are compatible with most surveillance camera models and easily integrated.
Differences Between Zoneminder and Blue Iris
While these programs offer the same general abilities, they have far more differences than similarities. Blue Iris offers a paid license, and Zoneminder is a free open-source option for customers.
The Blue Iris user interface is far superior to Zoneminder and is constantly updated by the developers. If you choose Zoneminder, you will soon deal with technical issues with the older design without customer support.
Full License users of Blue Iris can enjoy priority support that can help solve many of your technical problems. The yearly license fee is worth it for the support and ease of use that Blue Iris offers.
However, if you need many cameras, Zoneminder is the better option. There is no limit to the cameras that Zoneminder can connect to, which differs from the maximum limit of 64 cameras on Blue Iris.
Which Is Better: Blue Iris vs Zoneminder?
After reading customer feedback and gathering experience from our testing, we have determined that Blue Iris is the better option. While the Blue Iris licensing fee can be a disadvantage, we have found that the benefits warrant the price.
Zoneminder is much more challenging to set up for users, and the lack of support can be frustrating. Additionally, the user inference appears it has not been updated in the past two decades, while Blue Iris has a much better user experience.
If you want a program ready to use out-of-the-box, you can count on Blue Iris as a better choice. Once installed, you can quickly add your surveillance devices and program them on a Windows OS.
The hassle-free installation makes Blue Iris the easy choice between Blue Iris and Zoneminder. However, Blue Iris can be demanding on computers and cause slow performance if you have an older model.
Purchase a Blue Iris Software License Here
Conclusion
When comparing Blue Iris vs Zoneminder, we recommend Blue Iris as the better option. The program features various features and functionality that help to improve your surveillance recording experience.
Have you used Blue Iris or Zoneminder? Let us know your experiences in the comments!