Reolink
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Video Doorbell WiFi
The Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi offers a solution for monitoring and interacting with your home. This smart doorbell integrates a high-resolution 5 megapixel camera, providing clea...
RLC-510A 5MP Outdoor PoE Security IP Camera
Reolink RLC-510A is a 5MP PoE IP Camera powered by smart person/vehicle detection technology. You can get real-time alerts when a suspicious person or car is loitering around your...
5MP PoE Security Camera RLC-520
It can tell people and vehicles from other objects. Real-time alerts will be sent to your phone when there is a suspicious person or car loitering around your house or store. It al...
RLC-811A 8MP PoE Security Camera
RLC-811A provides you with a marvelous visual experience day & night with 4K Ultra HD, spotlights & color night vision. You can get accurate real-time alerts when humans and vehicl...
Duo 2 4K UHD 180° Panoramic Wi-Fi 6 Surveillance Camera
Equipped with two lenses, this Wi-Fi 6 camera provides a 180o panorama in 4K UHD with less distortion for you, catching more vivid details and leaving no blind spots. The high data...
5MP 8-Channel NVR Wired Security Camera System
Reolink RLK8-410B4 5MP surveillance systems are designed to meet your home and business needs with easy installation and operation. This powerful 8-channel network video recorder s...
Wideo WiFi Video Doorbell
The Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi offers a solution for monitoring and interacting with your home. This smart doorbell integrates a high-resolution 5 megapixel camera, providing clea...
Battery Doorbell 2K 4MP Day & Night
Introducing the Reolink Doorbell Battery, a 2K 4MP that ensures crystal-clear video, day or night. Its wireless, battery-powered design offers easy installation & long-lasting perf...
D340P Video Doorbell
The Reolink D340P Wired PoE Smart Video Doorbell offers superior reliability, faster data speeds, and easier installs vs. traditional hardwired and Wi-Fi doorbell cameras. Know who...
Video Doorbell 2-Pack
The 2K+ doorbell cameras support night vision, person detection, and intuitive mobile App. There are PoE and WiFi versions for your choice to better fit your home. You can also con...
D340B Video WiFi 5MP Smart Doorbell
The Reolink Smart Video 2K Battery Wi-Fi Doorbell with Chime lets you know who’s at your door every time – even when you’re away from home! Set it up in minutes - easily installs w...
E1 4MP UHD 355o Wide Panoramic View
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Reolink
66 mentions from real owners
- #1Sep 7, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Never. I use Reolink cameras connected to my Home Assistant instance, local and completely free
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Sep 7, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink, sd card and a nas with FTP. Dont allow them to phone outside your network.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Sep 7, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I have abandoned the Google Home ecosystem in favor of Home Assistant 6 months ago, due in part to this reason. Your post is actually reminding me I need to install my new Reolink doorbell camera today so I can toss my awful Nest doorbell cam. No subscription needed with Reolink and Home Assistant provides lots of secure, non-cloud ways to store your data beyond the SD card storage in the cam itself. Reolink also offers cloud options for convenience, but they don't force you.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink doorbell camera is what I use. Storage is on an SD card in the camera.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I like my Reolink cameras, but I have significant security concerns about storing anything on an SD card inside the camera. the cameras are too exposed and too obvious to target for anyone coming to the house with poor intentions. so I never bothered putting an SD card in the cameras, and just have it stream to an NVR instead. that way hopefully I will have a picture of the person who stole the camera...
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I don't think we did accept that. I certainly never did. there are dozens, probably hundreds, of security cameras that record to internal SD cards and can be used completely without a subscription, and anything professional grade, and many of the cheaper options, will stream to your own NVR again without needing any subscription. Yes there are a few well-known companies out there who sell a cloud subscription and want you to use it. But you absolutely do not have to go that route. I have a combination of Dahua turret cameras and Reolink doorbell cameras all streaming to my own frigate NVR. there is no subscription fee, and I haven't even given any of them access to the internet. But really, I'm not endorsing any specific brand here, as I said there are tons of options for local cameras. though good I will admit that the options are a little more limited in the doorbell camera space, But there are still some out there, like Reolink, And realistically, that is a class of security camera that didn't even exist just a few years ago, and in many cases are properly mounted turret camera might actually be a better option anyway.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
It's infuriating, but also predictable: SaaS everything has even hit home security. For real BIFL gear, I’d recommend Reolink, Eufy, or UniFi Protect. None of them lock you into the cloud, all your footage stays yours, without recurring fees
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
It's frustrating when you buy a product and find out you're just paying for the right to rent its best features. This trend of "subscription creep," where companies lock basic functionality behind a monthly fee, is particularly galling with security cameeras. You think you're buying a camera, but you're really just getting a perpetual bill for the core features you assumed were included. I believe in technology that empowers people, and that means you should own what you buy. A security camera should be a one-time purchase, giving you full control over ur footage and data. The business model of charging for ur own video storage and basic alerts feels like a step backward, not forward. It’s a classic example of a system designed to extract value from you indefinitely, rather than to serve you. For people who value ownership and privacy, the key is to find systems that offer true local storage and don't require a constant cloud connection to work. You're right to look for that. Here are a few companies that are still building products in that spirit: * Reolink: Many of their cameras support local storage on a microSD card or a Network Video Recorder (NVR) with no subscription required. You get all the essential features—like app access and motion alerts—without the monthly fee. * Eufy (by Anker): Their HomeBase system is a strong exsmple of a local-first approach. It stores your footage securely at home, and the core features are included in the initial purchase. Just be sure to check the model specs, as some companies are starting to change their models. * UniFi Protect (Ubiquiti): This is a more professional-grade system. It has a higher upfront cost because you're buying the hardware outright, but there are no recurring fees, and you have complete control over your data. This is a great solution for those who want a robust, private system. * Amcrest: Another company that has maintained a focus on providing local storage options without forcing you into a cloud subscription. The best technology should simplify our lives and give us more control, not less. Finding products that follow a "pay once, own forever" model is a good strategy to avoid the subscription trap.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
The solution to this is owning your own storage - Reolink is an affordable company that offers POE (power over ethernet) cameras wherein you own your storage, no nefarious actors have access to your stored footage, and all you have to pay is your electric bill. I am very happy with my system.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #11Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink cameras set up with a NAS and Home Assistant. This is the way. Also, the reason tech companies charge these subscription fees is because (for some reason) people love it. People vote for it and time and time again with their money, so they're just giving the people what they want.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #12Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I'm building out a system for a client. Healthcare, so can't be cloud based. Some cameras outside so they have to survive the Anchorage winters. I'm putting an open source network video recorder called Shinobi on a mini PC, beefing up the storage to around 12tb and running 2 dozen cameras. You can set it all up to record movement or record all the time. And access it remotely. We're using reolink cameras, if they hold up through a winter then we'll expand the coverage a little more. Getting out of the cloud based subscription models has become more of a priority for us. It's ridiculous how fast they add up
View on Redditopen_in_new - #13Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink ftw
View on Redditopen_in_new - #14Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
My reolink doorbell camera works great, was a lot cheaper than the unifi one and I can still back up the data to my synology NAS.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #15Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink POE cameras!! This is what my husband and I have and it is soooo nice having a security system without a monthly payment
View on Redditopen_in_new - #16Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
My brother suggested Reolink to me. Works well with home automation and no subscriptions. He has them at his house and likes them.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #17Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Not all of us did, but the people who opened up their wallets and started paying for subscriptions made that decision for all of us. (Ironically, yourself included) I used to be a big fan of Wyze cameras but they started pulling that shit so I moved out and started buying Reolink cameras.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #18Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink is all you need for home or small business security recording. Just installed 6 cameras, audio & video recording (night mode & color) it was less than $800 including labor. No monthly fee ever. 30 day storage on the app. Ring/simplisafe/etc etc are all a cash grab
View on Redditopen_in_new - #19Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I have Reolink. All my data stays at my house. I don’t want Amazon employees watching my footage for entertainment purposes which they’ve been caught doing. And a host of other reasons. I bought the cameras and the hard drive and that’s it. Have an app on my phone so I can watch when I’m away. Pretty sweet set up
View on Redditopen_in_new - #20Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Eufy, Reolink, Dahua, Lorex, Hikvision, Vivotek, Amcrest, basically anything that either has a NVR or takes microSD cards. It'd be shorter to list which cameras are cloud-only because there's not many. The main reason people buy them is because they're significantly cheaper exactly, and they're significantly cheaper because the companies rely on cloud storage subscriptions to make up the cost.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #21Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Another vote for Reolink
View on Redditopen_in_new - #22Sep 6, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #23Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
REOLINK FTW!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #24Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I use reolink cameras and doorbell. No monthly subscriptions and affordable too. Can record to my Synology Nas as a cheap NVR .
View on Redditopen_in_new - #25Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
If they've set it up to do so. Reolink NVRs have those options
View on Redditopen_in_new - #26Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink offers some great options with similar features and functionality, at a bit of a better price
View on Redditopen_in_new - #27Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
This is why I have security cameras around my house that can record to my hard drives and never send a signal outside. I even blocked it from sending anything outside on my router. Reolink. Cheap cameras that work well.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #28Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink don’t require monthly payments and have everything you need
View on Redditopen_in_new - #29Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I have a Reolink system with 4 cameras and one remote camera. They draw power via the network cables so I just installed them myself and poked some holes in the wall where I needed to thread cables through. The better access you have to your crawl space or attic the easier it is to thread the cable out of sight.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #30Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink cameras and Blue Iris software ($70) on your computer… but yes it is more technical than a turnkey solution like ring or Wyze (I have these. I hate them.)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #31Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
We didn't. Use Reolink.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #32Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
For reference, I have 8 Reolink PoE cameras and Reolink NVR. all cameras record 1080/60, one records audio, rest no audio. They record 24/7 and the 4TB WD drive I put in the NVR records 2.3 weeks before starting to overwrite.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #33Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I have a Reolink setup that I really like. I think it was around $300 and included 4 cameras plus the DVR and it’s accessible via the app from anywhere. Cameras are good quality too and run on power over Ethernet so you don’t need to get power or replace batteries. Downside you need to run cables so that can be a pain.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #34Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I bought a ReoLink NVR and a Mac Mini The NVR was compatible with my existing Dahua cameras and I’ve since added some ReoLink cams too. The NVR has 24/7 recording to a 2TB drive I run Scrypted and HomeAssistant then got chatGPT to do some clever stuff so that the cameras show up on my Apple Home app as HKSV devices. With iCloud + that I already pay for, I get 10 days recording on each camera. It only records what you tell it to though (motion detection, people/pet/parcel detection and you can set it per camera). I could technically cancel iCloud+ and still access recordings with the reolink app but I prefer to have both and I pay for iCloud+ anyway. HA also talks to my Shelly devices for shutter control, lighting control and it links with my actual alarm via a virtual alarm, and I can hook up the camera’s sensors to the dumb alarm and use them to trigger it. Very smart!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #35Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Just buy Reolink.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #36Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink NVR! No subscription, remote access. I think they do have cloud subscriptions, but the NVRs don't need any of that.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #37Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
You can buy a mini-pc for $180 and then run an open source NVR on it like frigate. That would have an ROI(ignoring new cameras) of far less several years. I actually replaced 5 ring camera with a mix of tp-link tapo, dahua, and reolink with a used mini pc and the quality went up substantially and I now have multiple days of 24/7 recordings with a month of event recordings. The ROI of that is well worth the new cameras. I also shoved a microsd card in each of the cameras as redundancy in case the NVR breaks but I haven't had any major issues in a while.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #38Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink with nvr so you can store your footage
View on Redditopen_in_new - #39Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I bought Reolink. The NVR will happily run on your local network with zero access to the outside world.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #40Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink with a home hub
View on Redditopen_in_new - #41Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I used to use Wyze and swore by them for years, then I upgraded a bunch of my cameras to the cam pan v3. Well at some point they did an update it bricked all the V3s (my newest ones). My neighbor had same exact issue. Also the play back became really spotty, stutters a lot and crashed the app. If you ever have problems and want a replacement, Reolink is what Wyze could have been. Cost a little more but wow the playback is so good. Has phone app support and PC view app support. On the phone you can see up to 16 cameras live at once and playback in 4x speed. The quality is actually much sharper. Dont see the blocky encoding at all.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #42Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Sure thing. I bought it about 4 years ago, so models may have changed in that time, but it's a Reolink Advantage 4K NVR system. I got it as a package with 4 cameras but we only wired up 3 of them. Initial purchase I think was about $600CAD from costco in store and got a local contractor to run some PoE cables and mount the cameras in an afternoon. Initial cost is a bit higher than one of the subscription options but in the 4 years since I haven't spent a dime and it's been easy to work with.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #43Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Unifi is good for a home user. Reolink is a good backup option if you don't want to pay Unifi prices. They both offer local storage (NVR). There are even ways to completely cut the cameras off from Internet access and still get alerts via a self hosted platform like Home Assistant. Not easy to do, but very possible.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #44Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Because it works better. 0 experience needed to set up. Apps simplify everything. The issue is when the Chinese company breaks their free app and decides to shut down their servers, what do you do? Most cameras don't offer a true video feed - they are hard coded to talk to the NVR device or their remote servers, who then talk to you via the app. Reolink has many cameras that work outside their NVR and I believe eufy do as well, but companies like nest and Wyse prevent it by every means necessary 'deliberately crippling their hardware' as you put it. It's a camera by camera tech spec search. I can cancel the internet and my cameras will still notify my phone on any triggers, because I did the research and went with a one cost bifl configuration. The cameras do still fail though, electronics in all weather conditions aren't any guarantee of longevity. To get them working over the Internet requires either a domain, tunnel, or ddns service which is outside a lot of people's wheelhouses to configure *and maintain*. It's not a set up and forget event as I *presume* most people want their camera feeds consistently secure, and security is always evolving... The subscription is simply easier.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #45Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Id also like to pop in and say while I have reolink cameras I have had two of Eufys handheld wireless vacuums over the past 7 years. They replaced parts on the first out of warranty for me, mailed them to me no questions asked and their fantastic customer service is why I bought the exact same vacuum again when I moved and needed another. Also they maintain consistency in the vacuums so all my batteries and working accessories from the first one still work in the second which was awesome.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #46Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Look into Reolink or Ubiquiti (UniFi Protect). Both let you store locally with no subs, solid hardware, and you actually own your footage 👌👌
View on Redditopen_in_new - #47Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink don’t charge anything.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #48Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink or Amcrest with an NVR let you store everything locally with no fees. For a more true BIFL setup a NAS with ONVIF cameras gives you full control and zero subscriptions.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #49Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I paid something like $40 on Woot for a bunch of Blink cameras, and they have local storage. I also have an old Arlo camera with local storage (not one I'd recommend) and a $100 Reolink that has local storage. You can definitely get decent local storage cameras for under $180.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #50Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
You don't. Reolink
View on Redditopen_in_new - #51Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Bought Reolink off Amazon 5 years ago. Similar package that we have now is $319. 4 cameras, 2 TB HDD, PoE cameras. Have had no issues and the camera quality is still great, and they've made a lot of improvements to their system over the past 5 years (bought a system for my mother and it's better than the one we have but the cost was still comparable). With a NVR box, everything is stored locally so no monthly fees, and you can still connect the NVR to your home network so you can access the cameras through their app. Highly recommend.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #52Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I run Reolink cameras on Blue Iris software. Total ownership, no fees.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #53Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Any brand supporting ONVIF lets you control your data without a subscription. First comers into home automation, cameras, security, etc, don't yet have a vision of how things interact. That's normal. People go to Costco, see a fairly-priced camera, buy it but don't know how the data will be stored. That leads to e-waste, increased costs of ownership, frustration. Companies like Reolink use loal support as a badge of honor. They support platforms like Home Assistant, any local storage you want, SD cards, AND cloud storage if that's your thing. The best way forward is to support such companies as much as we can.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #54Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Just make sure you block them from the Internet. My reolink are constantly trying to call home. I have them on a separate wifi/subnet with no Internet but can view all the blocked calls on the fw logs.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #55Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink cameras will record to an onboard micro sd card. So no subscription needed and no need to buy a NAS.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #56Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink plus your pick of local storage/management option(s).
View on Redditopen_in_new - #57Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Also have reolink, SD cards then I have a PC as a NAS for backup works well.... Sometimes the dob PC reboots but that's what the SD cards are for
View on Redditopen_in_new - #58Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink or Lorex for medium budget. Ubiquiti for a larger budget but the best option in my opinion. I refuse to buy cameras that force a subscription. Lorex\\Reolink offer cloud storage but it's not necessary. I see others recommending Eufy but personally I would not trust their security. However, Lorex\\Reolink's parent company is Dahua so it depends on your personal need for security.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #59Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I bought reolink. Just the price of an SD card is all you need to retain your data. Although we had a heat wave in the UK the summer and that seemed to fry the SD card and it had to be replaced.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #60Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
PoE Reolink + NVR. It can be had for way under £500 for the whole setup.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #61Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I use Reolink cameras, cloud storage is optional, I never paid for it, it also gives you an option to just upload your footage to a remote FTP server.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #62Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
https://reolink.com/
View on Redditopen_in_new - #63Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Reolink or eufy.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #64Aug 12, 2025
Weatherproof cam for extreme temps?
I've had the reolink 4k ones for 3 years now, we get a week or two of -35~-40c temps every year, and have had no issues.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #65Aug 11, 2025
Best Doorbell Camera That Doesn't Require A Subscription?
Yeah I run mine through HomeAssistant and a custom NVR, but the [current Reolink Doorbell ](https://reolink.com/us/product/reolink-doorbell-battery-d/?attribute_pa_version=1-packblack&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22058735452&gbraid=0aaaaacltwizj0rgunttwsh1pfx2rfymiu&gclid=cj0kcqjwqebebhd9arisafzmbfw2eqnltdet9txdl9ecob-oasqpbffztwbwnnccksiwdmqo9b4v3cgaanwiealw_wcb)does do both 2.5 and 5Ghz.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #66May 5, 2025
Best doorbell camera for grandma, offsite app notifications and footage review/download
Go with the Reolink doorbell. I have mine plus several cameras hooked up to their NVR. No subscription, and can view and get alerts on your phone anywhere there is an internet connection. As with any tech, there is no such thing as buy it for “life” but you will get the most bang for your buck here without getting stuck on a subscription. If you have more $$$ in your budget, look into the Unifi ecosystem of cameras/networking equipment
View on Redditopen_in_new