iSpy
iSpy is an open-source video surveillance platform providing motion detection, recording, and remote monitoring for security cameras and microphones to keep your home or business safe.
Milestone XProtect
Milestone XProtect is an open-platform video management software designed to integrate with thousands of cameras and sensors to provide scalable, high-performance surveillance and security for any business environment.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | iSpy | Milestone XProtect |
|---|---|---|
| Website | ispyconnect.com | milestonesys.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 7 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2007 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Perth, Australia | Brøndby, Denmark |
Overview
iSpy
iSpy is a versatile open-source surveillance platform that transforms your PC into a comprehensive security hub. You can connect an unlimited number of cameras and microphones, ranging from standard USB webcams to professional IP cameras. The software runs locally on your machine, giving you full control over your data while providing advanced features like motion detection, area masking, and scheduled recording without requiring expensive hardware.
You can manage your security setup through a flexible interface that supports floor plans and automated alerts. Whether you are monitoring a single room or a large commercial facility, the platform adapts to your needs. While the core software is free to use locally, you can opt for subscription services to unlock remote web access, mobile alerts, and cloud storage integration.
Milestone XProtect
Milestone XProtect is a powerful video management platform that gives you complete control over your security infrastructure. Whether you are managing a single site or a global network of cameras, you can customize the system to fit your exact needs. The open-platform architecture means you aren't locked into specific hardware; you can choose from over 14,000 supported devices and integrate third-party applications like analytics or access control.
You can manage your entire system through a single interface, making it easy to view live video, investigate incidents, and export evidence. The software scales with your business, offering different versions that range from simple setups for small shops to advanced, high-availability solutions for airports and city surveillance. It helps you turn video data into actionable insights while keeping your facility and people safe.
Overview
iSpy Features
- Motion Detection Define specific monitoring zones and sensitivity levels so you only record and get alerted when actual movement occurs.
- Remote Access View your live camera feeds and recorded footage from any web browser or mobile device using secure encrypted connections.
- Automated Alerts Receive instant notifications via email, SMS, or push alerts the moment your cameras detect suspicious activity on your property.
- PTZ Control Control your pan, tilt, and zoom cameras directly through the software interface to track movement and inspect specific areas.
- Microphone Support Connect and monitor audio alongside your video feeds to listen in real-time or trigger recordings based on sound levels.
- Floor Plan Mapping Upload images of your building layout and place camera icons to quickly navigate between different viewing angles and locations.
Milestone XProtect Features
- Open Platform Support. Connect your choice of over 14,000 cameras and sensors to build a customized security system without hardware lock-in.
- Centralized Management. Control all your cameras and connected devices across multiple locations from one intuitive, unified interface.
- Smart Search. Find what you need quickly by searching for motion in specific areas of a camera's view to save hours of manual review.
- Evidence Lock. Secure your video recordings by manually extending the retention time for specific incidents to ensure critical evidence is never deleted.
- Mobile Client. Access your live video feeds and play back recordings directly from your smartphone or tablet while you are on the move.
- Cybersecurity Tools. Protect your video data with end-to-end encryption and digital signatures to ensure your footage remains private and untampered.
Pricing Comparison
iSpy Pricing
- Unlimited cameras and mics
- Local recording and playback
- Motion and sound detection
- Full PTZ control
- Desktop alerts and sounds
- Everything in Local Use, plus:
- Remote web access
- Mobile app access
- Email and SMS alerts
- YouTube and Drive uploading
- Secure SSL encryption
Milestone XProtect Pricing
- Support for up to 8 cameras
- Unlimited video retention
- Mobile, Web, and Desktop clients
- Smart Search functionality
- Software updates included
- Everything in Essential+, plus:
- Support for up to 48 cameras
- Third-party app integration
- Alarm Manager interface
- Multi-layer maps
- Hardware acceleration
Pros & Cons
iSpy
Pros
- Completely free for local home use
- Supports a massive range of hardware
- Highly customizable motion detection zones
- Active community and frequent software updates
Cons
- Remote access requires a paid subscription
- Interface can feel dated and complex
- High CPU usage with many cameras
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations
Milestone XProtect
Pros
- Unmatched flexibility with thousands of supported camera models
- Reliable performance even in large-scale enterprise deployments
- User-friendly interface makes daily monitoring simple for operators
- Excellent free version for small business testing
- Strong ecosystem of third-party plugins and integrations
Cons
- Requires a certified partner for purchasing and setup
- Initial configuration can be complex for non-technical users
- Annual maintenance fees required for latest software updates