Platform Overview
Native iPhone, iPad, and Mac application available on the App Store. Connects directly to cameras on your local network — no server, no installation beyond the app itself.
- • iPhone & iPad (iOS 16+)
- • Mac (macOS 13+, native Apple Silicon & Intel)
- • Direct local RTSP/ONVIF connection
- • No server or PC required
Open-source Windows desktop application that runs as a local server. Cameras connect to the iSpy server, which handles recording, detection, and web UI access. Agent DVR is the commercial successor.
- • Windows desktop application
- • Runs as a local recording server
- • Web UI accessible from any browser
- • Agent DVR: commercial cloud-connected version
Full Comparison
| Feature | SmartRTSP | iSpy |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | iPhone, iPad, Mac (native apps) | Windows (desktop app) |
| Open Source | No | Yes (iSpy); Agent DVR is commercial |
| Setup Complexity | 5 minutes — scan or enter URL | Moderate — server install & config |
| AI Detection | On-device: person, motion, face, sound | Motion detection; AI via third-party plugins |
| Privacy | All local — no account required | Local (iSpy); cloud version needs account |
| Mobile Viewing | Native iOS app | Mobile browser only (not native) |
| ONVIF Discovery | Yes, auto-discovery built in | Yes |
| H.265 / HEVC | Yes, hardware accelerated | Yes |
| RTSPS (encrypted) | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Free download (optional IAP) | Free (iSpy); Agent DVR has subscription |
| Mac Support | Yes — native Mac App Store app | No — Windows only |
| Server Required | No — direct device-to-camera | Yes — iSpy runs as a Windows server |
| Push Notifications | Native iOS & macOS notifications | Email / webhook; limited mobile push |
Why iPhone & Mac Users Choose SmartRTSP
Native iOS & macOS app
SmartRTSP is built specifically for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It uses native system APIs — not a web browser wrapper — giving a fast, responsive experience with proper iOS notifications and background handling.
No server to maintain
iSpy requires a Windows PC to stay on and running as a server. SmartRTSP connects directly from your iPhone to the camera — no intermediate machine, no ports to forward, no uptime dependency.
On-device AI runs locally
Person, motion, face, and sound detection runs entirely on your iPhone or Mac using on-device AI. No footage leaves your device for analysis, and no third-party AI cloud service is involved.
5-minute setup
Install the app, tap Scan, and SmartRTSP finds your cameras automatically via ONVIF. Most users are viewing live cameras within 5 minutes — no server configuration, no firewall rules, no technical expertise required.
Why Some Users Prefer iSpy
iSpy is an excellent choice for users with specific needs that favor Windows-based server software:
- •Open source — full code transparency and ability to self-host and modify
- •Windows-centric workflows — users already managing Windows systems may prefer a Windows-native tool
- •Plugin ecosystem — iSpy has an extensive plugin system for custom integrations and automation
- •Long-running recording server — iSpy is designed to run 24/7 on a dedicated PC as a recording and archival server
- •Unlimited cameras — the free version imposes no camera count limit
Is iSpy Available on iPhone?
There is no native iSpy app for iPhone or iPad. iSpy is a Windows application only.
iSpy's commercial successor, Agent DVR, offers a web interface that can be accessed from an iPhone browser — but it is not a native iOS app. It runs in Safari or Chrome, does not support native push notifications, and requires a running Windows or Linux server to function.
SmartRTSP is the native iOS alternative. It connects directly to your cameras from your iPhone or iPad without requiring any server. All processing happens on the device — no PC needs to be running.