If you are sitting on the fence, here is a quick comparison of the headlining features:
As of late 2025 and moving into 2026, has released the next major evolution of this powerhouse software: Blue Iris v6 .
: A major overhaul of the user interface to provide a "fresher" and more intuitive look across both the PC client and mobile apps.
Managing multiple high-resolution camera streams is taxing on hardware. Blue Iris v6 continues to lead in efficiency through its use of Sub-streams blueiris v6
One of the biggest anxieties for the Blue Iris community has been the complexity of setting up AI. In version 5, AI often required hooking up external servers like CodeProject.AI. In Version 6, the goal is to make this painless.
Blue Iris v6 is often described as "enthusiast-grade." While the interface has been modernized in version 6, it offers a staggering number of settings, from bitrate control to sensor scaling and trigger logic. For users accustomed to plug-and-play mobile apps, Blue Iris requires a setup period. However, for those willing to configure it, the trade-off is a level of reliability and customization that few consumer-grade systems can match.
The software allows "Direct-to-Disk" recording, which saves camera footage in its raw H.264/H.265 format, minimizing CPU usage. The "Clips and Archiving" system enables flexible storage options, allowing you to move footage from high-speed SSDs to cheaper, larger hard drives based on age or size. Remote Access and Mobile Apps If you are sitting on the fence, here
This is a much more efficient workflow that saves CPU resources compared to constant scanning. V6 supports custom models (ONNX, Yolo5/8/10), allowing you to train the system to recognize specific objects like delivery vehicles, specific dogs, or "ipcam-dark" for night vision improvements.
It transforms the software from a "geek's hobby tool" into a legitimate competitor for small to medium enterprise VMS solutions like ExacqVision or Luxriot.
: Users have reported a smooth transition from version 5 to version 6, with settings carrying over effectively. Blue Iris v6 continues to lead in efficiency
A dedicated 500GB NVMe SSD for the Windows OS and the Blue Iris "New" database directory. Pair this with western Digital Purple or Seagate SkyHawk HDDs for the "Stored" video archives.
: One of the most impactful changes in v6 is the move to built-in AI services. While previous versions relied heavily on external software like CodeProject.AI or DeepStack, Blue Iris v6 features native AI capabilities that are significantly faster on compatible hardware.