Bluecherry

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted video surveillance system

Overview

Bluecherry is an open-source video surveillance platform built for self-hosting. It supports IP cameras, offering real-time monitoring, motion detection with email alerts, scheduled recording, and playback via a web dashboard. Deployable via Docker or Linux server setups (Ubuntu/Debian), it handles multiple camera streams, user access controls, and H.264/H.265 encoding. Ideal for home or small businesses, it keeps footage local to ensure privacy, avoiding cloud storage fees and data sharing with third parties.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  bluecherry:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: bluecherry
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

IP camera support with multi-stream management
Motion detection with customizable alerts
Docker & Linux deployment options

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Bluecherry hard to install?

Bluecherry is accessible via Docker (pre-built images simplify setup), while traditional installs need Linux server expertise. Official docs provide step-by-step guides for both methods, making it manageable for users with basic self-hosting experience.

? Is it a good alternative to Nest Cam?

Yes—Bluecherry offers core monitoring/recording features but with full data control (no cloud fees) and self-hosting flexibility, unlike Nest Cam which relies on cloud subscriptions. It’s perfect for privacy-focused users.

? Is it completely free?

Bluecherry is 100% open-source and free to use. No licensing costs apply, though you’ll need to cover server hardware, storage (for footage), and IP camera expenses if needed.

Top Alternatives

Nest Cam Search Google

Arlo Pro Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Video Surveillance

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (local footage storage)
⊕ No subscription or licensing fees

Cons

⊖ Linux-only hosting
⊖ Requires basic server setup knowledge