An Internet Protocol camera, or IP camera, maybe a kind of digital video camera usually used for police investigation, and which, not like analog television system (CCTV) cameras, will transmit and receive important data via a computer network or through the Internet.
Although most cameras that try this square measure webcams, the term IP camera or netcam is sometimes applied solely to those used for police investigation that may be directly accessed over a network connection. The performance of the IP Camera is well good, and it can be really confusing to make a choice between CCTV and IP Cameras. There is various IP camera software available in the vast market. Though, it is not easy to make a choice among 100’s of software.
Advantages of an IP Camera
IP Camera can record at a higher resolution. This means zooming in would not a blurry image, but can create a very clear image. An IP camera can encapsulate everything up to 3 megapixels. An IP system can highlight and flag events for you based on specific parameters set by you. These can include motion detection, tampering with the camera, and a variety of other events.
An IP system is quite to install anywhere. The way the webcams of the computer are installed, The IP cameras are plug and play. IP cameras use a single wire in the whole installation. IP cameras can be powered through the single cable that sends the video signal and any PTZ commands. PTZ commands you stand for Pan, Tilt, Zoom. It is an additional feature.
Lastly, an IP Camera Software has the ability to detect any dangerous situations and produce alarms for it. The potential dangerous situations are like facial recognition, loitering, line crossing, an object is taken and many more.
Now let us have a look at some software.
Best Free IP Camera Software For Windows
1. Ivideon
It is one of the best free IP camera software which is free of cost. The user can easily connect the webcams and IP cameras to the Ivideon Server and watch live video feeds and video archives via the Internet and LAN Network. Video gets automatically saved on the computer locally. For more security and safety purpose, you can get access to the cloud of the software. This will help you when your computer gets some issue. The Ivideon works sort of a baby monitor except it’s additional economical. Once you’ve set it up the computer code runs mechanically thus if one thing happens you’ll remember of it. What’s even higher is you’ll access all the cameras joined to the computer code. Whether it’s from a smartphone or your pc the performance is that the same.
2. SGS HomeGuard
This software is being ranked among the best free IP camera software, HomeGuard Free is an all in one surveillance device designed for household and business purpose. You can attach the program to your PC and use it as a monitor. HomeGuard Free stores and captures images from your PC’s webcam when installed. HomeGuard Free is obtainable for Windows 2000 and above version. NET Framework Version 2.0 and above is also essential if you like the free version of the software, you can also buy the standard version available that has even more features. The SGS system is easy to use like no special skills are required. The SGS supports various camera models and a USB webcam. Coloured Pictures are too available in the video recording.
3. WebcamXP
Any talk of the best free IP camera software for PC is going to have WebcamXP as a part of it. Why? Because it is versatile and easy to set up. Not only this but Webcam also provides the users with a motion detector on which you’ll have control over its actions. It mainly converts your simple Internet Connection into a device which will protect you and thus act as a security camera. WebcamXP supports for a variety of network cameras and is used in industries, corporate businesses, and homes. USB webcams are supported by the software as well as other famous format are too supported by the software. It gave additional features like PTZ (PAN, TILT, AND ZOOM). WebcamXP is totally free for private use, and the software allows connecting up to 2 cameras.
4. Cam Wizard
Cam Wizard is one of the prominent software among all software. Cam Wizard was mainly made for USB and IP cameras. This software has all the important features like alerts, notification, motion detection and what not. FTP upload and time schedule options are too available in the software. The motion detection capacities are top-notch, and it just takes a few seconds to set everything up. The software can take MPEG and JPEG so whether you want clips or images, the camera will surely get it for you. CAM Wizard is reconcilable with computers running Windows XP and above versions. Media Player 10 and DirectX8 or something better than that must also be lodged in your windows.
5. iSpy
The name is short, but the activities are long. The software is a free, open source video surveillance platform. The best thing about this software is it has no restrictions on the number of devices attached. iSpy runs as an installed PC application with a complete local User Interface. iSpy permits remote access of CCTV cameras, as well as watching the live telecast and recorded videos. Users can install iSpy plugins for their system. With its text to speech, you can chat via the website. Not only this but you’ll also be able to monitor and listen to the mics you’ve set up. iSpy allows the user to upload SFTP and FTP frames onto their server. This due to the extravagant activities of the software, it is regarded as one of the Best Free IP Camera recording Software.
IP Camera Software For Mac
6. Reolink
Reolink free IP camera software has regularly upgraded itself and improved to become an awesome, feature-rich solution. The software is well adjustable with every Reolink IP cameras on Windows PC, Mac, Android, iOS and web browsers like Safari, etc. More than 2.5 million users across the globe are employing Reolink IP camera software to see the high-quality videos and images shot across their environment. Natural and easy to understand Reolink free IP camera and NVR programming has additionally been persistently refreshed to suit changing clients’ needs and request.
7. Sighthound
Sighthound Video allows you to immediately prepare a smart video surveillance system using your own Mac. Sighthound Video works with most IP cameras and webcams and is absolutely good for home and business purpose. The software needs Mac OS X 10.10 or higher; 2.0GHz Intel-based processor or higher; 2GB RAM or higher RAM. This software also requires a net connection during the installation process. It will be good to try the free version of Sighthound before making a decision of upgrading to the Sighthound Basic or Sighthound Pro. Sighthound Pro is a great surveillance solution for Mac users and very economical compared to other software although not quite as polished and advanced.
8. SecuritySpy
This software is NVR software (Network Video Recording software) that will allow you to quickly set up an effective surveillance system. This software is used by many users and is one of the popular software. SecuritySpy’s user interface is diligently designed and convenient to use. Security Spy is appropriate for everything starting from a small to medium-sized home solution to a large office or professional security system. Security Spy covers every basic we search for in surveillance programming including Motion detection, sound location, email cautions or SMS alarms when Action has been recognized. What else you need? Security Spy definitely doesn’t feel like PC apps and is very instinctive to set up an configure.
9. Xeoma
Xeoma is one of the best free IP Camera software. Fourth in our lost but first in many hearts is Xeoma Software. It has the features like compatible with any webcams, analog cams, including WiFi wireless CCTV cameras, it also supports IP-cameras (including H.264, H.264+, H.265, H.265+, JPEG/MJPEG, MPEG-4, Fisheye, PTZ and ONVIF, wireless cams, i.e., perfect for wired and wireless CCTV). The software also has the feature of PTZ touring. The best thing in xeoma software is that the screen captures from all monitors simultaneously. Not only this but it also has adjustable sound quality and sound volume. The software has shockingly advanced systems such as license plate recognition (ANPR for Europe, UK, USA, and CIS), facial recognition and motion detection.
10. AirBeam
AirBeam converts your camera-equipped iDevices into an easy remote monitoring system. It plays live footage and audio from the cameras and microphones of any number of devices. You can see the footage on any other iDevice, Mac or a Web browser – even on various screens at one time. AirBeam itself finds out AirBeam cameras on the network you provide with support for robotic Motrr Galileo cameras too. AirBeam is quite rudimentary in providing features for free. Still One of the interesting things about AirBeam is the video quality possible with up to Full-HD 1920 pixels and audio streaming in 16bit 44kHz CD quality.
Final Words
The above-listed software were some of the best software available for Windows and Mac respectively. Though you will find much other software too but the features and qualities of above-listed software will make you install this in your home or office. Ending the discussion, be alert that no home security system is bulletproof. Thieves and home invaders are becoming increasingly intelligent in taking-out DIY home security camera systems. Sometimes this can be as easy as cutting any cable wire. Thus, We hope these reviews helped you find the best IP camera software for your Mac or Window.