Best Security Cameras for Frigate
Frigate does the intelligence locally, so the camera should primarily be a stable video source. We prioritize documented RTSP access, PoE, useful local streams and predictable always-on power.
Important: this is an architecture-based shortlist, not an official Frigate certification list. We select models whose documented local-stream characteristics fit Frigate-style deployments.
| Model | Why it fits Frigate | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Reolink RLC-810A | PoE, RTSP/ONVIF, fixed view, local credentials/storage paths | Best simple 4K node |
| Reolink CX810 | PoE local-stream architecture plus ColorX low-light emphasis | Dark scenes where visible-light color matters |
| Reolink RLC-811A | PoE + 5× optical zoom + RTSP/ONVIF | Driveways, gates, long evidence zones |
| Reolink Duo 3V PoE | 180° PoE panoramic stream and local protocols | Wide frontage with fewer camera positions |
| ZOSI C220 | 4K PoE with documented RTSP and ONVIF | Budget-conscious local builds |
What matters more than on-camera AI
Frigate can perform person, vehicle and other object detection itself. That makes stream stability, substreams, codec configuration, power reliability and lens choice more important than paying for proprietary cloud AI.
Before buying
Verify the exact firmware/model supports the streams you need, then confirm resolution, codec and substream settings against your Frigate hardware. See our Frigate camera requirements guide.