Reviews: REOLINK Rechargeable Battery Powered Security Wire With Starlight

This a word from Fast Glass experience Nice wireless camera.

 We bought this wireless camera to use on our porch before going to a wired system. We've been using it for about 4 months now and really like it. It was pretty easy to setup onto our wireless network, and get the app running. We mounted this on our porch which is brick, so I had to use different screws than what was supplied. I also mounted the solar panel using the extension cable and keeps the camera fully charged. The picture using the 1080 setting is clear in the daytime, and also at night while using the infrared lights. The motion detector could be a little better as it only senses motion from an angle, and as you can see in the video when a person walks into view they are fairly close before it starts recording.
The app is easy to use. Can view multiple cameras, and switch between them to view, take a picture, or manually record video. We really like the alert when the PIR sensor senses motion. Only downside to the remote viewing on the app is it is slow to load both on wifi and using LTE. Have to hit the playback button several time to get past the "failed to load", and then the playback itself fails quite often and have to try again before it plays.
However we liked it so much we bought a second one with the solar panel for our side door also.
Next will be going wired with more cameras.
Definitely would recommend for anyone needing a wireless camera thats easy to install and has app enabled viewing.

My friend Alexander said Acceptable solution with reasonable cost. Time will tell how much they improve software/firmware.

After comparing some alternatives, I’ve purchased three ‘Argus2’ (with solar panel) and so far my experience is ‘mixed/slightly positive’

Top 3 reasons why I went for the Reolink’s ‘Argus 2’

1. Solar charging option with good online reviews
2. I live in the U.S. and in Germany and I want to use the same system for both homes. Reolink is available in both countries.
3. Price/review ratio

The 3 most positive parts of the experience, so far:

1. Easy setup of the cameras
2. Good footage quality, also in dark conditions (w/ and w/o infrared)
3. Solar panel charging works well

The 3 most ‘mediocre’ parts of the experience, so far:

1. The App (iOS) is okay, but lacks many options
2. Limited online information/troubleshooting
3. Motion detection (PIR): There should be more than just three sensitivity settings.

The three most frustrating parts of the experience, so far:

1. WiFi connection sucks: At the same places any other device (smartphones, tablets, notebooks,….)
has great connection, but not the Argus2. Better make sure to have a super super super strong and fast
Wifi at the Camera locations.

2. The client software (MAC) is even worse than the mediocre iOS App.

Open questions for me, so far:

1. The solar charging seems to work well, even on cloudy skies. But apparently not on cold temperatures (below 0’C). Other manufacturers indicate that solar charging is deactivated on freezing temp, but there is no information from Reolink…

2. What options will be available through software updates ? (iOS App, Client, Camera Firmware) ? There is a ton of improvementsthat that could be done...

3. The footage quality from the cloud storage seems to be better than from the SD card. With both recordings on 1080p, the cloud video is way more ‘fluent’. It almost looks like it was done with more than 15FPS.

My friend AmyAmazon Talk Exactly what I wanted - no complaints so far!.

I did a LOT of online research, like over a period of a few months, looking for reasonably-priced, battery-operated, outdoor wifi security cameras that would record and alert without buying a subscription and without using the "cloud." I even looked at trail cameras, used primarily for hunting. So glad I found these! They satisfy all my requirements and more. I have gone through the entire set-up process, the only thing I have yet to do is actually affix them to their permanent locations outside my house (two cameras total: one in front and one in back). Once I do that I will update my review if necessary, but for now, 5 stars!

I've set everything up, both an app on my phone and a client on my laptop, all connected to the cameras, everything works. That alone is pretty cool, because I tend to have my shortcomings in dealing with technology. So far I'm really happy!

These cameras
-- were easy to set up
-- run on batteries so no power outlet required (my older home doesn't have outlets outside)
-- have solar capability so I don't have to worry about replacing batteries all the time
-- have usb recharging capability in case the solar panels don't recharge enough for some reason
-- offer a magnetic attachment to their bases so I can just grab them off if I have to charge them (they have a little tether cord to keep them from hitting the ground if something knocks them off base)
-- allow remote battery level monitoring
-- send alerts to my phone when they detect movement (e-mails, too, if I want)
-- require no subscription fees
-- require no "cloud" usage (unless I want it)
-- allow live viewing, as well as recording video (via micro sd card), and taking still pictures (controlled from pc or phone)
-- allow playback of captured videos and pictures on phone/pc, as well as downloading of individual clips/stills
-- automatically rewrite over oldest data first when sd card gets full
-- include two-way audio communication as well as a siren
-- offer plenty of customization of various features
-- are reasonably priced compared to many other systems I looked at
-- have 1080p resolution, infrared for nighttime, 130-degree view angle

So these things are exactly what I was looking for! Now the only thing to find out is if when I place them outside they are able to connect to wifi adequately, and to see how well they withstand outside weather. I have had no problems with wifi while playing with them inside, but I have seen some complaints about limited range. Even if I have problems in this regard, I don't know if that can be blamed on this product, as it could very well be my own personal wifi set up and limitations. I'm willing to get an extender or whatever to enhance my wifi signal if necessary - we'll see what happens. As for outside durability, they look pretty well sealed up, and they also come with these little rubber jackets to pull over them upon final placement. So again, we'll see how it goes. I'm in Florida and will get my share of inclement weather and high temperatures. I no longer have large trees around my house, so solar charging shouldn't be an issue, but days with no respite from the hot, blazing sun could be a formidable challenge.

Update: I have my front camera installed in the front. I found that finding a suitable location was more challenging than I thought it would be, mostly because of the need to screw the camera and solar panel holders into something. My house is mostly stucco, which in my experience has proven to be less than ideal for screws. I have a few wooden pieces near the roof (I don't know house construction terminology), but they are vertical, which means I couldn't use the magnetic ball-joint holder, which was disappointing because that thing is so cool. Unfortunately it doesn't provide a broad adjustment angle and if affixed to a vertical surface it can't be angled up high enough for a good view; it really needs a horizontal surface and I don't really have any outside except the roof itself. But fortunately it comes with the other type of holder, and I actually ended up using the strap around a gutter spout, which means I can easily move it if I want, and I didn't have to drill any holes into my house. I wish the solar panel came with the strap as well. But I just screwed its bracket into the vertical wood piece mentioned earlier.

All that said, it's been communicating with my wifi just fine, I've been getting alerts, the solar panel is keeping it charged, the picture is great both day and night and all is well. It even got heavily rained on in a gusty thunderstorm and held up without incident. I did notice, as I was walking around trying to find the place I wanted to put it, that different locations had different levels of wifi connection. Luckily, the place I wanted to put it also had a clear wifi signal. I can see how that could be frustrating, though, if the place you want to put it has a poor signal.

Still 5 stars, really happy. So now I just need to put my other one up in the back, and hopefully I'll get a good look at who's been messing around in my catnip! :)

While John Gallo say Doing exactly what I needed..

 Needed a better game camera. Browning camera and this being tested at the same time. Browning got the deer and missed the bobcat. So far very impressed. Battery lowest charge has been 97%. Easy to setup and install and remote into it.

While Racheal experience I did my research.

This is the first security camera I have tried, I did extensive research ready reviews of several cameras before ordering. I had mixed feelings about this camera because the reviews were good and bad so I decided to order one camera to start to test it out and return if needed. So far this is day 2 I am satisfied with the camera and solar panel, the video quality is nice crisp and clear, during the night I’m talking pitch black, you can see fairly well but night vision could use an upgrade. As far as motion detection it has captured all but 1 time and the one time was at night early morning when my husband was leaving for work. The camera runs on WiFi so hopefully you have a strong consistent signal, mine has worked well so far especially with all the other home devices pulling the signal as well. I was able to put the camera on the corner of the garage to capture the driveway and both back doors which is a plus to not needing one for each door. I have reordered another camera and solar panels set for the front yard as well and when more come in stock i am getting 2 for inside the house. You are able to choose 8,15,30 seconds to record after the initial motion is detected, if the motion continues after 30sec then more 30sec clips will follow back to back. The only thing I wish was we could review the camera past even though no motion was detected. The cloud storage is very nice as well. The account is free for monitoring 1 camera and storing 7days of data, the next package is $35/yr for up to 5 cameras and 30 days of motion clips. The SD Card is required for memory storage. You can always review and delete unnecessary clips on the cloud through the Reolink app to clear memory space. I would recommend and I am ordering more!

Review Gail S. Dube tell us ****1st time buyer of a security camera ****.

 First time purchaser of a security camera.
I am so glad that I purchased the Reolink Arus 2 with solar panel. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants an outdoor camera. It is exactly what we needed. It is wireless and solar powered. I had to learn the hard way that when a product states it is wireless only means (to me) that it can connect to your WiFi. It still would need an electrical power outlet to work.
Finally, Iafter doing a little research, realized all that I needed was a solar powered camera. So, Reolink was my first choice and I couldn’t be more pleased.
Excellent picture when viewing on my iPhone or iPad. Also, I can zoom in on live footage from my iPad or iPhone. I am sure this will work with any other phones too. Another plus isnthat you can choose either black/white or color when viewing at night.
Best of all no monthly fees.

This a word from AddisonJakesMommy experience Hands down, THE BEST camera available!!!.

I have friends with various home security cameras that came highly recommended, but we are in a unique situation where “regular” hard wired/broadband internet is not an option. We have a Verizon MiFi hotspot that often exceeds the 24GB unlimited allowance about halfway through our cycle, and we do not have outlets on the exterior of our house, so our options are limited when it comes to home security cameras. Thank goodness for that, because we would have spent 10X more if we had purchased the cameras and cloud services our friends use. This camera was our only option given our rural circumstances and has proven to be the best home security camera available! The solar panel keeps the battery charged 90-100% so it can be placed anywhere within WiFi range, it works without failure even with crappy satellite/cellular WiFi (we have a Verizon MiFi hotspot that goes in and out of service every day), it can handle a micro SD card of 128GB that will last 10-12 months (and deletes the oldest recordings first when full) so we don’t have to pay a monthly fee for “cloud” storage, and the picture is clear as day on both live feed and Playback mode whether it is midnight, 7am, 2pm, etc. The infrared is amazing and we can see 200+ ft away in the dead of night. We plan to purchase 3 more of these cameras to monitor every angle of our property because they are the most affordable and cannot be beat when compared to clarity and functionality of their competitors. Setup is easy, just be sure to point the QR code in step 3 from your phone to the camera when the app prompts you to “verify” the code. I spent a few hours trying to figure that step out because it isn’t clear in the instruction manual, and almost gave up and returned the camera. Sooooo glad a google search helped me out with that step because this is literally the best camera ever!!!

My friend Rosa say 5pack Reolink.

I absolutely love the Reolink security camera system. I spent nearly two months researching. The Reolink sold me after watching a youtube video from Lifehackers who compared, Reolink, Arlo and Blink.

Why Reolink? in my research it WON.
It came in a 5 pack, it had all the pieces (accessories) needed to assemble all outside or all inside or a combination of both 5 strong magnets mounts for inside or outside (wall or table), 5 straps to attach to a gutter, 5 mounts for wall attachment, 5 rechargeable batteries, 5 skins to protect in outside elements, 5 mini solar panels to attach so you don't have to recharge batteries. The directions were easy to read, the wifi was easy to connect. The only "thing" I had to buy were mini sd cards (that would be a nice option to include in future boxes). I purchase the cards for the exterior cameras not the interior. *sd cards only necessary if you want to keep a running record of activity. My indoor cameras didn't need them, but I could insert and turn on or off as I wish.

The installation was a breeze taking less that 5 mins per camera and the hard to reach angles you can swap the image vertically or mirror it, if needed (like attaching to a ceiling). The cell phone view allows you to view 1 image, 4 images or 9 images (cameras) at a time. If the camera has the sd card in it you can record, under motion or spontaneously. You can talk to the person you are viewing they can talk back. You can see at day or night, and there is even an alarm to sound at your will.

This system allows you to check in on your fur babies and talk to them or drop in and record their actions. You could share with someone a video or a still image using a text, cell fb, IG, etc... Cell notifications are within 5 seconds of activity and the view span is about 180. The first activity I got scared me, in the middle of the morning while I was at work I got a notification there was activity, when I viewed the recording, it was the garbage man, and the distance to record him was about 30ft. Impressive.

Lets talk about the comparisons.

Arlo had everything except the necessary installation pieces, it looked nice you were able to view, talk 2 way but there packaging was limited for example, if I purchased the 5 pack, it comes with 2 outside mounts and 3 indoor, meaning that I would need to buy accessories just to complete the job.

Blink had everything Alro had with the same problem and add one more, if I wanted to save a video recorded, I would have to purchase cloud space.

In the end, Reolink had everything I needed for the right price. No monthly subscriptions, no future batteries to buy, no icloud to buy, just set it up, connect to wifi and done.

Thank You Reolink...

My friend ryan przestrzelski Talk Great versatile camera for the money..

So far so good. I’ve only had it for a few days now but it works great, and it’s awesome to not have to worry about plugging it into anything, I can put it anywhere. The picture is amazingly clear when you put it on 1080p, but unless you have a strong WiFi signal it will “skip” and freeze a little and a pop up appears suggesting you switch to “fluent”, which is a lesser clarity of what degree I’m not sure, but it’s still pretty clear. I’m currently waiting on a WiFi extender to see if that helps or if it’s really just a problem with the camera. But like I said, it’s clear enough for me either way.

I have no idea how the motion detection or the alerts work, I don’t use either one. I mostly use this for a baby/pet monitor inside. I will be buying more though, to put at the other end of the house and outside. I’ll set up the motion detection then, but I still don’t really need it. I just like to be able to live stream whenever I want, and record video manually, and this does both perfectly with a clear picture and a fairly wide viewing range. Oh, and the two-way sound works great too, which I need. And I tested the solar panel, charges quickly and it doesn’t use enough power at night to drain the battery, then recharges again at night, and I live in a very cloudy/rainy area. I plan on drilling a whole through my wall to the outside to connect the solar panel because I have it primarily stationed where there aren’t any outlets nearby. That way I wont have to worry about charging it unless I take it down and place it somewhere else temporarily. And even then I could just put it back and the solar panel will charge it.

The only problem I’m having is trying to buy more magnetic mounts. I want to buy a couple more so i can mount them around the house and it would be extremely easy to just grab the camera off one mount and literally stick it onto another in case I want to move the baby from one room to another or watch the dog in another part of the house. But I imagine this would deter people from buying more cameras, so I’m sure they’re going to make that difficult. I sent an email to the company about it today so we’ll see what happens.

All in all, great versatile product for not that much money. Just before purchasing this I bought a video baby monitor for $150, it only has 200ft range with interference and 1000ft with no interference. And it’s not nearly as easy to move around, must be plugged in all the time and doesn’t work off of WiFi. This Reolink is WAY better and has way more uses.

Review Keith Willis say Picture Clarity is incredible, the sound Perfect..

 I purchased the Reolink Argus 2+Solar Panel, as We had some kids trying car doors to see if they were unlocked, a couple of cars had some items missing. Within the first week, I had these kids on Cam, Police gave their parents a visit. What I hadn't thought of, I have been going to a lot of Dr. Appointments and the neighbor, said they bark from the minute I leave, Well I recorded when I went to the Dr, Nothing but birds tweeting after 5 minutes of me leaving, then they barked when I got home and they heard the Car. So, love this cam, the simplicity of use, is awesome, because I am not that techy. Love, Love, Love my new camera. Check out the others if you must, I do not do reviews unless it is outstanding.