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Lorex and Reolink are two of the most popular security camera brands. They are suitable for consumers and businesses alike.
Overall, their cameras are affordable and packed with high-end features. For instance, some of their devices include AI motion detection features and well-optimized software.
- Reolink offers cloud storage as an optional feature. Their cameras still support video recorders and micro SD cards.
- Lorex does not offer cloud storage subscriptions directly. Instead, they fully encourage the use of video recorders, but you can monitor your cameras remotely using the Lorex Cloud app.
- Both brands provide products that are user-friendly in terms of operation and installation. They are purchased by businesses and consumers alike.
- The Lorex mobile apps have a better review rating in the app stores than Reolink.
- Lorex devices have lower interoperability than Reolink. As such, Lorex cameras can only work with their proprietary apps.
- ONVIF compatibility is a big selling point of Reolink cameras. Most of their cameras seamlessly integrate with 3rd party devices and software.
Lorex vs Reolink Security Cameras (2023) at a Glance
High-End PoE Bullet Head to Head
Mid-Range Wi-Fi Bullet Head to Head
High-End Wire Free Spotlight Head to Head
High-End PTZ Head to Head
Mid-Range Indoor Head to Head
Lorex vs Reolink Security Cameras (2023) Overview
Lorex has been supplying high-quality security and surveillance equipment since 1992. Their product range varies from Coax Cameras, Wi-Fi, PoE, and multi-channel kits.
With its launch in 2009, Reolink quickly established itself as a popular choice. The company offers most security camera types. The only exceptions are analog-based devices and extremely specialized cameras.
High-End PoE Bullet Head to Head
Key Differences
The Reolink option is a standalone camera with a high interoperability level. This camera supports Synology, RTSP, and P2P to connect with 3rd party systems.
The Lorex camera is severely lacking in this aspect. It needs a Lorex NVR to operate effectively and doesn’t support 3rd party systems.
For active deterrence, Reolink has an integrated siren. It can also carry out two-way communication.
Meanwhile, the Lorex camera doesn’t support any such audio-based features.
The Reolink camera can also integrate with Google Assistant. It also supports mobile, web, and browser apps. Meanwhile, the Lorex camera needs an NVR for app support and smart home integration.
Key Features in Common
Both security cameras have bullet-type casings. They are both IP67-rated and come fully equipped for indoor and outdoor installations.
These cameras also support PoE and can record in 4K resolution. Optical zoom is an extra feature with a 4x multiplier for Lorex. Although, the Reolink camera can do 5x optical zoom.
Both support infrared night-vision cameras. However, each has its own version of color night vision. The Lorex camera uses starlight sensors to take in light from the environment. Meanwhile, the Reolink camera uses a spotlight.
Both devices support person and vehicle detection capabilities. However, to unlock these features, you must connect them to an appropriate NVR.
Mid-Range Wi-Fi Bullet Head to Head
Key Differences
Between these Wi-Fi bullet cameras, the Reolink camera can seem like a more high-end option. This is because it sports an ethernet port and supports multiple network protocols.
That said, the Lorex camera takes the lead with active deterrence and night vision. It has 32ft infrared light along with full-color night vision. For color night vision, it uses advanced light sensors that optimize ambient light.
It also uses a spotlight. However, this is more for active deterrence than color night vision. So whenever the ambient light levels are low, the camera will revert to infrared night vision.
The Lorex camera also sports additional active deterrence features. This includes two-way audio communication and integrated sirens/alarms.
Meanwhile, the Reolink camera can only record infrared night vision. Also, it doesn’t include a siren or two-way communication facilities. It can only record audio to supplement the video feed.
Key Features in Common
Both Wi-Fi cameras are future-proof options in terms of Wi-Fi. This is because both support 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.
This makes them ideal for long-distance outdoor installations and high-bandwidth indoor locations.
Both cameras also support onboard storage via Micro SD. For the Reolink camera, you can set up a 128GB SD card, whereas the Lorex can support up to 256 GB.
They are also decent enough for outdoor installations. Reolink has an IP66 rating, and Lorex with an IP65. These are not entirely weather-proof, so I recommend setting up a shade structure.
High-End Wire Free Spotlight Head to Head
Key Differences
The Lorex camera only supports a mobile app. Also, it needs the hub for storage and to link up with the mobile app.
Meanwhile, the Reolink camera is a standalone camera. It supports both a mobile app and a browser-based web app.
The Lorex camera has a slightly wider FOV of 140° diagonal angle. The Reolink has 122° diagonally.
Both devices support Micro SD local storage. You can only insert a maximum 256GB SD card into the Lorex Hub.
Reolnk only supports an upper limit of 128GB but you can insert the SD card directly to the camera.
Key Features in Common
Both the Lorex and Reolink spotlight cameras can record at a maximum resolution of 2560x1440.
Both support 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi transmissions. They also rely on batteries but can be supplemented by DC power and solar panels.
They both have IP65 ratings. This makes them versatile for indoor and outdoor placements.
They support two-way communication and other active deterrents. These include a siren and a spotlight.
Both cameras have infrared and full-color night vision. The integrated spotlight helps with this. However, you can turn it off and use it for active deterrence only.
High-End PTZ Head to Head
Key Differences
The Lorex LZV2925SC analog camera is much more expensive than the Reolink RLC-823A IP camera. Reolink has a higher resolution of 8MP Ultra HD compared to Lorex 2MP HD camera. Reolink also has a wider field of view.
Reolink is a standalone camera with integrated microphones and speakers for two-way communication, and siren/alarm systems for motion detection. It also has a spotlight for better visibility in the dark. It uses an H.265 video compression format while Lorex uses the NTSC/PAL video coding format.
Lorex has a DVR storage option while Reolink has a MicroSD card slot, NVR, and FTP support. Reolink connects with 3rd party which makes its interoperability level high using RTSP and P2P protocols.
Reolink can be powered by PoE as well as DC power. Data transmission in Reolink is also through PoE whereas Lorex uses a coaxial cable. The Reolink cameras carry out person and vehicle detections on device.
The Lorex PTZ is operational through a mobile app while Reolink has mobile, web, and browser apps for camera control.
Key Features in Common
These PTZ camera models from Lorex and Reolink come in white color. These cameras have wired data transmission and power connections. With an IP66 rating, these cameras can be placed both indoors and outdoors.
The both have image sensors of 1/2.8" and a motorized lens. These motorized lenses gives optical zoom features to both cameras. They both have a pan angle of 360° and a tilt angle of 90°.
Infrared night-vision is possible with both cameras with fully color footage.
Mid-Range Indoor Head to Head
Key Differences
Reolink E1 Pro is a PT camera with motorized features; a 355° pan and 50° tilt. This is a little more costly compared to the Lorex W461ASC-E indoor camera.
Lorex has a higher resolution of 2560x1920 and a wider field of view of 106° horizontal and 56° vertical. Lorex also has 3D DNR, white balance, gain control, and person detection features.
Reolink supports dual-band Wi-Fi; 5GHz Wi-Fi transmission along with the 2.4GHz. Reolink devices have a higher interoperability level with RTSP and Peer-to-Peer protocols. This camera can continuously record videos.
Storage is very important and Lorex provides it with MicroSD or wireless hub options while Reolink has microSD, NVR, and optional cloud storage. Besides Google Assistant and Chromecast, Lorex smartly integrates with Alexa, FireTV, and AppleTV while Relink integrates with Google Nest Hub.
Reolink has mobile and web apps while Lorex only has a mobile app.
Key Features in Common
Both Lorex and Reolink are indoor IP cameras with wireless data transmission and a wired power source. A DC power source is used with these cameras to be specific. Neither camera has optical zoom.
Both cameras have motion-activated recording with motion detection features. There are motion alerts that are sent via push notifications on the app. An alarm or siren can also be triggered with motion alerts. This siren is integrated into the camera. Area zones in which motion is to be detected can be configured with both cameras.
Microphones and speakers are integrated into the camera too so there can be two-way audio communication.
The Lorex vs Reolink Security Cameras (2023) - Verdict
So there you have it! Both Lorex and Reolink offer high-spec surveillance units and we hope this comparison has helped point out the differences between the two to help you make a decision.
Let us know in the comments which brand you prefer and why!
