Hikvision Review 2026: Pricing, Pros and Cons
Reviewed November 1, 2026 by Loïc Joachim
A Chinese security camera giant that also makes face and card recognition attendance terminals.
| Best for | Sites already using Hikvision security systems. |
|---|---|
| How staff clock in | Mobile app, Hardware |
| Free plan | No |
| Monthly price | Not published |
| Made in | China |
| Website | hikvision.com |
Prices are in US dollars for the cheapest plan that includes a time clock, as of our last review. Check the vendor's site for current pricing.
Our Hikvision review
Hikvision is a major security camera maker that also sells attendance terminals with face recognition and card readers. The hardware is cheap.
Hikvision equipment is restricted by the US and UK governments over security concerns, and the software is built for security installers rather than payroll. We would not recommend it for attendance.
Pros
- Cheap face recognition and card terminals
- Integrates with Hikvision security systems
Cons
- Security and privacy concerns, Hikvision equipment is restricted by the US and UK governments
- Software is built for security installers, not payroll
- Proprietary hardware
Hikvision features
- Tablet kiosk app
- Clock in from a phone
- Desktop app
- Proprietary hardware clock
- Paper card punching
- PIN entry
- NFC cards or tags
- Face recognition
- Fingerprint reader
- GPS location checks
- Cloud based
- Ongoing subscription
- Locks you into their hardware
Looking for something simpler?
Timeclock.Kiwi was built by people who were fed up with time clocks that take three screens and a training session to use. Staff tap their name and a PIN on any tablet, a photo is taken in the background, and hours export straight to your payroll. You pay per kiosk, not per employee, from $5 a month.
Free for 3 months, no credit card required.
Hikvision alternatives
- Shiftbase A Dutch workforce management platform with scheduling, time clock and absence management.
- SmartBarrel A rugged construction site time clock with face recognition built for outdoor job sites.
- TimeLab A New Zealand time and attendance supplier selling everything from punch card clocks to NoahFace iPad kiosks and school bells.
- ExakTime A construction time clock with rugged hardware (JobClock) and a mobile app.