ACTi ZNR-423 vs ACTi ZNR-425: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi ZNR-423 and ACTi ZNR-425 are 32-channel rackmount NVRs from the same manufacturer, targeting professional IP video surveillance deployments. They share core capacity (32 channels, 160 Mbps throughput, 4-bay storage, VGA output) and the same form factor, making them direct cross-shop candidates for integrators specifying a mid-to-large camera system. This comparison examines where the two models diverge across storage configuration, power architecture, and integration credentials to help buyers identify which unit better fits their deployment requirements.
In This Guide
- Do the ZNR-423 and ZNR-425 handle the same channel count and recording throughput?
- How do the ZNR-423 and ZNR-425 differ in physical build and power requirements?
- Which model offers stronger integration and third-party camera compatibility credentials?
- Which should you choose: the ZNR-423 or the ZNR-425?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Do the ZNR-423 and ZNR-425 handle the same channel count and recording throughput?
Both units are specified as 32-channel recorders operating at 160 Mbps aggregate throughput without transcoding. On raw recording capacity, the specs show no differentiation: channel ceiling and bandwidth ceiling are identical for each model.
Where storage configuration diverges is in detail level. The ZNR-425 spec explicitly states 4-bay 3.5-inch SATA/SAS (disks not included), giving integrators clear guidance on compatible drive form factor and interface. The ZNR-423 describes its storage only as '4-bay (external),' leaving drive type and interface unspecified in the provided data. Buyers specifying the ZNR-423 should confirm drive compatibility directly with ACTi before purchasing drives.
How do the ZNR-423 and ZNR-425 differ in physical build and power requirements?
Both units are rackmount NVRs designed for standard rack installations. The ZNR-425 spec confirms a 2U form factor compatible with standard 19-inch racks. The ZNR-423 spec does not state rack unit height or rack width compatibility explicitly; that information is absent from the provided data.
Power architecture is the sharpest hardware delta between the two models. The ZNR-425 carries a stated 150W power draw. The ZNR-423 lists 'PoE' under its power spec, which is atypical for an NVR chassis and may indicate PoE pass-through capability or a data entry anomaly; the spec as provided does not clarify. Integrators sizing UPS capacity or calculating rack power budgets should treat the ZNR-423 power figure as unconfirmed and verify with ACTi.
Which model offers stronger integration and third-party camera compatibility credentials?
The ZNR-423 carries an explicit ONVIF: Yes specification and a VMS_Compatibility entry of 'ONVIF-compliant,' and its bullet points cite plug-and-play integration with ACTi, Axis, Hikvision, and other ONVIF cameras. This provides documented interoperability assurance for multi-vendor camera deployments.
The ZNR-425 spec does not include an ONVIF field or a VMS_Compatibility entry in the provided data. Its 'Compatible With: professional' tag is a market-segment descriptor, not a protocol certification. Buyers deploying non-ACTi cameras should confirm ONVIF support for the ZNR-425 directly with ACTi before specifying it in a mixed-vendor environment.
Which should you choose: the ZNR-423 or the ZNR-425?
Our take: The ZNR-423 is the stronger documented choice when ONVIF-based multi-vendor camera integration is a hard requirement, as it carries an explicit ONVIF certification and VMS compatibility designation that are absent from the ZNR-425 spec sheet as provided. The ZNR-425 has the edge in installation clarity: its storage is fully specified as 4-bay 3.5-inch SATA/SAS and its power draw is stated at 150W, enabling accurate UPS sizing and drive procurement without additional vendor confirmation. The ZNR-423's power entry reads 'PoE,' which is ambiguous for a chassis-level NVR and requires clarification. Both units match on the fundamentals — 32 channels, 160 Mbps, 4-bay storage, VGA output. Choose the ZNR-423 for confirmed ONVIF mixed-brand camera fleets; choose the ZNR-425 where precise power budgeting and explicit SATA/SAS drive compatibility matter and ONVIF status can be independently confirmed.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi ZNR-423 | ACTi ZNR-425 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ACTi | ACTi |
| MPN | ZNR-423 | ZNR-425 |
| Channel Count | 32 | 32 |
| Max Throughput | 160 Mbps | 160 Mbps |
| Form Factor | Rackmount NVR | Rackmount NVR |
| Rack Size | — | 2U, 19-inch |
| Storage Bays | 4-bay (external) | 4-bay (3.5-inch SATA/SAS, disks not included) |
| Video Output | VGA (640×480) | VGA (640×480) |
| Power | PoE (unconfirmed chassis draw) | 150W |
| ONVIF | Yes | — |
| VMS Compatibility | ONVIF-compliant | — |
| Audio | Audio supported | Audio input supported |
| Compatible With | Large-scale deployments | Professional deployments |
| Mount Type | Rack | Rack |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the ZNR-423 or the ZNR-425?
The ZNR-423 is the stronger documented choice when ONVIF-based multi-vendor camera integration is a hard requirement, as it carries an explicit ONVIF certification and VMS compatibility designation that are absent from the ZNR-425 spec sheet as provided. The ZNR-425 has the edge in installation clarity: its storage is fully specified as 4-bay 3.5-inch SATA/SAS and its power draw is stated at 150W, enabling accurate UPS sizing and drive procurement without additional vendor confirmation. The ZNR-423's power entry reads 'PoE,' which is ambiguous for a chassis-level NVR and requires clarification. Both units match on the fundamentals — 32 channels, 160 Mbps, 4-bay storage, VGA output. Choose the ZNR-423 for confirmed ONVIF mixed-brand camera fleets; choose the ZNR-425 where precise power budgeting and explicit SATA/SAS drive compatibility matter and ONVIF status can be independently confirmed.
Is the ZNR-423 or ZNR-425 better for a mixed-brand camera deployment including Axis and Hikvision cameras?
Based on the available specs, the ZNR-423 is the safer documented choice. It carries an explicit ONVIF: Yes specification and its product bullets cite compatibility with ACTi, Axis, Hikvision, and other ONVIF-compliant cameras. The ZNR-425 does not include an ONVIF field in the provided spec data, so its multi-vendor compatibility cannot be confirmed from these specifications alone — verify with ACTi before specifying it in a mixed-vendor project.
What hard drives are compatible with the ZNR-423 and ZNR-425?
The ZNR-425 spec states 4-bay 3.5-inch SATA/SAS storage (disks not included), so standard 3.5-inch SATA or SAS surveillance-grade drives are the confirmed target. The ZNR-423 spec describes storage only as '4-bay (external)' without specifying drive interface or form factor. Drive compatibility for the ZNR-423 should be confirmed directly with ACTi before purchasing drives.
Can I calculate rack power budget and UPS sizing from the published specs for both units?
For the ZNR-425, yes — a 150W power draw is stated in the spec. For the ZNR-423, the provided spec lists 'PoE' under power, which does not represent a chassis power consumption figure in the conventional sense and is likely ambiguous or a data entry issue. UPS and power budget calculations for the ZNR-423 require confirmed wattage from ACTi's official documentation.
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.