ZoneMinder
ZoneMinder is a full-featured, open-source CCTV software application developed for Linux that supports IP, USB and analogue cameras. With more than 20 years of continuous development, it is one of the most mature self-hosted video surveillance platforms available — a complete NVR/VMS for home and business use.
Key Features
- Broad camera support — Works with IP, USB and analogue cameras, plus many ONVIF-compliant devices.
- Motion detection zones — Define custom zones per camera with per-zone sensitivity and triggering, so you can ignore busy roads and watch only the entry points.
- Event recording — Captures and stores events triggered by motion, with filters, review and export tools.
- Live monitoring — Watch multiple cameras simultaneously in a web-based console, with playback of recorded events.
- Alerting and notifications — Send email/SMS alerts on triggered events, with snapshot attachments.
- Mature ecosystem — Two decades of plugins, documentation and community support, plus API access for integrations.
Why Use ZoneMinder?
ZoneMinder is the workhorse of open-source surveillance: it is battle-tested, runs on modest hardware, and gives you granular control over detection zones and recording rules. It is the right choice when you want maximum control and a proven track record over cutting-edge AI features.
Use Cases
- Home security with multiple IP cameras and custom detection zones
- Small-business CCTV where reliability and camera compatibility matter
- Integrating USB or legacy analogue cameras into a modern web-based NVR
Platform
Linux (Ubuntu/Debian packages, Docker image available)
Licence
GPL-2.0