REOLINK 16CH 5MP Home Security Camera System

Curated from 137 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 8, 2025

REOLINK 16CH 5MP Home Security Camera System

Brand: REOLINK
Price: $699
Snoop Score:
7.7
Sentiment
5.6
Popularity
7.5
Technical
8.2

Snoop's Take

The REOLINK 16CH 5MP Home Security Camera System is a wired surveillance solution featuring eight PoE outdoor cameras and an NVR with pre-installed storage, all designed for round‐the‐clock monitoring. It delivers crystal clear 5MP visuals, robust night vision up to 100ft, and customizable smart detection that keeps a keen eye on your property. Community sentiment is a mixed bag: many users applaud the system’s solid video resolution and ease-of-use, with one remarking, "It just works and the apps are amazing," while others grumble about fiddly wiring and UPnP security concerns. Comments about reliable performance and excellent customer support are abundant even as criticisms about lagging clients and limited NVR flexibility surface. Overall, the chatter tilts positive with genuine enthusiasm over the product’s value and set‐and‐forget simplicity. In sum, despite a few operational quirks that some enthusiasts bemoan, this REOLINK system stands out as a strong choice in its category for users seeking dependable, high-quality surveillance.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Surveillance Systems

I have 3 cameras and a solar panel from reolink that was the same cost as a single camera from Nest and every single camera is better quality and resolution.

Positive Feedback

Dicking around in the attic to run wires is a bigger deal to me than spending a few hundred bucks more.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.7
REOLINK 16CH 5MP Home Security Camera System
Home Security
9 / 10
Business Monitoring
9 / 10
Outdoor Surveillance
9 / 10
Remote Access & Alerts
10 / 10
See how this compares to all Surveillance Systems

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
High quality video resolution
I have 3 cameras and a solar panel from reolink that was the same cost as a single camera from Nest and every single camera is better quality and resolution.
Good value for price
Good value cameras for the money.
Beginner-friendly with easy NVR kit setup
I've found that the Reolink NVR and POE cameras are really as stable as I had hoped and a breath of fresh air compared to my last system (Lorex). Never once had any issues.
If it's set it and forget it, get a kit with an NVR. It's the easiest path, and you'll remain in the reolink ecosystem with no need for integrating other technologies.
Multi-platform client app support
Yes they have a client you can install on Mac/Windows and an app for iOS/Android.
Mobile app and client support
It just works and the clients actually use it. The apps are amazing.
Excellent customer support
Reolink are fantastic. Their support is top notch too.
My experience with Reolink support was good.
No subscription fees
+1 reolink. No subscription.
Good image quality
Not expensive and good image quality.
Great value for price
the quality of the products for the price point is hard to believe.
the quality of Reolink is on par.
Reliable long‐term performance
Couldn’t be happier.
Home Automation integration
I can request any camera to be displayed in any room with a voice command.
Strong security features and ease of lockdown
Best features and easy to lockdown.
Effective doorbell integration
they work excellent.
Integrated Reolink app for mixed camera setups
The Reolink app is the more integrated one, if you have a mix of cameras connected to the nvr and standalone then one app sees them all.
Not a single camera or recording glitch. I only wish I had of thought of it earlier.
I use to have synology too but stopped using it now.
Reliable long‑term performance
I love my Reolink NVR setup currently and can truly set it and forget it.
Been running 24/7 with 7 channels for almost 4 years now. Not one issue.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Challenging wiring installation for POE cameras
Dicking around in the attic to run wires is a bigger deal to me than spending a few hundred bucks more.
Security vulnerabilities from UPnP/UID settings
I would like to have an explanation about the UPnP.
I was genuinely surprised at the random request from all of the IPs.
However, that seems to break the mobile app in that case, which is using this hole punching technique.
UPnP should not be used from a networking standpoint.
Limited NVR features and channel capacity
I prefer my Synology NAS Surveillance Station over my parents Reolink NVR.
Unreliable remote viewing connection
if you want to try to use cameras from another manufacturer, you're gonna have a bad time.
Limited NVR flexibility and performance issues
the client might start lagging after couple of hours and would need to restart.
Budget build quality and app reliability concerns
Yes, there are always imperfections and things you wish for but in the real world, you won't find better.
Condensation issues on lenses during initial install
I wouldn't have 20+ cameras if they weren't good quality.
Difficult deployment and initial login procedures
I wish their deployment was a little easier.
Outdated and insecure software with poor video history review
I cannot tell you more much I dread it every time I have to go look through the history to find something. It's the worst.
the software is just for the birds. It’s so dated and has security holes.
Potential frame rate limitation
Looks good but are they still going to be limited to 20fps?
Privacy concerns due to chatty cameras
Reolink cams are known to be chatty with homebase somewhere in CCP.
Lack of a temporary disable option for privacy
I'm wanting to load up my car with bare belongings and the children without him being notified.
Unnecessary optical zoom feature increases price
I feel the same, i don't really need a zoom function. It is just a price increase imo.
Bundled system not recommended
I will suggest you to buy nvr separately with cameras. Don’t buy a bundle.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Advocating wired systems for better security and reliability
That's why I am not using wireless devices as part of the home infrastructure without a wired device as spare.
That’s actually pretty smart. Time to hardwire the cameras I guess.
Don’t they know jammers are illegal?!?!
In mechanical terms at least, a spare can either be hot or cold. A hot spare is plugged in and hooke
Home security legal news
Home security system installer who installed cameras into a "staggering" number of childrens' bedrooms sentenced to life in prison.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Alternative surveillance setups and integration
Oh goodness, thank you for this post.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Secure remote access via VPN configuration advice
I want locally stored (SD card or NVR) but accessible remotely without any cloud or the company I use having access to the video either.
The VPN safely separates the NVR from the internet.
Alternative home security system recommendations
I have had them for awhile now and love them.
I have seen many people complaining about the life expectancy on their cameras.
Choose carefully.
BlueIris PC with a POE switch.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Complex third‐party integration challenges (e.g., Synology, multi‐property setups)
What solution would be best for a property with 3 separate apartment complexes under 1 owners name?
I'm a bit annoyed I have so much invested and I've lost functionality.
Mixed reviews on ONVIF integration with Synology
Some users claim that provides more features and better compatibility.
Surveillance station isn't great compared to these.
I didn‘t have to change a thing.
Home security scam call tactics
The instant the word "yes" left me my mouth, the call was automatically ended.
It's a silent alarm that alerts me via text with live feed from a hidden camera.
Get a siren for it.
I think a better idea would be to have highly visible cameras and loud noises when broken into.

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