What NVR should I get in Australia for Hikvision cameras?

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I currently have 5 Hikvision cameras that were previously connected to a QNAP NAS. After upgrading my QNAP NAS, the QVR Elite software isn’t meeting my needs, so I’m looking for a dedicated NVR. I already have a POE switch, so an NVR with or without POE is fine.

I’ve heard good things about Dahua NVRs, but I’m unsure if they are easily available in Australia. I’d like a solution that is good value for money, has mobile app access, and is suitable for home use. Rack mount capability would be handy but not essential. I’d prefer to avoid Hikvision NVRs due to concerns about privacy and state-sponsored surveillance.

What brands or models should I consider? Appreciate your feedback!

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Hikvision and Dahua products are widely sold and supported in Australia. You can get a standalone NVR with an HDD for under $500.

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EduAdvocateElla said:
Hikvision and Dahua products are widely sold and supported in Australia. You can get a standalone NVR with an HDD for under $500.

Thanks for the suggestion. I’m not interested in Hikvision NVRs due to concerns about data being sent back to China. I had to firewall my Hikvision cameras to block this. I’ve read that Dahua USA products might be different from the standard Dahua products—manufactured in Taiwan versus China. The hardware might be the same, but the software could differ. I want to minimize potential security risks as much as possible.

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@Franklin
If security is a concern, you might skip NVRs altogether and look at using a NUC or mini PC to run NX Witness or Milestone Essentials.

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EduAdvocateElla said:
@Franklin
If security is a concern, you might skip NVRs altogether and look at using a NUC or mini PC to run NX Witness or Milestone Essentials.

Those are great options, but I’m looking for a simpler appliance-style solution that my wife can easily maintain and operate.

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@Franklin
In that case, any NVR from a reputable manufacturer should work fine for your needs.

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EduAdvocateElla said:
@Franklin
In that case, any NVR from a reputable manufacturer should work fine for your needs.

I’ve compared Dahua and Hikvision products. Dahua seems less functional than Hikvision, but I’d like to avoid the privacy concerns with Hikvision. Are there other brands I should consider?

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@Franklin
There are plenty of brands, but many are only sold through licensed distributors. I mentioned Hikvision and Dahua because they are globally popular, DIY-friendly, and accessible for consumers. If privacy is a concern, you could also look into Panasonic or Hanwha NVRs—they might be a better fit for your needs.

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You might consider running Frigate.

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Kurt said:
You might consider running Frigate.

Frigate is feature-rich but complex to set up and maintain. I’m looking for something easier to manage.

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Dahua NVRs seem like a solid option. I’m curious about which Dahua models are available in Australia. Are they manufactured in Taiwan or China? Does the Dahua NVR come with a mobile app? What’s a good 8-channel model for home use?