Best 10 AI Video Surveillance Solutions Transforming Retail Loss Prevention in 2025

Brief & Highlights

This article featured Alpha Vision, Genetec, Avigilon, Avigilon Alta, Verkada, Rhombus Systems, Eagle Eye Networks, Hanwha Vision, Milestone Systems, and Spot AI. Among these, Alpha Vision stands apart with its unmatched combination of cloud-native AI, real-time deterrence, and proven retail scalability. Competitors offer niche strengths but face notable limitations in cost, complexity, or flexibility.

1. Alpha Vision + Axis Integration – AI-Powered Physical AI for Retailers

Best for:

Retailers seeking the most advanced, compliance-ready, and scalable AI surveillance solution that delivers actionable intelligence and real-time deterrence.

Key Features:

• High-End Axis Cameras: Axis cameras provide world-class imaging with up to 40× optical zoom, 360° panoramic coverage, vandal-resistant design, and weatherproofing. Perfect for entrances, checkout zones, parking lots, and loading docks, these cameras ensure every corner is covered in high detail.
  

• Alpha Vision AI Analytics: Alpha Vision transforms passive cameras into active intelligence tools. Magic Search enables instant retrieval of clips by object, behavior, or event. Intrusion Alerts provide real-time detection of unauthorized access. License Plate Recognition aids in monitoring vehicles linked to ORC groups. AI Inspector automatically detects compliance issues such as blocked exits, unsafe staff behavior, or missing safety gear.
  

• Live Intervention & Deterrence: Security operators can issue real-time voice warnings through integrated IP speakers. This shifts video from reactive to proactive crime deterrence. Instead of just recording theft, Alpha Vision enables staff to stop it before it escalates.
  

• Compliance & Cloud Convenience: The solution is 100% cloud-native, with no NVR/DVR required. It is fully TAA & NDAA compliant, meeting strict U.S. government and enterprise standards. Cloud delivery means retailers always run the latest AI features without needing manual upgrades.
  

• Scalability & Cost Efficiency: Retailers can expand across regions by simply installing new Axis cameras. Each new location auto-connects to the Alpha Vision cloud, simplifying setup and reducing IT overhead. Centralized dashboards allow LP teams to manage hundreds of sites without complexity.
  

• Broad Industry Trust: Trusted not only by retail chains but also government facilities, construction companies, property management firms, and enterprise campuses, Alpha Vision has proven reliable in diverse, high-stakes environments.
  

2. Genetec Security Center – Unified Security with Retail Intelligence

Genetec Security Center unifies video surveillance, access control, POS data, and analytics in one platform—ideal for large retailers needing centralized visibility. The open architecture supports hundreds of camera brands, IoT sensors, and third-party AI tools, allowing retailers to integrate existing hardware and expand capabilities.

Best for:

Large, multi-location retailers needing centralized monitoring across video, access control, and POS data.

Key Features:

• Unified interface combining cameras, alarms, and access events.
  

• Forensic video search using filters like object type or color.
  

• POS integration that flags suspicious refunds or transactions.
  

• Heatmaps, dwell-time tracking, and queue analysis for operational insights.
  

Limitations:

• Complex deployment requiring IT experts.
  

• High licensing, modules, and scaling costs.
  

• Staff require significant training to use advanced analytics.
  

• Some features still rely on on-premises infrastructure, limiting cloud flexibility.
  

• Many analytics functions depend on paid modules or third-party plugins.
  

3. Avigilon (Motorola Solutions) – Advanced AI Cameras

Avigilon, part of Motorola Solutions, delivers high-end cameras and AI analytics widely used by luxury retailers and malls. Its hallmark is Appearance Search, which lets users instantly locate a person or vehicle (e.g., “woman in red coat”) across hours of footage, saving major investigation time.

Best for:

Luxury retailers and malls seeking forensic investigation tools and ultra-HD video.

Key Features:

• Appearance Search to locate people or vehicles across hours of footage.
  

• Anomaly detection using self-learning AI.
  

• Ultra-HD cameras (4K+ resolution) with high-capacity storage.
  

• License Plate Recognition with Motorola ecosystem integration.
  

Limitations:

• Premium pricing makes it inaccessible for SMBs.
  

• Deployment is IT-intensive and often requires professional installers.
  

• Cloud features exist but remain less developed compared to rivals.
  

• Proprietary hardware dependency reduces flexibility.
  
  

4. Avigilon Alta – Cloud-Native AI Surveillance

Avigilon Alta, Motorola’s cloud-native video surveillance platform, combines Ava’s AI analytics with an easy plug-and-play design. Retailers can connect existing IP cameras through an Alta Cloud Connector or use Ava cloud cameras to instantly add AI-powered insights.

Best for:

Retailers preferring a modern, cloud-first VMS with plug-and-play simplicity.

Key Features:

• Fully cloud-managed platform with centralized access.
  

• Advanced appearance search across multiple locations.
  

• Automatic updates deliver new features seamlessly.
  

• Heatmaps, occupancy, and traffic flow analytics.
  

Limitations:

• Internet dependence means outages disrupt video access.
  

• Subscription costs rise quickly with scale.
  

• Cloud storage raises data privacy concerns.
  

• Offline use is limited or unavailable.
  

5. Verkada – Cloud Surveillance Platform

Verkada delivers a cloud-managed security platform that combines cameras, sensors, alarms, and AI analytics. Retailers favor it for easy deployment, centralized monitoring, and integrations with POS systems and access control. Key features include AI-powered video search, POS-linked investigations, real-time alerts for repeat offenders, and scalable cloud storage. 

Best for:

Retailers needing simple deployment and integrated alarms and sensors.

Key Features:

• AI-powered video search and alerts.
  

• POS-linked fraud investigation capabilities.
  

• Remote deterrents like alarm towers and talk-down speakers.
  

• Centralized cloud monitoring for multi-site retailers.
  

Limitations:

• Raises privacy concerns with facial recognition and LPR.
  

• Proprietary, closed ecosystems create lock-in.
  

• High subscription fees for storage and AI services.
  

• Limited customization compared to open platforms.
  

6. Rhombus Systems – Cloud Security for Multi-Site Retail

Rhombus Systems delivers a cloud-based video security platform designed for multi-site organizations like retail chains. Similar to Verkada, it offers smart cameras, IoT sensors, and access control, all managed in one cloud dashboard.

Best for:

Retailers that want integrated video, IoT sensors, and access control in a single cloud platform.

Key Features:

• AI search by face, clothing, vehicle, or region.
  

• POS and RFID transaction integration with video.
  

• Real-time alerts and panic button support.
  

• Dwell-time and traffic flow analytics.
  

Limitations:

• Requires stable internet for continuous functionality.
  

• AI filters may generate false positives in poor lighting.
  

• Subscription costs can strain smaller retailers.
  

• Employee privacy concerns in continuous monitoring setups.
  

7. Eagle Eye Networks – Camera-Agnostic Cloud VMS

Eagle Eye Networks is a global leader in pure cloud video surveillance, known for its camera-agnostic, open platform. Retailers can connect virtually any IP camera via an Eagle Eye bridge and manage video centrally with minimal on-site hardware.

Best for:

Retailers seeking maximum flexibility with existing camera infrastructure.

Key Features:

• Works with most IP cameras (Axis, Hanwha, Panasonic, etc.).
  

• Natural language video search (e.g., “man in red jacket at register 3”).
  

• License Plate Recognition for vehicle monitoring.
  

• POS, IoT, and inventory integrations.
  

Limitations:

• Bandwidth-heavy; requires strong internet.
  

• Still needs bridge appliances for camera connectivity.
  

• Subscription fees are high at enterprise scale.
  

• Latency risks for real-time recording.
  

8. Hanwha Vision (Wisenet) – AI Cameras with Retail Analytics

Hanwha Vision (formerly Samsung Techwin) produces Wisenet security cameras widely used in retail. Their latest models feature edge AI chips, enabling object detection, forensic search, and queue monitoring without heavy server or cloud use. Built-in deterrents like speakers and strobes help prevent theft, while retail dashboards offer occupancy counts, heatmaps, and POS integration. 

Best for:

Retailers preferring on-camera AI for faster insights without cloud overhead.

Key Features:

• Edge AI chips provide object tagging at the camera level.
  

• Built-in deterrents like audio and strobe lights.
  

• Retail dashboards with heatmaps and occupancy metrics.
  

• Queue management with real-time alerts.
  

Limitations:

• High upfront investment in camera hardware.
  

• Analytics accuracy varies with placement and blind spots.
  

• Less advanced behavioral AI than cloud-first platforms.
  

• Frequent updates needed to maintain performance.
  

• Scaling to very large deployments is challenging.
  

9. Milestone Systems – Flexible VMS with AI Plugins

Milestone Systems is best known for XProtect, a leading video management software (VMS) widely used in Europe and Asia. Unlike camera vendors, Milestone focuses on providing the “brains” of CCTV systems, offering reliable video recording, remote viewing, and an open platform for AI analytics integration.

Best for:

Retailers that want an open platform with plugin-based AI integration.

Key Features:

• XProtect VMS with an open marketplace of AI plugins.
  

• Supports people counting, queue monitoring, and weapon detection.
  

• Custom rule engine for tailored alerts.
  

• Hybrid storage (local + cloud) for flexibility.
  

Limitations:

• Demands significant IT resources.
  

• High licensing costs and plugin fees.
  

• Privacy risks with certain analytics.
  

• Performance depends heavily on third-party vendors.
  

• Requires add-on AI tools to directly prevent shrink.
  

10. Spot AI – AI Enhancement for Existing Cameras

Spot AI offers a plug-and-play appliance plus cloud platform that enhances existing cameras with AI. Designed for retailers and multi-location businesses, it delivers fast setup, smart video search, real-time alerts, and an intuitive dashboard—helping reduce shrinkage and improve safety with minimal installation hassle.

Best for:

Retailers upgrading existing camera setups with AI capabilities.

Key Features:

• AI search and real-time event alerts.
  

• Hybrid cloud + on-site storage.
  

• Intuitive dashboards with clip sharing and reports.
  

• Fast rollout for multi-site retailers.
  

Limitations:

• Internet-dependent for full features.
  

• AI performance varies by camera quality and placement.
  

• May generate false alerts without fine-tuning.