The Best Esther Alternatives for Home Security and Surveillance
Esther offers a unique solution for transforming old phones into home security devices, providing updates on power and internet status, and enabling remote photo and video capture with a strong focus on privacy. However, for those seeking different features, broader platform compatibility, or open-source options, exploring an Esther alternative can be highly beneficial. This article dives into some of the top contenders that offer similar, and often enhanced, home monitoring capabilities.
Top Esther Alternatives
Whether you're looking for advanced motion detection, multi-camera support, or simply a free solution, there's an alternative to Esther that fits your needs. Here are some of the best options available.
iSpy
iSpy is a highly feature-rich surveillance software that serves as an excellent Esther alternative, especially for Windows users seeking extensive control. It supports unlimited cameras and microphones, including IP and USB cameras, and offers advanced features like face detection, license plate detection, motion detection, and remote monitoring. It's available as Freemium and also has Open Source components, making it a versatile choice for comprehensive video surveillance.
Yawcam
Yawcam, short for "Yet Another Webcam software," is a free, Java-based webcam application for Windows. It stands out as a simple yet effective Esther alternative, offering core features like motion detection, time-lapse capabilities, and webcam recording. Its ease of use and free availability make it an accessible option for basic surveillance needs.
Alfred
Alfred transforms old smartphones (Android and iPhone) into surveillance cameras, making it a direct and highly convenient Esther alternative. It's a free, web-based solution that includes motion detection, a night mode, web viewing, and automatic clip saving, even before motion is detected. Its focus on reusing existing devices aligns perfectly with Esther's core concept.
ZoneMinder
ZoneMinder is a free and open-source closed-circuit camera suite designed for premises security for both home and business. As a Linux-based Esther alternative, it offers robust features like motion detection and video streaming, making it ideal for users comfortable with open-source solutions and requiring a powerful, customizable surveillance system.
Motion
Motion is a free and open-source program for Linux that monitors video signals from one or more cameras, detecting significant changes in the picture. This makes it a great Esther alternative for those who need reliable motion detection, facial recognition, and the ability to track everything within the camera's view, all within an open-source framework.
Perch
Perch is a free home monitoring system that allows you to utilize Android devices as surveillance cameras, control smart home devices, and engage in two-way video chat. It's a comprehensive Esther alternative available on Web and Android, focusing on broader home integration beyond just surveillance, including features like security monitoring and WebRTC.
Cawice
Cawice offers a simple and free solution for creating a CCTV system using an old Android phone as a wireless LTE or WiFi Home Security Camera. As a Freemium Esther alternative, it aims to provide a basic yet effective surveillance system without additional cost, focusing on HD rendering for clear video.
WardenCam Home Security IP-Cam
WardenCam Home Security IP-Cam is a Freemium video surveillance app that repurposes old Android and Apple phones. Similar to Esther, it offers peer-to-peer live video monitoring, motion detection, two-way audio, and support for multiple phone cameras, making it a versatile and user-friendly Esther alternative for mobile-based surveillance.
EyesPie - Home Security Camera
EyesPie turns your old Android smartphone into a 24x7 monitoring home security WiFi CCTV camera. This Freemium Esther alternative supports WiFi detection for connected devices and focuses on providing a continuous monitoring solution directly from your mobile device, emphasizing the Android app experience.
Sensr.net
Sensr.net provides security camera recording and viewing in the cloud, offering a commercial Esther alternative for Android and iPhone users. Its key advantage is zero firewall configuration and unlimited guest access, with cloud storage for motion events. It's ideal for those seeking a hassle-free, cloud-based surveillance solution.
Choosing the best Esther alternative depends on your specific needs, whether it's advanced features, budget constraints, or preferred platform. Explore these options to find the perfect home security and surveillance solution for you.