Reolink Home Hub Review - Made for Reolink Battery/Solar Security Cameras

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@Martin-Techno-Gadget-Guy]

The Pro Hub has an HDMI Output? Hmmmm I didn't know that and it might be a game changer for me. Thanks for pointing this out.

[@georgeskinner2157]

If a security camera or device is not reviewed by LH I don't want it.

[@desupernoodle]

Lifehackster and The Hook Up are the best security camera reviewers I've seen on KZbin

[@YukonHawk1]

Same here.

[@LifeHackster]

:) Thank you.

[@dontump2286]

true.

[@zoshomestead]

Facts 👍🏽

[@jcm9698]

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!!!!

[@LifeHackster]

I know. If Reolink can do it... definitely Eufy can update their homebase too

[@vincent_mach]

​​​@@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.

[@LifeHackster]

@@vincent_mach Thanks for the heads up. I'll be checking and testing this out.

[@alishiaaziz494]

I have been waiting for this video thank you

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for watching!

[@PhockUrCouch]

Happy Saturday, thank you for the testing and update.

[@LifeHackster]

Same to you! Thanks for watching!

[@michaeln.8401]

Hopefully they make security sensors that go with hub.

[@Atum_Ra]

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.

[@DamienMDA1]

@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.

[@gerryf7015]

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]

Yes. That is what I'm planning.

[@Martin-Techno-Gadget-Guy]

@@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?

[@leokimvideo]

You know your in a desperate neighbourhood if your cameras are being stolen

[@Martin-Techno-Gadget-Guy]

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?

[@Tecsandco]

Love it! ❤❤❤ Both your video and the hub!😅🎉🎉🎉

[@ronm6585]

Thanks L.H.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for watching!

[@rylie4495]

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.

[@BushcraftBoy]

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]

Sorry to hear that. Their wired and PoE cameras are pretty reliable.

[@schless5886]

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

[@BlackbeardedPirate]

Can you tell us the ethernet speed of the Home hub? I read 10/100 somewhere but with 8 cameras that sounds to slow for 8 4K streams.

[@OLJackson]

Waiting for the ReoLink Home Hub Pro LH

[@AlL-fw2cy]

Looking forward to the battery-powered WiFi cameras NVR update video!

[@ziegle9876]

Can you plug a POE camera directly into the hub?

[@tessie4204]

I am so waiting for the pro version!

[@69Dartman]

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.

[@LifeHackster]

I think this will only connect to Reolink Cams.

[@ShadowAssault]

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.

[@sophiethewestie]

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.

[@person12307]

i want to buy one of their battery cams since the update just to try it out

[@BoxCarWillieC2CBUTTERFIE-nw8pj]

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?

[@PatrickC139]

I definitely want this.

[@ProjectAnubisUSA]

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

[@cosmin42]

They should come out with a hub with NVME , SD cards are slow AF and far inferior in every aspect

[@LifeHackster]

No issues on my testing though.. cameras are recording at their full resolution..but faster writing and reading speeds the better...

[@rededwards3479]

You need to do an UPDATED video on how the setup EMAIL Alerts on the REOLINK APP

[@a.i.9560]

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?

[@LifeHackster]

Phone notifications are internet based they have to ping a server..so most likely you will not get notifications. Recordings will not be affected.

[@tjmonks]

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.

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@JimSt24]

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.

[@LifeHackster]

I think they will eventually add an option to use your existing WIFI and turn OFF the hubs WIFI... just need a software update.

[@glonstow]

Can I remove the SD card from the camera and just use the SD card in the hub?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes. You will not need the SD card on the camera.

[@glonstow]

Thank you for reply

[@OLJackson]

​@@LifeHacksterDope. I can remove mines from my Argus Track and Eco Ultra

[@Jbdassassinarmy]

Brilliant video!

[@LifeHackster]

Many thanks!

[@MuscledRMHv2]

Can I playback 24/7 with the Home Hub like the NVR?

[@AndtUTube]

I don't think the hub has Wi-Fi. I placed a steel bowl over the hub all my cameras work as normal. I put the bowl over my modem and lost 2 cameras.

[@ageranger1541]

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.

[@LifeHackster]

Good to know.. I like that they will add the functionality to use your existing WIFI.

[@glonstow]

thank you

[@LifeHackster]

You're welcome

[@SADGraphicDesigner]

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.

[@BadTVandMovieClipsFairUse]

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*

[@ageranger1541]

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.

[@BadTVandMovieClipsFairUse]

@@ageranger1541 dang ok

[@LifeHackster]

I think they will eventually add this functionality.

[@teezy325]

How many wifi reolink cameras can be powered using the solar panel?

[@theorganizationXII]

So the only purpose if it's the camera is stolen? There are other benefits other than that?

[@thierrygirod]

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 ?

[@thierrygirod]

One more question. Will cameras store videos on their sd card if the hub is switched off ?

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@LifeHackster]

Also, as far as I know, you will lose the functionality for SD recording on the camera themselves when they are connected to the hub.

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@thierrygirod]

Thanks

[@pklemm1]

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?

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@pklemm1]

@@LifeHackster thanks!

[@JD-xj6yq]

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?

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@JD-xj6yq]

@@LifeHackster Wonderful! Looking forward to your video on the matter.

[@tjac4801]

Are the Reolink 823 cameras compatible ?

[@tikass9901]

are you going to review reolink c425 ? I’m curious about that.

[@p0weraid]

I have all my reolink cameras on wifi extenders cause of where they are from my modem could I still use this

[@BoxCarWillieC2CBUTTERFIE-nw8pj]

Do POE cameras have to be connected directly to the Hub or long as Hub and Cameras are on the same network, no direct hardwire between hub and cameras

[@teamkenmei]

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?

[@VastardokKukiao]

Could you compare the cx810 with the 811a or 810a?

[@myutube6422]

Thanks for all of your great videos. How far back will the Reolink cameras be compatible. I have some Argus 3s.

[@LifeHackster]

Check the link in the description for their compatibility page some Argus 3s end of July and others they are still evaluating.

[@myutube6422]

@@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.

[@Mister_H]

Does this still let you record 24/7 to the Hub like it can with the SD card in the camera on powered WiFi cameras?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes.

[@Mister_H]

@@LifeHackster Perfect, thank you 😀

[@mrspecialedition]

Can the hub still record if they cut the power to your house???

[@LifeHackster]

As long as hub have power, the cameras will continue to record to it.

[@clegalley]

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?

[@gradylucas5265]

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.

[@LifeHackster]

No. But, you can setup both Reolink cameras or NVR system on both places on the app on the same account and you will be able to monitor both.

[@gradylucas5265]

@@LifeHackster Thanks LH for the reply.

[@grandhikarthik]

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.

[@Zozz4ever]

@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?

[@LifeHackster]

If you connect the hub to the hotspot and the camera to the hub, yes.

[@JohnFernau]

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?

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@grappler7474]

what the difference of using this device vs the Reolink NRV?

[@Dan-oo9jx]

Do you think the other version with 16 cameras supports more than 1tb storage?

[@LifeHackster]

I'm not sure.

[@AquariumThoughts]

The Pro is supposed to come with a hard drive slot for upto 16tb if I'm not mistaken. Also a HDMI port.

[@admiral779]

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.

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@Rockaland2]

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?

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for watching!

[@jp007uk]

Do rich notifications work with this hub, if you don't have cloud storage?

[@LifeHackster]

No. Rich notifications are only available when using cloud servers.

[@dontump2286]

Is the home hub also battery powered or does it always have to be plugged into power outlet.

[@dontump2286]

Someone needs to make a homehub with rechargeable backup battery so it continues to record during power outage.

[@LifeHackster]

No battery backup. It needs to be plugged in.

[@69Dartman]

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.

[@dontump2286]

@@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.

[@jscsltd]

Does anyone know if you can disable the WiFi, as my cameras are all POE and I don't want any more WiFi hotspots competing with my existing ones?

[@bevharris5000]

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?

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@bevharris5000]

@@LifeHackster Thank you. I already got a splitter using a link from your other video. Will the cable at these stores already have ends on them?

[@LifeHackster]

@@bevharris5000 Yes. They sell them 100; 150 and even 200 foot runs with connectors already installed.

[@bevharris5000]

@@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

[@gael0806]

What is the difference with NVRs ?

[@lidoboi07]

what if the wifi range is to short. can I use my mesh network with it?

[@tjmonks]

That's what I want to know, I need to install an eero for the back part of my house.

[@sberga5058]

Reolink or Eufy?

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

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.

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

@@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!

[@jfbaro2]

Does it have FACE and PLATE detection?

[@sendo427]

No I don't think so. I know reolink cameras have human and animal and vehicle detection by default without the hub.

[@frnks3020]

Not related to this video but does anyone know if reolink nvr can work with a touch screen monitor with just hdmi connection?

[@MySledgeHammer]

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

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@MySledgeHammer]

@@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

[@terrance9043]

If you already have a SD card in your cameras do you have to remove them in order to make it record to the hub?

[@LifeHackster]

You don't have to remove them but the camera will not record to it and will only record to the hub...so it is better to take them off.

[@LifeHackster]

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.

[@terrance9043]

@@LifeHackster Ok thanks for the update. So if you keep the card in there you will essentially be recording the same thing twice ?

[@frankm2385]

This Achilles heal is why I'll never buy one.

[@zuhairhlayel]

🌹👍👏🌹

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for watching!

[@mrt5393]

Supporting just 8 cams is pretty poor😢

[@SmartHomeHASHTAGS]

You'll have to wait for the 'Pro' version that Lifehakster mentioned.

[@ericorange2654]

how is this hub different than a NVR they already sell ?