Our verdict of the Reolink Argus Pro :
Paired with the solar panel, the Reolink Argus Pro is fantastic budget security option that'll never need recharging. It's not designed for 24/7 recording, but it does offer reliable motion alerts and unlimited local recordings with no monthly fees. On the downside, it only integrates with Reolink apps for desktop or mobile: there's no Alexa/IFTTT or Synology support.
8 10The problem with “truly wireless” security cameras is that their Wi-Fi connection is generally terrible, they eat through those expensive little batteries, and most offer horrendous value for money by needing an expensive cloud subscription. The Reolink Argus Pro is both reliable, offers unlimited local recording, and when paired with their solar kit, never needs recharging.
Join us as we take a closer look at the Reolink Argus Pro with Solar Kit and at the end of this review, we’ve got one to giveaway.
Specifications 1080p Live view and recording, with night vision. 130-degree wide angle field of view. Two-way audio. PIR motion sensor, with app notifications or email alerts. Siren or custom alarm on motion detection. Rechargeable battery. $99 for Reolink Argus Pro , or $130 when purchased with the optional solar kit . Reolink Argus Pro: What’s In The Box?Inside the box, you’ll find:
The camera unit Separate battery pack, to be fixed onto the camera micro-USB charging cable Mounting bracket Optional tree mounting strap Screws and template Silicone cover for outdoor installation
Note that a MicroSD card is not included . To record clips locally on the device when motion is detected, you’ll need to purchase a MicroSD card separately.
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If you purchased the optional solar kit too, you’ll find:
3.5W solar panel with attached 2m microUSB cable. Mounting bracket. Screws and template.REOLINK Argus Pro Rechargeable Battery/Solar-Powered Outdoor Wireless Security Camera 1080p HD Wire-Free 2-Way Audio Night Vision Alarm Alert & PIR Motion Sensor w/Built-in SD Slot REOLINK Argus Pro Rechargeable Battery/Solar-Powered Outdoor Wireless Security Camera 1080p HD Wire-Free 2-Way Audio Night Vision Alarm Alert & PIR Motion Sensor w/Built-in SD Slot Buy Now At Amazon
If this sounds somewhat familiar, it is. The Argus Pro varies only a little with the Argus 2 that we reviewed before Simple Wireless Security Cam: Reolink Argus 2 Review Simple Wireless Security Cam: Reolink Argus 2 Review If you're one of the many people who've avoided installing a security camera because of all the messy wiring issues involved, you no longer have an excuse. The Reolink Argus 2is an impressive new wireless... Read More . The differences?
Argus Pro is more affordable ($99 vs $129). Argus 2 has better quality nighttime recording thanks to the “StarLight” sensor. Argus Pro is just standard black and white IR nightvision. Argus Pro only has a screw mount for the bracket ; the Argus 2 had a magnetic mount option.
Installing the Reolink Argus Pro and Solar Kit
You’ve got a few mounting options for the Reolink Argus Pro camera itself. Firstly, a simple extended mounting bracket is provided, along with screw hole template, suitable for a wall or ceiling. It’s all fully adjustable and of course you can flip the image in the software if it’s upside down. You’re also supplied with a tree mount strap, which threads through the base of this adjustable bracket and allows you to strap it onto a tree or other pole.
In addition, you’re given a silicone cover for outdoor use. Just pull it over the device, and it offers a little shade, as well as waterproofing the unit to a certain degree.
Mounting options for the solar panel are more limited: you can only screw it in. It’s a little incongruous to not also have a tree mounting strap, but you could always find a nearby fence post to screw it into.
The microUSB plug for the solar panel has a rubber hood, ensuring water can’t seep in. In a week o