Scrypted

Active

Country: United States (US)
Founded: 2020
Developer: koush (individual developer)
Pricing: Free (open-source)
Open source: Yes
Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, Docker, Unraid, Proxmox VE, Raspberry Pi, Synology NAS, iOS, Android

Indexes

Smart Home Apps

Overview

Scrypted is a video integration platform that connects IP cameras supporting ONVIF and RTSP to smart home ecosystems like HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa. It includes Scrypted NVR for 24/7 recording, motion detection, and remote access via companion mobile apps. The platform supports plugin development and runs on various server hardware, targeting users seeking local control over security camera feeds without cloud dependencies.⁷⁹¹

Key Features

Camera Integration - Connects and manages ONVIF/RTSP cameras with multiple streams for compatibility with HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa.⁵⁷
Scrypted NVR - Provides 24/7 recording, smart detections, and storage management with minimum 3-day retention.⁷⁸
Remote Access - Enables viewing live streams and recordings via mobile apps and web interface with user permissions.¹²³
Smart Detections - Supports motion alerts, object detection, and event notifications.²⁷
Plugin System - Allows custom plugins, scripts, webhooks, and MQTT for device integration and automation.⁴
HomeKit Secure Video - Streams to HomeKit with iCloud-recorded events and smart detections.⁷
Multi-Platform Streaming - Streams to Nest Hub, Chromecast, Android TV, and Google Home app.⁷
User Management - Supports local accounts and cloud-linked remote access with granular permissions.³

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Core Platform	Free	Video integration, plugin support, basic streaming to smart home platforms.
Scrypted NVR	Free	24/7 recording, smart detections, mobile apps (requires compatible server hardware).

Platforms & Requirements

Scrypted server runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, Docker, Unraid, Proxmox VE, Raspberry Pi 4, and Synology NAS, requiring at least 8GB RAM (16GB preferred) and dedicated 1TB+ storage disks for NVR. Companion apps available on iOS and Android for remote viewing. Coral EdgeTPU limited to basic object detection without advanced features like face recognition.⁶⁸¹²

Integrations & Ecosystem

HomeKit Secure Video
Google Home/Nest Hub/Chromecast/Android TV
Amazon Alexa
ONVIF/RTSP cameras
MQTT
Webhooks
Scrypted SDK for plugins
iCloud for recorded events

Alternatives

App	Difference
Home Assistant	Broader home automation focus with Z-Wave/Zigbee support, but more complex setup than Scrypted's camera-centric approach.
Frigate NVR	Open-source NVR emphasizing AI object detection on low-power hardware, lacks Scrypted's native HomeKit/Google streaming.
Shinobi	General-purpose NVR with web interface, less emphasis on smart home integrations compared to Scrypted.
ZoneMinder	Free NVR with motion detection, requires more manual configuration without Scrypted's plugin ecosystem.

Reputation

Scrypted is praised for its seamless integration of IP cameras into HomeKit and Google Home without subscriptions, high performance on modest hardware, and active open-source development. Users appreciate the local control, plugin extensibility, and NVR features avoiding cloud services. Criticisms include hardware requirements for heavy NVR use, occasional codec compatibility issues with cameras, and a learning curve for server setup and plugin management.⁶⁵⁹

Sources (9)