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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 2 is an impressive new wireless security camera that can even be powered indefinitely with the solar panel add-on.
The Reolink Argus 2 offers most of the features you’d expect in a wireless security camera. It’ll stream great quality 1080p Full HD, but it’s limited to a mobile app and can’t be integrated with other smart home systems.
When you buy the Argus 2, the solar panel isn’t included. The camera will run fine without the solar panel, but you’ll need to detach and recharge the battery every so often.
In addition to 1080p full HD video, additional features of the Argus 2 include:
Setup really is about as simple and fast as you could imagine. By the time you receive the Argus 2, you can have it set up and live in under 20 minutes.
Out the box, the Argus 2 comes with everything you need for just about any configuration or location you can imagine.
In addition to the camera, you’ll receive :
If you plan to mount the camera on the side of a building, post, or tree, your best bet is to use the security mount since it screws securely into the bottom of the camera. If you’re looking at putting it on surface like a deck or a slanted roof, then the strong magnetic base would be a good option.
You’ll want to sync up your Reolink mobile app with your camera before you mount the camera. This way you won’t have to unmount it just the scan the QR code on the camera body.
Scroll down to that section now, set up the app and scan the code. Then you’re ready to install the camera and solar panel.
If you don’t want to worry about constantly recharging the camera battery, then the Reolink solar panel is a smart add-on purchase. In the package, you’ll get everything you need to easily mount the panel near your camera.
When planning your installation location, you’ll have plenty of cable (about 10 feet) to place the solar panel wherever there’s maximum light. It doesn’t have to be installed right next to the camera itself.
There are a few things to consider when you’re looking at different locations for your Reolink camera. Before you start setting yours up, make sure to review our list of recommendationsHow to Set Up Security Cameras and Avoid Common MistakesHow to Set Up Security Cameras and Avoid Common MistakesIn this article, I'm going to explain five of the most common mistakes people make when setting up their security cameras. Hopefully, it will help you avoid making the same errors.Read More so you can avoid common mistakes.
In my scenario, the setup location is a front entryway facing the driveway. It’s mostly under cover, so the solar panel installation needs to be on the opposite side of the same post.
Step 1: Attach the mounting plate securely to whatever surface you’re installing onto, using the three included screws.
There’s no drilling required. The screws will sink into any kind of wood. If your’e attaching to drywall or some other service where there’s no backing material, then you’ll want to use the drywall anchors (also included).
Step 2: Attach the security mount by placing the bottom edge on the mounting bracket first. Then, press the small button at the top of the base while you press the top edge firmly against the bracket. You’ll hear it snap into place.
Step 3: Screw the camera onto the end of the security mount in a clockwise turn. You may need to hold the locking ring at the base of the screw post in place while you’re turning the camera.
Now that your camera is securely mounted, you’re ready to move on to the next stage of your installation — the solar panel.
We’ve written about how solar panels now power a lot of electronic camping equipmentThe Best Solar Tech for Camping This SummerThe Best Solar Tech for Camping This SummerSolar gadgets can make your time in the woods more convenient and more satisfying. What benefits do they offer?Read More, so it makes sense that solar panels would be used to power outdoor smart home electronics as well.
For this installation, the entire security mount is in one piece, so that’s the first thing you need to get affixed to your mounting surface.
Step 1: Attach the security mount that came with the solar panel using the included screws. Just like with the Argus 2 mounting screws, these will self-tap and sink into the wood. However drywall anchors are included if you need them.
Step 2: Screw on the solar panel in a clockwise motion, and then position it so that it’s angled upwards toward the sky in a 40-50 degree angle.
That’s all there is to it. You can see now why installation takes less than 20 minutes, with the camera installation done in three steps and the solar panel in two. And since the camera comes with a fully charged battery, you’re nearly ready to roll at this point.
As you can see, there’s plenty of cable for any layout you like. In this case I was able to mount my solar panel not only on the opposite side of the porch post, but also up closer to the roof. The more exposure to the sky you give the solar panel, the better.
Now that the installation is done, all you have left to do is use the Reolink app to set up your new security camera.
You can download the Reolink app from either Google Play or iTunes.
The very first thing you’ll see when you open the app is a camera display with a small target square. You’ll need to locate the 3D barcode on the camera body. Once you scan, the camera is synced with your phone and the app will open to the settings menu.
Your first step should be to Connect to Wi-Fi, where you’ll need to provide your wireless network password so the camera can connect. Also, don’t forget to create a password for your camera so no one can snoop on the video stream.
There area lot of settings — many of which you don’t need to worry about right away. However, when you first connect to the camera with the app, you’ll see the live view says the camera isn’t synced yet. Tap on that status and synchronize the camera with your phone’s time.
You can also set up your preferred date and time formats.
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On the Display screen, you can customize the camera’s display, including the picture orientation (portrait or landscape), and adjust the refresh frequency to reduce any flickering effects.
Now that you’re finished setting up your new wireless security camera, it’s time for the fun part. Setting up automatic alerts.
Under the Alarm section, you can configure how sensitive you’d like the camera’s motion detection sensors to be when they trigger alerts.
You’ll also define what you want the camera to do when it senses motion. The options are:
Download microsoft remote desktop client for mac. Keep in mind that if you take a manual recording with your phone, it stores the video (or picture) directly on your phone, not on the SD card. The SD card is reserved for motion activated recordings.
By default, the camera is set up to send an email and record video, but if you do want to scare anyone away — feel free to enable the siren.
The Argus 2 comes with the capability to send email to any email service you use that allows sending via SMTP. If you have a Gmail account, then you’re all set. If you don’t know where to find these settings, you can learn how in our extensive Gmail guideThe Beginner's Guide to GmailThe Beginner's Guide to GmailYou may already have a Gmail account. Or, you're thinking about signing up for one. This guide has everything you need to make the most of that shiny new Gmail account.Read More.
One of the advantages of installing any new smart home device should be how well they integrate with the rest of your smart home ecosystem. Unfortunately, the Reolink Argus 2 doesn’t perform great here, right out of the box.
Several people in your household can access the camera to view the live feed and recordings. But if you’re hoping to do things like trigger your entryway lights based on motion from the Argus 2, it’s possible — but not simple.
The Reolink Argus 2 is also not compatible with the Reolink Network Video Recorder (NVR), so if your plans are to expand to a full-time recording system, this isn’t the right option. It also isn’t compatible with the Reolink desktop client (though an update is promised soon), so if you’re hoping to monitor the camera from your desktop you’re out of luck here too. It’s primarily for monitoring via mobile, and receiving email or app alerts the same way.
Reolink is not a supported platform on either IFTTT or Zapier. So, the only way to trigger anything is by taking advantage of the email alert that the Argus 2 will send you and using that to trigger an action in IFTTT or Zapier.
If you just want one or two cameras that you can connect with via a mobile app, and don’t need a very extensive system in the future, there are plenty of other less expensive cameras out thereThe 5 Best Wireless Security Cameras for Your HomeThe 5 Best Wireless Security Cameras for Your HomeFrustrated by wired home security systems? These completely wireless security cameras are just what you need to cut the cord.Read More that would do the trick.
However, the limitations described above are manageable for you, and you’re interested in a high-quality security camera with high-end features like advanced color night vision, high quality video, worry-free solar charging, then we can recommend the Argus 2 camera.
The Argus 2 is well-made and easy to set up, but most importantly it gives you the flexibility of moving your cameras around whenever you like — without the worry of wiring up power each time.
The 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.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
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.
Reolink Argus ProReolink Argus Pro Buy Now On Amazon $24.99
If you purchased the optional solar kit too, you’ll find:
Reolink Argus ProReolink Argus Pro Buy Now On Amazon $74.99
If this sounds somewhat familiar, it is. The Argus Pro varies only a little with the Argus 2 that we reviewed beforeSimple Wireless Security Cam: Reolink Argus 2 ReviewSimple Wireless Security Cam: Reolink Argus 2 ReviewIf 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 2 is an impressive new wireless..Read More. The differences?
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 of being very exposed to miserable English weather, the camera hasn’t suffered any damage.
Setup is fantastically simple, it uses the same clever method as other Reolink devices whereby you open the app, scan the QR code on the device, add your Wi-Fi details. Then the app displays a QR code of its own on the screen which you put in front of the Argus Pro, and it reads the connection details from that, and sets itself up. Really easy, I had no issues it all worked first time which is great.
That said, it was awfully picky when it came to microSD cards. I tried a few small 2GB ones, and after formatting them through the app, it refused to recognize them. It worked fine with a 64GB card. In fairness, it recommends cards 4GB or more, but it seems that’s more of a requirement than a recommendation.
Reolink claim 180 days of standby and or 960 minutes of live viewing, and it’s important to point out that this means you can’t leave it on 24 hours a day streaming to your Synology Surveillance Station running on your Network Attached Storage or other software or NVR device. As such, it doesn’t offer third party app integration: there is no ONVIF support.
Unlike the previous completely wireless Reolink KeenReolink Keen: 100% Wireless Security Cam ReviewReolink Keen: 100% Wireless Security Cam ReviewThe Reolink Keen is a $130 battery-powered wireless security camera with two-way audio and night vision. It comes with a motion sensor and alarm – making it an all-in-one mini security kit.Read More that I looked at, this has a removable lithium ion battery with standard microUSB charging port. However, I would encourage you to get the solar kit as well. Even with a modest amount of British sunshine, it managed to trickle charge the camera enough to keep it fully topped up. That was with fairly frequent motion alert, and the occasional drop-in to the live stream.
Adding the solar kit means that you’ll probably never need to charge the device under normal use. However, it still won’t be able to record or stream 24/7. So while the solar kit is a fantastic addition, it doesn’t change the fundamental functionality of the device in that it’s for occasionally checking in on the live stream or low volume motion triggers. If you find that it’s still running out of power, you’ll need to tweak the sensitivity, detection distance, or adjust the angles to restrict the field of view.
You should see a small red LED illuminate when the solar panel is successfully connected, as well as an icon in the camera settings screen of the app. There’s no other feedback to show how much power is being supplied by the solar panel though, so micro-optimisation of the angle or position isn’t really possible. Still, even on a typically overcast British day, it was able to trickle charge the battery.
It’s a shame that the home security industry has got to the point where offering free unlimited recording locally is a “feature”, but there we go. Just pop in a microSD card (not included), and enable the option in the PIR settings. As long as the PIR remains active (and for a configurable 8-30 seconds time period afterwards), motion events will be recorded.
You can also enable a push notification to the mobile app, as well as an email. Emails can include a picture of the event, but configuring the email service is a little more complicated. You’ll need to add login details to your own email server. While it can work with Gmail, you’ll have to enable “less secure app access” in your Gmail settings.
If you do want cloud recording, Reolink is currently trailing (US-only) a cloud service plan, which is free while it’s still being tested.
To really test the ruggedness of the package and reliability of the Wi-Fi, I installed the Argus Pro about 50 meters away from the house. I have an Ubiquity UniFi Outdoor+ access point to provide Wi-Fi to most of the garden (What is Ubiquity UniFi and how can it solve your Wi-Fi woes?What is Ubiquiti UniFi, and How Can It Fix Your Wi-Fi Woes?What is Ubiquiti UniFi, and How Can It Fix Your Wi-Fi Woes?Nearly everyone has experienced limited Wi-Fi functionality and poor coverage, especially in crowded areas. An Ubiquiti UniFi network could be the solution. Here's what you need to know.Read More), but it generally the signal cuts out around this location for mobile devices, due to various trees and the descending hill side. I was surprised to find the Reolink Argus Pro maintained a solid connection, much more reliably than our mobile devices ever have. Although clear view required a little buffering, fluent mode worked great, with full audio stream. More importantly: the motion alerts were very reliable.
Unfortunately, the entire line of completely wireless Reolink cameras, including the Reolink Argus Pro, still doesn’t support streaming to a third party app, such as Synology Surveillance Station. Nor is there is an Alexa skill to drop in on the feed from an Echo Show or Echo Spot. There’s not even IFTTT support, though you could probably hack one together using the email alert system.
If you already have an extensive Reolink security system like the ADK8-20B4 system we reviewedReolink DIY Security and CCTV System ADK8-20B4 ReviewReolink DIY Security and CCTV System ADK8-20B4 ReviewReolink offer a range of professional-grade DIY CCTV security systems, and its newest product – the ADK8-20B4 – offers incredibly good value for money.Read More, you’re probably using the desktop app. Thankfully, you can now view the Reolink wireless cameras in the desktop app too, so you can keep an eye on everything at once. You’ll still need to wake them when needed, so you can’t leave them live streaming forever, but this takes a second or so to wake up as needed. It’s certainly better than not being able to view them in the desktop app at all.
As long as you’re not looking for a 24/7 recording option, and don’t feel the need to integrate every part of your home life with a voice assistant, the Reolink Argus Pro is a solid wireless security camera. It’s affordable, there’s no monthly fees, and you can record as many motion events as you need to local storage. Wireless performance is good, and the motion alerts are reliably delivered to either email or app notifications. Image quality is as good as you’d expect from a 1080p security cam, and night vision is sharp. Check out the full range of battery-powered Reolink cameras.