Top 3 NVR options for Linux

Stonewatch is our top pick for local camera recording with a dedicated desktop app. Here are the key differences at a glance.

Three Linux NVR options at a glance
Features#1 · TOP PICKStonewatchBeta waitlist open#2Frigate#3Agent DVR
Desktop Viewer on Windows, Mac & LinuxYesNoNo
Native recorder on all three platformsYesNoYes
Install without DockerYesNoYes
Record to your own driveYesYesYes
ONVIF / RTSP camera inputYesYesYes
Get early access Container deploymentBrowser interface

Your cameras. Your storage. One desktop app. Stonewatch combines local recording, built-in object detection, and a dedicated Viewer for live video and playback.

Local recording on affordable Linux hardware

A spare PC can have a second life as your recorder. Stonewatch saves compressed camera streams directly and supports CPU detection, Intel OpenVINO, NVIDIA CUDA and TensorRT, AMD MIGraphX, and Hailo on compatible Linux hardware.

The native recorder runs on 64-bit Intel/AMD and ARM systems. A headless host can record in the background while Stonewatch Viewer runs on your everyday Windows, Mac, or Linux desktop.

Reuse an office PC

Intel Core i3-6100

8 GB RAM · Intel HD 530

Recording HDD512 GB minimum · 1 TB recommended

This sixth-generation Intel Core CPU is within OpenVINO’s supported CPU range. A spare office desktop can become a small Linux recorder.

OpenVINO · CPUVAAPI · video

Budget NVIDIA system

Core i5-8400 + GeForce GTX 1650

8 GB RAM · 4 GB GPU memory

Recording HDD512 GB minimum · 1 TB recommended

A used desktop and GTX 1650 provide CUDA or TensorRT object detection alongside NVENC video encoding.

CUDA / TensorRT · AINVENC · video

These are example configurations, not camera-count benchmarks. Capacity depends on camera bitrate, detection, and live views. Accelerators require compatible hardware and drivers.

ONVIF and RTSP IP cameras send video to the Stonewatch recorder, which saves footage on your recording drive. The desktop Viewer connects for live video and playback.

How much storage will your cameras need?

Pick a camera, set your camera count and days of history, and get an instant storage estimate. Five camera presets are included, plus a custom option.

Enable JavaScript to calculate storage for your cameras.

Continuous video estimate based on the share of drive capacity used for footage. Audio, exports, and other files need additional space. Camera presets are sizing examples, not tested compatibility claims.

Common questions about Linux NVR software

Does Stonewatch require Docker?

No. Stonewatch is a native Linux application that runs as a background service. There are no containers or Docker volumes to manage.

Can the recorder run without a desktop?

Yes. Stonewatch supports headless recording. The recorder stays on your Linux machine while the desktop Viewer on Windows, Mac, or Linux provides live video and playback.

Can I use an older PC?

Definitely. Stonewatch includes CPU detection and supports OpenVINO on compatible Intel systems, plus CUDA and TensorRT on compatible NVIDIA hardware. A small camera setup can make good use of an older 64-bit PC.

Is Stonewatch open source?

Stonewatch is proprietary software, available through the free Essentials plan and the one-time Home license.

Stonewatch pricing and availability

Essentials is free for two active cameras. Home is USD 99 before tax, paid once. One license covers a single machine, with one active Stonewatch installation. There is no subscription or renewal fee, and all v1.x updates are included.

Home has no fixed active-camera limit; capacity depends on your hardware and workload. Join the waitlist for the beta announcement.