How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Rankite is independent; if a vendor ever pays for a featured spot, that listing is clearly labeled Partner.
Key takeaways
- Verkada unifies cameras, access control, and sensors on one cloud platform with a 30-day free trial.
- Rhombus offers cloud-managed physical security with no NVR and per-device licensing.
- Milestone XProtect is the open-platform VMS used in 500,000+ sites worldwide.
- Eagle Eye Networks supports 7,500+ camera models with natural-language video search.
- Genetec Security Center is the unified platform analysts rank as the global VMS leader.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Verkada | All-in-one cloud security | See website | Free trial (30 days) |
 Rhombus | Cloud physical security | See website | No |
 Avigilon | Enterprise video security | See website | Free trial (30 days) |
 Milestone XProtect | Open-platform VMS | See website | No |
 Eagle Eye Networks | Cloud VMS with AI search | See website | No |
 Genetec | Unified security platform | See website | No |
 Arlo | Small business cameras | See website | No |
 Lorex | No-subscription local storage | See website | No |
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best video monitoring software
Starting priceSee website
Free planFree trial (30 days)
Verkada is the integrated cloud platform for physical security. Control cameras, access control, and sensors from Verkada Command, with AI analytics designed to support human judgment rather than replace it. Six privacy pillars engineer privacy into the product, and data is never used to train models.
The 30-day trial includes one device and full platform access. The honest catch is lock-in: Verkada hardware and software come as a package. For businesses that want security without servers, Verkada is the turnkey option.
What we like- One integrated platform for cameras, access, and sensors
- 30-day free trial with a device included
- Trusted by 30,000+ organizations with 24/7 support
Watch out for- Hardware and software are tied together
- Enterprise pricing through sales
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Rhombus is the cloud-managed physical security platform: AI cameras, door access, environmental and IoT sensors, and alarm monitoring from one console. Footage stores on-device and in the cloud, so no network video recorder is needed. AI-powered search and review turn insights into actions instantly.
The open API with roughly 900 endpoints plus an MCP server suits tech-forward teams. The honest catch is recurring per-device licensing. For multi-site businesses that want no servers on site, Rhombus is the modern cloud pick.
What we like- No NVR or DVR required
- AI-powered search and review with automated workflows
- Open API with REST, SDKs, and MCP server
Watch out for- Per-device licensing costs scale with camera count
- Cloud-dependent
Starting priceSee website
Free planFree trial (30 days)
Avigilon, part of Motorola Solutions, delivers end-to-end security with proactive analytics. The Avigilon suite integrates cameras, AI analytics, sensors, and access control on an intuitive management platform, from Avigilon Unity video security to Avigilon Alta cloud-native products.
Avigilon Alta Visitor is free for 30 days for visitor management. The honest catch is enterprise positioning: this is built for organizations with security teams. For large deployments that need analytics at scale, Avigilon is the heavyweight.
What we like- End-to-end portfolio with 100+ camera models
- Trusted by 100,000+ organizations
- Avigilon Alta Visitor free for 30 days
Watch out for- Enterprise scope and pricing
- Best with an integrator
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Milestone Systems makes XProtect, the open video management software that connects cameras, sites, and data through a flexible, scalable portfolio. Responsible AI turns video data into insights, and the BriefCam analytics platform adds deep video analysis.
Found in 500,000+ sites from corner stores to critical infrastructure. The honest catch is that Milestone sells software, not a turnkey bundle. For businesses that want to choose their own cameras and integrators, XProtect is the open choice.
What we like- Open platform works with thousands of cameras
- In 500,000+ customer sites worldwide
- 25+ years of VMS development
Watch out for- Software-only, needs integrator or in-house expertise
- Hardware sold separately
#5
Eagle Eye Networks
Best for: Cloud VMS with AI search
Visit een.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Eagle Eye Networks is the cloud video management system with AI at its core. Cameras with AI spot security events, remote monitoring adds human response when you can't be there, and natural language finds what you're looking for in seconds.
It works with more than 7,500 camera models, so existing cameras stay. Solar-powered cellular cabinets cover remote lots. The honest catch is the per-camera cloud model. For multi-location businesses going proactive, Eagle Eye is the AI-forward pick.
What we like- Works with 7,500+ cameras, no rip and replace
- Natural-language video search
- 24/7 global support from real people
Watch out for- Cloud subscriptions per camera
- Video retention depends on plan
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Genetec is the unified physical security software leader. Security Center combines video management, access control, automatic license plate recognition, and communications in one platform, with Security Center SaaS offering a cloud path.
Independent analysts ranked Genetec the global VMS leader again in 2026, with 42,500+ customers including stadiums and airports. The honest catch is enterprise scale: this is for serious deployments. For organizations unifying security silos, Genetec is the platform play.
What we like- Unified video, access control, ALPR, and communications
- Analysts rank it the global VMS leader
- 42,500+ customers
Watch out for- Enterprise pricing and complexity
- Integrator deployment typical
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Arlo is the DIY-friendly smart security camera line for homes and small businesses. Wireless cameras install without wiring, and Arlo Secure subscriptions add 30-day cloud storage, smart notifications, animated previews, and AI object detection for people, pets, and packages.
The honest catch is that recordings and AI features need the subscription. For small businesses that want cameras up this afternoon, Arlo is the accessible option.
What we like- Wireless cameras with no wiring needed
- Arlo Secure adds 4K recording and AI detection
- DIY installation
Watch out for- Cloud features need a subscription
- Camera purchases required
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Lorex is the security camera brand for businesses that refuse monthly fees. Cameras and systems store video locally on microSD cards or NVR hard drives with no subscription required, and they keep recording even without internet.
Lorex Pro is the professional-grade app for commercial and SMB solutions, with business pricing and bulk purchasing. The honest catch is upfront hardware cost. For small businesses that want to buy once and own it, Lorex is the no-fee pick.
What we like- No monthly subscription required
- Local storage on microSD or NVR hard drive
- Lorex Pro app for commercial and SMB
Watch out for- Hardware purchase up front
- Cloud features limited compared to cloud-native platforms
How we chose
We compared video monitoring platforms using each vendor's own site in October 2026, alongside G2, Capterra, and practitioner reviews. We required live, verifiable products and covered the 2026 shift to AI search and proactive alerts. We never claim hands-on testing.
Choosing video monitoring software
Cloud or on-premise
Verkada, Rhombus, and Eagle Eye Networks are cloud-first with no NVR. Milestone and Genetec support on-premise and hybrid. Cloud removes servers but adds subscriptions; on-premise needs infrastructure.
Bundled or open
Verkada and Avigilon sell hardware plus software as one system. Milestone and Eagle Eye work with thousands of third-party cameras. Bundled is simpler; open avoids lock-in.
Small business or enterprise
Arlo and Lorex suit small sites with a handful of cameras. Verkada and Rhombus fit growing multi-site businesses. Avigilon, Milestone, and Genetec serve enterprises and integrators.
AI turned cameras into sensors
The 2026 change is proactive: natural-language search, AI object detection, gun detection, PPE compliance, and talk-down alerts. Video monitoring software now prevents incidents instead of just recording them. When comparing, look at what the AI actually flags, not the camera specs alone.
Plan retention before you buy
How long footage stays available decides the real cost. Cloud plans tier retention by days; Lorex keeps footage locally as long as the drive holds it. If your industry requires 30, 60, or 90 days of retention for compliance, confirm that number before signing.
Count total cost of ownership
Cameras, licenses, installation, bandwidth, and retention all add up. A cheap camera with an expensive per-device subscription can cost more in year two than a pricier Lorex system with no fees. Model three years, not just the quote.
Test the mobile app
You will check footage from your phone more than any dashboard. Verkada, Rhombus, Eagle Eye, Arlo, and Lorex all center the mobile experience. During a trial, pull up live and recorded footage on-site over cellular and judge the speed yourself.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best video monitoring software for small business?
Verkada and Rhombus suit growing businesses with multiple locations. Arlo works for a few cameras with DIY install. Lorex avoids monthly fees entirely with local storage.
Does video monitoring software need an NVR?
Cloud platforms like Verkada, Rhombus, and Eagle Eye Networks need no NVR. Lorex uses local NVRs or microSD. Milestone and Genetec support both models.
How much does business video monitoring cost?
Pricing is per camera or per device with cloud storage tiers, usually through quotes or resellers. Lorex charges no monthly fee after the hardware purchase.
Can I search security footage with AI?
Yes. Eagle Eye Networks offers natural-language video search. Rhombus has AI-powered search and review. Lorex Connect Cloud+ includes AI Smart Search.
Which platform works with my existing cameras?
Milestone XProtect and Eagle Eye Networks support thousands of third-party cameras. Verkada and Avigilon are hardware-first ecosystems.
Is there a free trial for video monitoring software?
Verkada offers a 30-day free trial with a device. Avigilon Alta Visitor is free for 30 days. Most enterprise platforms offer demos.
Should I worry about privacy with AI cameras?
Verkada built six privacy pillars into its product, and several vendors pledge not to train models on your footage. Read the data-use terms, tell staff about monitoring as local laws require, and choose vendors with third-party security certifications.
Do I need door access control too?
Most platforms bundle it: Verkada, Rhombus, Avigilon, and Genetec all pair video with access control. If your main goal is watching who enters, the bundled platforms beat buying a separate system.
What about existing on-premise systems?
If you already run cameras on an NVR, Milestone XProtect can bring them into a modern VMS without replacing everything. Eagle Eye Networks works with 7,500+ camera models too. Only rip and replace if your cameras are truly obsolete.
How many cameras can each platform handle?
Verkada, Rhombus, and Eagle Eye Networks scale to unlimited locations and cameras. Arlo suits a handful per site. Check per-device licensing costs at your real camera count, not the demo size.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.verkada.com/
- https://rhombus.com/
- https://www.avigilon.com/
- https://www.milestonesys.com/
- https://www.een.com/
- https://www.genetec.com/
- https://arlo.com/
- https://lorex.com/
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has spent more than a decade helping SaaS and e-commerce brands grow through search. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.