Abode vs Reolink Cameras

Home security systems are quickly becoming essential, and security cameras are integral to that. Security cameras can be the eyes and ears of your system. Once you've decided to upgrade your home security, you'll have an array of providers to choose from. Abode and Reolink are two great providers.

Abode was started recently by an ex-ADT representative, aiming to bring affordable and reliable security equipment to the market. Reolink launched in 2009 to provide high-quality cameras and offer environmentally-friendly products, including solar charging equipment.

Abode vs Reolink: What do they have in common?

• Outdoor security cameras: Each provider offers a selection of weatherproof outdoor cameras.
• Video quality: You'll be able to purchase 1080p HD resolution from each provider.
• Mobile app: Reolink and Abode offer similar mobile apps; you can remotely arm/disarm your system and receive motion-activated notifications. The apps are available on iPhone and Android.
• Motion detection: Motion sensors are used to detect any potential security breaches.
• Video storage options: You can choose between cloud storage and local storage (MicroSD card) options.
• Pricing: Each provider has affordable options.
• Night vision: Reolink and Abode offer color night vision.
• Hardware quality: You can be assured that your equipment is high-quality; customers praise the sturdiness and sleek feel of both.
• Video doorbells: They each offer video doorbells with similar functionalities, such as two-way audio.

Abode vs Reolink: What are the differences?

• Long-range cameras: Reolink cameras can see clearly up to around 200ft.
• Optical zoom: Reolink has a 5x optical zoom option with some cameras, such as the PoE camera.
• Professional monitoring: Abode offers professional monitoring, but Reolink doesn't.
• Field of view: Many Reolink cameras have a wider field of view than Abode's.
• Cellular backup: Abode offers cellular backup.
• Warranty: While both providers offer a warranty, Abode only offers a 12-month warranty. Reolink provides a 24-month warranty on all security equipment.
• Battery-powered cameras: Many of Reolink's cameras are battery-powered, including solar batteries.
• Smart home integrations: There is considerable overlap in this area, but Reolink doesn't offer complete compatibility with If This Then That (IFTTT) equipment.

Reolink - What you need to know

Reolink is a Chinese company that launched in 2009 offering smart security cameras, and they focus mainly on Power Over Ethernet (POE), IP (internet protocol), NVR (Network Video Recorder), and Wi-Fi security camera systems. They launched the first 100% battery-powered IP camera.

Installation

The installation will vary; it can be as simple as scanning a QR code, but some cameras will require additional mounting. Since the battery-powered cameras are wire-free, you won't have to worry about hardwiring or drilling, but NVR systems can be challenging to install; you should bear in mind that Reolink is DIY only.

Equipment

Reolink mainly focuses on cameras. There is an extensive array, including floodlight cams, POE cameras, and complete NVR systems. Popular cameras include:

• Reolink Argus 2
• Reolink Argus PT
• Reolink E1

Home automation

Reolink isn't the best smart home provider, and there are only limited third-party integrations; some cameras have basic compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Nest.

Costs 

Reolink's costs vary, beginning at $70 for one camera, and there aren't many bundles offered. There are various subscription services if you're looking for a premium subscription; they are as follows:

• Basic plan: $0 monthly, including seven days of video and 1GB of storage for one camera
• Standard plan: $3.49 monthly, 30-day cloud storage, five cameras, 10 GB cloud storage
• Premier plan: $6.99 monthly, 30-day cloud video history, ten cameras, 40 GB cloud storage
• Business plan: $10.49 monthly, 60-day cloud video history, 30 cameras, 100 GB cloud storage

Nerd pros

• Pricing: Reolink has low pricing; you'll typically pay less than $100 per camera.
• Warranty: Reolink has a two-year warranty.
• Simple installation: Many installations include only one step, but even the slightly more complex variations require only a simple mount.
• Power options: Multiple power options are offered, including solar panel batteries.

Nerd cons

• Lack of smart home options: Reolink doesn't offer much for those who want a smart home ecosystem.
• No professional monitoring: Reolink doesn't offer any professional monitoring; there are only motion-activated alerts. You'll need to be able to monitor your security system.
• Limited general capabilities: Our SecurityNerd was disappointed with the lack of standard features, including person detection, Geofencing, etc. Other cameras offer more features.

Abode: What you need to know

Abode was launched in 2014 by an ex-ADT representative, and they're a popular, affordable home security provider. Abode equipment offers compatibility with Z-wave equipment, including Google Assistant, Amazon's Alexa, and more. Abode also offers professional installation (location dependant) and professional monitoring. You can also buy advanced sensors and other extras from Abode.

Installation

You may be able to purchase professional installation depending on where you are, but Abode security systems are easy to install. If you're looking for a more extensive system, then the professional installation is a great extra.

If you do it yourself, the setup is still manageable, and customer services are responsive.

Equipment

Abode offers various equipment, and several core packages and extras are available on an a la carte basis. Equipment available includes:

• Gateway control panel (or Iota control panel for an extra $30)
• Contact sensors, including door and window sensors
• Power switch
• Motion detectors
• Keypad
• Glassbreak sensors
• Carbon monoxide sensors
• Temperature/light sensor
• Smoke alarm
• Wide-angle motion camera
• Occupancy sensor
• Indoor and outdoor sirens
• Water leak detectors

Home automation

Abode offers a wide variety of products, including safety equipment. All-in-one environment sensors and smoke detectors can keep your home safe, and for your convenience, you can also purchase a smart thermostat. Abode additionally offers compatibility with Apple Homekit, Alexa, Google Nest, and other equipment.

Costs

• Equipment cost: You'll need to buy a basic security kit; the Abode Iota is the most popular and costs just $229. You won't spend over $250 on your starter kit.
• Monthly costs: You won't need to pay monthly fees unless you want extras. Professional monitoring costs $20 a month, and cellular backup costs $8.

Nerd pros

• Flexibility: You'll maintain total flexibility; you can choose whether to have professional installation, monitoring, etc. There are no long-term contracts.
• Warranty: All equipment comes with a 12-month warranty.
• Price: This is an ideal option for those wanting an entire smart home security system without spending a fortune, and you won't be forced into expensive long-term contracts.
• Person detection: Your chance of false alarms is reduced because of Abode's advanced person detection.
• Cellular backup: Your system remains secure in an outage thanks to brilliant cellular backup.
• Camera quality: 1080p HD quality is excellent, especially at a low price.

Nerd cons

• Online reviews: Some of the online reviews for the Abode app and system are less than perfect.
• Variety: Abode doesn't offer much variety, with only a few home security cameras.

Abode or Reolink?

If you're looking for a comprehensive alarm system, Abode offers one of the best home security systems, thanks to professional monitoring, cellular backup, camera quality, and advanced equipment.

Reolink is a great security camera provider but doesn't offer much if you seek a full system or smart home ecosystem. Still, some of their cameras are more advanced, and you may want to choose Reolink if you're seeking a larger NVR camera system. Whichever you choose, you're sure to have a reliable security system.