What is amcrest2mqtt?

amcrest2mqtt is a lightweight Python application that connects to Amcrest IP cameras and publishes all camera events — motion detection, doorbell presses, human detection, and device configuration — to an MQTT broker. It uses the python-amcrest library to communicate with any Amcrest device supported by that library. The app includes native Home Assistant MQTT discovery so entities appear automatically in Home Assistant when enabled. It runs as a Docker container (the only supported deployment method) and requires an MQTT broker and network access to the camera. The project is maintained by a single developer and accepts donations via Buy Me A Coffee.

Should you self-host amcrest2mqtt?

amcrest2mqtt scores 41/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #85 of 104 in Home Automation. It has 154 GitHub stars.

There was no stable release in the past 12 months, so check the repository's recent activity before you rely on it.

Setup is easy: most people get it running in one sitting. An official Docker image is available. It is MIT-licensed and written mostly in Python.

Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is Home Assistant (91/100, 91 794 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See amcrest2mqtt vs Home Assistant side by side.