frigate

Name: frigate
Brand: frigate

Open‑source NVR with real‑time AI object detection for IP cameras

softwareMachine LearningNVRAIHome Automation

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Our Verdict

Best for

DIY hobbyists who want local AI video monitoring on a Raspberry Pi

Skip if

Users needing plug‑and‑play mobile UI or cloud backup

What is frigate?

Frigate is a self‑hosted network video recorder that leverages TensorFlow Lite to provide on‑premise, real‑time object detection for any IP camera. It integrates tightly with Home Assistant and offers a lightweight, Docker‑based deployment that runs on modest hardware like a Raspberry Pi. The system stores video clips locally, generates searchable events, and provides a responsive web UI for live view, playback, and configuration. Because all processing happens locally, privacy is preserved and no cloud subscription is required.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentSelf-hosted

open source✅ Yes

github stars34,903

api available✅ Yes

support optionsCommunity forum, GitHub Issues

key integrationsHome Assistant, MQTT, Grafana, Node-RED

primary languageTypeScript

Key Features of frigate

Detects people, vehicles, and animals in real time using TensorFlow Lite models.

Stores video locally and creates short event clips for each detection.

Provides a responsive web interface for live streaming, playback, and configuration.

Integrates with Home Assistant via MQTT for automations and alerts.

Runs on low‑power hardware such as Raspberry Pi 4 with optional GPU acceleration.

Supports multiple camera brands via RTSP streams and ONVIF discovery.

Offers configurable zones and object filters to reduce false positives.

Allows custom model uploads for specialized detection needs.

Use Cases for frigate

Home Security

Monitor entrances and receive instant alerts when people or vehicles are detected.

Pet Monitoring

Track pet movement and receive notifications when they enter restricted zones.

Smart Home Automation

Trigger Home Assistant automations based on detected objects, such as turning on lights when a person arrives.

DIY Surveillance for Small Businesses

Record and review events without a costly cloud subscription, keeping footage on‑premise.

Pros & Cons of frigate

Pros

Fully free and open source.
Runs locally, preserving privacy.
Low hardware requirements.
Deep integration with Home Assistant.

Cons

Requires technical knowledge to set up Docker.
Limited official UI for mobile devices.
No built‑in cloud backup; must be added manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Frigate require a cloud service?

No, all video processing and storage are performed locally on your own hardware.

Can I use Frigate with my existing Home Assistant setup?

Yes, Frigate integrates via MQTT and provides entities that can be added to Home Assistant dashboards.

What hardware is recommended?

A Raspberry Pi 4 with 4 GB RAM or any x86_64 Linux machine with Docker; GPU acceleration improves performance.

Is it possible to add custom AI models?

Yes, you can upload your own TensorFlow Lite models to detect specific objects.

Pricing Overview

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Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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