Frigate
Frigate: A focused, self-hosted option for local camera detection and alerts. Ranked #19 of 23 in AI Video Analytics Software by our editors (7.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for budget-conscious self-hosted deployments.
At a glance
- Editor score7.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forBudget-conscious self-hosted deployments
- Free planYes
- Paid from$50/yr
- Real-time alertsYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free open-source plan with local real-time object detection
- Zones, masks, alerts, recording, review, and configurable notifications
- MQTT, HTTP API, Home Assistant, HomeKit, and recognition features
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires user-controlled hardware
- Platform focus centers on IP cameras and the Home Assistant ecosystem
- Paid subscription mainly adds custom and fine-tuned model access
Our verdict on Frigate
Frigate is an open-source network video recorder for Home Assistant and IP cameras. It processes video locally on user-controlled hardware, using AI object detection to identify people, cars, animals, and other configured objects. The free core includes live viewing, recording, snapshots, media review, camera zones, masks, alerts, browser push notifications, object-based recording retention, MQTT messaging, an HTTP API, and face and license plate recognition. That makes it a suitable choice for individuals and teams that want local video analysis with control over deployment and data processing rather than a hosted video analytics service.
Its feature depth is concentrated around detection and review workflows. Camera zones and masks help refine detections and alerts, while review items are categorized as alerts, detections, and motion. Object-based retention connects recording management to detected activity, and the live view, recording, snapshot, and media review tools keep core surveillance tasks in one system. Integrations include Home Assistant, MQTT, HomeKit, and the HTTP API. The platform is available through web and self-hosted deployments, with the broader fit strongest for IP-camera environments connected to a home automation setup.
Frigate+ is an optional annual subscription priced at $50 per year. According to the published plan, it adds access to Frigate+ models, up to 12 fine tuned models, AI-suggested labels for uploads, and support for open-source Frigate. The free plan remains the main value proposition for local detection, alerts, recording, and integrations, while the subscription is aimed at users who need custom model capabilities. Pick Frigate when self-hosting, local processing, and an open-source deployment matter most. Choose another category option if you need a broader enterprise platform or a hosted deployment instead of user-managed infrastructure.
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Frigate pricing
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Frigate fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $50/yr |
| Real-time alerts | Yes |
| Object detection | Yes |
| Behavior and event detection | Yes |
| Deployment model | Edge |
| Video-source limit | Not verified |
| Industry templates | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Home Assistant, MQTT, HomeKit, HTTP API |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | frigate.video |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Frigate integrations
Frigate lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Home Assistant
- MQTT
- HomeKit
- HTTP API
Alternatives to Frigate
- BriefCamA deep video analytics suite for investigations, real-time alerts, and operational analysis.9.4
- LumeoFlexible video analytics with a free tier, custom models, search, dashboards, and integrations.9.2
- Vaidio AI Vision PlatformA broad AI video analytics platform for enterprise security, safety, and operations.9.0
See all Frigate alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Frigate is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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