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Lorex and Reolink are two of the most popular security camera brands for consumers and businesses alike. Manufactured in China, their cameras typically have high specs coupled with AI motion detection features, without the massive price tag.

Lorex vs Reolink Overview

Lorex has been supplying high-quality security and surveillance equipment since 1992. Their product range varies from Coax Cameras, Wi-Fi, Power over Ethernet, Wire-free, and Camera Kits.

Lorex does not offer cloud storage subscriptions instead Network Video Recorders (NVR) and Digital Video Recorders (DVR) are used to store videos on an attached hard disk.

With its launch in 2009, Reolink quickly established itself as a popular choice for home security systems. The company offers most of the camera types Lorex offers (with the exception of Coax and DVRs) along with new units like Dual-Lens and 4G / LTE cameras. They also ship NVRs and cameras kits while offering Reolink cloud as an additional storage option.

Both Lorex and Reolink camera’s image sensor sizes tend to be on the smaller side, which can result in poorer quality night vision compared to their more expensive competitors.

Both companies provide products that are user-friendly in terms of operation and installation. They are usually purchased by businesses and consumers alike. The Lorex mobile apps have a better review rating in the app stores than Reolink.

In terms of differences, Lorex has a lower interoperability level than Reolink who offer more compatibility with 3rd party devices and systems.

ONVIF compatibility is a big selling point of Reolink PoE cameras as they can be used with 3rd party Video Security Systems.

Year Founded
1991
2009
Customer Focus
Business Leaning
Mix of Business & Consumer
Aggregate App Reviews
3.6/5
2.9/5
Cloud Platform Name
-
Reolink Cloud
Cloud Subscription Features
-
Cloud StorageSmart / AI NotificationsRich App PreviewsAdvanced App Features
Cloud Subscription Costs
-
Free Plan Available - Standard Plan starts $3.49 / $6.99 / $10.49 / Month
Note: PoE & Coax cameras typically require a connected NVR, DVR or surveillance software package (like Blue Iris) to gain access to desktop, mobile or browser apps along with availing of Intelligent Video Surveillance (IVS) Features. The specs below are based on integration with the manufacturers recommended NVR / DVR.

High-End PoE Bullet Head to Head

Key Differences

Lorex LNB9242B-W is a little more expensive than the Reolink RLC-811A. Reolink is a standalone camera with a high interoperability level. This camera uses Synology, RTSP, and Peer-to-Peer protocols to connect with 3rd party systems.

Lorex is a fixed-focus lens whereas the Reolink lens is motorized. Reolink has an integrated siren in case of motion. On the video side, there is a maximum frame rate of 25fps in Reolink and 30fps in Lorex. Lorex has both H.265 and H.264H video compression protocols to save space

The RLC-811A has two-way audio communication support with integrated microphones and speakers. Lorex only has an integrated microphone for one-way communication.

Reolink has an IP66 rating while Lorex has an IP67 rating. Reolink’s integrated with Google Assistant and has mobile, web, and browser apps while Lorex needs to be connected to an NVR for app support and smart integrations.

Price
Two Way Audio
No
Yes
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
Yes
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Motorized
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
Spotlight
No
Yes
Storage Options
NVR
microSDNVRFTP
Interoperability
-
SynologyRTSPP2P
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
25fps
IP Rating
IP67
IP66
Optical Zoom Feature
No
Yes
Smart Integrations
-
Google Assistant
Apps
AndroidiOSWindowsMacBrowser App

Key Features in Common

Both Lorex LNB9242B-W and Reolink RLC-811A security cameras have bullet-type casings appropriate for both indoors and outdoors. These cameras have a Power over Ethernet (PoE) data transmission system and PoE and DC power supplies.

Both are night-vision cameras having 2 video streams. They have infrared light with full-color video support. Continuous recording can be achieved with both. There are no cloud subscriptions for these cameras.

They both have person and vehicle detection capabilities. The video resolution is 4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160 with 1/2.8" image sensors. There are no pan or tilt controls either.

Case Type(s)
Bullet
Bullet
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Power Options
PoEDC Power
PoEDC Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Resolution
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
Image Sensor Size
1/2.8"
1/2.8"
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Number of Video Streams
2
2
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Cloud Subscription
None
None

Mid-Range Wi-Fi Bullet Head to Head

Key Differences

Between these Wi-Fi bullet cameras, Reolink is a little less expensive with an additional Ethernet method for data transmission. It has a 2-year warranty compared to Lorex with a one-year warranty.

Lorex night-vision camera has infrared light along with full-color video and an integrated spotlight for better visuals in the dark. Reolink has digital WDR/HDR for lighting balance for better image/video quality.

Lorex is capable of two-way audio communication. It also has integrated sirens/alarms that can be triggered. It has advanced person and vehicle detection features which is a major positive.

The Lorex is a fixed-focus camera while Reolink is a motorized lens camera for optical zoom features. Reolink has high interoperability with RTSP and P2P protocols for device compatibility. Files can be uploaded to storage via the FTP protocol.

Lorex has an IP65 rating vs Reolink’s IP66 rating. Lorex only has a mobile app while Reolink has mobile, web, and browser apps.

Price
Data Transmission
2.4GHz WiFi5GHz WiFi
2.4GHz WiFi5GHz WiFiEthernet
Two Way Audio
Yes
No
Integrated Siren / Alarm
Yes
No
Resolution
2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
5MP: 2560x1920
Image Sensor Size
1/2.8"
1/2.7"
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Motorized
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
Infrared
Spotlight
Yes
No
Storage Options
microSDNVR
microSDNVRFTP
Interoperability
-
RTSPP2P
WDR
Unsure
Digital WDR / HDR
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
-
IP Rating
IP65
IP66
Optical Zoom Feature
No
Yes
Smart Integrations
AlexaGoogle AssistantChromecastFire TV
Google Assistant
Apps
AndroidiOS
AndroidiOSWindowsMacBrowser App

Key Features in Common

The indoor-outdoor bullet cameras of Lorex and Reolink have Wi-Fi data transmissions and a DC power source. These standalone IP cameras have a 30 frame per second maximum rate.

They are night-vision cameras with infrared light. They can support both motion-activated recordings and continuous recordings. Recordings use compression protocols H.264 to save storage. The cameras have microSD cards and NVR storage options.

These cameras only come in a white color casing. Neither of them has pan or tilt features. The motion detection feature can also send out notifications and alerts on the app.

Case Type(s)
Bullet
Bullet
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Power Options
DC Power
DC Power
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Motion Activated Recording
Yes
Yes
Continuous Recording
Yes
Yes
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
30fps
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Cloud Subscription
None
None

High-End Wire Free Spotlight Head to Head

Key Differences

The Spotlight Security Camera by Lorex is a little more expensive than Reolink. Reolink detects the movement of both people and vehicles despite being less expensive. These movements send out alerts not only as push notifications on the app but also in the form of emails.

Lorex has a mobile app only while Reolink has mobile, web, and browser apps.

Lorex has a wider field of view of 140° diagonal angle. It also has video compression H.265 and H.264 protocols to save storage. Lorex has a maximum of 256GB onboard while Reolnk has a maximum of 128GB. On top of that Lorex has microSD and Wireless Hub options while Reolink has MicroSD and optional cloud storage.

Lorex has a digital WDR/HDR feature that improves video quality by adjusting the lighting. Aside from Google Assistant and Chromecast, Lorex also smartly integrates with Alexa and Reolink integrates with Google Nest Hub.

Price
Storage Options
microSDWireless Hub
microSDCloud
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person Detection
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
Smart Integrations
AlexaGoogle AssistantChromecast
Google AssistantChromecastGoogle Nest Hub
Cloud Subscription
None
Optional
Apps
AndroidiOS
AndroidiOSWindowsMacBrowser App

Key Features in Common

These Lorex and Reolink cameras are IP cameras with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi transmissions and battery power. They also have DC power and solar panel power options. These are standalone devices that can be placed both indoors or outdoors. They have integrated microphones and speakers for a two-way conversation using apps.

The cameras have 4MP 2560x1440 resolution fixed-focus lenses. They support motion activation recordings through motion detection. An alarm system or siren that is integrated into the camera can also be triggered.

Both cameras have a night vision feature with infrared light and full-color video support. The spotlight integrated with the camera helps in this process.

These cameras are ideal for both indoors and outdoors with their IP65 ratings. Neither camera has PTZ controls.

Case Type(s)
Spotlight
Spotlight
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wireless Data & Battery Power
Wireless Data & Battery Power
Power Options
DC PowerBatterySolar Panel
DC PowerBatterySolar Panel
Data Transmission
2.4GHz WiFi5GHz WiFi
2.4GHz WiFi5GHz WiFi
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Two Way Audio
Yes
Yes
Integrated Siren / Alarm
Yes
Yes
Resolution
4MP: 2560x1440
4MP: 2560x1440
Image Sensor Size
1/3"
1/3"
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
Spotlight
Yes
Yes
Motion Activated Recording
Yes
Yes
Continuous Recording
No
No
IP Rating
IP65
IP65
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

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.

Price
Data Type
Analog
IP
Power Options
DC Power
PoEDC Power
Data Transmission
Coax
PoE
Integrated Microphone
No
Yes
Two Way Audio
No
Yes
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
Yes
Resolution
2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
Spotlight
No
Yes
Storage Options
DVR
microSDNVRFTP
Interoperability
-
RTSPP2P
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
25fps
Smart Motion Detection Features
-
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
Optical Zoom Magnification
25x
5x
Smart Integrations
-
Google AssistantChromecastGoogle Nest Hub
Apps
AndroidiOS
AndroidiOSWindowsMacBrowser App

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.

Case Type(s)
PTZ
PTZ
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Image Sensor Size
1/2.8"
1/2.8"
Lens Type
Motorized
Motorized
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
IP Rating
IP66
IP66
Motorized Pan Feature
Yes
Yes
Motorized Tilt Feature
Yes
Yes
Optical Zoom Feature
Yes
Yes
Cloud Subscription
None
None

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.

Case Type(s)
Freestanding
PT
Price
Data Transmission
2.4GHz WiFi
2.4GHz WiFi5GHz WiFi
Resolution
2K: 2560x1920
4MP: 2560x1440
Storage Options
microSDWireless Hub
microSDNVRCloud
Interoperability
-
RTSPP2P
Continuous Recording
No
Yes
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person Detection
-
Motorized Pan Feature
No
Yes
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
Yes
Smart Integrations
AlexaGoogle AssistantChromecastFire TVApple TV
Google AssistantChromecastGoogle Nest Hub
Cloud Subscription
None
Optional
Apps
AndroidiOS
AndroidiOSWindowsMac

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.

Camera Location
Indoor
Indoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Power Options
DC Power
DC Power
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Two Way Audio
Yes
Yes
Integrated Siren / Alarm
Yes
Yes
Image Sensor Size
1/2.7"
1/2.7"
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Type
Infrared
Infrared
Spotlight
No
No
Motion Activated Recording
Yes
Yes
Max Supported Frame Rate
25fps
25fps
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

The Lorex vs Reolink 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!

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