Reolink vs. Lorex: Full Comparison 2024

Lorex and Reolink are two important brands in home security camera systems; in this article, we will compare both companies to help you make an informed decision. We will compare the Reolink camera system and Lorex security cameras and systems in terms of features and capabilities, their main characteristics, and their value proposition.

Lorex vs. Reolink: Key Similarities

Reolink and Lorex have several core similarities that demonstrate why both companies are top options for home security cameras:

Subscription-Free

Both Reolink and Lorex have non-subscription-based home security camera systems. Unlike other services, no monthly fees are needed to watch a live stream or recordings, get notifications, or perform playback. This makes the systems more economically viable in the long run compared to other smart home brands, such as Ring or Blink, which demand paid subscriptions.

Local Storage

Indoor cameras like Reolink and Lorex capture footage on a hard drive or SD card without dependence on the cloud. Cloud storage is also an area where you do not necessarily need to spend your money. In some cases, local storage makes it easy to access the footage when there is a network connection issue.

Remote Access via App

Reolink and Lorex offer mobile applications for remote real-time monitoring and WAN/WLAN video storage access through a WiFi or mobile connection. Owners can view properties and access alerts flexibly.

Smart Home Integration

Users can integrate Reolink and Lorex security camera systems with third-party platforms to control and manage them. For example, Reolink cameras and systems are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Thanks to this compatibility, users can use their voices to influence the operations of their security cameras through these platforms.

Reolink vs. Lorex: What's the Difference?

While Reolink and Lorex share some similarities, there are several key differences between these two security camera brands that are worth examining in detail:

Network Connectivity Options

One significant difference is the network connectivity options offered. Lorex security cameras can connect via PoE (Power over Ethernet) or WiFi. This allows them to be wired to your network for maximum stability or set up wirelessly for more flexible placement.

Reolink provides those same PoE and WiFi options but also adds LTE cellular connectivity to many cameras. This allows Reolink cameras to transmit footage over cell networks, removing the need for any wired or WiFi connection. Reolink cellular cameras can be placed anywhere with cell service, even in remote locations far from your network, giving them an advantage in installation flexibility.

Resolution

Lorex offers a solid range of video resolution from 1080p HD to their higher-end 4K and 12MP super HD cameras. This allows you to choose the resolution that fits your budget and needs, from basic HD monitoring to ultra-sharp 4K detail.

Reolink matches Lorex's 1080p to 4K/12MP resolution options, adding higher 16MP cameras at the top. These extra megapixels make Reolink cameras like the Duo 3 PoE capable of capturing extremely clear 16MP ultra HD footage. So, Reolink pulls ahead by offering the highest resolution.

Night Vision Capability

Lorex cameras use infrared LEDs to illuminate and capture black-and-white night vision footage for nighttime monitoring. Some of Lorex's more advanced cameras have color night vision with spotlights. Still, this feature is limited to shorter ranges around 20-50 feet.

Reolink uses proprietary ColorX technologies to enable some cameras to capture full-color night vision with visible spotlights at longer ranges. This provides much clearer and more detailed video at night than grainy black-and-white infrared footage. Reolink's color night vision gives them the edge for low-light performance.

Smart Detection Features

In terms of intelligent monitoring capabilities, Lorex has robust options like facial recognition, person and vehicle detection, and package detection. These allow Lorex cameras to automatically identify people, cars, and deliveries, reducing unwanted alerts.

Reolink also provides person, vehicle, and animal detection. However, it adds advanced AI algorithms to filter out false alerts, such as wind-triggered ones. Overall, Lorex may have a slight edge for facial recognition. Still, both brands offer intelligent smart detection to enable customized monitoring.

Pricing Range

Pricing could be a key point of comparison for budget-conscious shoppers. Lorex wired PoE camera systems range from about $100 on the low end to $800. Their wireless WiFi camera systems cost between $200 and $1,500.

The price range for Reolink systems is similar. Wired PoE cameras start around $100 and go up to $700 for higher-resolution PTZ cameras. Reolink WiFi wireless systems cost between $140 and $1,000.

4K Surveillance in Lorex vs. Reolink

When it comes to 4K security cameras, both Lorex and Reolink offer premium 4K ultra HD options:

Reolink 4K Security Cameras

The new Reolink Argus 4 Pro is a top-rated 4K security camera from Reolink. Key features include:

• 4K UHD 180° Blindspot-Free View: Thanks to dual-image stitching technology, the two lenses of Argus 4 Pro can stitch together two views into one seamless perspective, creating a 180° FOV.
• Color Vision Day and Night: The Argus 4 Pro uses advanced ColorX technology. The large F1/1.8" image sensor and HDR technology easily bring clear and colorful visuals to nighttime.
• Dual-band WiFi 6 Ready for 4K Streaming: WiFi 6 ensures a smooth monitoring experience. Users can change between 2.4GHz and 5GHz for faster speeds and lower latency.
• 30% More Battery Life: Argus 4 Pro has a maximized design. It can help users save electricity without the typical frustrations of IR night cameras and has 30% more battery life than other night vision cameras.

Lorex 4K Security Cameras

Lorex also has a 180-degree color night vision security camera, W891UAD-E. This 4K WiFi camera delivers excellent video clarity day and night. It also has one of the widest viewing angles available for maximum coverage. Smart detection helps filter notifications for people, vehicles, pets, and packages. Unlike the battery-powered Reolink Argus 4 Pro, this camera must be plugged into a nearby power outlet for daily monitoring.

Lorex or Reolink? Which One is Better?

When choosing between Lorex and Reolink, there are pros and cons to both brands:

Lorex Pros

• Wide selection of wired and wireless cameras
• Facial recognition and package detection
• Excellent app and smart home integration

Lorex Cons

• Limited to PoE and WiFi connectivity
• Lower color night vision availability
• Slightly higher prices

Reolink Pros

• PoE, WiFi, and LTE for maximum flexibility
• Superior color night vision technology
• Wider resolution range up to 16MP
• Slightly more affordable pricing

Reolink Cons

• Smaller camera selection
• No facial recognition feature

Reolink offers better connectivity, night vision, and higher maximum resolution at competitive pricing. However, Lorex remains an excellent choice, especially for facial recognition and wide WiFi/PoE camera selection.

Reolink vs. Swann vs. Lorex Comparison Table

FAQs

Are Reolink systems any good?

Yes, Reolink is one of the top-rated brands for home security cameras. They offer advanced technologies like color night vision, 16MP video, and cellular connectivity. Customers praise Reolink Systems for their easy DIY installation, great video quality, and robust mobile app.

What cameras are better than Lorex?

Brands like Reolink, Amcrest, Arlo, and Nest have advantages over Lorex in specific categories. However, overall, Lorex remains one of the top-rated security camera brands on the market.

Conclusion

In this comparison between Reolink and Lorex, it is demonstrable that both companies are leading players in home security cameras. Both services share similar benefits, such as free local storage, mobile compatibility, and smart compatibility.

Reolink is slightly above the competition in specific aspects such as connectivity features, night vision, maximum resolution, and cost. Lorex is still one of the best for recognizable faces, and it has numerous PoE/WiFi camera choices. In conclusion, homeowners cannot go wrong selecting a system from any of these two leading security camera brands.