Third-party camera support

Q: Which camera brands and protocols are compatible?

Alarm.com for Business works with cameras that use ONVIF and VAPIX communication protocols, covering hundreds of manufacturers worldwide. Your service provider can confirm whether your specific camera model is supported.

Q: Where is footage stored?

Footage from compatible third-party cameras is stored through the Alarm.com for Business platform using cloud, local, or hybrid storage options, depending on your configuration.

Millions of compatible cameras. One unified platform.

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The alarm.com difference

Broad compatibility, real operational value

Extend cloud-managed video to existing cameras with support for hundreds of camera brands.

Upgrade without replacing

Existing cameras gain cloud management, remote access, and more through the platform.

Unlock advanced analytics

AXIS and Hanwha cameras unlock person detection, loitering, audio analytics, and more.

Cameras watching people in a large open space

Multi-form factor support

PTZ, panoramic, multi-sensor, and audio devices all supported in one platform.

Turnkey remote video monitoring

Third-party cameras can connect directly to video monitoring powered by CHeKT.

Plug-and-play installation

The Alarm.com CSVR automatically detects ONVIF and VAPIX compatible third-party cameras on your network. Bulk-add them to the platform in one click.

Mix and match compatible third-party and Alarm.com cameras to create a cost-effective upgrade path.

Advanced analytics

AXIS and Hanwha cameras enable advanced person detection, loitering, audio analytics, and more to surface critical events faster and provide better context for investigations.

Amplified deterrence

PoE third-party network speakers connect to the same platform as your cameras for two-way audio, enabling live voice intervention when it matters most.

Built-in video monitoring

Remote video monitoring, powered by CHeKT, is built into Alarm.com for Business. Compatible third-party cameras support Visual Verification and Proactive Visual Security.

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Camera capabilities on the platform

Monitor cameras in real time

Access live video feeds from the Alarm.com for Business platform.

Review footage on demand

24/7 continuous recording with searchable history in one account.

Receive alerts when analytics trigger

Receive instant notifications when an analytics rule is triggered on your camera.

Automate lighting responses

Analytics events can trigger lighting to deter activity or illuminate a scene.

Talk through compatible devices

Speak directly through compatible cameras and PoE speakers.

Control PTZ cameras remotely

Pan, tilt, and zoom compatible cameras in real time directly from the platform.

Large space with tables and people sitting at the tables

Wide-area surveillance

Pan, tilt, and zoom cameras cover large spaces and can be controlled from the platform.

Full-room visibility

Panoramic cameras reduce blind spots in areas like warehouses, lobbies, and lots.

Multi-angle coverage

Multiple lenses in a single housing cover wide areas without multiple camera installations.

Low-light perimeter detection

Thermal cameras detect heat signatures in complete darkness.

Confined space monitoring

Compact cameras purpose-built for elevators and other tight spaces.

Point-of-exit documentation

Slim cameras capture height and appearance data at gas stations, retail exits, and similar.

outside of a building with lights on the wall at night

Audio-only coverage

PoE network speakers add two-way audio and deterrence where cameras aren't sufficient.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my existing cameras?

In many cases, yes. If your cameras use ONVIF or VAPIX communication protocols, they are likely compatible. Compatible third-party cameras connect to Alarm.com for Business through an Alarm.com Stream Video Recorder (SVR) or Commercial Stream Video Recorder (CSVR). Your Alarm.com service provider can confirm compatibility for your specific setup.

Which camera brands and protocols are compatible?

What camera types are supported?

Compatible camera types include fixed, PTZ, panoramic, multisensor, and thermal cameras, as well as specialized form factors like elevator cameras, height strip cameras, and PoE network speakers. If your camera uses ONVIF or VAPIX protocols, it is likely supported. Note that some functionality may be available only for specific manufacturers or Alarm.com for business service plans.

Which advanced analytics are available?

Advanced analytics are available on AXIS and Hanwha cameras with a compatible service plan. Analytics including loitering detection, line crossing, intrusion detection, and audio events are configured through the camera's local interface and connected to a corresponding recording rule in Alarm.com. Other third-party cameras do not support analytics on the platform.

Can third-party cameras be used with professional video monitoring?

Yes. Compatible third-party cameras support both Visual Verification and Proactive Visual Security. Operator capabilities and the ability to send events to the monitoring station vary by camera model and service plan. Your Alarm.com service provider can confirm what is available for your specific setup.

Where is footage stored?

What hardware do I need to connect third-party cameras?

Third-party cameras connect through an Alarm.com SVR or CSVR. No third-party bridge required. If you already have an Alarm.com SVR or CSVR as part of your deployment, no additional hardware is needed. Once connected, they integrate directly into Alarm.com for Business alongside your access control, intrusion, and professional video monitoring systems in one account.