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Night Owl and Lorex are popular home security camera brands. They have a strict focus on active deterrence and specialize in multi-channel systems.

However, both brands design their products and provide services very differently.

  • Since Night Owl is a US-based company, they are NDAA and FCC compliant.
  • Lorex was acquired by Dahua. As such, they do not comply with the NDAA and FCC standards.
  • From a customer satisfaction perspective, there is not a lot of love for the Night Owl mobile app. The app seems to consist of bugs and issues with user experience.
  • The Lorex app has an average rating of 4.3 on app stores. Their mobile app seems to be doing much better.

Night Owl vs Lorex Security Cameras (2024) at a Glance

Mid-Range PoE Bullet Head to Head

Mid-Range Wi-Fi Bullet Head to Head

Mid-Range Wire Free Bullet Head to Head

Video Doorbell Head to Head

Mid-Range Analog Bullet Head to Head

Night Owl vs Lorex Security Cameras (2024) Overview

Night Owl is the youngest brand of the two. The company was founded in 2009, with Florida being its main headquarters.

The company is based in the US. That includes the design and manufacturing of security cameras.

Lorex was initially founded in Canada. They have always been a specialized security systems provider since 1992.

However, the Chinese company Dahua bought them out in 2008. Currently, they only provide Dahua OEM products.

Year Founded
2009
1991
Customer Focus
Business Leaning
Business Leaning
Aggregate App Reviews
2.4/5
3.6/5
Cloud Platform Name
Night Owl Connect Cloud
-
Cloud Subscription Features
Cloud StorageRich App Previews
-
Cloud Subscription Costs
Basic Plan (1GB for 7 Days) $4 per Month Intermediate (2GB for 14 Days) $7 per Month Pro Plan (4GB for 30 Days) $10 per Month
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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.

Mid-Range PoE Bullet Head to Head

Key Differences

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.

Case Type(s)
Spotlight
Bullet
Price
Power Options
PoE
PoEDC Power
Integrated Microphone
Yes
No
Integrated Siren / Alarm
Yes
No
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionFace Detection
-
IP Rating
IP65
IP67
Apps
AndroidiOSWindowsMac

Key Features in Common

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.

Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Resolution
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Storage Options
NVR
NVR
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

Mid-Range Wi-Fi Bullet Head to Head

Key Differences

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.

Power Options
AC Power
DC Power
Data Transmission
2.4GHz WiFi
2.4GHz WiFi5GHz WiFi
Resolution
2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
4MP: 2560x1440
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Storage Options
microSDNVRCloud
microSD
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionFace Detection
Person DetectionVehicle DetectionAnimal Detection
Smart Integrations
Google AssistantChromecast
AlexaGoogle AssistantChromecastApple TV
Apps
AndroidiOSWindowsMac
AndroidiOS

Key Features in Common

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.

Case Type(s)
Bullet
Bullet
Price
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Integrated Siren / Alarm
Yes
Yes
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
IP Rating
IP65
IP65
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

Mid-Range Wire Free Bullet Head to Head

Key Differences

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.

Price
Data Transmission
2.4GHz WiFi
2.4GHz WiFi5GHz WiFi
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
Yes
Resolution
2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
4MP: 2560x1440
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Storage Options
microSDNVR
-
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionFace Detection
Person Detection
IP Rating
IP65
IP66
Apps
AndroidiOSWindowsMac
AndroidiOS

Key Features in Common

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.

Case Type(s)
Bullet
Bullet
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wireless Data & Battery Power
Wireless Data & Battery Power
Power Options
Battery
Battery
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

Video Doorbell Head to Head

Key Differences

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)

Price
Power Options
AC Power
DC PowerAC Power
Data Transmission
2.4GHz WiFi
2.4GHz WiFi5GHz WiFi
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
Yes
Resolution
2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
2K: 2560x1920
Storage Options
microSDNVRCloudDVR
microSDNVR
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionFace Detection
Person Detection
IP Rating
IP54
IP65
Smart Integrations
Google AssistantChromecast
AlexaGoogle AssistantFire TV
Apps
AndroidiOSWindowsMac
AndroidiOS

Key Features in Common

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.

Case Type(s)
Video Doorbell
Video Doorbell
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Type
Infrared
Infrared
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

Mid-Range Analog Bullet Head to Head

Key Differences

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.

Price
Power Options
AC Power
DC Power
Integrated Siren / Alarm
Yes
No
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
Infrared
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionVehicle DetectionFace Detection
-
IP Rating
IP65
IP66
Apps
AndroidiOSWindowsMac

Key Features in Common

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.

Case Type(s)
Bullet
Bullet
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
Analog
Analog
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Data Transmission
Coax
Coax
Integrated Microphone
No
No
Resolution
2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Storage Options
DVR
DVR
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

The Night Owl vs Lorex Security Cameras (2024) - Verdict

So there you have it. The Night Owl hardware fully stands up against the Lorex equivalent, however, is let down by issues with its apps. That being said, Night Owl is now fully NDAA compliant, unlike Lorex, which opens up a lot of doors to US federal contracts. Let us know what you think of these two brands below!

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