CONCLUSION

   Reolink may already count almost 10 years in the market but compared to some of the larger names out there they are still far from popular so when we stumbled onto their security solutions we were as expected somewhat skeptical. Still after spending 14 days testing the Argus 2 1080p Wire-Free Security Camera we think it’s among the fastest and easiest to use models in the market currently. Ontop of that image and audio quality are both extremely good (especially when you take into account the small size and lens of the Argus 2) and although when using the digital zoom feature things are far from ideal the same applies for most similar models (yes including the Canary and others). The solar kit Reolink offers is also extremely useful and combined with the 5200mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack of the Argus 2 it ensures that the camera will keep going indefinitely or at least for as long as it will take until you will need to replace the battery (for example we never had to charge the unit during these 14 days – arrived in our lab with a 64% battery charge and for the most part we used it plugged into the solar kit). Our sole problem with the Argus 2 was its signal strength at times and although we didn’t mind (happened on rare occasions) we didn’t like the fact that it changed to fluent mode from clear automatically because of that.

   We pointed out quite a few times in this review that the Argus 2 1080p Wire-Free Security Camera is quite affordable and with a current price tag set at USD129.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 134Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) we think that many of you will agree with us on that. Of course if you want the complete bundle you will also have to spend USD29.99/30Euros for the Solar Kit and USD9.99 for each Silicon Skin which ups the total cost to roughly USD180/180Euros (thus not as affordable). Bottom line the Argus 2 is not only extremely easy to setup and use but it’s also very compact, has great battery life and features a very good image quality both during the day and at night. Granted it’s a bit rough around the edges (just like several other similar security cameras like for example Canary and Piper) but it delivers where it counts and for that it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Size
- Full HD 1080p Starlight CMOS Sensor With Color Night Vision (Image Quality)
- Two Way Audio
- Easy Setup And Use (Reolink Android / iOS App)
- PIR Motion Sensor
- Battery Life
- Micro SD Card Slot (Local Recording)
- Cloud Recording (Still In Beta)

CONS

- Light Source Required For Color NV Mode
- Wireless Signal Strength (Rare But Happens)
- Average Bitrate
- Wireless Use Only