Security Camera System Comparison 2025: Axis, Hikvision, Dahua, Vivotek, UniFi & More
Thinking about upgrading your security? This detailed guide compares the top security camera brands available at CCTV Guru in Australia — Axis, Vivotek, Hikvision, Dahua, Uniview (UNV), UniFi, Uniarch, HiLook, and TP-Link. We break down price tiers, feature highlights, and kit recommendations for home, business, and enterprise security needs. Every brand here can be used in homes, businesses, or other environments—choose based on your budget, required features, and compliance needs.
Brand comparison at a glance
| Brand |
Segment |
Ecosystem breadth |
AI/Analytics |
Typical AU use-case |
Price tier |
| Axis |
Enterprise |
Extensive |
Advanced AI, cybersecurity focus |
Enterprise/government |
$$$$ |
| Vivotek |
Pro/Enterprise |
Broad |
Strong edge AI |
Tender/NDAA |
$$$ |
| Hikvision |
Pro/Enterprise |
Very broad |
AcuSense, ColorVu |
Homes/business |
$$$ |
| Dahua |
Pro/Enterprise |
Very broad |
WizSense, WizMind |
Homes/business |
$$$ |
| UniFi |
Prosumer/SMB |
Protect ecosystem (cams, NVR/UNVR) + UniFi network |
Good person/vehicle detection |
DIY SMBs & tech-savvy homes; sites on UniFi |
$$ |
| Uniview |
Pro/SMB |
Broad |
Smart detection |
SMBs/homes |
$$ |
| Uniarch |
Value/SMB |
Focused |
Essential detection |
Budget installs |
$ |
| HiLook |
Value/SMB |
Focused |
Essential detection |
Budget homes |
$ |
| TP-Link |
Consumer |
Basic Wi-Fi |
Essential AI |
DIY homes |
$ |
$$$$ • Premium
Enterprise • Extensive ecosystem • Advanced AI/cybersecurity • For enterprise/government
$$$ • Pro
Vivotek
Pro/Enterprise • Broad ecosystem • Strong edge AI • Tender/NDAA projects
$$$ • Pro
Hikvision
Pro/Enterprise • Very broad • AcuSense/ColorVu • Homes to large business
$$$ • Pro
Dahua
Pro/Enterprise • Very broad • WizSense/WizMind • Homes to large business
$$ • Value/Prosumer
UniFi
Prosumer/SMB • Protect + UniFi network • Person/vehicle detection • DIY SMBs & UniFi homes
$$ • Value
Uniview
Pro/SMB • Broad • Smart detection • SMBs/homes
$ • Budget
Uniarch
Value/SMB • Focused • Essential detection • Budget installs
$ • Budget
HiLook
Value/SMB • Focused • Essential detection • Budget homes
$ • Budget
TP-Link
Consumer • Basic Wi-Fi cameras • Essential AI • DIY homes
Brand recommendations
-
Consumers: TP-Link, HiLook, Uniarch, UniFi (for tech-savvy homes or UniFi network users)
-
Businesses: Uniview, Dahua, Hikvision, UniFi (great for SMBs already on UniFi)
-
Enterprise/Government: Axis, Vivotek
Our recommended kits (Australia-stocked)
GOOD • Budget/SMB
HiLook / Uniarch 4–8ch Kits
Top value for homes & small shops. Colour at night, human/vehicle detection, easy mobile app.
- 2–8 cameras
- Great price/channel
- 1–2TB HDD
BETTER • Value/Performance
Uniview 8–16ch Kits
Balanced image quality, analytics, and reliability with strong AU distributor support.
- 4–16 cameras
- People/vehicle filters
- 4–8TB HDD
BEST • Pro
Hikvision / Dahua Pro Kits
High-accuracy AI detection, advanced colour-at-night, full accessory ecosystem.
- 6–32 cameras
- Advanced AI
- 8–20TB+ HDD
SPEC OPTION • Tender-friendly
Vivotek / Axis Kits
High-end, NDAA-friendly options with strong cybersecurity posture and ONVIF/VMS compatibility.
- 6–24 cameras
- Vendor restriction-friendly
