Two of the most widely used management platforms for Hikvision security and surveillance systems are iVMS-4200 and HikCentral Professional. Despite being created by Hikvision and acting as centralized platforms for device management and monitoring, their technical specifications, deployment scales, and use cases differ.
Previously, we have shared Why You Should Replace iVMS-4200 with HikCentral Professional. Today, we are going to dive deeper to discuss the difference between iVMS 4200 and HikCentral Professional.
1. Target Users and Deployment Scale
The most fundamental difference between iVMS-4200 and HikCentral Professional lies in the intended user base and system scale.
- iVMS-4200 is a free software client designed for small to medium-scale deployments, and single user-base. It’s ideal for homes, small offices, retail stores, and standalone systems with up to a dozen cameras or devices. Do take note that the PC which installs iVMS-4200 is the server as well as the client. Therefore, multiple access and management is not advised.
- HikCentral Professional, on the other hand, is a licensed, enterprise-grade platform built for medium to large-scale systems. This is meant for server installation, and allows multiple users to access to it at the same time. It is designed to support hundreds or thousands of cameras, access control points, ANPR systems, alarm sensors, and more—often across multiple sites or buildings.
In short, iVMS-4200 is like a lightweight, all-in-one tool for smaller jobs, whereas HikCentral professional is a powerful, scalable platform for professional or enterprise deployments.
2. Architecture and System Design
- iVMS-4200 uses a client-server model but often runs on a single PC, where the software acts as both the client and the local database. It can connect directly to devices like DVRs, NVRs, IP cameras, door access units, and intercoms, but lacks centralized data management and high-level system control.
- HikCentral Professional follows a true server-client architecture, requiring installation on a dedicated server or virtual machine. It features modular services, such as video management (VMS), access control, ANPR, health monitoring, and business intelligence. As explained above, multiple clients can access the central server simultaneously, enabling multi-user environments with role-based access control.
This makes HikCentral Pro much more suitable for scenarios requiring system integration, redundancy, and multi-user workflows.
3. Licensing and Cost
- iVMS-4200 is completely free to download and use. There are no licensing costs, making it very attractive for small businesses or users with limited budgets.
- HikCentral Professional is a paid, licensed platform, with pricing based on the number of channels (cameras), modules (e.g., access control, ANPR), and user seats. More details on the pricing options for HikCentral Professional License can be checked from here.
While iVMS-4200 is budget-friendly, HikCentral Professional offers long-term value and scalability for growing businesses or critical infrastructure.
4. Integration and Third-Party Support
Another key difference is how well each platform integrates with other systems:
- iVMS-4200 offers limited third-party integration and mostly focuses on Hikvision products.
- HikCentral Professional provides broader integration options, including third-party VMS, access control systems, alarm panels, intercoms, and video analytics platforms through SDKs and open APIs.
This makes HikCentral Professional more suitable for enterprise environments that require cross-system coordination.
5. Mobile and Web Access
- iVMS-4200 is a desktop client. While you can pair it with the Hik-Connect mobile app, there’s no web interface for administration.
- HikCentral Professional offers a dedicated web client and mobile apps for both iOS and Android, with advanced remote capabilities such as live view, playback, alarm push, and even remote configuration.
This enables administrators and security staff to monitor and manage the system from anywhere.
6. Further Details: Features and Functionality
To make things clear, here’s how the two compare in terms of core features:
| Feature | iVMS-4200 | HikCentral Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Live View & Playback | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-Site Management | 🚫 | ✅ |
| Multiple User Access | 🚫 | ✅ |
| Alarm & Event Management | Basic | Advanced |
| Health Monitoring | 🚫 | ✅ |
| Business Intelligence / Reports | 🚫 | ✅ |
| Failover & Redundancy | 🚫 | ✅ |
| Custom Dashboards | 🚫 | ✅ |
| License Plate Recognition (ANPR) | Limited | Full support |
| Face Recognition / Thermal | Limited | Full support |
In summary, while iVMS-4200 supports basic video and door access control features, HikCentral Professional offers far more advanced, customizable, and integrated capabilities.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose iVMS-4200 if you:
- Need a free, easy-to-use solution for fewer than ~64 cameras
- Are managing a single site or office
- Don’t require advanced analytics, centralization, or third-party integration
- Choose HikCentral Professional if you:
- Are managing a medium to large-scale deployment
- Require centralized management for multiple sites and systems
- Need advanced features like ANPR, health monitoring, access control, or facial recognition
- Want a system that scales with your business
In essence, iVMS-4200 is perfect for small jobs with simple needs. HikCentral Professional is your go-to for powerful, scalable, and integrated enterprise-level security management.
