Night Owl vs Lorex Security Cameras (2023)

The Night Owl package comes with two similar cameras right out of the box. These cameras are better at active deterrence, thanks to a couple of features. These are the built-in spotlight, siren, and two-way communication.

Meanwhile, the Lorex camera doesn’t include either of these features. However, it tends to be a more cost-effective and outdoor-friendly solution.

The Lorex camera is IP67-rated for weatherproofing. Meanwhile, the Night Owl camera doesn’t have an official IP rating. It’s only advertised as weather-resistant, which doesn’t say a lot.

Also, the Lorex camera supports color night vision via starlight sensors. It has a maximum CNV range of 130ft and 90ft infrared.

Meanwhile, the Night Owl camera relies on 100ft infrared. The spotlight is only used for motion detection and active deterrence. It doesn’t record continuously.

Although reasonably priced, both cameras can record at a 4K resolution of 3840x2160. They’ve both got fixed lenses and support PoE for easy installation.

Also, both cameras cannot operate as standalone devices. They need to rely on a compatible NVR. However, the Lorex camera does support MicroSD cards for onsite storage.

Right off the bat, the Lorex camera can record at 2K resolution of 2650x1440. The Night Owl camera is limited to 1920x1080 (regular HD).

The Lorex camera supports Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Fire TV. The Night Owl camera only supports Google Assistant and Chromecast.

A very subtle difference between the two is that the Night Owl Wi-Fi camera can detect faces. It can then send you a snapshot of the person’s face directly via push notifications. Meanwhile, the Lorex camera can detect vehicles.

So if you have a specific requirement for either faces or vehicles, this might be the deciding factor. That said, both cameras can detect human shapes.

Finally, the Lorex camera supports dual-band 5GHz Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, the Night Owl camera only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

What’s impressive about both cameras is that they include active deterrence features. As such, both cameras come with a spotlight, two-way audio, and a built-in siren.

They also support color night vision features. They can keep recording at lower illumination levels without switching to infrared.

The Lorex camera specifies it can record in color until light levels are pitch black (0 lux). The same applies to the Night Owl camera, although at a slightly different threshold.

Storage is another aspect where you can find commonalities. Both cameras support MicroSD cards.

With Night Owl, you also have optional cloud storage. Meanwhile, Lorex cameras include a 32GB MicroSD card right out of the box.

The resolution is one of the most obvious differences. The Night Owl camera records only at 1920x1080. The Lorex camera records at a higher 2560x1440.

So if higher resolution and picking out extra details are important, the Lorex camera can be a safe bet.

Power options are another point to consider. The Night Owl camera includes a removable compartment. Here, you can hold up to four 18650 Li-ion batteries.

However, you only get two right out of the box.

Meanwhile, the Lorex camera comes with a removable battery pack and an option to add another set. You can extend battery life further with a compatible solar panel.

Another glaring difference is standalone operation. The Night Owl camera needs a compatible NVR. Meanwhile, the Lorex camera can directly link up with the Lorex app via Wi-Fi; you don't need an NVR.

Both wire-free cameras are game-changers when it comes to active deterrence. They include a spotlight, two-way audio, and sirens for active deterrence.

The spotlights will turn on when motion is detected. Meanwhile, you can automate the siren or communicate via two-way audio. However, you must link the cameras to their corresponding apps for these features.

Both cameras employ human detection algorithms to improve the accuracy of motion detection. These help get information from the motion sensors and video feed to verify a human shape.

It helps minimize unnecessary alerts caused by vehicles, small animals, and other objects.

Right out the gate, the Lorex video doorbell is the more high-end device in terms of hardware. It is a good deal more expensive than its Night Owl competitor.

The Lorex video doorbell supports dual-band Wi-Fi (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz) while the Night Owl device can only rely on the 2.4GHz band.

Another improvement that the Lorex device has is a higher maximum resolution of 2560x1920. The Night Owl doorbell only supports 1920x1080p on a 2MP camera.

The Lorex B451AJD-E has an in-built spotlight/night light and it can record full-color night-vision footage. It also has IP65 protection compared to the IP54 on the Night Owl video doorbell.

The Night Owl camera only supports Google Assistant and Chromecast smart integration while the Lorex camera is more versatile and supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Fire TV.

On a final note, the Night Owl WM-2DBWNPM can detect faces, and it is compatible with desktop and mobile applications while the Lorex camera only supports mobile applications. (Unless connected to an appropriate NVR)

When it comes to similarities, both video doorbells require AC power or the previous doorbell’s wiring setup to draw power and ring the chime.

Both video doorbell devices have the option to transfer footage to an NVR. However, they can also be used as standalone devices.

Also, both devices have two-way communication and infrared night vision, and like many other video doorbells, they default to recording footage when triggered by motion but can also be set up to record constantly.

Finally, we have the head-to-head between the two analog HD / coax mid-range cameras.

The Night Owl CAM-2PK-DP2LSA is the clear-cut winner as it includes several advanced features over the simpler Lorex LBV2531W.

Neither of these cameras is standalone, so need to be connected to the appropriate DVR to get access to feeds, features, and apps.

The Night Owl CAM-2PK-DP2LSA is a premium and heavy-duty analog security camera. It supports computer vision software that can detect people, vehicles, and even faces, via the DVR.

The Night Owl camera is also the better option for combating low-light conditions as it includes a built-in spotlight and full-color night vision (two features sorely lacking in the Lorex LBV2531W.)

The Lorex camera has a higher IP66 rating over the Night Owl’s IP65.

In terms of similarities, both cameras record raw footage at the same 1080p resolution using a 2MP camera. Since they are analog devices, both cameras use coaxial cables to transmit data and they need a DVR to store footage.

Last but not least: both cameras have a fixed focus lens and cannot perform any PTZ functions. They also do not support two-way communication.