LemurCam
LemurCam turns RTSP or ONVIF IP cameras into a virtual webcam on macOS.
What LemurCam is
LemurCam turns RTSP or ONVIF IP cameras into a virtual webcam on macOS. Mac applications can select it like a regular camera, including Zoom, Meet, Teams, FaceTime, and OBS. Users can paste an RTSP address or discover cameras through ONVIF on their Wi-Fi network. The optional LemurCam Microphone carries camera audio in AAC, G.711, and L16 formats. Streaming runs while an application or preview is watching, then the app idles. Its native VideoToolbox pipeline is described as targeting 30 fps with lower CPU use. Example compatible systems include TP-Link Tapo, Reolink, Hikvision, Dahua, Amcrest, UniFi Protect, Axis, Wyze RTSP, and Annke. Camera credentials are stored in Keychain. LemurCam is free, open source, and MIT licensed. It requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later and supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. The maker is Anees Iqbal, a software engineer in France.
Good
- RTSP and ONVIF support
- Works with major Mac video apps
- Optional camera audio
- Keychain credential storage
- Free MIT-licensed software
Watch out
- Requires macOS 14 or later
- Mac-only platform
- Depends on compatible IP cameras
- Streams only while watched
Who it suits
LemurCam suits Mac users who want compatible IP cameras available to video applications as webcams and optional microphones. It is aimed at systems using RTSP or ONVIF cameras.
Verdict
LemurCam provides a focused bridge from supported IP cameras to Mac video software. Its free open-source license and broad camera examples are useful, provided the Mac and camera requirements fit.
Plans and prices
From LemurCam's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free and open source | Free | macOS 14 Sonoma or later · RTSP or ONVIF IP cameras |
The facts
Each one read from LemurCam's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audio
- The optional LemurCam Microphone passes camera audio in AAC, G.711, and L16 formats.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Camera compatibility
- The site lists TP-Link Tapo, Reolink, Hikvision, Dahua, Amcrest, UniFi Protect, Axis, Wyze RTSP, and Annke cameras as examples.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Camera setup
- Users can paste an RTSP URL or use ONVIF discovery to find cameras on their Wi-Fi network.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Credentials
- Camera credentials are stored in Keychain.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Feedback
- The repository README directs users to open an issue for bugs or feature requests.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The GitHub repository identifies LemurCam as MIT licensed.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- LemurCam requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Streaming behavior
- LemurCam streams only while an app or preview is watching, then idles.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Video pipeline
- The site describes a native VideoToolbox pipeline designed to deliver 30 fps while using less CPU.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Virtual camera
- Mac apps can select LemurCam as an ordinary webcam, including Zoom, Meet, Teams, FaceTime, and OBS.checked 9 Oct 2026
- What it does
- LemurCam turns RTSP or ONVIF IP cameras into a virtual webcam and microphone on macOS.checked 9 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Mac support
- The app is universal for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs and is described as signed and notarized.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- The LemurCam site credits Anees Iqbal as its maker.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Maker location
- Anees Iqbal describes himself as a software engineer in France.checked 9 Oct 2026
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