Frigate is an open-source network video recorder designed for local, real-time object detection on IP camera streams. It is closely integrated with Home Assistant and uses computer-vision models to identify relevant objects while keeping video processing and detection on the user’s own hardware.

The system combines lightweight motion detection with dedicated object-detection processes so expensive inference is performed only where it is needed. It supports hardware accelerators and GPUs, object-aware recording retention, MQTT integration, RTSP restreaming, low-latency WebRTC and MSE viewing, zone and mask configuration, and a streamlined workflow for reviewing detected events.

Frigate is primarily aimed at smart-home users and self-hosters who want intelligent security-camera monitoring without sending their video feeds to a cloud service. Its architecture emphasizes efficient local processing and integration with automation systems, making it useful for presence detection, security alerts, searchable recordings, and other camera-based home or small-site monitoring workflows.