When talking about smart security cameras, Reolinkn is one of the best. It offers adequate tech for indoor and outdoor security measures. Also, night vision and integration to other smart home devices. Reolink Argus 2 was released in 2021, yet it is still very effective. Depending on the features and cost, let’s have a look at some of the two choices of Reolink Argus 2 and 3 pro. Let’s have a look at the comparison.
Reolink Argus 2 Specifications
| Features | Details |
| Model | Argus |
| Type | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Size & Weight | 3.8 x 2.3 x 2.3 in, 8.1 oz (Battery) |
| Video Quality | 1080p HD, 130° field of view |
| Night Vision | Yes, up to 33′ range |
| Power | USB (rechargeable) or Solar Panel |
| Storage | SD card up to 64GB, 7 days free cloud |
| Audio & Siren | Two-Way Audio, 75 decibels |
| Operating Temp | 14° to 131° F |
| Price | $50 – $60 |
| Wireless Security & WiFi Standard | WEP(ASCII)/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
Related: The Best Smart Home Tech at CES 2024
Reolink Argus 2 Features
Even though it was released years ago, the Reolink Argus 2 still fits most security features in 2024. Design, vision, and camera quality of the Rego argus 2 and other features include:
Design
The Argus 2 features a sleek, pill-shaped appearance. It is not your usual bullet or dome camera, giving it a modern appearance. It has several mounting choices, including a magnetic wall mount, an outdoor security mount, and even a tree mount. Also, the IP65 designation indicates that it is dust-tight and resistant to low-pressure water jets, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Video Quality
The Argus 2 has superb 1080p HD quality and a 130-degree field of vision. This wide-angle lens allows you to capture more of the surroundings. The digital zoom feature allows you to zoom in six times using the Reolink app, albeit the image becomes distorted at higher zoom levels.
Night vision
Night vision is required for exterior security cameras. The Argus 2’s six infrared LEDs illuminate up to 33 feet. Remember to keep the camera away from reflective surfaces to prevent glare from infrared light.
Audio Quality
The Argus 2’s main feature is its two-way audio. The built-in speaker enables you to communicate with anyone near the camera. You can also create voice alerts for a variety of situations, such as giving couriers delivery instructions. The microphone guarantees that you hear responses.
AI Smart Integration
The Argus 2’s PIR motion sensors distinguish between people and other moving objects such as pets or leaves. This decreases the number of needless notifications. To avoid disturbances, you can modify the sensors’ sensitivity and schedule motion alerts.
Storage
The Argus 2 supports both local and cloud storage. For local storage, use a microSD card (up to 64GB). For cloud storage, the free plan includes seven days of video history. Paid options are offered for longer video histories and increased storage capacity.
Security Capabilities
The Argus 2 contains various security measures, including a 75-decibel siren to dissuade attackers. The “privacy mask” feature allows you to block out specified regions from being recorded, ensuring that you only record what you need while respecting your neighbors’ privacy.
Related: Smart Home Frequent Issues and How to Fix Them Fast
Pros and Cons of the Reolink Argus 2
Pros
- Outstanding quality for the video: Clear, detailed video is produced thanks to the infrared night vision and 1080p HD resolution.
- Wireless setup: Installation is simple and environmentally sustainable thanks to the optional solar panel and rechargeable battery.
- Robust design: Its IP65 certification guarantees that it is resistant to a range of weather conditions.
- Two-way audio: Use the webcam to communicate directly with guests or trespassers.
- Versatile storage options: Select between cloud storage plans or local storage using a micro-SD card.
Cons
- Limited functionality in cold weather: The Argus 2 is not recommended for use in icy areas because it performs poorly below 14° F.
- The absence of optical zoom results in lesser quality when zooming in, even with digital zoom enabled.
- Downloading clips: It can be annoying because you can only download clips in 30-second bursts.
Does the Reolink Argus 2 Still Worth it in 2024?
The Reolink Argus 2 is still a good choice in 2024, especially for people who want a cheap security camera with lots of features. It’s a great choice because it’s built to last, has great video quality, and is easy to use. But if you live somewhere very cold, you might want to look at other choices. Another problem could be that there is no optical zoom, which is needed for better zooming.
The Argus 2 is a great choice for people who live in milder areas and want a reliable, easy-to-install security camera with good video quality and a variety of storage options. Its smart features, like AI person recognition and two-way audio, make it very useful.
See Also: How to secure your home with smart home security devices in 2024
Reolink Argus 3 Pro Specifications
Here’s a quick overview of the key specifications for the Reolink Argus 3 Pro:
| Feature | Specification |
| Brand | Reolink |
| Resolution | Up to 2560 x 1440 (4MP) @ 15fps |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n 2.4GHz/5GHz |
| App Compatibility | Android, iOS |
| Night Vision | Yes, up to 10 meters (33 feet) with color |
| Internal or External | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Axis Control | No |
| Operating Limits | -10°C to 55°C (14°F to 131°F) |
| Measurements | 121 x 90 x 56 mm (4.76 x 3.54 x 2.2 in), 330g (11.6 oz) |
| Integrations | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Hub Required | No |
| Field of View | 122-degrees diagonal |
| Power | 6000mAh Battery, Solar panel (or any micro USB power) |
| Colors | White, Black |
| Spotlight | Yes |
| Audio | 2-Way talk |
| Storage | microSD slot (up to 128GB) |
| Price | $80 – $130 |
| Weather Resistance | IP65 |
Argus 3 Pro Features
Design, vision, AI integration, security features camera quality of the Rego argus 2, and other features include:
Design
The Reolink Argus 3 Pro has an elegant, contemporary look. Its extended body and full-coverage faceplate give it a unique appearance reminiscent of science fiction. The camera, PIR motion sensor, spotlight LEDs, IR LEDs, microphone, and other sensors and lights are all on the front. On the back, there is also adjacent to the screw mount, are the speaker and charging port. Using the 2-foot nylon strap for poles and trees or the accompanying wall bracket, the camera may be easily mounted thanks to its small size and useful design.
Video Quality
Crisp and clear footage can be seen with the Argus 3 Pro thanks to its resolution of up to 2K (2560×1440). A large area is captured in the 122° diagonal field of vision, despite significant distortion near the borders. It works well for the majority of home surveillance applications since the image quality is crisp even at close and intermediate distances. Excellent visibility is achieved throughout the day, however uneven lighting conditions can cause the camera to struggle and produce little flares or blown-out highlights.
Night Vision
The Argus 3 Pro has good night vision capabilities. It makes use of spotlight LEDs or infrared (IR) technology to give vision as far as 10 meters (33 ft). The spotlight mode can brighten the area to ward off intruders, while the infrared option provides passable visibility in total darkness. Beyond ten yards, however, expect a reduction in visibility and quality due to the fairly limited range.
Audio Quality
With the Reolink app, you may communicate through the camera thanks to its two-way audio capability. Clear sound is produced by the integrated speaker and microphone, which is useful for distant communication or deterring any intruders. This feature offers an additional degree of ease and security.
AI Smart Integration
Basic AI object recognition is included in the Argus 3 Pro, which can differentiate between items, vehicles, and humans. Although it works effectively most of the time, there are times when it misclassifies distant items or overlooks smaller objects, such as pets. You can’t tailor notifications to particular people because face recognition isn’t supported.
Storage
The Argus 3 Pro has local and online storage choices. Up to 128GB cards can be inserted into the microSD slot, enabling continuous recording even in the absence of an internet connection. Although Reolink’s cloud service comes in both free and paid tiers, it has significant limits despite offering various storage options.
The free tier requires a monthly manual renewal and stores clips for seven days and up to 1GB. It does not auto-renew. Longer storage times and greater camera compatibility are available with paid memberships, although clip length restrictions apply.
Security Capabilities
Voice control and smart home integration are made possible via the Reolink Argus 3 Pro’s connectivity with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Because of its IP65 rating, which guarantees its resistance to different types of weather, the camera is a dependable option for outdoor use. Its adaptability is increased by its wireless design and compatibility with solar panels, which allows placing practically anywhere.
See also: How to secure smart home devices in 2024: Step-by-Step Guide
Pros and Cons of the Argus 3 Pro
Pros
- Flexible Mounting Options: The Argus 3 Pro includes a variety of mounting accessories, including a wall bracket and a nylon strap for poles or trees.
- High-Quality Video: The 2K resolution and 122° field of vision ensure clear and wide coverage.
- Night Vision: The camera has both infrared and spotlight night vision, which ensures visibility in low light.
- Two-Way Audio: It also uses the camera’s built-in microphone and speaker to easily communicate.
- Local and Cloud Storage: The camera accepts microSD cards and provides economical cloud storage choices.
- Weather Resistant: With an IP65 rating, the Argus 3 Pro is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Smart Home Integration: Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for easy voice control.
Cons
- Limited Cloud Storage: The cloud service has limited clip durations and pauses between recordings, which can be inconvenient.
- No Local Network Storage: The camera does not support local network storage solutions such as NAS.
- Noisy AI Detection: AI detection can be too sensitive, resulting in several notifications.
- Setup Process: The initial setup consists of loud prompts and a time-consuming QR code scanning process.
Reolink Argus 2 and Argus 3 Pro Review: Which is Better?
The Reolink Argus 3 Pro is the better choice due to its improved features and attributes. The Argus 3 Pro offers clearer footage due to its higher video resolution (2K) than the Argus 2. It also boasts an integrated spotlight for better night vision and more versatile power options due to its larger battery and solar panel compatibility. Nonetheless, the Argus 2 remains a formidable rival, especially for those on a low budget who require a gadget with steady performance, good video quality, and flexible storage. Although both cameras have advantages, the Argus 3 Pro outperforms them due to its complex features and higher overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Reolink Argus 2 remains a fantastic value in 2024 for those looking for a low-cost security camera with solid performance, good video quality, and flexible storage options. However, it may not be suitable for extreme cold areas.
The greatest Reolink security camera is the Argus 3 Pro. It has improved video resolution, better night vision with built-in lighting, and more versatile power options, making it superior to the Argus 2.
