Best 16-Camera / 16-Channel Security System

Generally speaking, 16-channel security camera systems are ideally suited for commercial locations such as stores, offices, and other places of business. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t set up a 16-camera system in your home, particularly if you have a large property to monitor.

Some of these systems can be further expanded to 32 channels, with the addition of a PoE switch.

Best 16-Camera / 16-Channel Security System

Our favorite system is Lorex’s Nocturnal 16-channel system. This bundle includes an N882A64B Lorex NVR and sixteen LNE9252B / LNE9242B dome cameras.

The included NVR can handle 16 channels of 4K (8MP) streams simultaneously for 24/7 continuous recording. For storage, the NVR comes with a 2TB hard drive pre-installed with space for an additional hard drive. Regardless, you can achieve a maximum storage capacity of 20TB by installing two 10TB hard drives.

The 16 cameras in the bundle can record footage at 8MP 4K resolution (3840x2160) with a 107-degree horizontal FOV. A few optional features include a low-light sensor with full-color night vision (external ambient lighting needed), person/vehicle detection with instant notifications, and an integrated microphone for recording audio.

Our runner-up is Montavue’s 4K resolution 16-channel system. This bundle includes a Montavue brand 4K-ready NVR and 16 turret-style security cameras.

The NVR can support all 16 of these cameras simultaneously at 4K 8MP resolution (3840x2160) and supports 24/7recording at 15fps. There is a 3TB hard drive pre-installed into the NVR but you can set up a 20TB maximum capacity using two separately purchased 10TB hard drives.

The cameras can record footage at 4K resolution and includes a fixed focus lens with a 105-degree horizontal FOV (56-degrees vertical). The footage is processed using 120db True WDR and encoded using either H.264 or H.265 codecs.

A few significant optional features include full-color night vision with a minimum 0.009lux illumination value, an integrated microphone for recording audio, and perimeter protection features such as tripwire and intrusion detection.

The Swann 16-channel system includes a more expensive yet versatile lineup with a 2TB NVR-8980, eight SWNHD-900BE bullet-type cameras, and eight SWNHD-900DE dome-style cameras.

The 16-channel NVR with the included 2TB HDD can store continuous high-resolution 4K footage for a couple of weeks or motion-activated 4K footage for up to six months. Along with that, the 16 ports on the NVR are PoE compatible and help interface the cameras to the Swann Security mobile app.

The bullet-type camera has a 90-degree horizontal FOV, while the dome-type camera has a 110-degree FOV. Apart from that, the other features such as the integrated sirens, full-color night vision, flashing lights, and built-in spotlights are all the same on either of these devices.

Annke's 16-channel system is an affordable alternative to most other bundles. It has several options to choose from, such as the type of camera and the pre-installed storage capacity. (You can even order the NVR without an internal hard drive.)

You can choose either bullet, turret, or dome-style cameras for this system. Features such as full-color night vision, IP rating, camera resolution, and storage options (which support 128GB MicroSD cards) are common features.

However, there are slight discrepancies. For instance, the turret-style camera has a 124-degree diagonal FOV, while the bullet-type camera is limited to 102-degrees. In addition, the turret-style camera incorporates 120dB True WDR, whereas the bullet-type is restricted to digital WDR.

These trivial changes do not affect the camera's ability to record footage. However, since you are purchasing 16 cameras of the same model, with no room to utilize third-party options in the future, we highly recommend taking the time to consider the camera type.

The 16-channel security camera system, provided by GW, includes 16 5MP turret-style cameras and a 16-channel NVR with a 4TB hard drive included in the recorder.

The cameras have an IP66 rating and an operating temperature range of -22F to 140F. Therefore, these cameras will work outside without issue, even during heavy rain or snow. Also, these cameras can perform human detection and notify you via the GW GWEye mobile app.

These 5MP cameras can only record footage at a maximum resolution of 2592x1944. They process footage using digital WDR and can export two separate streams simultaneously. (5MP footage at 15fps and 360p footage at 30fps.)

Defender’s 16-channel 4K resolution security camera kit is one of the few analog systems available. This system includes a 16-channel DVR that can support 60ft long coaxial cables without losing data.

Unfortunately, since this entire system is analog-based, you need to draw coaxial cables from the DVR to the camera and set up DC power for each camera using a wall outlet and adapter.

However, despite operating in the analog domain, these cameras can record 4K footage on a 79-degree horizontal FOV. Even though they cannot perform full-color night vision (or record audio), the cameras include a decent infrared setup with a maximum range of 100ft and a minimum illumination color value of 0.01lux.

The cameras have IP67 protection; hence, you can easily set them up in any outdoor environment. (As long as the electrical wiring isn’t exposed.)

Our final entry is the Reolink 16-channel system. This kit includes the RLN16-410 NVR, a 16-channel recorder with PoE support for all available channels. Also, this NVR supports 12TB of storage capacity and comes with a pre-installed 3TB HDD.

Unfortunately, this bundle (RLK16-812B8-A) only includes eight bullet-type security cameras; hence, you have to purchase the remaining eight cameras separately.

Nonetheless, the included eight cameras (RLC-812A) are decent IP cameras with PoE functionality. These cameras can perform two-way communication, spotlight-dependant full-color night vision (there is a 400lumen spotlight built-in to the cameras), and interact with Google Assistant while recording 4K footage at 3840x2160 resolution.

Also, they have an IP66 protection rating, making them versatile for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Decision Factors when Choosing a 16-Camera / 16-Channel Security System

Included Cameras

When you’re going for a multi-channel system (complete with NVR) instead of individual cameras, we always recommend confirming the specs and the number of cameras included in the system. Some bundles include cameras for only half of the available channels, while other bundles will make you choose between bullet-type and dome-type cameras.

Recorder Features

Most low-mid range NVRs may be able to store 4K resolution footage from 16 cameras at once. However, they may not have enough computing power to display all of them (on the monitor) simultaneously or perform smart motion detection on multiple cameras. Also, some NVRs may not support PoE for all of the 16 ethernet ports and may require a separate PoE switch. 

IP rating

Anybody going for a 16-channel security system will most likely install at least one of these cameras in an outdoor location. Even though every camera/system on our list includes IP66 or IP67 waterproof rating, we recommend making it a habit to always check for the IP rating. Some lesser-known brands will advertise cameras with either IPX4 and IPX5 ratings as water-resistant and ideal for outdoor installations. Even though these claims are technically correct, it’s best to play it safe and go for a waterproof IP66 or IP67 rating. 

Night Vision

When deciding on the camera specs in a multi-channel system, the cameras with full-color night vision and integrated spotlights will always be the better option (Over plain infrared night vision). Therefore, we highly recommend going for these high-end systems. While you’re at it, make sure to note down the maximum infrared distance, the maximum brightness of the integrated spotlight (if it includes one), and the minimum illumination for color value. 

Audio Features

Two-way communication and integrated sirens can be great assets for improving security. Most high-end systems will include these facilities on the camera itself (instead of providing a separate alarm interface on the NVR) and allow you to communicate or sound the alarm manually through an NVR. These are highly recommended features because they play an active role in deterring intruders.

Conclusion

Purchasing a 16-channel security system, complete with NVR and 16 security cameras, is a substantial investment costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. Therefore, you have to make sure that most of your requirements are satisfied with this system since you will be using it for a long time without relying on third-party devices.

Do you agree with our recommendations? Let us know in the comments.