Reolink vs Amcrest: Which Has The Best Security Camera For Homeowner?

In one of our recent topics, we looked at Reolink and Lorex technologies, whereby we saw the former targets on small scale owners. Today, we have decided to do a similar comparison on Reolink vs Amcrest cameras so that we can see which wins where. The topic, though, will be a tricky one as the two are more of consumers’ brands and they have a similar score in [almost] everything.

Each one, though, is still unique in its way and has several strengths that stand it out from the other. After hours of extensive research, we also found Reolink security camera has some issues that are not very pleasing and which need addressing. The same goes for Amcrest, in which case they also have various strong points and some room for improvement.

With that, let’s jump right in and compare the two brands. Then, at least you can have a definitive conclusion on which suits your current needs.

You may also like: Lorex vs Amcrest Surveillance Camera System

Table 1: Top 6 Security Cameras from Reolink and Amcrest

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Reolink vs Amcrest: An Overview on Brands

Reolink

While it might not be the most popular security provider, Reolink has surely tried to deliver the best. The company had its first decade just recently in 2019 during which it celebrated with several new releases.

As a consumers’ brand, Reolink focuses on providing security tools for DIY enthusiasts, small scale businesses, and homeowners. Their core drive is creating CCTV systems that are affordable and quite powerful for daily use.

The digital technology operates from Wan Chai, Hong Kong, but has various local warehouses in Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., and the US. Hence, the reason they have been able to grow their notable customer base in such a short time.

Sad to say, though, Reolink has not been able to exhaust all the segments from the video surveillance market. They are quite behind when it comes to innovation, with their single latest release being the Reolink Lumus Spotlight Camera.

Another thing, the brand doesn’t offer many indoor camera options, with the line of E1 wireless leading that category. Here is the comparison between Reolink Argus 2 vs Argus Pro, hope your interest to see the battle.

Amcrest:

Similarly, Amcrest mostly targets the consumers market, but they do deliver professional-grade systems as well. The technology company has a wide selection of security cameras, most of which are affordable and high performing.

Before its independence, Amcrest used to be a branch of the Foscam company, whereby they offered tech support to US clients. The parent company, though was caught up in various security vulnerabilities, leading to a split with the daughter in 2015/ 2016.

Ever since, Amcrest operates from Houston, USA but they also have warehouses in Canada, Spain, and UK where shipping occurs. The company has been able to build its name not just with affordable products, but decent and smart innovation like thermal technology.

On top of security cameras, Amcrest Technologies do deliver other tech-cool gadgets such as drones, trail cams, GPS trackers, and spotting scopes. Thus, a favorable choice for hunters and vacationers.

Comparing Reolink vs Amcrest Security Camera Systems
Table 2:

Here is a table that summarizes the likeness and differences between Amcrest vs Reolink video surveillance systems.

**Above is a summary features you can enjoy with Reolink and Amcrest Security Camera Systems. Continue reading below to learn more about the brands**

• Available Equipment and Designs

There are various types of security cameras, which corresponds to their structural design, connectivity, and available features. The main categories are usually under wireless, Wi-Fi, PoE, and Analog technology, packed as a bullet, dome, turret, or PTZ camera.

While both Reolink and Amcrest have all the types of cameras, the latter models appear sturdier and most are IP67 rated. Reolink, on the other hand, has a broader category of battery-operated surveillance cameras. Hence, can be a better option for monitoring locations inaccessible to power.

• Resolution and Video Quality

The clarity of the recorded footages is very crucial, regardless of want you want to achieve with your surveillance camera. With high resolution, for instance, you can efficiently identify important details such as license plates, faces, and tattoos.

Luckily, Reolink and Amcrest are now offering up to 8MP/ 4K UltraHD cameras that capture pictures rich in details and clarity. They also have 2K SuperHD [4MP or 5MP] cameras that tend to produce better images than the famous 1080p Full HD.

Of course, 1080p resolution is still widely used at the moment. But in a couple of months to come, 2K will be the new great deal, then follows 4K cameras.

Still, on the video quality, Amcrest and Reolink have the option of enhanced night vision using the Starlight technology. The feature is very helpful as it usually enables a camera to pick important details like the color of the cars on your compound.

However, if your interest is on how far you can see in the dark, Amcrest has some better options than its counterpart. The majority of their cameras have 100-170ft night vision and some PTZ models can see up to a range of 328ft.

• Features and Tech

Across their line of products, both Reolink and Amcrest do feature most of the functions essential in surveillance. Nonetheless, the brands are still far behind from technologies that we see from brands like Hikvision. This comes from their low price-point which makes them include only what is very important for effective surveillance. Some of these key features include motion detection, audio recording, and push alerts.

In case you might need a camera with smart home integration, various Reolink cameras support Alexa and Google Assistant. For Amcrest, they’re yet to fully embrace the technology. But just recently, they have introduced a wifi security camera with AI Human detection and motion tracking, which Reolink doesn’t support yet.

• Storage Options

For this one, both Reolink and Amcrest support multiple storage options. They offer NVR and DVR stations with hard drive disk, as well as standalone cameras with SD card slots. Hence, enabling you to save footages locally without having to pay a penny.

In case you would like to view, playback, and download footages from anywhere, the two brands also offer online cloud storage. The service is optional and Reolink does provide a free package whereby you can use it with one camera for up to 7 days. But with higher needs, you’ll have to subscribe for additional access at an average monthly fee of $3 and $10.

When it comes to Amcrest, however, the cost of their cloud recording plans is relatively expensive. Their average cost for their monthly plan is $6-$10 per camera, which [figuratively] is about 15x more than Reolink.

• Installation and Setup

We are positive you shouldn’t have any problem installing Amcrest or Reolink security camera. Of course, the process may vary depending on the connectivity of the camera, but it won’t take very long to get the tool up and running.

If it’s enabling remote viewing and control, it’s as easy as scanning a QR code on the camera or NVR station using the suggested mobile app. Then, sync with the router by entering your Wi-Fi- credentials, in which case you won’t even spend more than five minutes.

• Pricing

As we mentioned, Reolink and Amcrest targets on enabling every home or business to have a decent security camera. For instance, the former offers lovely high definition 8-channel surveillance units between $300-450. The same applies to Amcrest, even though they have fewer options where the DVR/ NVR systems come complete with cameras.

• Customer Service

Although most providers pack your security camera kit with a user manual, sometimes you can encounter a problem while installing or using. Hence, rendering you to submit a Help request to their support team.

Thankfully, both Reolink and Amcrest has a live chatbot on their website and contacts to use. Unfortunately, though, the Reolink support team would have a score of 3 out of 10 if we were to vote. The reason for this is because a handful of customers have complained from Amazon and TrustPilot page that they didn’t receive adequate assistance.

On its end, Amcrest has an awesome tech support team which is not just available any time of the day. But have been very helpful and quick in solving issues with their clients.

• Add-Ons and Accessories

Other than the security camera systems, Reolink and Amcrest also do offer various add-ons to ensure high-level performance and better results. Some of the accessories you can get include power adapters, NVR antennas, rechargeable batteries, mounting brackets, and extension cables.

With Reolink, you can even get a solar panel for non-stop power and camouflage silicone skin to enable your Argus camera blend to the external environment.

The Top 6 Reolink And Amcrest Security Camera Systems

1. Reolink RLK8-410B4-5MP Home Security Camera System

Sale

REOLINK 8CH 5MP Home Surveillance & Security Camera System, 4pcs...

• 5MP SUPER HD & STUNNING NIGHT VISION – Capture crystal clear videos day & night with 5MP super HD...
• SMART PERSON/VEHICLE DETECTION – The new smart motion detection is supported by this system now....

−$87.00

View on Amazon

If you want to monitor a large property, this unit is one of the options you could consider. It consists of a 4K NVR station that you can use with a maximum of up to eight cameras. You can connect with any bullet, dome, or PTZ camera as long it has the PoE technology and a maximum 8MP resolution.

The security system comes with 5MP bullet cameras that you can use inside your warehouse or outside on the compound. They have tough durable weatherproof design and a stunning infrared night vision that allows you to see in the darkness without issues.

Pros:

• It is effortless and quick to install
• Delivers bright and sharp images
• Has a pre-installed 2TB hard drive disk
• Supports one-way audio recording
• Features a wide field of vision
• Allows remote access via a smartphone/ PC.

Cons:

• Uses a software-based motion sensor, which causes tons of false alerts
• Push alerts are not always timely.

2. Reolink E1 [2 Pack] HD Home Security Camera System

REOLINK Home Security Camera System, 3MP HD Plug-in Indoor WiFi...

• E1 2K Indoor wifi camera captures Super HD videos in the resolution of 2304x1296 (3 megapixels), and...
• Plug it in. Connect to 2.4 GHz WiFi. Up and running in minutes. Rotate 355° horizontally and 50°...

View on Amazon

Although not very old in the marketplace, this CCTV has become a favorite of many mothers and homeowners in general. It’s for indoor use, whereby you can sit it in the living room to keep an eye on your kids or pets.

The security camera has a 3MP image sensor that brings you clean images that are over 1.5x sharper than 1080p HD. And thanks to the added infrared LEDs, you have clear vision all time of the day.

The surveillance cam is a wireless model that transmit footage to your display monitor via 2.4GHz. You can use it as a standalone or else sync up with your Reolink wireless NVR.

Pros:

• It’s easy to set up and operate
• Has a 355° pan and 50° tilt to cover every corner of the room
• Support both motion and continuous recording
• Can record audio and two-way talk
• Features two-way storage- i.e. local SD card and free cloud
• Allows hands-free control with Alexa or Google Home.

Cons:

• The built-in mic captures faint and garbled audio

3. Amcrest 4K POE Camera AI Human/Vehicle Detection

Sale

Amcrest 4K POE Camera AI Human/Vehicle Detection, UltraHD 8MP...

• AI FEATURES - 4K AI Turret PoE Camera features human / vehicle detection & event filtering including...
• SMARTER SECURITY – Receive motion alert notifications and review footage via your smartphone with...

−$20.00

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This is an add-on camera that you can connect with an existing Amcrest NVR or any other system that’s ONVIF compatible. If not that, you can use it as a standalone camera by connecting to your router via a PoE injector/ switch.

The security has a superior Sony Starvis sensor that records crystal 4K UltraHD images during the day. Then, at night you can still get images with richer detail if the area has some lighting.

It has multiple storage options, whereby you can save data in an SD card or on the Amcrest cloud.

Pros:

• It’s effortless and quick to setup
• Has a super-wide field of view for broader coverage
• Features a long-range night vision
• Supports dual H.265/H.264 video compression
• Records footage with audio
• It’s highly durable, with IP67 rated weatherproof.

Cons:

• The infrared night vision is quite poor in very dark conditions
• Remote push alerts don’t send a video clip

4. Amcrest [ASH21-B Black] Smart Home Security camera System

Amcrest 1080P WiFi Camera Indoor, Nanny Cam, Dog Camera, Sound &...

• 1080P PAN, TILT, ZOOM WIFI CAMERA – Live streaming 1080p @30fps video. Remotely pan, tilt and zoom...
• BABY MONITOR SOUND ALARM MODE, SHARING & ALEXA - Turn your Amcrest Smart Home camera into an...

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This is an alternative indoor camera that you can set up to watch your pets or kids. It’s one of the recent creations from the brand and has various advanced features to ensure high surveillance efficiency.

As a wireless model, this camera is very easy to set up by yourself. It has a 2MP image sensor that offers 1080p HD images during the day and infrared black & white in the darkness.

The lens of the camera has a wide 93-degree viewing angle, but it can also pan 355° and tilt 80°. As such, it makes it possible for you to view every corner of your room without compromises.

The camera is a plug-in design, thus, ensure continuous monitoring without the hassle of charging or replacing the battery.

Pros:

• It has smart motion detection, with auto-tracking
• Supports human detection to help minimize false alerts
• Has audio detection feature
• Can record audio and two-way talk
• Very affordable
• It has flexible storage; in a local microSD card and online Amcrest Cloud.

Cons:

• Doesn’t connect with Blue Iris. Can work with only Amcrest NVR and software.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best PoE security camera system?

A PoE security camera system is one of the favorable options when shopping for a video surveillance unit. It’s very easy to set up and operate, courtesy of its ability to use one cable for power and to transmit images.

As for the question of the best, there are various PoE CCTV systems, which feature different features and capabilities. With a model like the Reolink RLK8-410B4-5MP, for instance, you can connect with up to eight 8MP cameras. Hence, having a chance to monitor a large area with crisp footage that is rich in clarity and details.

Are Amcrest cameras any good?

Amcrest cameras are available in various forms, not limited to a bullet, PTZ, dome, and Turret. If you need seamless streaming, you can get the wired analog or PoE versions. And in case you don’t want to damage your rental apartment in any way, you can then go with wireless selection.

Some of the good things about Amcrest cameras is that they’re very affordable and long-lasting. Of course, most of them don’t have these ultra-innovative features that you can find with brands like Hikvision or Arlo. But if your focus is on the basic surveillance features, they are a great option to consider.

Is Reolink a good brand?

Mmh, that depends on your goal. If you need a simple CCTV system to use on your property, the brand has a wide selection that is affordable. Most of their products support local recording and also their cloud storage is budget-friendly if the free 7-day plan is not enough for you.

Nonetheless, Reolink might not be a great alternative if you need professional-grade cameras. Also, the company is yet to start employing AI technologies like human detection, motion tracking, face recognition, and vehicle detection. But we hope they will introduce them soon.

Do Amcrest cameras have audio?

A simple answer, Yes. However, the audio function is on select cameras that have a built-in microphone. A good example is Amcrest [IP8M-T2499EB] and Amcrest [ASH21-B Black].

Final Verdict:

At first glance, one can think Reolink and Amcrest have got everything to enhance monitoring and security. They both have affordable security cameras that you get to choose from tons of selection, ranging from 1080p HD to 4K UltraHD quality. Moreover, most of their systems are so easy to install without needing to hire a professional. Hence, the operational cost is low.

Even so, both Reolink and Amcrest have some drawbacks that they need to look into to ensure smoother performance. For instance, we’d hope by now they have introduced features like face recognition and line crossing detection.

Furthermore, it would have been very convenient if Amcrest revisited its cloud subscription plan to make it accessible to more people. But since their standalone cameras have an SD card slot and the recorders do feature a hard drive disk, it’s still reliable. Any means for local recording is quite enough for a homeowner or businessperson who doesn’t expect to do much with his system.