Reolink, known for its innovative lineup of security cameras, has earned its place in surveillance technology. The need for solid security measures grows as our lives become more interconnected. Security cameras are no longer just gadgets; they’ve become essential tools safeguarding our homes, businesses, and personal spaces. This blog will review some of the top Reolink models, examining their features and performance.
Overview of Reolink as a Brand
Established in 2009, Reolink has earned fame for its dedication to crafting state-of-the-art security solutions. From the advanced 4G cellular cameras to the convenience of wireless options and the robustness of wired PoE cameras, Reolink offers a comprehensive range. Moreover, their complete security camera systems integrate seamlessly into various environments, showcasing the brand’s versatility and commitment to safeguarding homes, businesses, and personal spaces.
Reolink presents a diverse product lineup, and within this Reolink camera review, we’ll test some standout products across each category.
Reolink Go Reviews: Go PT Ultra
Reolink has introduced its 3G/4G cellular camera lineup, the Go series. This series can be placed in areas with no WiFi coverage, allowing remote access to live footage or recordings through cellular networks from virtually anywhere with network coverage. Reolink constantly involves new products in this category, and we picked the latest model, the Go PT Ultra, for the Reolink Go series reviews.
The Reolink Go PT Ultra is a cutting-edge addition to Reolink’s 3G/4G cellular cameras. Having this camera in hand, we are impressed with its weatherproof construction. According to the quick start guide, it can be placed indoors or outdoors without compromising performance. To test the performance, we put it in our ranch, where the WiFi signal can not reach.
After finishing the initial setup, we tested it in the following aspects:
- 4G LTE connectivity: We got an extra Nano SIM card to link the camera to the internet. Connecting the camera to the Reolink app takes only a few seconds.
- Video quality: We tested its day and night video quality. It delivers 4K crystal-clear footage during the day, capturing fine details. It offers a choice between black-and-white and color night vision at night, outperforming other battery-powered cameras in night vision capability.
- Pan & tilt: Its pan-tilt functionality provides a 355° horizontal and 140° vertical rotation and covers a wide field of view.
- Battery and power efficiency: This camera offers extended usage on one charge due to its rechargeable battery and low power use. However, we need to wire cables for remote recharging because the battery is built-in.
- Remote access: We usually use the Reolink app for live footage, which streams smoothly. It offers straightforward and fluent modes for diverse viewing needs.
Battery-Powered Reolink Wireless Camera Reviews: Argus 3 Ultra
Apart from the Go series, Reolink also offers versatile wireless WiFi security camera options. The Reolink Argus Series stands out with its utterly wire-free design. It consistently unveils star products like the Reolink Argus 3 Pro.
For battery-powered Reolink wireless camera reviews in this section, we’ve chosen models from the Argus Series and tested the Argus 3 Ultra. This camera can be seen as the upgraded version of Reolink’s star product, Argus 3 Pro. After testing, we’ve summed up its advantages and downsides:
Pros:
- 4K high-quality video: The video’s exceptional quality truly shines, thanks to the immersive detail brought forth by the impressive 4K resolution.
- Color & black-and-white night vision: This camera comes with infrared and spotlights, and we can switch between different night vision modes.
- Wire-free and easy to use: The product design is excellent, as always, and the camera is compact. It is wire-free, works on dual-band WiFi and we can install it with ease. The initial setup is straightforward via the Reolink app.
- Fast battery recharge speed and eco-friendly: We recharge the battery using the solar panel. With 10 minutes of charging time, we can use it for over 10 hours (the camera detects more than 30 alarms daily).
Cons:
- Non-removable battery: The camera has an integrated battery, requiring additional wiring to connect it to power outlets for recharging.
Plug-in Reolink Wireless Camera Reviews: RLC-810WA
For the plug-in Reolink wireless cameras review, we chose the RLC-810WA. This camera is compatible with dual-band WiFi 6. The brand-new WiFi technology makes the live footage lag-free and the streaming speed much faster.
Take a look at its advantages and downsides:
Pros:
- Fast speed from loading to streaming: We test the WiFi 6 speed using the Reolink app. Accessing the streaming video feed proved notably quicker than non-WiFi6 security cameras integrated into the application.
- High-quality video: In the daytime, at a close range of up to 9 meters, the license plate and people are obvious with a digital zoom. We can change between infrared night vision and color night vision for nighttime surveillance.
- Notification speed: The notification speed is also great. We moved from the right to the left side within the field of view and got a notification in just 3.5 seconds.
Cons:
- Audio quality: The audio quality is relatively poor compared to the old Reolink WiFi camera models. The sound barely registered at a mere 5-meter distance, leaving us wanting more clarity and volume.
Reolink Wired Camera Reviews: RLC-823A
Wired security cameras ensure a stable Internet connection and power supply. Reolink offers PoE wired security cameras to meet specific security needs. PoE cameras get Internet connectivity and power supply through just one Ethernet cable.
For this Reolink review, we tested the Reolink RLC-823A. It is a 4K 8MP PoE security camera and can pan and tilt 360° horizontally and 90° vertically. This camera covers an ultra-wide monitoring area, leaving almost no blind spots. It also allows for 5X optical zoom for more details if needed. However, the primary drawback of this camera lies in its tendency to produce low noises during panning, tilting, and zooming.
Here are some of its key features:
- Power over Ethernet: This camera gets a network connection and power supply through just one Ethernet cable.
- 360-degree viewing angle: With 360° pan & 90° tilt, this camera covers a relatively large monitoring space, leaving almost no blind spots.
- Smart detection: This camera can distinguish between a person, vehicle, and animal.
- Auto tracking: When an object enters the monitoring area, this device can track its movements automatically.
Reolink Camera System Review: RLK12-800WB4 vs. RLK8-800B4
A security camera system is the optimal choice for anyone seeking complete security coverage. This section is a must-read if you’re searching for a Reolink Security Camera System Review!
Security camera systems typically involve a central device managing multiple IP cameras, commonly an NVR, for compatibility with modern IP cameras. To deliver complete Reolink security system reviews, we compare the RLK12-800WB4 and the RLK8-800B4.
The most significant difference between these two Reolink security cameras lies in the NVR. The RLK12-800WB4 comes with a WiFi 12-channel NVR. On the contrary, the 8-channel PoE NVR of RLK8-800B4 requires physical Ethernet cables for connection. Check out the detailed comparison table below:
| Features | RLK12-800WB4 | RLK8-800B4 |
| NVR channel number | 12 channels | 8 channels |
| NVR type | WiFi NVR | PoE NVR |
| Camera included | Four B800W plug-in WiFi cameras | Four B800 PoE cameras |
| Physical cables | NO | Ethernet cables |
| Resolution | 4K 8MP (3840×2160) | 4K 8MP (3840×2160) |
| Pre-installed HDD | 2TB HDD | 2TB HDD |
| Smart features | Person/Vehicle/Animal Detection | Person/vehicle detection |
| Max. storage capacity | Up to 16TB | Up to 12TB |
Reolink Cloud Review
Most Reolink security cameras support local storage and don’t require any subscription fees. However, Reolink still offers optional cloud service for Reolink’s battery-powered security cameras. Reolink Cloud offers several subscription plans for users to choose from. Subscription fees from the classic plan series range from $6.99 to $15.99 monthly. Other upgraded plans require monthly subscription fees ranging from $5.99 to $24.99.
The Reolink cloud service is generally safe because it collaborates with Amazon Web Services for secure data storage. We can access the cloud services via two significant methods: the official Reolink Cloud website and the Reolink app. Both platforms have an online cloud library for you to view, playback, and manage (delete, download, etc) the footage from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Reolink User Experience
Apart from the Reolink camera reviews we’ve done above, I want to share some real Reolink user experiences with you.
In a glowing user review, one customer shared their experience with Reolink Argus 3 Pro, stating, “After much research, I decided on an exterior system composed of four Argus 3 Pro’s and one Argus PT. Satisfied with the tests, I moved ahead with the purchase of the full system I wanted. I am very impressed with the cameras, the phone app, and the desktop app. 5 stars, Reolink!!”
A user of the Reolink RLC-811A said: “My first impression was that this thing is huge! Reading through the list of features, I quickly understood why. That’s a lot of features to pack into housing, with the two-way speaker likely being the biggest factor. I gained an impressive zoom, AI smart detection, a flood light, two-way audio, and a siren I’m sure my neighbors will love”.
FAQs
Are Reolink cameras of good quality?
In general, Reolink cameras are great in quality and cater to diverse security needs. They provide various models with specific features such as high resolution, optical zoom, and smart detection.
Does Reolink camera have a monthly fee?
Reolink cameras offer various local storage options without monthly fees, though specific 4G wireless battery-powered models come with optional Reolink Cloud services.
Final Thoughts
During the whole Reolink cameras review, Reolink cameras have consistently proven their reliability, performance, and innovation. These cameras have exceeded expectations, from their robust build quality to their impressive night-vision capabilities. With intuitive apps and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Reolink is a top choice for anyone seeking comprehensive and dependable security solutions.
