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Night Owl 20-Ch Wired DVR, No Cameras Included, Up to 20 Cams, 1TB HDD7.8Our score 4 photos
NOBrandNight OwlNONight Owl3 products in our catalogSee all Night Owl products →ID DBD-13101

Night Owl 20-Ch Wired DVR, No Cameras Included, Up to 20 Cams, 1TB HDD

7.8/10 our score 3.6 (89 ratings on Amazon)

Have an outdated DVR system with no audio? Use your current DVR cabling and easily swap out the cameras (sold separately) and DVR to add 2-w

Connectivity TechnologyWi-FiMemory Storage Capacity1000 GBTotal Usb Ports1

About this item

  • No Hassle Upgrade: Have an outdated DVR system with no audio? Use your current DVR cabling and easily swap out the cameras (sold separately) and DVR to add 2-way audio. No older system, no problem! Use the cables we provide to get everything set up.
  • 2-Way Audio: Sometimes seeing what’s occurring isn’t enough. With 2-way audio, you can hear everything you see and make your voice heard using our free mobile app, even when you’re away.
  • Private Data With Secure Connection: Your privacy matters. All recordings and data are stored on your recorder’s hard drive via a secure wired connection (CCTV) with no Internet required. You control who has access to your data.
  • Add Wired Bnc Cameras: Customize your coverage by adding up to 16 compatible Night Owl 2-way audio 4K wired BNC cameras (FTD8 series) to your wired recorder.
Category: Smart Home & Security › Home Security SystemsRanked #99 of 172 in Smart Home & Security
7.8Our score
Our verdict

Have an outdated DVR system with no audio? Use your current DVR cabling and easily swap out the cameras (sold separately) and DVR to add 2-w

Ranked #99 in Smart Home & Security · 4 things we like

Quick answer The Night Owl 20-Ch Wired DVR scores 7.8/10 with us. Amazon owners rate it 3.6 out of 5 across 89 reviews, below the 4.2 average of the 15 home security systems we track. It was listed at $249.99 on Amazon when we last checked in September 2026. Key facts: connectivity technology Wi-Fi, memory storage capacity 1000 GB, total usb ports 1.

Innovative 2-Way Audio Technology Easy 2-Way Audio Upgrade Using Existing Cabling Private Data with Secure CCTV Connection Free Local Storage with 1TB HDD Immediate Alerts for Fast Response Free Mobile App with No Hidden Fees Add up to 16 Wired BNC Cameras + 4 Compatible Wi-Fi Devices

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Product information

16 specifications
Connectivity TechnologyWi-Fi
Compatible DevicesCamera
Memory Storage Capacity1000 GB
Hard-Drive Size1 TB
Number of Channels20
Media Format Digital VideoHDD
Total Usb Ports1
Video InputBNC
Model NumberDVR-FTD2-161
BrandNight Owl
Unit Count20 Count
Item Highlight1080p DVR Recorder, 20-Ch; 2-Way Audio; Home Security System; Free Mobile App – No Monthly Fees; US-Owned & Operated Com
Number of Items6
Built-In MediaCompartments Included
Item Type NameDVR
Mfr Part NumberDVR-FTD2-161

Pros & cons

What we like
  • NO HASSLE UPGRADE: Have an outdated DVR system with no audio? Use your current DVR cabling and easily swap out the cameras (sold separately) and DVR to add 2-way audio. No older system, no problem! Use the cables we provide to get everything set up.
  • 2-WAY AUDIO: Sometimes seeing what’s occurring isn’t enough. With 2-way audio, you can hear everything you see and make your voice heard using our free mobile app, even when you’re away.
  • PRIVATE DATA WITH SECURE CONNECTION: Your privacy matters. All recordings and data are stored on your recorder’s hard drive via a secure wired connection (CCTV) with no Internet required. You control who has access to your data.
  • ADD WIRED BNC CAMERAS: Customize your coverage by adding up to 16 compatible Night Owl 2-way audio 4K wired BNC cameras (FTD8 series) to your wired recorder.
What could be better

    Night Owl 20-Ch Wired DVR: questions & answers

    Is the Night Owl 20-Ch Wired DVR worth buying?

    Owners are lukewarm on it, so compare the alternatives before buying. We score the Night Owl 20-Ch Wired DVR 7.8 out of 10. Amazon owners rate it 3.6 out of 5 across 89 reviews, below the 4.2 average of the 15 home security systems we track.

    How much does the Night Owl 20-Ch Wired DVR cost?

    It was listed at $249.99 on Amazon when we last checked in September 2026. That is more than the $149.99 median for home security systems in our catalog. Amazon prices change daily, so use the price button on this page to see the current figure.

    What are the key specs of the Night Owl 20-Ch Wired DVR?

    Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi; Memory Storage Capacity: 1000 GB; Total Usb Ports: 1. All 16 specifications are in the product information table on this page.

    What are good alternatives to the Night Owl 20-Ch Wired DVR?

    Similar, well-rated home security systems in our catalog: Gianteye 2K Security Camera System (8.8/10, 4.4 stars from 1,230 owners); Arlo Essential Outdoor Pan Tilt Zoom Security (8.6/10, 4.3 stars from 409 owners); Camcamp Solar Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor (8.6/10, 4.3 stars from 44 owners).

    Gianteye 2K Security Camera SystemArlo Essential Outdoor Pan Tilt Zoom SecurityCamcamp Solar Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor

    Customer reviews

    All reviews on Amazon
    3.689 global ratings
    5 star50%
    4 star13%
    3 star13%
    2 star0%
    1 star25%

    Breakdown from the 8 most helpful reviews we imported.

    M
    MBarny
    Verified purchaseFebruary 27, 2026
    Easy-peasy

    I had a previous older 8yr old DVR model that had issues. The newer model arrived today. I installed a 2T hard drive with included cables and screws. I connected camera cables, network cable, and power cable. I powered on and after a few seconds a notification appeared on my phone. I followed directions and was up and running in 40 minutes. Easy-peasy.

    N
    Nick
    Verified purchaseJuly 1, 2026
    VERY CHEAP HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE

    Absolutely Horrible system BUY SOMETHING ELSE, iv tried two of these and they simply do not work, customer service is NONEXISTENT, I WILL ENCOURAGE EVERYONE I MEET TO BUY ANYTHING BUT NIGHT OWL!!!!

    A
    Amazon Customer
    Verified purchaseMarch 26, 2026
    Best recorder

    Good 12 channel recorder, i recommend it if you want to keep your house safe, it’s the best

    A
    Another Customer in Michigan
    Verified purchaseJuly 2, 2025
    Ok system be sure to add drive and cameras

    Used with my previous units cameras. No video issues. Doesn't include hard drive. Be sure to use a DVR class of drive. Triggered recorder is a pain. Claims to identify vehicle and people traffic. Shadows from clouds, moving leaves, flying insects all cause an alert/recording. Kind of a nuisance.

    C
    Chris A.
    Verified purchaseDecember 3, 2025
    Icu

    Great upgrade from our harbor freight dvr. Connected to the internet easy app works well

    B
    bb007p
    Verified purchaseAugust 11, 2026
    Junk Junk Junk

    Do not buy Night Owl Products! I have purchased more than I should have over the years because I have BNC cables and I don't want to upgrade the wire to Cat5 or Cat6. I have purchased 4-6 BTD8 series DVR units, and now I have FTD8 series units. I bought three add on wireless cameras (which the BTD8 and FTD8 support, I checked with Night Owl before buying). One paired with the DVR without an issue. One I use in standalone mode, and the other will not pair with the BTD8 or the FTD8. Night Owl replaced the camera after several weeks went by without them being able to solve my issue. The replaceme

    T
    Troy Smith
    Verified purchaseOctober 20, 2025
    Great buy, what I expected

    Item brand new and works as advertised

    L
    Linette
    Verified purchaseAugust 11, 2025
    Regular

    Me función pero no graba solo para conectar y ver en tiempo real

    Customer reviews are shown as published on Amazon and are not written by Do Best Deal.