Top 3 NVR options for Mac

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

Three Mac NVR options at a glance
Features#1 · TOP PICKStonewatchBeta waitlist open#2SecuritySpy#3Agent DVR
Desktop Viewer on Windows, Mac & LinuxYesNoNo
Native recorder on all three platformsYesNoYes
Record to your own driveYesYesYes
ONVIF / RTSP camera inputYesYesYes
Get early access Mac-only recorderBrowser 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.

An older Mac mini can be your NVR

A new Mac is not a requirement. Stonewatch runs on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs with macOS 13 or later. It saves compressed camera streams directly, while Core ML on Apple Silicon and VideoToolbox video acceleration make use of the hardware already inside your Mac.

Small, everyday recorder

Mac mini with Apple M1

8 GB unified memory

External recording HDD512 GB minimum · 1 TB recommended

A first-generation Apple Silicon Mac mini brings Core ML object detection and VideoToolbox video acceleration to a compact recorder.

Core ML · AIVideoToolbox · video

Reuse an Intel Mac

Mac mini (2018), Core i3

8 GB RAM · Intel UHD 630 · macOS 13 or later

External recording HDD512 GB minimum · 1 TB recommended

An older Intel Mac can record local camera streams with CPU detection and VideoToolbox video acceleration.

CPU · AIVideoToolbox · video

These are example configurations, not camera-count benchmarks. Capacity depends on camera bitrate, detection, and live views.

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 Mac NVR software

Can I use an older Intel Mac?

Definitely. Stonewatch supports Intel Macs running macOS 13 or later, with CPU-based object detection and VideoToolbox video acceleration. For a small camera setup, an older Mac mini or iMac can be enough. Apple Silicon Macs can also use Core ML for detection.

Will recording continue with the screen off?

Yes. Stonewatch's background recorder keeps working with the display off or the desktop Viewer closed, as long as the Mac stays awake and the recording drive stays connected.

Is there a free Mac NVR option?

Yes. Stonewatch Essentials is free for two active cameras, with local recording and playback. Join the waitlist to hear when the beta opens.

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.