Comparison Guide

Avigilon vs Hikvision

Avigilon (by Motorola Solutions) and Hikvision are both major security camera manufacturers, but they represent fundamentally different approaches to commercial security. Hikvision is banned from US government use due to national security concerns.

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Quick Answer

Hikvision wins for most buyers.

NDAA compliant, North American manufactured, no security concerns.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Avigilon Hikvision
Manufacturer Motorola Solutions (US) Hangzhou Hikvision (China)
NDAA Compliant Yes No (banned from US gov)
FCC Equipment Auth Fully authorized Authorization revoked (2022)
Manufacturing North America China
Security Concerns None Designated national security threat
AI Analytics Advanced on-board analytics AI features available

Our Verdict

Avigilon is the clear choice for any business that values security, compliance, and long-term viability. Hikvision's lower prices come with significant security risks and federal bans that make it unsuitable for most commercial applications.

Unio Digital recommends: NDAA compliant, North American manufactured, no security concerns

Quick Picks

Which one should you pick?

Three buyer profiles, three answers. Pick the row that fits.

Government contractors and compliance-driven businesses

Pick: Avigilon

If you hold or bid federal contracts, NDAA Section 889 Part B has barred agencies from contracting with entities that use Hikvision gear since August 2020. Avigilon (Motorola Solutions) keeps you clean with cloud (Alta) or on-premise (Unity) options.

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Budget-first single site with zero federal exposure

Pick: Hikvision

One building, no government contracts, and hardware cost drives the decision. Hikvision is cheaper up front, but the FCC banned new equipment authorizations in 2022, so weigh support, resale, and insurance questions before you buy.

Talk it through with a strategist

Teams with in-house security staff who self-manage

Pick: Avigilon (design and install only)

Already run your own VMS and monitoring? Unio can spec the camera counts, pull the cable, mount, and commission an NDAA-compliant Avigilon deployment, then hand you the keys to operate it yourself.

Scope a camera install

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hikvision is banned from US government procurement under the NDAA and was designated a national security threat by the FCC in 2022. While not banned from private commercial use, the security risks and potential future restrictions make Avigilon a safer long-term choice.

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Sources & Methodology  

Specifications, pricing, and product capabilities cited on this page are sourced from public vendor documentation as of the dates shown below. Vendor product lines change quickly; verify current specs and pricing directly with each vendor before purchasing.

  1. On November 25, 2022 the FCC adopted rules prohibiting new equipment authorizations for equipment on its Covered List, which names Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology and Dahua Technology (and their subsidiaries and affiliates). The rules implement the Secure Equipment Act of 2021 and apply to future authorizations, so newly covered models can no longer be authorized for importation or sale in the US. [source] · verified 2026-07-01
  2. NDAA Section 889 Part A has barred federal agencies since August 13, 2019 from procuring any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component, and Part B has barred agencies since August 13, 2020 from contracting with entities that use such covered equipment or services (Pub. L. 115-232). [source] · verified 2026-07-01
  3. Avigilon publishes an NDAA position statement headed 'Avigilon is NDAA Compliant' that walks through Section 889's prohibition on five named Chinese companies (Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, Dahua) and notes parent Motorola Solutions has been a trusted partner to the US Government for over 90 years. [source] · verified 2026-07-01
  4. Avigilon's H5 Pro camera captures image detail up to 10K resolution (61 MP), which Avigilon bills as its most powerful and highest resolution camera, delivering maximum scene coverage across wide areas. [source] · verified 2026-07-01
  5. Avigilon anchors Motorola Solutions' video security and access control portfolio with two platforms, cloud-native Avigilon Alta and on-premise Avigilon Unity, spanning video management, analytics, and access control in one ecosystem. [source] · verified 2026-07-01