Reolink Cameras Review 2022

This up-and-coming photographic camera brand has solutions for most whatsoever need.

Reolink E1

4.8 out of 5 stars

four.75

  • Check

    Three versions

  • X

    Indoor simply

Reolink Lumus

Argus Pro

4.5 out of 5 stars

iv.5

  • Check

    Solar compatibility

  • X

    Power source not included

Reolink Go

3.8 out of 5 stars

3.75

  • Check

    No net needed

  • X

    Expensive

Brianne Sandorf

Staff Author, Dwelling house Security & Smart Home

Read More

Reolink makes a various habitation security camera selection, with different models to come across dissimilar needs.

Reolink's products don't have all of the latest and greatest features, but they have a lot of cool stuff, like starlight night vision and solar compatibility. And best of all, about Reolink cameras autumn around or under the $100 price point.

How Reolink cameras work

Here'southward what Reolink has to offer.

1 of our favorite things well-nigh Reolink is that each model type and version has progressively more features. That makes information technology like shooting fish in a barrel to know what you lot're getting with a new Reolink camera: information technology'south like the older version of the same model, simply better. Not all camera manufacturers brand things that uncomplicated.

At the same fourth dimension, Reolink has been wearisome to coil out certain features. While Nest has facial recognition and package detection, only some Reolink cameras tin can identify people or vehicles.

Info Box

Reolink's devices are viable competitors to Arlo cameras. They have similar exterior designs and features, simply unlike Arlo, Reolink doesn't charge the better part of a stimulus check for near of its products.

Reolink cameras are standalone devices

You don't demand a security system to use Reolink'south cameras. Each camera works independently through the Reolink app.

Reolink cameras use practically every type of storage on the market

The baseline for Reolink cameras is an SD carte or deject storage subscription. But some cameras also work with NVRs and FTP servers.

If you cull to use a cloud subscription plan, you'll pay a small monthly fee (or a discounted annual 1) based on your number of cameras.

Reolink subscription plans

Reolink app programme

Limit

Cameras

Price monthly

Learn more

Basic Plan

7 days and 1GB

1

$0.00/mo.

Standard Programme

30 days and thirty GB

Up to 5

$four.99/mo.

Premier Plan

xxx days and 80 GB

Upwards to x

$9.99/mo.

Business organisation Plan

lx days and 150 GB

Up to xx

$14.99/mo.

Data effective 06/16/2021. Offers subject field to change.

Heads Up

There's a ton of diversity with Reolink. For instance, installation is different with every Reolink photographic camera model. Some require plugs, while others take rechargeable batteries or solar panels. Others call for wall-fished ethernet cables.

The big similarity between every photographic camera? They all work with the Reolink app.

Reolink cameras use event-based recording

Unless yous apply the NVR storage choice (which is merely bachelor for select models), your camera recordings volition be motion-triggered.

PoE model features

Reolink has a ton of former-fashioned-blazon security cameras.

Virtually of Reolink's cameras are PoE (Ability over Ethernet) setups that piece of work with CCTV or NVR systems. We counted 20+ of these Reolink PoE products (such as the RLC-510A and RLK8-520D4), making it incommunicable to speak about each one individually.

RLC-410-5MP-01

There's a lot of variation among these cameras, and then not all take the same features. Just you might meet some of the post-obit:

  • 4K/5MP video quality
  • Person detection
  • Vehicle detection
  • 100 anxiety of dark vision
  • Fourth dimension-lapse videos
  • Playback filters
  • Audio recording
  • IP66 waterproofing
  • Pan/tilt
  • Zoom

Reolink also has PoE IP cameras that it calls "add-ons." These are cameras that need CCTV or NVR only don't come with those devices. You have to buy the add-on cameras separately to add them to an existing Reolink surveillance system.

E1 model features

E1 is a decent indoor camera line.

Reolink E1 is an affordable indoor camera with pan and tilt. And its successors, while more expensive, are still nether $100.

Reolink E1 features comparing

Information constructive 06/xvi/2021. Offers subject to alter.

Reolink E1

All E1 cameras take two-fashion sound, night vision, motility detection, the ability to pan/tilt, and a siren. They besides all work with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

While the E1 line lacks some of the fanciest indoor features (read: the environmental sensors or video phone call capabilities offered with other cameras), information technology'due south not too pricey and gets the task done.

Similar many indoor cameras, E1s are plug-ins. They don't require fancy wiring to work.

Lumus features

Reolink Lumus was made for the nighttime.

Based on the proper noun and features, the Lumus appears to fill in where E1 leaves off. Yous can use it outdoors, and information technology offers a spotlight and colour nighttime vision to make information technology easier to use in the dark.

Data effective 06/xvi/2021. Offers subject to change.

Reolink Lumus

Like an E1, the Lumus has ii-way audio and a siren, and it works with both Alexa and Google. Unlike an E1, information technology can't pan, tilt, or zoom. Also, its motion detection is more advanced, with a PIR sensor and customizable motion zones.

Even though information technology's an outdoor camera, the Reolink Lumus requires a plug. That means you demand to run its cord within or install the camera almost an outside ability outlet.

Argus model features

The Reolink Argus cameras stand up out for their night vision and solar strategies.

The Greek behemothic Argus saw all with his hundred eyes, and the Reolink Argus line does its darndest to live up to that legacy. With 33 feet of starlight or infrared night vision, it goes a step further than the Lumus'southward color dark vision. It's besides easier to keep the Argus powered with its hybrid rechargeable battery/solar ability approach.

What'due south starlight night vision?

Pin

It sounds cool, and information technology is cool. Reolink's starlight nighttime vision tech lets you see more than clearly in lilliputian to no light—for instance, when there's simply starlight. We tested it, and we thought it was phenomenal.¹

Reolink Argus features comparison

Data constructive 06/16/2021. Offers bailiwick to change.

The differences between each Argus photographic camera is a lot more subtle than with the E1s, and in some cases, information technology seems like the big departure is just exterior design. Just we've as well established some more than quantifiable upgrades:

Argus Pro

  • The Argus Pro iii has 2K quality instead of 1080p quality.
  • The "PT" in Argus PT stands for "pan and tilt," which is something other Argus cameras can't do.
  • The Argus Eco uses infrared LED night vision instead of starlight night vision.
  • The Argus 3 battery isn't removable like it is in the 2. Y'all have to take the whole camera down to mount it.
  • The Argus three has a motion-sensitive spotlight.
  • The Argus 2E and 3 accept a fourth dimension-lapse video characteristic.

All Argus cameras are compatible with both Google and Alexa.

At that place'due south a lot to like with this camera line. Our only real complaint is that you have to buy Argus camera solar panels and charging cords separately.

Go model features

The Reolink Become works without Wi-Fi.

The Reolink Go is platonic for more rural areas. Instead of relying on an internet connection, it uses cellular signals to communicate with the app.

Functionwise, the Go models are basically glorified jail cell phones, then you need SIM cards and uniform mobile plans to make them piece of work. The regular Become uses 4G LTE networks, while the Become PT tin can likewise use 3G.

Reolink Argus features comparison

Data effective 06/16/2021. Offers subject to change.

Equally you can see, the biggest difference between the Get and Go PT is the pan and tilt role.

Both cameras also have two-way audio. You can both listen to and talk to intruders in real fourth dimension.

Unlike the original Go, the Get PT has two-way audio.

Reolink Go

Also, the Go PT works with a Reolink bulldoze, not just an SD card or deject subscription.

Information technology's unclear whether the Get works with whatsoever smart dwelling house protocols. So even though you're paying (a lot) more, you may overall exist getting less compatibility.

How to install Reolink cameras

Not surprisingly, every camera is different.

As we mentioned earlier, it'southward hard to accept a one-size-fits-all approach to Reolink, peculiarly with installation. The different camera models have vastly different installation needs.

Nosotros've set up some wire-complimentary Argus ones, and we found them super easy to deal with. But the more than cords yous add, the more hard it gets. With a PoE photographic camera, we suggest getting a professional involved.

Recap: Are Reolink cameras skillful?

We think Reolink cameras have a lot to offer.

If y'all're looking for a security photographic camera, chances are Reolink has something you'll similar.

Let's speedily refresh on the different types of Reolink cameras.

PoE models: Harness the power of hardwired cameras with CCTV systems and NVR players.

E1 models: E1s are affordable indoor cameras with sirens to boot.

Lumus model: Let there exist light with Lumus'due south color night vision and spotlight.

Argus models: Solar capabilities and starlight night vision brand these cameras unique.

Go model: If your Wi-Fi isn't upward to snuff, the Go has y'all covered.

If Reolink doesn't dazzle you, we suggest checking out Arlo, Vivint, or SimpliSafe cameras instead. You tin can also look at our reviews of indoor and outdoor security cameras.

Is your house ready for Reolink cameras?

All Reolink cameras require either an internet or cellular connection. Hither are some recommendations for potential plans you could use.

Any Wi-Fi internet plan should work with Reolink, but if you're using a Go camera, make sure the telephone plan is compatible with the photographic camera earlier committing to a contract.

Recommended net plans

Cameras can take up a lot of bandwidth, so generally, the college the download speed, the better off y'all are.

Recommended internet plans for Reolink cameras

Information effective eleven/11/21. Offers and availability vary by location and are field of study to change.

* For the kickoff 12 months with a 1-yr understanding. Includes $10/mo automated payments and paperless billing discount.

westward/ Auto Pay + taxes & equip. charges.

Price after $v/mo Autopay & Paperless beak discount (w/in ii bills). Plus taxes & fees. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connexion to gateway. Actual client speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101.

Recommended mobile plans

Once again, non all mobile plans piece of work with Reolink Go, but these high-information plans illustrate what you might await for to become platonic camera connectivity.

Reolink FAQ

What'due south the do good of a PoE camera?

"Power over Ethernet" means that the camera needs only one cable connecting it to both the internet and its ability source.

The major benefit of PoE cameras is that you lot don't need actress wiring. Merely the downfall is that if the unmarried cable is somehow damaged or destroyed, both your power and connectivity can go out.

Are Reolink cameras IP cameras?

Yep. Reolink cameras can utilise wireless networks (internet protocol) to salve and share video. But they also use local storage, making them some of the most versatile cameras on the market place.

Why should I become a security camera system?

Existence able to meet your property when you're not there can make you feel safer! It tin can go along you safer, too, since you'll know of any suspicious activeness as it happens.

Brianne Sandorf

Written by

Brianne Sandorf

Brianne has a caste in English language and creative writing from Westminster College and has spent vi+ years writing professional person, research-based content. Earlier joining Reviews.org, she wrote safety and security content for ASecureLife.com. Her pieces and quotes are published across the web, including on MSN.com, Social Catfish, and Parents.com. Hobbies include wearing a seatbelt, wearing a life jacket, and keeping her arms and legs inside the ride at all times. Contact her at brianne@reviews.org.

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