Amcrest NVR comparison chart 2022 – do they have pre-installed Hard Drive?

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How Amcrest NVR comparison can help you? Depending upon the type of camera you purchase, an NVR can be an ideal way to store and record video. Which Armcrest NVR is good for you? Amcrest offers several packages with multiple cameras included with an NVR, starting in a budget range under $300, all the way up to a system that could be used for an office space for over $3,000. Get details in Amcrest NVR comparison chart 2022.

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Amcrest NVR comparison chart 2022

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Outstanding picture clarity
  • Real-time preview
  • Easy to see past recordings
  • Excellent Customer Support
  • High quality cameras that can be adjusted to any viewing angle
  • Easy to preview live on PC, and Monitor connected to NVR

Cons

  • Must use IE for computer access (no Chrome or Edge support)
  • Android App is poor – way too many options and most don’t work. Just show me 2 things: Live preview and Easy to Access Playback!
  • NVR UI is not user friendly – you have to call support for pretty much everything.

Amcrest NVR comparison – should you buy NVR or DVR?

Honestly, it’s a matter of personal preference. As I mentioned earlier, NVRs are a great choice for people who are new to home security cameras and the installation that they often require. You only have to run one cable in order for your PoE NVR (Wi-Fi NVR connects wirelessly) to establish a connection with your cameras. It comes at a slightly higher cost when compared to the DVR but it is also capable of showing high-quality footage in HD. DVRs are typically available at a lower cost and experience a more stable signal with your cameras.

What’s a ‘DVR’ and a ‘NVR’?

I thought you’d never ask! A DVR is short for Digital Video Recorder and an NVR is short for Network Video Recorder, both of which can save recorded footage from your cameras. They look incredibly similar, depending on the model, and most users aren’t exactly sure what the difference is between the two.  Both video recorders have custom recording modes (manual, scheduled, motion detection) and you’re able to set recording intervals anywhere from 1 minute to 120 minutes. With a video recorder you’re able to manipulate PTZ (if your camera supports it) and view the footage of all your cameras on a wide-screen. You’re even able to store up to 6TB of footage with certain video recorders (compared to 32GB on a MicroSD) and backup your footage to a USB which is exceptionally handy if you have not gotten Amcrest Cloud yet. (Learn more about the cloud)

Security camera – Amcrest NVR comparison

Amcrest 5-Series 4K NVR 32-Channel NV5232E-16P

  • Record in Widescreen, Quick Access QR Code Remote Viewing on iPhone, iPad, and Android (w/ included Amcrest View app).
  • Advanced H.265 compression technology lets you save on storage space which allows for longer recording times. H.265 technology compresses your video without sacrificing any of the UltraHD video quality.
  • Extraordinary Quality: Supports 32-Channel 1080p/3MP/4MP/5MP/6MP/4K/12MP Resolution.
  • Records 32-Channels @ 1080p/3MP/4MP/5MP/6MP/8MP
  • View up to 4CH @ 4K @ 30fps simultaneously and the NVR will dial the remaining channels to 1080P @ 30fps.Includes 16 PoE Ports for Power Over Ethernet Cameras.
  • Blazing throughput of 320Mbps enables you to watch things happen as they happen: real-time, highly reliable HD video without loss or delay.
  • Custom Record Modes (e.g. Manual, Scheduled, Motion Detection) and Record Intervals (1-120min).
  • Features a USB 3.0 port in the back and a USB 2.0 port in the front of the NVR.
  • Remotely Access Using Standard Windows and Mac Browsers.
  • Easy to Install: Connect to and Manage All Cameras on Your Network.
  • Feature-Rich OSD: Camera Name, Time, Motion Detection, Video Loss, Lock, and Record Status Icons.
  • Multiple Trigger/Alarm Events: Recording, PTZ, Tour, Video Push, Email, FTP, and Buzzer.
  • Supports up to 2 x 10TB Hard Drives (Hard Drive Not Included).
  • Operating Conditions: +14°F ~ +131°F (-10°C ~ +55°C).

Amcrest NV4108E-HS 4K 8CH POE NVR

  • Amcrest’s NV4108E-HS 8CH POE NVR supports hard drives up to 6 Terabytes, while Featuring 8CH Recording, Playback & Live View in Up to 8MP/4K Resolution @ Real-Time 30fps.
  • Plug & Play setup, Easy to configure, access and control. Scan QR Code on POE NVR from “Amcrest View” app to instantly access live viewing and playback. Connects to and manages all the POE IP cameras on your network directly through their ethernet cables for ultimate ease and convenience in a home security system.
  • Advanced H.265 compression technology lets you save on storage space which allows for longer recording times. H.265 technology compresses your video without sacrificing any of the UltraHD video quality. Intelligent search, playback, and backup functions provide enhanced ease of use and security (for example, motion detection event and exact search functions that are accurate to one second).
  • Includes USB backup feature for peace of mind. All systems CE & FCC certified with UL compliant power supplies. Guaranteed for a Full Year from purchase with US Support and US Warranty offered exclusively by Amcrest.
  • Max 80Mbps Incoming Bandwidth, supports max 7 cameras @ 4K. Conveniently packaged with extras such as USB mouse, network cable, and quick start guide.

Amcrest 4K UltraHD 4 Channel PoE NVR

  • Advanced H.265 compression technology lets you save on storage space which allows for longer recording times.
  • H.265 technology compresses your video without sacrificing any of the UltraHD video quality.
  • Max 80Mbps incoming bandwidth. HDMI/VGA simultaneous video output.
  • Access via standard web-browsers on MAC & PC.
  • Recommended for use with Amcrest IP Cameras and provides limited compatibility with third party brand IP Cameras.
  • Backup to External Storage via USB.
  • Records 4-Channels @ 4K.Playback 1-Channel @ 4K or 4CH @1080P.
  • Supports up to 4 x IP PoE Cameras.
  • Easy QR Code Smartphone Access
  • Supports Hard Drives Upto 6TB (Hard Drive Not Included)
  • NVR Dimensions: 10.25 x 9.1 x 1.9in
  • NVR Weight: 1.9 lbs

Amcrest NV2104-1TB 4CH 1080P/

  • Records 4-Channels @ 4K.Playback 1-Channel @ 4K or 4CH @1080P.
  • H.265 Compression Technology.
  • Max 80Mbps incoming bandwidth.
  • HDMI/VGA simultaneous video output.
  • Easy QR Code Smartphone Access.
  • Access via standard web-browsers on MAC & PC.
  • Recommended for use with Amcrest IP Cameras and provides limited compatibility with third party brand IP Cameras.
  • Backup to External Storage via USB.
  • Pre-installed 1TB SEAGATE SKYHAWK Surveillance Hard Drive. Hard Drive Custom-built for surveillance applications with Image Perfect firmware for crisp, clear, 24×7 video workloads (Supports Hard Drives Up to 6TB)NVR Dimensions: 10.25 x 9.1 x 1.9inNVR Weight: 2.62 lbs
  • *No PoE Ports are included with this model.*

Amcrest NV4116E-2TB (16CH 720p/1080p/3MP/4MP/5MP/6MP/8MP) 

  • Amcrest’s NV4116E-2TB NVR comes with a Pre-Installed 2TB Hard Drive (Supports hard drives up to 6 Terabytes), while Featuring 16CH 8MP Recording, Playback & Live View @ Real-Time 30fps, as well as 8CH 1080p Recording and 8CH Playback, 3MP Recording and 4CH Playback @ 30fps, 8CH 4MP Recording and 4CH Playback @ 30fps, and 8CH 5MP Recording and 3CH Playback @ 30fps.
  • This NVR Requires a Hardwired Ethernet Connection Directly to Your Router to Operate. This NVR Supports both WiFi and Wired IP Cameras. Includes USB backup feature for peace of mind. All systems CE & FCC certified with UL compliant power supplies. Guaranteed for a Full Year from purchase with US Support and US Warranty offered exclusively by Amcrest.
  • Plug & Play setup, Easy to configure, access and control. Scan QR Code on NVR from “Amcrest View” app to instantly access live viewing and playback. Connects to and manages all the WiFi IP cameras on your network directly through their ethernet cables for ultimate ease and convenience in a home security system.
  • Supports Amcrest IP Cameras and provides limited support for third party brand ONVIF compliant IP Cameras. Intelligent search, playback, and backup functions provide enhanced ease of use and security (for example, motion detection event and exact search functions that are accurate to one second).
  • Max 80Mbps Incoming Bandwidth, supports max 7 cameras @ 4K. Conveniently packaged with extras such as USB mouse, network cable, and quick start guide with user manual and CD.

Amcrest NVR cloud subscription comparison


Amcrest has just rolled out a continuous or motion recording Amcrest cloud subscription. It can definitely get pricey if you have a host of cameras you want to utilize the cloud with. The Amcrest cloud cannot be used with the DVR or NVR camera systems. Prices are as follows:

Motion Recording options:  

  • 7 day- $6 per camera/month
  • 14 day- $10 per camera /month
  • 30 day- $15 per camera /month
  • 60 day- $23 per camera /month
  • 90 day- $27.50 per camera /month

Continuous recording options: 

  • 7 day- $9 per camera/month
  • 14 day- $15 per camera /month
  • 30 day- $20 per camera /month
  • 60 day- $27.50 per camera /month
  • 90 day- $35.00 per camera /month

What is good in Amcrest NVR – Amcrest NVR feature comparison?

Night vision: Amcrest camera options provide customers with some amazing night vision features that beat many competitors. Many of the cameras have 100 ft. night vision, while a few of the outdoor models have over 300 ft. night vision capabilities.

Pan/tilt/zoom: Amcrest camera models make it easy to pan, tilt and zoom within the app, so you won’t have trouble seeing what’s going on in your house or in your yard.

HD video: Amcrest offers anywhere from 1080p to Ultra 4k resolution, making sure you won’t be dealing with any grainy video.

Weatherproof: The outdoor cameras are sturdy, and can stand up to some rough weather. Our Security Nerd’s outdoor model lasted through a hurricane with no problems.

Two-way talk: Depending on the Amcrest camera model, you can have two-way talk to be able to communicate with whoever is on the other side of the camera. Many of the cameras have a built-in microphone, at the very least allowing you to speak to the person on the other side.

Motion detection: Amcrest models allow customers to get push notifications when the camera detects motion. It can also record that motion event and store it in the app, SD card or cloud service.

Amcrest App: This might be one of the most customizable apps on the market, with a ton of different options to create a unique experience for the user. Our Security Nerd has not experienced any lagging with the Amcrest app, but every now and then it might take a few tries to connect, depending on cell service.

Smart alerts: You can get alerts within the Amcrest View Pro app and sent to your phone based on your preferences.

24/7 live streaming and motion recording: The camera feed is always live within the Amcrest View Pro app, and it also records any motion it detects. You can just toggle between camera feeds and choose the area where motion was recorded and view it within the timeline on the Amcrest app.

Local storage: Amcrest camera options provide customers with the option to use an SD card in the camera to store video. Our Security Nerd chose that option because it keeps enough video without having to pay an extra fee.

Amcrest cloud storage: This is a new option by Amcrest where you can store more video within the cloud to have for a longer period of time without a DVR or NVR.

Activity zones: Certain Amcrest camera models allow you to create customized activity zones, which means you can tell the camera where you want motion alerts, and where you don’t. So if there’s a lot of activity on a road in front of your home and you don’t like constant alerts, you can program your camera to ignore it.

Facial recognition: It’s important to note only one of the Amcrest cameras has the facial recognition feature, and that is the baby monitor with facial recognition. Otherwise, the cameras cannot tell the difference between a person and an object.

Video sharing: The Amcrest View Pro app makes it pretty simple to share video clips. Whether it’s something cute your pet did, or video you need to share with the neighborhood, it’s easy to get the video sent from the app.

Alexa compatible: Only the IP cameras are compatible with Alexa. They are not currently compatible with any other smart home systems that aren’t made by Amcrest.

NVR Installation

After applying power to the NVR, the system will turn on. Allow the NVR to finish loading. The Device Initialization screen will appear. Select your location, language, and video standard then click Next to continue. Select your time zone as well as current date and time. Click Next to continue.

Enter Password
Create a new admin password for your NVR. The password for your device should be between 8 and 32 characters. A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols are recommended when setting up your password.

Once you have entered a new password for your device, confirm the password in the next field. Lastly, you will be asked to enter a prompt question for your account. This is useful if you have forgotten your password and would like an easier way of recovering your password. Please use a prompt question that will help you remember the password for your device. After you have completed this section, click Next to continue.

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