With DVR, you do not have to connect the system to a separate computer or laptop at all times. This makes the systems much more affordable and easier for all types of installations. There are multiple factors that affect the performance and usability of a DVR, such as:
Number of Channels: Most DVRs offer multiple channels so that you can introduce more sources for the video capture. If you have a surveillance system and are buying a DVR for that, make sure that it offers the same number of channels as the cameras included in your system. Storage Capacity: DVR also needs a dedicated storage drive to save the footage captured at source. You can either get an affordable DVR and connect a hard drive that you already have, or you can spend a little extra to pick up one that offers a built-in storage drive. You will find up to 10 TB of storage capacity on some premium options. Accessibility: Another thing to keep in mind while buying a DVR is the accessibility of the device and connectivity options. Even though it works as a standalone device, you still need to connect the device to a computer or laptop to watch the footage. If the DVR offers display options, you can simply connect it to your TV or other display devices as well for quicker access.
These factors are probably the only things you need to check to get a perfectly compatible and budget-friendly DVR for your system. Based on these and many other specifications, we have selected some of the best DVRs in the market for our list. If you want more information about DVR, kindly check our “Buying Guide” for the best DVR present later in our article.
Best DVR 2023
Best DVR (Digital Video Recorder) Reviews
1. Tablo Quad Over-The-Air DVR
Usually, a regular HDMI TV is converted into a smart TV by connecting it with a smart TV stick designed by Tablo. If you are looking the same, then consider the following DVR offering various good-catching features. In the first place, we have the popular DVR in the market designed by Tablo. It is probably one of the most advanced DVRs with a lot of features. The quad TV recast allows you to watch, pause and record the content of up to 4 live OTA channels at a time while playing on the TV. Thus, you can easily perform schedule & manage recordings, browse upcoming shows, rewind recordings, or fast-forward. You can directly connect to the router to browse, record and stream live antenna TV to any device. This OTA DVR has dual-band AC Wi-Fi included that lets you position the TV antenna and DVR for the best signal reception. You can enjoy your favorite network TV channels through the dedicated Tablo app on your Android and iOS mobiles, smart TVs, computers, or gaming devices (Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, or Android TV). It supports all basic playback functions and live TV recordings even with not having a subscription. Hence, you won’t miss out on a simultaneous show while watching a different one. With its built-in 1 TB hard drive that allows you to record up to 150 hours of HD content. It offers a strong Over-the-Air signal from the TV antenna and a strong home Wi-Fi network for maximum performance. This quad over-the-air DVR comes with a 1-year warranty, which is a bit short at the given price. Best Features
Can record up to 150 hours of HD content Works as a voice-accessible TV guide Cables deliver HDTV picture quality with a single connection 1 TB storage capacity Comes with 4 channel DVR Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros
Comes with a built-in hard drive Best suited for TVs Very compact and premium design Offers two types of Tablo OTA DVRs – network-connected & TV-connected.
Cons
Require an HD antenna for content streaming. A bit tricky and difficult to set up.
2. ANNKE H.265+ Surveillance DVR Recorder
If you are specifically looking for DVRs designed for CCTV cameras and surveillance systems, then you should get the following DVR made by ANNKE. It will offer you multiple channels, which is necessary for a large system. In 2nd place, we have the ANNKE Surveillance DVR Recorder. As you can tell from the name itself, it is designed specifically for surveillance systems. You will find 8 channels on this DVR that lets you connect up to 8 cameras with the device simultaneously. The supported resolution for the cameras is 5MP which includes a range of standard surveillance cameras in the market. The ANNKE Surveillance DVR Recorder is more of an all-in-one choice as it combines the functionality of 5 different devices in 1. It works as a DVR, NVR, and HVR, while supporting a range of camera options, including 2 IP cameras with wireless connectivity. It operates on the H.265+ video encoding, which is highly beneficial regarding storage performance. Apart from that, you will be getting a remote access feature on the DVR via the smartphone application for completely remote monitoring. Best Features
5-in1 DVR Works with H.265+ video encoder 8 channel DVR Wired as well as wireless connectivity features 2 years warranty
Pros
Remote access is provided The compatibility range is pretty good Works on an efficient encoder
Cons
The storage drive is not included
3. TiVo BOLT 500 GB DVR
As we are exploring various types of DVRs designed for different applications, let us introduce the next choice from TiVo. It is yet another highly beneficial option for entertainment-based applications. The TiVo BOLT DVR is probably the most expensive DVR available in the market right now. It is a very premium device that features 500 GB of internal storage capacity and compatibility with 4K UHD content recording. It also allows you to record from 4 different sources at once so that you can use it for simultaneous watching and recording. To use the TiVo BOLT, you will have to pay a minimal subscription fee which includes the on-air streaming of various channels. Best Features
Recording as well as a streaming device Can be used to record from content streaming apps directly SkipMode feature to skip commercial breaks and ads 500 GB storage capacity 1-year warranty
Pros
Supports 4K UHD quality Comes with a remote controller Can record up to 75 hours of content
Cons
Requires a subscription fee despite being an expensive DVR
4. ZOSI H.265 Security DVR
As you go through our list of the best DVR, you will see many different options that are offered at different budget ranges. The DVR from ZOSI is designed to work with affordable surveillance systems and costs the least investment in comparison. The ZOSI Lite Security DVR is the cheapest DVR to enter our selection today. It combines input from 4 different channels so that you can use it for basic home surveillance systems. It supports 1080p footage quality on all 4 channels along with remote access to the device so that you can get real-time monitoring directly from your smartphone. It will also push notifications on your smartphone for alerts. Even though ZOSI Lite Security DVR is a cheap device, it still offers compatibility with the H.265+ video codec, which is definitely a better choice in comparison with the older video encoders. It is a 4-in-1 device as it supports 4 different types of cameras that are Analog, AHD, TVI, and CVI. It is perfect for a smart surveillance system as it also offers motion detection, which can be customized to focus on a particular area, such as the main gate, door, or fence. Best Features
Most affordable DVR Supports advanced motion detection system Remote access with mobile notifications Supports 4 types of cameras 4 channel DVR
Pros
Perfect choice for budget CCTV camera system Offers many smart features Remote access supported via ZOSI client
Cons
Only 4 channels are provided
5. Amcrest DVR Security Camera System
Amcrest is a brand that specifically deals with the surveillance devices like wired or wireless cameras, NVRs, POE cameras, and DVRs. As the number of cameras included in the surveillance system increases, the choices available in the market won’t support a large number of cameras. In case, if your property requires 8 cameras, then it’s best to pair those devices to the Amcrest DVR security camera system. This AMDV5M8 DVR features uncompressed, latency-free, 5MP UltraHD video transmission up to 5M-N and supports 1080P and lower resolutions @ 15 fps. Its AI features like face detection & face recognition (to recognize and confirm the identity), and smart motion detection (people or vehicle) along with IVS features like tripwire line and intrusion to get alert anytime when a vehicle or human crosses the intrusion area. This versatile DVR supports a full range of AHD, HDCVI, CVBS, and TVI analog cameras, and is compatible with all Amcrest security cameras that include 2MP, 3MP, 4MP, 5MP, and 8MP analog cameras. Also, it supports up to 10 TB storage drives on the DVR, which suits such a system. It allows you to instantly capture months of footage and monitor footage and monitor instantly via the remote access feature. Also, it is a plug-and-play system supporting H.265 compression technology video encoder. It will make difference in terms of storage performance. And it is backed by a 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support from the original date of this DVR purchase. Best Features
Supports 10 TB storage capacity 8 channel DVR 5MP UltraHD resolution Supports AI features and IVS features Support long-distance signal transmission up to 2296 feet. 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support Remote access via smartphone app or web browser
Pros:
Easy to access remotely Plug and play DVR system Supports 5 types of cameras Highest built-in storage capacity
Cons:
The hard drive is not included.
6. SANNCE 1080P Lite Wired Home DVR
SANNCE is offering yet another suitable choice for standard home surveillance security systems. The following options offer many great features along with a dedicated storage drive. While most budget-focused DVRs do not include a dedicated storage drive, SANNCE Surveillance Camera System DVR features a 1 TB hard drive that can store a lot of data recorded from standard 1080p CCTV cameras. It also supports 5 different types of sources that are CVBS, AHD, TVI, CVI, and IP cameras. Hence, it is compatible with most standard surveillance systems in the market. It also offers real-time monitoring and remote access via desktop, laptop, or even a smartphone. It is backed by a dedicated application that offers monitoring via an internet connection. The SANNCE Surveillance Camera System DVR also features the motion detection and notifications system if an anomaly is detected. As for the output, you will be able to use the HDMI and VGA ports given at the rear side of the DVR. Best Features
Supports 5 types of sources Suitable for wireless cameras 8 channel DVR 1 TB storage capacity Remote access via the internet
Pros
HDMI and VGA ports for output 1 TB internal hard drive 1080p video resolution supported
Cons
Not as reliable as a few other choices
7. Lorex D841A82B Series DVR
Lorex D841A82B is yet another premium choice for the best DVR on our picks. It is designed for high-quality surveillance systems with better video capture quality. Lorex D841A82B is one of the few devices on our list that also supports 4K UHD video quality for recording. It consists of a 2 TB internal hard drive which is a great feature as it will save additional expense for a storage drive. Although, the maximum supported capacity is up to 10 TB of hard drives, so you can upgrade in the future if required. There are 8 channels available on the Lorex D841A82B, which can be used to connect 8 MP CCTV cameras with the system. Lorex has also designed a smartphone application that allows you to remotely monitor the content recorded by the DVR. Unlike most other options in the market, the Lorex D841A82B is rather a smart choice as it also supports voice control. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Apple TV, and other smart home systems. You can turn the camera on/off or even pull up a feed from the camera with simple voice commands. Best Features
Smart DVR Supports voice access 8 channel DVR 2 TB storage capacity 90 days warranty
Pros
Features advanced motion detection Remote access via the Lorex app Can be paired with various smart home systems
Cons
Storage capacity might be insufficient later on
8. Swann DVR 44580 Digital Video Recorder
Swann is also one of the brands that only deal with surveillance-based cameras peripherals. This includes 4K cameras, wireless security systems and also, DVRs. The DVR from Swann is a reliable choice for long-term usage. Swann 4580 DVR 44580 will offer you 4 channel support, all of which are compatible with 1080p FHD video resolution. for the output, it has HDMI and VGA ports so that it can be connected to TVs as well as traditional monitors. The Swann 4580 DVR 44580 also offers the remote access feature once paired with the select range of cameras from Swann. You can also find a USB port on the back that you can use to connect a USB-powered mouse or an external hard drive. But, you might not need to connect an external drive to the Swann 4580 DVR 44580 as it comes with a built-in 1 TB drive which is sufficient for a standard 1080p surveillance system. You can also use the DVR with voice control which makes it even easier to access. There is a year of warranty available on the Swann 4580 DVR 44580 from the manufacturer, which is decent for the cost. Best Features
Voice control supported 4 channel DVR VGA, HDMI, and USB ports 1 TB storage capacity 1-year warranty
Pros
Comes with a built-in hard drive Supports FHD 1080p video resolution Allows multi-channel viewing with zooming
Cons
Only 4 channels are available
9. DahuaOEM Penta-brid XVR51018H DVR
Lastly, we are bringing one more DVR from the affordable range of options. It is designed to work with multiple channels with room for upgrades in the future. The DahuaOEM Penta-brid XVR51018H is one of the most affordable options to be enlisted on our list today. Still, it offers 5-in-1 functionality with built-in support from HDCVI, AHD, HDTVI, Analog, and wireless IP cameras. It operates on the traditional H.264+ and H.264 video encoders which might make the storage capacity feel short with more cameras. But worry not as it does not come with a built-in drive, and you can install the one that seems sufficient for your application. It features 8 channels for wired CCTV camera connections as well as 4 additional channels for wireless cameras. Each of these channels supports input from a 5 MP camera which guarantees great detail and sharpness on the video footage. DahuaOEM is offering lifetime technical support on the DVR. Hence, you can directly consult with the brand if something does not work properly on the device at any point. Best Features
Supports wired and wireless cameras 8+4 channel DVR 1080p video resolution supported 5-in-1 DVR system Operates on H.264+/H.264 video encoder
Pros
Smart search feature Comparatively affordable than other 8 channel DVRs 4 extra channels for IP cameras
Cons
The hard drive is not included
10. Amcrest Video Security DVR Digital Recorder
Amcrest has landed yet another highly advanced DVR on our list today. This is the pro version of our previously mentioned Amcrest DVR with some additional features. As we mentioned earlier, there are not a lot of options available for large surveillance systems. If your system consists of 10 or more CCTV cameras, then the Amcrest ProHD is the only best option available for you today. It features 16 channels to which you can connect various types of sources such as 960H, HDCVI, HDTVI, AHD, and others. Even with that, it supports 1080p video resolution through all channels so that you can get a clear view of every angle on your system. The Amcrest ProHD supports up to 10 TB storage drives on the Amcrest ProHD DVR, which is perfectly suitable for such a system. This will allow you to capture months of footage and monitor instantly via the remote access feature. This is also a plug-and-play system that supports H.265 video encoder. This will actually make a difference in terms of storage performance with such a high number of connected sources. It is backed by a year of warranty from Amcrest similar to our last pick. Best Features
Best choice for large surveillance systems 16 channel DVR 10 TB storage capacity supported Remote access Plug-and-play DVR 1-year warranty
Pros
Offers the highest number of channels Highest built-in storage capacity Multiple sources are supported
Cons
The storage drive is not included
Buying Guide For The Best DVR
A DVR or a digital video recorder simply allows you to provide a dedicated storage location for your surveillance system. There are some high-end versions of the DVR that also offer network access so that you can remotely manage the system right from your smartphone. But as there are a lot of DVRs present out there, we have picked some ideal options for our list of the best DVR. We have introduced each of our choices in brief up there so that you can choose the perfect option amongst them. Even if you don’t know much about DVRs, you will be able to understand these options in detail by going through our picks one by one. As for the specifications and features themselves, you can refer to our buying guide given here to understand the DVR in detail and select the perfect option in your budget.
1. Resolution
Apart from connecting all the cameras to a single DVR, you should also be able to monitor the captured video footage in high quality. For that, you need to pick up a DVR that offers the best video quality in your budget. You can ensure that by checking the supported video quality by a DVR before finalizing your choice. We have mentioned the video quality with most of our picks which should make the selection procedure a bit easier. You can also ignore this and pick up a 4K compatible DVR directly so that you can later connect it to a 4K UHD video source and get the best quality possible for the surveillance system.
2. Number of Channels
Whether you already have a CCTV system or looking to install one right now, the chances are you might be going with a large number of cameras to design a complete surveillance system. And even if you have a large number of cameras, you would want to connect all of them to a single DVR for easy access to the captured footage. For that, your DVR must have equal or more channels available onboard than your CCTV cameras. You can either go with an option that offers you an equal number of channels for a complete system right now. Or you can invest a little bit more on an expensive unit with more channels for future upgradability of the system.
3. Storage Capacity
For large surveillance systems, the storage capacity can turn out to be a big issue. With any surveillance system, you should at least be able to monitor the footage dating back up to a month or so in case you had to revisit older footage later on. It is only possible if the connected DVR offers enough storage capacity where you can store the captured footage. The performance of storage also depends upon the resolution of the video footage as well as the video encoders used by the DVR. Even with the best of both factors, you should at least have 2 TB or more storage capacity on the DVR to be able to store a month of video footage. Most affordable DVRs do not include a storage drive by default but allow you to get a high-capacity drive for it which is also a suitable option.
4. Connectivity Options
Depending upon the type of your surveillance system, you will have to check the connectivity options provided on the DVR so that you can connect the cameras, monitors, and other important accessories. The connectivity options might be wired or wireless. The wired options include LAN cables and other data cables for input and standard HDMI or VGA ports for output. As for the wireless connection, just the WiFi support is good enough to connect it with your router as well as other wireless CCTV cameras. Some DVRs also support external hard drives via the USB port so that you can record specific content on a separate drive quickly.
Conclusion:
While there is no shortage of surveillance systems, not all of them come with a dedicated storage device. This storage device is called a DVR which provides a certain number of channels where you can connect the CCTV cameras. These channels then transfer the data captured from the cameras and store them on an internal hard drive. Not only that, but the DVRs can also be used to record the footage directly from your TV to watch later. If you are confused about which DVR you should buy, kindly take a look at our choices for the best DVR given right here. And if you want to pick up the best option, we will also recommend you to read the buying guide before placing the order. In the end, we are going to offer some great recommendations which might be perfect for you.
If you already have a large surveillance system, we will recommend getting the Amcrest 5MP DVR Security Camera System Recorder. It is capable of storing video footage in 1080p resolution and offers 16 channels so that you can connect up to 16 cameras to the unit. On top of that, it also supports up to 10 TB hard drives, which makes it perfect for such a large system. On the other hand, the Lorex D841A82B Series 8 Channel 4K HD is a premium option that is capable of recording 4K UHD content via 8 channels. It is perfect for recording high-quality shows as you can rewatch them again in 4K. It also houses a 2 TB storage drive by default, and you can expand the storage by up to 10 TB later on. It comes with a year of warranty which is suitable for such a premium device. Lastly, we will recommend getting the ZOSI H.265+ 5MP Lite Security DVR if you want a budget-friendly option. It is the cheapest DVR available in the market, which offers 4 channels which is great for small systems. Furthermore, it is capable of recording 1080p resolution footage, which is standard for commercial CCTV cameras.
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