Reolink Door Camera: Doorbell or Porch Cam, Which Reolink Fits Your Entry?
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Reolink is a home security brand known for cameras that record to local storage, such as a microSD card or a home hub, without requiring a monthly subscription. That makes a Reolink door camera appealing for first-time buyers who want to see who is at the front door without signing up for another bill. Reolink sells two video doorbells, plus several outdoor cameras that can watch a porch, driveway or side door, and this guide explains the differences in simple terms.
The six models below split into two doorbells (a wired PoE doorbell and a battery doorbell) and four entry cameras: a 3K solar camera, a 4K pan-and-tilt solar camera, a wired PoE dome, and a two-pack of small magnetic battery cameras.
Reolink Door Cameras Compared
| Model | Type | Power | Resolution | Local Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REOLINK Video Doorbell PoE 2K Wired | Doorbell | PoE (Ethernet) | 2K, 5MP | microSD up to 512GB (not included) |
| REOLINK Battery Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) | Doorbell | Battery or 8-24VAC wiring | 2K, 4MP | SD up to 512GB, Home Hub, NVR, FTP |
| REOLINK 3K Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor (Argus Solar) | Bullet camera | Solar and battery | 3K, 5MP | microSD up to 512GB, Home Hub |
| REOLINK Argus PT Ultra First 4K | Pan and tilt camera | Solar and battery | 4K, 8MP | microSD (sold separately) |
| REOLINK RLC-520A 5MP PoE Security Camera | Dome camera | PoE (Ethernet) | 5MP | microSD up to 512GB, NVR, FTP |
| REOLINK Argus MagiCam Security Cameras Wireless (2 Pack) | Magnetic camera | AA lithium batteries | 1080p | microSD up to 256GB, Home Hub |
REOLINK Video Doorbell PoE 2K Wired for Always-On Recording
Reolink
REOLINK Video Doorbell PoE 2K Wired Outdoor Security Camera with Chime V2
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
REOLINK Video Doorbell PoE 2K Wired
Best for: Homes that can run an Ethernet cable
Pros
- PoE: one cable for power and data
- Chime V2 included
- 6-second pre-roll recording
- No monthly fee for software
Cons
- PoE power supply not included
- Needs cable to the door
The REOLINK Video Doorbell PoE 2K Wired is powered by PoE, short for Power over Ethernet. That means a single network cable, the same kind used for wired internet, carries both power and video. The upside is stability: there is no WiFi signal to drop, and the listing says an internet outage will not stop it from recording 24/7 to local storage. The trade-off is installation, because you need an Ethernet cable running to your door and a PoE power source, which is not included.
It records in 2K with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a wide 135° horizontal and 100° vertical view (180° diagonal), plus HDR, noise reduction and distortion correction for clearer images. A 15° wedge kit helps angle it toward your walkway. The included Chime V2 plugs into any outlet and offers 10 tunes with adjustable volume. You can set preset voice replies, get alerts only when a person is detected, and draw motion zones. Pre-roll recording saves 6 seconds from before an event. Recordings go to a microSD card up to 512GB (not included) and other Reolink options, and the software carries no monthly fee. It is rated IP65 for weather.
This doorbell suits homeowners who can run a cable and want the most reliable connection. Renters and anyone without a cable path should look at the battery model below.
REOLINK Battery Video Doorbell 2nd Gen for Wire-Free Installation
Reolink
REOLINK Battery Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) 2K 4MP Wireless Outdoor Camera
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
REOLINK Battery Video Doorbell
Best for: Renters and wire-free doorbell installs
Pros
- Up to 10 months per charge
- 1:1 head-to-toe 150° view
- AI detection with no subscription
- Dual-band WiFi
Cons
- Chime compatibility limited
- Battery life depends on recording time
The REOLINK Battery Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) runs on a rechargeable battery that the listing says can last up to 10 months per charge, based on 5 minutes of recording a day. If you have existing doorbell wiring at 8-24VAC, you can connect it to keep the battery topped up. That flexibility makes it the easiest doorbell here to install.
It records in 2K 4MP at 2048 by 2048 pixels. This square 1:1 “head-to-toe” view (150° by 150°) shows visitors from face to feet and packages on the ground, with HDR and night vision. AI detection of people, vehicles, animals and packages works without a subscription, with up to 25 rich image alerts per day on the free plan. It uses dual-band 2.4/5GHz WiFi and stores video on an SD card up to 512GB, a Reolink Home Hub, an NVR or FTP, with encryption, and paid cloud storage is optional. Two-way talk includes a voice changer and preset replies. The listing says it works with a Reolink Chime Plus, notes limits on chime compatibility, and lists voice assistant and smart-home platform support.
This model suits renters and anyone who wants a doorbell without running a cable. If rock-solid wired recording matters more, choose the PoE doorbell. Our Reolink doorbell camera guide goes into more setup detail.
REOLINK 3K Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor Argus Solar for Porch and Drive
Reolink
REOLINK 3K Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor Dual-Band WiFi 6, Argus Solar
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
REOLINK 3K Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor
Best for: Solar-powered watch over porch or drive
Pros
- 3K 5MP resolution
- Solar charges even in shade
- IP67 weatherproof
- WiFi 6 dual-band
Cons
- Not a doorbell
- MicroSD card not included
The REOLINK 3K Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor Argus Solar is not a doorbell, but it can watch your front door, porch or driveway. It charges from a solar panel that the listing says keeps working even under eaves or trees, with 1 hour of sunlight powering up to 24 hours of use.
It records in 3K 5MP and switches between infrared night vision and white-light color night vision. PIR and AI detection identify people, vehicles and animals, and it can trigger sound and light alerts to deter intruders. It is rated IP67, uses dual-band WiFi 6, has two-way audio, and records to a microSD card up to 512GB (not included) or a Reolink Home Hub with no cloud subscription.
This camera suits people who want a clear view of an entry with no wiring at all. It pairs well with either doorbell for a second angle.
REOLINK Argus PT Ultra First 4K for Wide Yard Coverage
Reolink
REOLINK Argus PT Ultra First 4K Solar Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
REOLINK Argus PT Ultra First 4K
Best for: Covering a whole front yard
Pros
- 4K 8MP with color night vision
- 355° pan and 140° tilt
- Solar powered
- Spotlight and siren
Cons
- MicroSD card sold separately
- Not a doorbell
The REOLINK Argus PT Ultra First 4K is a pan-and-tilt camera, meaning it can turn left and right (355° pan) and up and down (140° tilt) to sweep an entire yard. It records in 4K 8MP, the highest resolution here, and a motion spotlight gives color video at night.
It runs on dual-band WiFi and is described as continuously powered by a 3W solar panel. You can control and talk through it in the Reolink app, set detection zones and sensitivity for people, vehicles and pets, and trigger a spotlight and siren when motion is detected. Recordings go to a microSD card sold separately. The listing calls it water repellent but gives no IP rating.
This model suits larger front yards or corner lots where one fixed view is not enough.
REOLINK RLC-520A 5MP PoE Security Camera for Wired Entry Coverage
Best for: Wired 24/7 recording over an entry
Pros
- 5MP at 2560×1920
- Person, vehicle, animal detection
- 24/7 recording option
- Built-in microphone
Cons
- PoE power supply not included
- Needs a network cable
The REOLINK RLC-520A 5MP PoE Security Camera is a small dome camera powered by PoE, so one cable carries power and video with no WiFi worries. The PoE power supply is not included. It records 5MP at 2560 by 1920 at 25 frames per second and has a built-in microphone for sound.
Person, vehicle and animal detection reduces false alarms (animal detection requires updated firmware, according to the listing). It supports 24/7 continuous, motion-triggered or scheduled recording to a microSD card up to 512GB (not included), a Reolink NVR or FTP, and it can make time-lapse videos. It uses infrared night vision.
This camera suits homeowners building a wired system who want a steady view over a porch ceiling or entry. For a full-home setup, see our Reolink security system guide.
REOLINK Argus MagiCam Security Cameras Wireless 2 Pack for Apartments
Best for: Apartments and temporary setups
Pros
- Two cameras in the pack
- Magnetic mount
- Up to 9 months on AA lithium
- IP67 weatherproof
Cons
- 1080p resolution
- Max 256GB microSD
The REOLINK Argus MagiCam Security Cameras Wireless come as a two-pack of compact 1080p cameras. A magnetic mount sticks to metal surfaces, or you can screw them in place. They run on replaceable AA lithium batteries for up to 9 months, based on 300 seconds of recording a day.
AI person detection, custom zones and two-way talk are included, along with dual-band WiFi, IR night vision and IP67 weatherproofing from -10°C to 55°C. Storage is microSD up to 256GB (not included) or a Reolink Home Hub.
These suit renters, RV owners and temporary setups. For sharper detail, the 3K or 4K models are better.
How to Choose the Right Reolink Door Camera
Doorbell or camera. If you want visitors to ring and talk, choose a doorbell. For watching a porch or driveway, a camera works.
PoE, battery or solar. PoE is most reliable but needs a cable. Battery and solar models install anywhere.
Storage. Every model records locally without a subscription, but most need a microSD card you buy separately. Our Reolink outdoor cameras guide covers more options.
FAQ
Do Reolink doorbells need a subscription?
No. Both doorbells support local storage with no monthly fee. The battery doorbell also offers optional cloud storage.
What is PoE?
Power over Ethernet sends power and data through one network cable. The PoE power supply is not included with either PoE model.
Can the battery doorbell use existing doorbell wires?
Yes. It can connect to 8-24VAC wiring to keep the battery charged.
Does the PoE doorbell include a chime?
Yes, the Chime V2 is included and plugs into any outlet.
Which Reolink door camera is best for renters?
The battery doorbell or the magnetic MagiCam two-pack, since neither needs permanent wiring.
