I asked Reolink some questions and here are their response: 1. **Recording Functionality**: Theoretically, if both the camera and the Home Hub have SD cards, recordings will be stored on both. However, currently, the app only allows you to view recordings stored on the Home Hub. We are planning an update that will enable viewing recordings stored on the cameras' SD cards as well. 2. **NVR Channels**: To add cameras to the NVR, you need to have as many empty channels as the number of cameras you want to add. For example, if you want to add 8 cameras, you need 8 empty channels on your NVR. If you want to connect the cameras from the Hub to the NVR, this applies. However, currently, we don't support adding the Hub itself directly to the NVR. 3. **Pro Version Differences**: The Pro version of the Home Hub has two additional USB ports for backups via USB and an extra HDMI port for connecting an external display. 4. **WiFi NVR**: I will arrange to send you an RLN12W today for you to check and review. Looking forward to the comparison video, it'd be a truly insightful and practical topic for potential buyers. 5. **WiFi NVR Functionality**: WiFi NVRs also support recording, but only specific battery cameras are compatible.
This is a way better solution than Eufy's, especially if the camera is stolen/reset, with Eufy, you can no longer access the videos - which is totally aggravating!!!!
@@LifeHacksterEufy updated the HomeBase 3 a few months ago to make it so the videos are still accessible on the HomeBase 3 even if the cameras cannot be connected to anymore for whatever reason. There's now a "disconnected devices" search filter option in the recordings list.
What are the capabilities and trade-offs of the three different Reolink backup methods - NVR, Wirless NVR or Home Hub? Perhaps a future video. Seem like a lot of overlap and may be confusing for someone starting a new setup or people with a potential mixed communication system.
@@LifeHackster Hi Lifehackster. Yes, I would LOVE to know the answer to this. Before you do a video can you briefly touch on the NVR verses the HUB solution?
I have a media cabinet built into my wall, they should really make these flatter like a modem so they can fit inside these type of cabinets since they have to connect to the router. I know I'm not the only one that has a cabinet like this and they are not that thick.
I seen the Homehub and cheaper than Reolink NVR , it only comes with 64gb which can be upgraded to 2 512gb cards but the price for 2 of those are at least $50-60 each so a extra $100 plus Homehub $90-$100 so I went with Reolink NVR since they come with at least 1TB storage, cheaper with more storage
Great to have this option at last. I just worry about the build quality. Two of my Argus cameras developed battery problems at about 18 months. The indoor PTZ camera has lost all sound. Reolink seem to be great at first, but their kit doesn't seem to last.
@LifeHackster Nice review! My plug-in wifi cameras are already connected to my home router but if I add the hub can it connect the cameras from the router or do I need to have the camera directly connected to the hub ? Looking for a multibridge feature similar to what is doing euphy.
Hello again, I just love how you do these reviews. So straight and to the point. And you always seem to hit the questions I have. I love how reseting the camera will not loose assess to the recorded footage. #1 I now this was an issue for EUFY for a long time. But can you confirm EYFY fixed it so that doesn't happen anymore? #2 would you say EUFY and REOLINK (both with the hubs) are pretty much the same?
Do we know when the Pro will be released? My system is primarily POE but I have some cameras that record 24/7 and would like the extra built in 2TB storage as I think that would be more beneficial.
Great review and could be useful if everything you have is Reolink. I would imagine it does not support generic onvif cameras like I have a few of to go with my 4k Reolink setup. Everything I have feeds the hard drive in the NVR box that supports it then I can save it to the pc on the network if it's important video but that should be pretty typical for most setups.
I have a few questions that maybe you can clarify. I have solar WiFi cameras 2k 180deg duo 2, 2k Argus eco and 1080p lumus powered WiFi camera and WiFi doorbell. 1. Will it still work with the cameras that are capable even if the others are on the same network / connection? 2. Does the 2 SD cards on the hub back each other up or just increase storage? 3. Will they rewrite once they hit full capacity by writing over the oldest file or is it all erased? 4. Can this connect to a TV to display the cameras like an NVR? Will the NVR update allow this option? 5. Can you view camera SD cards and Hub SD cards if they are both plugged in incase one card dies? 6. What would the difference be if the wireless NVR is able to connect (pending software update) to the solar battery powered cameras? Help extend camera WiFi range similar to a mesh system? 7. Can this also connect different brands to Reolink? Thanks
Hi LifeHacker, nice review video. A couple of questions: #1. How do you view the videos recorded on Homehub from a computer locally or remotely? #2 What do you think of pairing the Argus 4 Pro with the ReoLink RLN12W? By the time you add two 512K microSD to the Homehub you'd exceed the cost of the ReoLink RLN12W which has built-in 2tb storage and it can handle #1.
Does the Hub need Internet connection to work? WiFi is on battery backup but the Internet sometimes goes out. Will it notify my phone if on the same WiFi?
Greetings LifeHackster ! I HOPE YOU SEE THIS COMMENT AND REPLY ! I wanted to inform you that because of your many brand reviews, I chose the following system: Reolink Hub, Reolink White Doorbell (4:3), Reolink indoor 'zoom' model, and outdoor Trackmix. I'm replacing this for my older Ring system, including driveway floodlight 1080p camera. HERE's MY QUESTION: I went with the Hub because Ring charges $150 per year for cloud storage. I understand that the Hub creates it's own WI-FI channel. With the old Ring system, I could not penetrate the steel garage door, or get to further away places in the house... so I bought an eero wifi extender and that works great (for the ring). I can concerned about using camera on the Hub wifi. CAN I ASSIGN WIFI CAMERAS TO BE ON MY HOME EERO NETWORK INSTEAD, AND JUST RECORD IN THE HUB VIA THE INTERNET CAT 5 CONNECTOR TO ROUTER ? Thanks for your excellent reviews ! I hope you agree with my purchase decisions as the best quality possible.
As far as I know currently the hub can only use its own WIFI. If you want to use your own WIFI network for the cameras, you will be better off with Reolink's NVR. I'm not sure if your Trackmix is battery but I heard that the new firmware on their NVRs is now compatible with their battery cameras.. I still have to check and test this out. Anyways, with Reolink's NVR connected to your network, your Reolink cams will connect to your own WIFI and you will be able to see and add it to the wired NVR.
Looks like an Eufy rebrand. Kinda trash no nvme, or small sata port. What's the point of being that size only to run 2 sd cards. I have the RLN12W, and wished it had 2 sata ports.
Thanks for all you do. I have been slowly switch from Ring to Reolink. Reolink reviews have been great. I am trying to decide which camera would be good for indoors. I do not care much for E1 or Argus. POE is required. Any suggestions?
Can you NOT use the hub's WiFi? Seems unnecessary to have another radio signal in addition to your regular router(s) - especially if you already have an IoT network.
I have a few plugin wifi cameras that I have sd cards recording 24/7. With this hub could I change the cameras to motion only and have the cameras record to the hub 24/7?
One downside is that when connected to the hub, it will only record to the hub and not on the cameras SD card if you have installed 1. The better option for you would be their NVR so it can record to both the SD card on the camera and on the NVR also. This is a better option for their batterycams.
Does the Reolink have the "Bridge" function for wifi like Eufy for the Homebase 3? (Basically allows the wifi cameras to use the HB3 wifi or your actual wifi as the connection) *Note: I really dislike Eufy so this is not a promotion for their system (in fact avoid them) but I do think this is a requirement for a lot of systems using Homebase type systems*
Yes I use my wifi instead of the hub I have the hub under a steel mixing bowl to block the hub wifi from interfering with my wifi. All my battery camereras have lag now that they are going through the hub. The new hub need a lot of inprovments I would give it 4/10 hopefully it gets better.
My battery powered cameras have lag now. The hub is the problem the wifi interferes with my router wifi I wrote reolink and they said the will have a firmware update by the 10th so you can turn the hub wifi off to stop the interference.
Can someone help me figure out where to buy cables for the Power over Ethernet? I need long POE to run in my attic to run cameras to all corners of my house and back to my router in my bedroom. Where is best place to get long, affordable cables? Is there any way of joining cables in the attic to extend them? do the cables come with ends?
Go to your local electronic or even Lowes and Home Depot and look for Cat5E or Cat6 ethernet cables. It seems like you will need a PoE Switch also because you said you are connecting it to your router.
@@LifeHackster I have one final question. I got the switch from your link since I saw your video on the best hookup with NVR. But since i dont have a POE capable router will the switch be sufficient or do I still need an injector also going into the router? If so how many. Thanks
Hello, thanks for another great review. Two questions : What is the range of the wifi of the hub ? If not enough can I connect some caméras to the hub and other to my rooter, or all of them to my rooter and only use the hub for alarm and video storage ?
Currently the hub generates its own WIFI and the cameras will connect to it. I did hear that you will eventually have an option to turn this off and use your existing home wifi ..but I have to verify this.
Just a follow up. I'm learning now that the camera continues to record motion events to the SD card even when connected to the hub. At this time, you have to remove the SD card to view the footage though. Reolink will eventually update this to be able to view the recordings on the app.
Can you please let me know when your video is going to come out with the Reolik NVR firmware update; So you can start using their Battery-powered cameras. I purchased the NVR but can't seem to start recording with my Trackmix. Reolink stated that the update will not be available until late July.
So what you’re saying is with the new NVR firmware update, I’ll be able to store my footage from my wifi cameras on my NVR with the cameras using my own wifi network?
You always can with your wired or plugged in Reolink WIFI cameras. The latest NVR update is for their battery powered WIFI cams. And yes, using your own WIFI network.
If someone has a mix of POE and wireless cameras, could they record both to the Home Hub and to an NVR, assuming the cameras connect to a switch and not the NVR directly, and once the new firmware is applied? I want to have a mix of wired and wireless cameras to provide redundancy, but if I could use the Hub to have redundancy at that level, that would be even better. I would guess that would mean every camera would show up twice in the app?
The cameras and the hub will show you on your network and on your NVR but it will not log you in to it...stating password is incorrect. I tried this with encryption On and Off.
@LifeHackster I have a DUO 2 battery camera. It is under construction 1 km from my home. Currently, it is connected to the Internet with a mobile internet hotspot, so I can access it from home. Will I be able to access my camera with the Home Hub?
Will a hub connected at my main home be able to connect to cameras at my second home that's on a separate WiFi? My guess is no, but that would be the ultimate for me so I could monitor both homes from one device.
Hi Sir between eufy securit solocam s340 vs reolink argus 4 pro which one should I opt for, Please your suggestion will be very helpful? Planning to purchase during prime day sales.
Hey lifehackster. Got a question for the home hub, if all of my Reolink cameras are supported for the home hub but each of them have their own micro sd card. Will be the recordings be on the camera sdcard or in the home hub?
@@LifeHackster Thanks, keep up the good work. This what I found: All Reolink Wi-Fi/PoE cameras (Battery cameras require a firmware upgrade) If you have any influence with them, I'd recommend that like Eufy's Hub3, add the ability to add an SSD drive. The AI options would also enable them to be more compatible.
I have Reolink cameras spread out on 4 acres. I currently have an access point hardwired to my router that’s about 100 yards away from our house so the cameras further out can still connect. If I were to use the Home Hub and it creates its own wifi network, does that mean the cameras further out on my property would potentially lose or have poor connectivity since the Home Hub would be in my house?
Does an SD card in the camera itself still make sense? Since I connected my camera to the hub I can't seem to see the images on the SD card in the camera.
If you have it connected to the hub, you don't need an SD card on the camera. It will not record to the SD card on the camera is you have one installed.
Just a follow up. I'm learning now that the camera continues to record motion events to the SD card even when connected to the hub. At this time, you have to remove the SD card to view the footage though. Reolink will eventually update this to be able to view the recordings on the app.
Computer ups battery backups are reasonably priced and will run a small power draw setup for hours or longer depending on how big the ups is. I have them on all my critical gear and my 750va one will run my cable modem and network switch for probably at least 2 hours. My big 1500 ones on my high end pc setups that draws a lot of power will run about 20 to 30 minutes. Could be a option for you.
@@69Dartman Thanks I may pick one up at walmart. Just need something to keep modem, router, and basestation running during outage. This reolink looks nice but I'm sticking with Eufy for now.
The one thing that I can't seem to find an answer to is; how do PoE cameras connect to the home hubs? The hubs don't have ethernet ports to connect the cameras to, so what are they connected/plugged into?
@@Ross_Eddy PoE cameras are plugged into your network via a network cable to a PoE switch ( gives them power) and the PoE switch is connected to your network.
I bought a few Reolink cameras in their recent sale, and might be interested in getting a hub to collect video from them. But I wish the hub would depend on my existing Wifi network instead of coming with it's own Wifi. I'm not sure exactly what is in the walls of my house, but the walls are very effective at reducing the range of Wifi. I need to have multiple Access Points to provide reliable Wifi through the entire house, and I'm not going to consider buying multiple Reolink hubs to provide that kind of reliability to the cameras. Do they have a hub which has no wifi in it? Or is it possible to turn off the Wifi in the hub, and then the hub will connect to the wireless cameras using my existing Wifi network? Just as an aside, if I did get a hub I would still add the microSD cards to the cameras, although I would buy cards with a smaller capacity instead of buying the largest capacity that the camera supports.
In your case, their NVR (updated) if you have their battery cams would be a better option. I haven’t tested it yet but I’m pretty sure it will be using your Home WiFi to connect to their wifi cams. I’ll be making a comparison video…the pros and cons of Reolink NVR lineup in my future videos. I didn’t mention this is my video but the cameras connected to the hub will not record to their individual SD cards if you have it inserted on to the camera.
@@LifeHackster - Ah, well I'll go for *very* small capacity microSD cards. 🙂 What happens if there's a power-outage in my home for a few hours? (Last March it lost power for 21 hours). The battery in the battery-powered cameras can last for months, especially if hooked to a solar panel. A hub in my house won't have *that* much UPS!
This is game changer .... Reolink is leading the way in home security cameras if they can make the NVR Work with 10 additional wifi cameras that would be a hugh game changer.. Ring who?
Just a follow up. I'm learning now that the camera continues to record motion events to the SD card even when connected to the hub. At this time, you have to remove the SD card to view the footage though. Reolink will eventually update this to be able to view the recordings on the app.
I am 78 with some dementia and so confused now. I thought if you had cloud the things on your camera were stored on cloud and so cards in the camera? Now it sounds like it’s stored on you sd card only? If camera is taken you lose everything? I have 3 PT Argus PTS cameras but with memory cards and reolinks free cloud. Please someone help me out I don’t have the money for a hub to store things on? Thank You
If you are signed up to their cloud service, then you will also have the recordings on the cloud as a backup if the cmaeras' SD card fails or is stolen.
@@LifeHackster - Thank You so much for taking your time to explain this. I have purchased my cameras only after watching your testing and reviewing them. You have the best channel for security cameras of all types. Cheers