Reolink Vs. Amcrest Vs. Hikvision | Race for the Best Security Camera

What are the differences between the popular Reolink cameras and the more reasonably priced Amcrest IP cameras? Or perhaps one of the more pricey Hikvision models?

I’ve been considering this question for some time. So, without further ado, let’s discuss what I discovered and the decision I came up with.

Feature/Aspect	Reolink	Amcrest	Hikvision
Sensor Size	1/2.5″ CMOS sensor	1/2.8″ CMOS sensor	1/2″ CMOS sensor (Darkfighter series)
Low Light Performance	Good, but Hikvision has an edge due to the larger sensor.	Comparable to Hikvision in low-light color vision.	Strong, especially with the Darkfighter series.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE)	Supported	Supported	Supported
On-board Storage	Up to 128 GB microSD	Up to 256 GB microSD	Up to 128 GB microSD
Ingress Protection	IP66	IP67	IP67
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes	No
Mobile App	Superior to Hikvision	Superior to Hikvision	IVMS suite
Warranty	2 years	1 year	3 years (from authorized dealers)

Introduction to the Brands

Before I get into the nitty gritty, there’s a few things I need to tell you about the brands.

Reolink

Reolink Innovation Limited (formerly Shenzhen Baichuan Security Technology Co., Ltd.) makes IP cameras under the Reolink brand. Reolink debuted a few years ago, boosting its marketing. This strategy paid well when Reolink upset the inexpensive IP camera industry.

Amcrest

Foscam US became Amcrest Technologies at the beginning of 2016. Foscam US (Foscam Digital Technologies) was a Foscam Shenzhen independent distributor.

Foscam surveillance cameras did not have a good reputation, but Amcrest’s products swiftly outperformed them in quality, dependability, support, and reputation.

Hikvision

You may be familiar with Hikvision if you’ve used DIY security cameras. Professional installers are their main customer base, not the general public. They still made a splash in the DIY camera industry with their inexpensive IP cameras with excellent capabilities.

The US government recently outlawed both the purchase and import of new Hikvision equipment unless certain conditions are met, giving US residents another incentive to avoid Hikvision cameras.

However, BH Photo, their authorized retailer, sells them. You can always buy them from AliExpress too, as most of us have.

Reolink RLC-810A Vs. Amcrest IP8M-T2669EW-AI Vs. Hikvision DS-2CD2085G1-I

I chose attractive choices from each of the companies and compared them. Reolink had no ONVIF-compatible 8MP model until 2021. Most Reolink models now support ONVIF and RTSP.

So let’s choose a bullet camera with a fixed lens from Reolink’s lineup, the most common IP camera kind, specifically the RLC-810A. The model number indicates its 8-megapixel sensor.

I usually compare the DS-2CD2083G0-I, the cheapest Hikvision 8MP bullet. However, consumers will likely choose the more potent Hikvision DS-2CD2085G1-I, which costs somewhat more.

I would be foolish not to choose the DS-2CD2083G0-I when the more competent DS-2CD2085G1-I is almost as cheap.

Hardware Features

Size

When compared to the Amcrest camera’s 1/3.2′′ sensor, the Hikvision’s sensor is significantly larger. However, as we will see in the section following, they are quite comparable in performance.

There is a 1/2.5-inch CMOS sensor in the Reolink. While the Reolink’s RLC-810A also does a respectable job in dim conditions, Hikvision is the superior choice among the three.

Storage

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is available for use with Reolink cameras. In addition to the built-in storage, it supports microSD cards with capacities of up to 256 GB.

For Hikvision, the built-in storage is also 128 GB max. However, Armcrest offers a 256 GB max storage.

Software Features

ONVIF and RTSP Support

When it comes to widespread support for open standards like ONVIF and RTSP among their IP cameras, Hikvision and Amcrest both excel.

This cross-platform compatibility offers a smooth experience when using a variety of third-party hardware and applications, including fan favorites like the VLC player and tinyCAM Monitor Pro.

While Reolink generally supports ONVIF and RTSP, it does not do so for all of its models. This is especially true of its battery-powered and ‘B’ variants.

Motion Detection

Modern security cameras cannot function without motion detection capabilities. Hikvision’s wide variety of functions, from line crossing and intrusion detection to specialized ones like unattended baggage identification, is impressive.

Amcrest follows closely on Hikvision’s heels by offering features like person and vehicle detection on select models, most notably the IP8M-T2669EW-AI, and mirroring those offered by Hikvision itself.

Reolink takes a distinct approach, concentrating on human, automobile, and (in beta version) animal detection. However, there are certain detections that Hikvision and some Amcrest products have that this one does not.

Video Encoding and Quality

Hikvision’s real 120dB Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) puts it ahead of the pack when it comes to video quality and encoding. This enhancement works especially well in situations when there is a wide range of lighting.

Hikvision also leads the pack of encoders because it uses the cutting-edge H.265+ codec.

Though it offers digital WDR, Reolink falls short of Hikvision’s real WDR. In addition, while Reolink has incorporated the H.265 encoding, it is missing H.265+ codec support.

Mobile Apps

I love Reolink’s apps and PC software, in addition to their good build quality, inexpensive price, and offline operation.

Amcrest and Reolink appear to be superior to Hikvision when it comes to smartphone apps. Hikvision’s IVMS suite isn’t as well-liked as competitors’ Amcrest and Reolink mobile apps, for example.

Both of these rivals provide a mobile experience that is easier to use and more intuitive, making them good options for people who place a premium on mobility in the workplace.

Warranty Comparison

Reolink Warranty

Reolink recently increased its warranty coverage, now offering a 2-year warranty on its products.

Amcrest Warranty

Amcrest, on the other hand, has a simpler warranty structure. They provide a 1-year warranty on their products.

Hikvision Warranty

Hikvision offers a limited 3-year warranty on its products, but there’s a caveat. This warranty is applicable only when the purchase is made through authorized dealers, such as B&H Photo.

Ease of Use and Installation

Reolink

Reolink is a happy medium between the more complicated installation for the Hikvision and the DIY installation for the Amcrest.

Their products have straightforward setups and come with intuitive software, but they also provide more sophisticated options for the technically savvy.

Amcrest

Amcrest wants to make the market more user-friendly. Their products are known for their simplicity and ease of use. Amcrest systems are highly favored by do-it-yourselfers due to their user-friendliness and plug-and-play simplicity.

Hikvision

Hikvision products are made with both business owners and regular consumers in mind. There may be more of a learning curve for casual users because these systems are designed with more extensive capabilities for more permanent installations.

While their setup may necessitate technical expertise, once everything is in place, their system runs smoothly.

Price and Value

Reolink

Reolink’s products are priced between those of Hikvision and Amcrest, making them a good compromise. They offer a desirable combination of high-end features and reasonable prices, making them a fantastic option for anyone shopping in that general price range. You can check the updated price below:

Amcrest

Amcrest offers a cheaper selection. Although their products don’t have as many bells and whistles as Hikvision’s, they are a great value for the money, especially for individuals or small enterprises. You can check the updated price below:

Hikvision

Hikvision’s products are known for their high quality and reliability, as well as their more expensive price tag. Hikvision is a fantastic option for people in the market for a high-quality product who are able to spend a little more money. You can check the updated price below:

Verdict: Hikvision vs. Amcrest vs. Reolink

When comparing Reolink, Amcrest, and Hikvision, Amcrest comes out on top due to its superior smart detection features, especially its superior human and vehicle identification.

Hikvision’s already complicated situation is further clouded by the continued government sanctions against the brand. Thus it is not recommended by me despite offering the best video quality between the three.

Meanwhile, Reolink offers improved mobile app functionality, an integrated microphone, and clever motion detection. Reolink’s attractive prices serve as the frosting on the cake. Reolink’s RLC-810A would not be a bad option at all if you pick it.

After weighing the pros and cons of each option, I recommend Amcrest due to its innovative features and lack of any sanctions-related risks. You can get it cheapest from Amazon by clicking on the image below:

Here are some of my other cool security equipment comparisons, which you might want to check out: