What Cameras Will Work With Alfred Top Picks and Tips

Alfred works with most major IP and Wi-Fi cameras, including top brands like Arlo, Nest, and Ring—ensuring seamless integration for home security. For optimal performance, verify RTSP or ONVIF compatibility to confirm your camera model supports Alfred’s monitoring features without extra hardware.

Key Takeaways

• Alfred supports most IP cameras: Ensure your camera is ONVIF or RTSP compatible for seamless integration.
• Check resolution requirements: Alfred works best with 720p or higher for clear monitoring.
• Use wired connections: Stable Ethernet reduces lag and improves reliability over Wi-Fi.
• Verify app compatibility: Download Alfred’s latest version to access all camera features.
• Test before full setup: Trial one camera first to confirm functionality with Alfred.
• Adjust motion detection: Fine-tune settings in Alfred to reduce false alerts from your camera.

Why Alfred Camera Compatibility Matters for Your Home Security

Let’s face it—setting up a home security system can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. You want peace of mind, but you also don’t want to waste money on cameras that won’t work with your chosen platform. That’s where Alfred comes in. If you haven’t heard of it, Alfred is a free, user-friendly app that turns your old smartphones or tablets into smart security cameras. It’s like giving your forgotten iPhone 6 a second life as a watchdog for your front porch. But here’s the catch: while Alfred is incredibly flexible, not every camera—especially third-party ones—plays nicely with it.

You might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t Alfred just about repurposing old phones?” Yes, and that’s its biggest strength. But over the years, Alfred has evolved to support a growing number of IP cameras and Wi-Fi cameras, making it a hybrid solution for both DIYers and tech-savvy homeowners. Whether you’re using an old Android phone as a baby monitor or adding a dedicated outdoor camera to cover your backyard, knowing what cameras will work with Alfred is key to building a seamless, reliable system. In this post, I’ll walk you through the best options, compatibility tips, and real-world setups that actually work—no fluff, no hype, just practical advice based on real testing and user feedback.

Understanding Alfred’s Camera Compatibility: What You Need to Know

How Alfred Works with Cameras

At its core, Alfred is a cloud-based security app that connects devices via Wi-Fi or cellular data. It supports two main types of cameras:

• Device Cameras: Your old smartphones or tablets running the Alfred app as a camera (the “Camera” mode).
• IP/Wi-Fi Cameras: Third-party cameras that stream via RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) or ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum).

Alfred doesn’t support every brand or model out of the box. Instead, it uses RTSP/ONVIF integration to pull live video feeds from compatible IP cameras. This means you need to ensure your camera supports one or both of these protocols—and that it’s properly configured in Alfred.

Think of it like plugging a USB drive into a computer. If the drive uses a standard format (like FAT32 or exFAT), it works. If it’s some weird proprietary system, you’re out of luck. The same goes for Alfred. RTSP and ONVIF are the “standard formats” here.

RTSP vs. ONVIF: Which Protocol Should You Use?

Most users find RTSP easier to set up, especially with budget-friendly cameras. It’s a simple streaming method that sends video directly over your network. ONVIF, on the other hand, is more robust—it supports advanced features like PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom), motion tracking, and two-way audio—but it’s trickier to configure and not all cameras fully support it.

For example, I once tried adding a cheap $30 Wi-Fi camera to Alfred using ONVIF. It took me 45 minutes to find the right credentials, and even then, the video feed kept dropping. When I switched to RTSP, it worked in under 5 minutes. Lesson learned: RTSP is your friend for basic monitoring, while ONVIF is better for power users who want more control.

Pro Tip: Always check your camera’s user manual or product page for “RTSP” or “ONVIF” support. If it’s not listed, assume it won’t work with Alfred unless proven otherwise through community forums (more on that later).

Top Cameras That Work with Alfred: Our Picks for 2024

1. Reolink Argus 3 Pro (Best Overall)

The Reolink Argus 3 Pro is a battery-powered outdoor camera with 2K resolution, color night vision, and motion detection. It supports both RTSP and ONVIF, making it a perfect fit for Alfred.

• Pros: Easy setup, excellent image quality, weatherproof, no monthly fees.
• Cons: Slight delay in live feed (2–3 seconds), battery needs recharging every 2–3 months.

I’ve used this camera for over a year to monitor my driveway. The RTSP stream integrates smoothly into Alfred, and I get crisp 1080p footage even at night. The only hiccup was the initial login—I had to use the camera’s IP address and admin credentials (not the Reolink app login) in Alfred. Once that was sorted, it’s been rock-solid.

2. Wyze Cam v3 (Best Budget Option)

If you’re on a tight budget, the Wyze Cam v3 is a steal at around $35. It offers 1080p video, color night vision, and local storage—and yes, it works with Alfred via RTSP.

• Pros: Affordable, great value, microSD card support, two-way audio.
• Cons: RTSP setup requires enabling it in the Wyze app (hidden in settings), no ONVIF.

Setting it up in Alfred was straightforward once I enabled RTSP in the Wyze app. I used the camera’s IP address, port 554, and the stream path live. The feed loads quickly, and motion alerts from Wyze sync well with Alfred’s notification system.

3. Tapo C200 (Best for Indoor Use)

The Tapo C200 from TP-Link is a pan-tilt indoor camera with 1080p resolution and night vision. It supports RTSP, though ONVIF support is limited.

• Pros: 360-degree rotation, clear two-way audio, easy app setup.
• Cons: PTZ controls don’t work in Alfred (yet), occasional Wi-Fi drops.

I use this in my home office to keep an eye on my cat. The video quality is sharp, and Alfred pulls the RTSP feed without issues. The only downside? You can’t remotely pan or tilt the camera through Alfred—those features are locked to the Tapo app. But for basic monitoring, it’s fantastic.

4. Amcrest IP2M-841B (Best for Advanced Users)

For those who want full control, the Amcrest IP2M-841B is a wired IP camera with ONVIF support, 1080p video, and motion zones.

• Pros: ONVIF compatibility, customizable motion detection, excellent night vision.
• Cons: Requires PoE or power adapter, steeper learning curve.

This camera is overkill for most people, but if you’re building a pro-grade system, it’s worth the effort. ONVIF integration in Alfred lets you fine-tune motion detection areas and even trigger alerts based on specific zones. It took me a few tries to get the ONVIF credentials right, but once it worked, the reliability was unmatched.

5. Old Smartphones (Best for Zero-Cost Setup)

Don’t overlook your dusty drawer full of old phones. Alfred’s Camera Mode turns any Android or iOS device into a functional security camera.

• Pros: Free, no extra hardware, great for temporary setups.
• Cons: Older devices may overheat, limited battery life, no weatherproofing.

I used my old iPhone 7 as a baby monitor for months. The app runs in the background, and the motion detection works surprisingly well. Just make sure to keep it plugged in—older batteries drain fast in continuous use.

How to Add Third-Party Cameras to Alfred: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Enable RTSP/ONVIF on Your Camera

Before adding any third-party camera to Alfred, you must enable the streaming protocol in its native app or web interface.

• For Wyze Cam: Open the Wyze app → Settings → Advanced Settings → Enable RTSP.
• For Reolink: Open Reolink app → Device Settings → Network → RTSP/ONVIF → Enable.
• For Amcrest: Log into the camera’s web interface (via browser) → Setup → Network → RTSP/ONVIF → Enable.

Note: Some cameras (like Tapo) require you to create a separate RTSP user account with specific permissions. Always use a strong password—this is your security camera, after all!

Step 2: Find Your Camera’s IP Address and Stream Path

Alfred needs three things to connect:

1. The camera’s local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
2. The RTSP port (usually 554)
3. The stream path (e.g., live, stream1, or h264)

You can find the IP address in your router’s admin panel or via the camera’s app. The stream path is usually listed in the camera’s documentation. For example:

• Wyze Cam: rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/live
• Reolink: rtsp://192.168.1.101:554/h264Preview_01_main

Step 3: Add the Camera in Alfred

Open the Alfred app → Tap “+” → Select “Add IP Camera” → Enter the RTSP/ONVIF URL. Alfred will test the connection and show a preview. If it works, save it and name your camera (e.g., “Backyard Camera”).

Pro Tip: If the feed doesn’t load, double-check the IP address, port, and stream path. A single typo can break the connection. Also, ensure your camera and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network—cross-network setups rarely work without port forwarding (which is complicated and not recommended for beginners).

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

“Camera Not Found” or “Connection Failed”

This is the most common issue—and usually the easiest to fix.

• Check Wi-Fi: Both your camera and phone must be on the same network. If your camera is on 2.4GHz and your phone is on 5GHz, they can’t communicate.
• Restart Devices: Power cycle your camera, router, and phone. This clears temporary glitches.
• Verify Credentials: Double-check the username and password for RTSP/ONVIF access. Some cameras use different credentials than the main app.

I once spent an hour troubleshooting a Reolink camera before realizing I’d typed “admin” instead of “Admin” in the username field. Case sensitivity matters!

Laggy or Buffering Video Feed

Slow feeds are often caused by weak Wi-Fi or network congestion.

• Move Closer: Test the camera near your router. If the feed improves, consider a Wi-Fi extender.
• Reduce Resolution: Some cameras allow you to lower the RTSP stream resolution (e.g., from 1080p to 720p) to reduce bandwidth.
• Use Ethernet: For wired cameras, a direct Ethernet connection eliminates Wi-Fi issues.

When I added a Wyze Cam to my basement, the feed kept freezing. A cheap Wi-Fi extender fixed it instantly.

Motion Detection Not Working

Alfred relies on the camera’s native motion detection for alerts. If it’s not working:

• Enable in Camera App: Make sure motion detection is turned on in the camera’s settings.
• Adjust Sensitivity: Too high, and you’ll get false alerts (like leaves blowing). Too low, and it might miss real threats.
• Use Alfred’s Alerts: Even if the camera’s detection is spotty, Alfred can send push notifications when the feed is accessed.

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Alfred Camera Setup

Use Alfred’s “Viewer” Mode on Your Primary Phone

Alfred has two modes: Camera (for recording) and Viewer (for watching). Always use “Viewer” on your main phone to monitor feeds. This keeps your old device in “Camera” mode, ensuring it never misses a recording.

Create a Naming System

As your setup grows, naming matters. Use clear labels like “Front Door (Reolink)” or “Baby Room (iPhone 7)” instead of generic names like “Camera 1.”

Enable Cloud Backup (Optional)

Alfred offers 7-day cloud recording for $3.99/month. It’s not essential, but it’s useful if you want to review footage later. Local storage (microSD or phone storage) is free but limited.

Test Night Vision and Two-Way Audio

Not all cameras deliver on their promises. Test night vision in a dark room and try two-way audio (if supported). The Wyze Cam’s night vision is surprisingly good, while cheaper models often struggle.

Keep Devices Updated

Update the Alfred app and your camera’s firmware regularly. Updates often fix bugs and improve compatibility.

Comparison Table: Alfred-Compatible Cameras at a Glance

Camera Model	Protocol Support	Resolution	Best For	Price (Approx.)
Reolink Argus 3 Pro	RTSP, ONVIF	2K	Outdoor monitoring	$100
Wyze Cam v3	RTSP	1080p	Budget setups	$35
Tapo C200	RTSP	1080p	Indoor monitoring	$40
Amcrest IP2M-841B	ONVIF	1080p	Advanced users	$80
Old Smartphone	N/A (Alfred app)	Device-dependent	Zero-cost solutions	Free

Final Thoughts: Building a Flexible, Affordable Security System

Finding what cameras will work with Alfred isn’t about chasing the most expensive gear—it’s about choosing tools that fit your needs, budget, and technical comfort. Whether you’re repurposing an old phone or investing in a high-end IP camera, Alfred’s flexibility lets you mix and match without breaking the bank.

From my experience, the Wyze Cam v3 and Reolink Argus 3 Pro are the sweet spots—affordable, reliable, and easy to integrate. But don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed old smartphone. I’ve used mine to catch a package thief, monitor a sick pet, and even surprise my kids with a “ghost” in the hallway (they loved it).

Remember, no system is perfect. You might run into Wi-Fi hiccups, login issues, or a camera that just won’t cooperate. But with the right setup and a little patience, Alfred can be the backbone of a smart, responsive home security system. And the best part? You’re not locked into a single brand or paying monthly fees for cloud storage. That’s freedom—and peace of mind—worth every penny.

So go ahead, dig up that old phone, grab a Wyze Cam, or treat yourself to a Reolink. Just make sure it supports RTSP or ONVIF, and you’ll be up and running in no time. Your home—and your peace of mind—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cameras will work with Alfred?

Alfred supports most IP cameras, Wi-Fi cameras, and webcams that offer RTSP, ONVIF, or HLS streaming. Popular brands like Arlo, Eufy, and Wyze are compatible, but always check Alfred’s official list for model-specific support.

Can I use my existing security cameras with Alfred?

Yes, if your security camera supports RTSP, ONVIF, or HLS streaming protocols, it will likely integrate with Alfred. Older analog cameras may require an encoder for compatibility.

Are there specific cameras for Alfred that you recommend?

Top picks include the Reolink RLC-410 (ONVIF), TP-Link Tapo C200 (RTSP), and Logitech Brio (webcam). These models offer reliable performance and seamless integration with Alfred’s monitoring features.

Does Alfred work with wireless cameras?

Absolutely. Wireless cameras like Arlo Pro 4 or Eufy SoloCam E20 work well with Alfred as long as they support RTSP or HLS streaming. Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable for uninterrupted monitoring.

Will my smartphone camera work with Alfred?

Yes! Alfred lets you use your smartphone as a camera via its companion app. Simply install Alfred on your device, enable the camera feature, and connect it to your home monitoring system.

What if my camera isn’t on Alfred’s compatibility list?

Try enabling RTSP or HLS streaming in your camera’s settings—Alfred may still recognize it. For unsupported models, consider using a middleware tool like MotionEye to bridge the connection.