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Reolink has finally entered the battery-powered doorbell market with its new Battery Doorbell. This smart 2K 4MP device boasts a unique 1:1 aspect ratio and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, aiming to address common shortcomings of traditional battery doorbells.
The Reolink Battery Doorbell arrives in a competitive landscape filled with options from established brands. However, it brings some distinctive features to the table that may set it apart from the crowd.
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Reolink Battery Doorbell vs Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi Specification
| Specification | Reolink Battery Doorbell | Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi |
| Image Sensor | 1/3.11″ CMOS Sensor | 1/2.7″ CMOS Sensor |
| Video Resolution | 2048×2048 (4 megapixels) @15FPS | 2560×1920 (5 megapixels) @20FPS |
| Lens | f=1.2mm F/1.8, fixed | f=2.26mm F=2.0, with IR cut |
| Field of View | Diagonal: 180°, Horizontal: 150°, Vertical: 150° | Diagonal: 180°, Horizontal: 135°, Vertical: 100° |
| Pre-Motion Recording | Not Available | Yes |
| Audio | Two-way audio, noise cancellation, echo suppression | Two-way audio, noise reduction, echo suppression |
| Quick Replies | Support | Yes |
| Power | 7000mAh rechargeable battery, Hardwired 8-24V AC, 24V DC | Hardwired 12-24VAC 50/60Hz, DC 24V |
| WiFi Standard | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Operating Frequency | 2.4GHz/5GHz | 2.4GHz/5GHz |
| Wireless Security | WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK | WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK |
| Frame Rate | Mainstream: 10fps – 15fps (default: 15fps) | Mainstream: 2fps – 20fps (default: 20fps) |
| Code Rate | Mainstream: 1024Kbps – 4096Kbps (default: 2048Kbps) | Mainstream: 1024Kbps – 6144Kbps (default: 4096Kbps) |
| Operating System Support | PC: Windows, Mac OS; Smartphone: iOS, Android | PC: Windows, Mac OS; Smartphone: iOS, Android |
| Smart Alarm | Motion detection/person/vehicle/package detection; visitor notification | Motion detection/person detection; visitor notification |
| Recording Modes | Motion recording (default); 24/7 recording; scheduled recording | Motion recording (default); 24/7 recording; scheduled recording |
| Protocols & Standards | SSL, TCP/IP, UDP, UPNP, SMTP, NTP, P2P | HTTPS, IPv4, UPNP, RTSP, RTMP, ONVIF, SMTP, NTP, DHCP, DNS, DDNS, FTP, P2P |
| Integration | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C~+55°C (14°F~131°F) | -10°C~+50°C (14°F~122°F) |
| Operating Humidity | 10% ~ 90% | 10% ~ 90% |
| Waterproof Rating | IP65 | Not specified |
| Dimensions | 160.0mm(H) x 48.0mm(W) x 29.5mm(T) | Not specified |
| Weight | 231g | 96g |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
Features
2K 4MP Image Quality and 1:1 Aspect Ratio
One of the main features of this doorbell is its 2K 4MP resolution, offering sharp, clear images. The 1:1 aspect ratio provides a full vertical view of the person at the door, allowing homeowners to see everything from head to toe. Compared to the more common 16:9 or 4:3 ratios, this gives more visibility, which is particularly useful when dealing with package deliveries left at the doorstep. The 2048×2048 resolution also enhances the level of detail, ensuring that even smaller details can be captured both during the day and at night.
Smart Detection and Alerts
Reolink has equipped this doorbell with smart detection features, capable of identifying people, vehicles, and even packages. This is a particularly handy feature for those who receive frequent deliveries. With the package detection feature, users are notified when packages are delivered, providing extra peace of mind.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi for Improved Connectivity
The inclusion of both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands ensures reliable connectivity, with the 2.4GHz band offering better range and the 5GHz band delivering faster speeds for smoother video transmission. This is particularly useful if your router is located far from the doorbell. In practical terms, this means fewer interruptions in live video feeds or delays in receiving notifications.
Local Storage
Reolink has always been one of the best options for users wanting to avoid subscription fees. This doorbell is no different, you have options for microSD card storage (up to 256GB) and Reolink Home Hub, offering ample storage for long-time recording.
Design and Build Quality
The Reolink Battery Doorbell appearance is not much different than most video doorbell. The block model I was sent is neutral looking and should complement most home exteriors.
Measuring 160.0 mm (H) x 48.0 mm (W) x 29.5 mm (T), it strikes a balance between being noticeable enough for visitors while not overpowering your entryway.
The device is constructed with durability in mind, featuring an IP65 weatherproof rating. This means it can withstand dust, rain, and other environmental challenges, making it suitable for outdoor use in various climates. The build quality feels solid, suggesting it should hold up well over time.
The doorbell also has an LED ring light, which is designed to make it easy for visitors to locate and use the doorbell, even in low-light conditions. The camera lens, PIR sensor, and infrared lights are discreetly integrated into the upper portion of the unit.
Installation / Set Up
Setting up the Reolink Battery Doorbell is straightforward, even for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy. The package includes all necessary mounting hardware, and the process is designed to be completed within minutes.
This is designed for a wire-free setup thanks to the built-in 7000mAh rechargeable battery and this therefore offers flexibility in placement. For review samples, I have started to stick video doorbells to the glass of my door as it provides a better angle and leaves fewer holes in my walls.
Alternatively, it can be hardwired to existing 8-24V AC or 24V DC doorbell wiring for continuous power.
The installation process involves:
Downloading the Reolink app
- Creating an account
- Scanning the QR code on the device
- Following the in-app instructions to connect to your Wi-Fi network
The app guides you through each step, making the setup process relatively painless.
The doorbell comes without a chime, but it can be paired with one. Alternatively, you can use many smart home speakers that feature Amazon Alexa or Google Home to work as chimes.
Reolink App & Settings
The Reolink app serves as the control centre for the Battery Doorbell, offering a user-friendly interface for managing settings, viewing live and recorded footage, and receiving notifications.
Key features of the app include:
- Live view streaming
- Two-way audio communication
- Playback of recorded events
- Customisable motion detection zones
- Adjustment of video quality settings
- Management of quick replies
The app’s layout is intuitive, making it easy to navigate between different functions. Push notifications are prompt, alerting users to detected events in real-time.
One area where the app could improve is in its event filtering capabilities. While it does offer some options to customise notifications, more granular control over alert types and frequency would be welcome.
Storage Options
The Reolink Battery Doorbell supports local storage via a microSD card slot, accommodating cards up to 256GB. This provides ample space for storing recorded footage without the need for a cloud subscription.
For those seeking even more storage capacity, the doorbell can be paired with the Reolink Home Hub (sold separately). This expands the storage options to up to 1TB through two microSD card slots.
The local storage approach offers several advantages:
- No recurring subscription fees
- Enhanced privacy as footage is stored locally
- Access to recordings even during internet outages
However, it’s worth noting that local storage doesn’t provide the off-site backup that cloud storage offers. If the doorbell is stolen or damaged, you may lose access to stored footage.
Motion Alerts
The Reolink Battery Doorbell incorporates several smart detection features to enhance its functionality:
- Person detection
- Vehicle detection
- Package detection
- Motion detection
These AI-powered capabilities help reduce false alerts and provide more relevant notifications. Due to the head-to-toe field of view, Reolink has also included a package detection feature that is particularly useful, offering clear evidence of deliveries and potentially deterring package theft.
Similar to my previous Reolink reviews, I find the AI motion detection good but not the best. I prefer Eufy, and both Eufy and Aqara have facial detection, which I find very useful.
Real-time monitoring is available through the Reolink app, allowing users to view live footage and receive instant alerts from anywhere. The app also provides access to recorded footage, which can be invaluable for reviewing events or sharing evidence if needed.
Quick Replies is another handy feature, allowing you to set pre-recorded messages for visitors when you’re unable to answer the door. This adds an extra layer of convenience and can help manage unexpected visitors.
Doorbell Alerts
The response time from pressing the doorbell to receiving a notification on your phone is generally quick, though it can vary depending on your network conditions. Live view streaming is smooth in most cases, with minimal lag when using a stable Wi-Fi connection.
If you have good WiFi coverage, the 5GHz network should provide you with a responsive experience with both alerts and streaming footage. However, it is worth experimenting with the 2.4GHz network as this has greater range and may provide better signal strength.
Video and Audio Quality
The Reolink Battery Doorbell’s standout feature is its 2K 4MP camera with a 1:1 aspect ratio. This configuration provides a 150° x 150° field of view, offering an expansive head-to-toe perspective of visitors and your doorstep area.
During daytime use, the video quality is impressive. The 2K resolution captures fine details, allowing you to clearly see facial features, package labels, and other important elements. Colours are generally accurate and well-balanced, providing a true-to-life representation of the scene.
Night vision performance is also commendable. The device uses infrared LEDs to illuminate the area, producing clear black-and-white footage in low-light conditions. While not as detailed as daytime video, it’s more than adequate for identifying visitors or monitoring activity after dark.
The doorbell can produce nighttime video; in one of my sample videos, it is all B&W, and I suspect this is the case for motion alerts. You can optionally force colour footage at night. As you can see from my sample, I have bright streetlights, so there is enough ambient light to produce good quality colour nighttime footage.
Audio quality is another strong point. The two-way audio feature, supported by noise cancellation and echo suppression, allows for clear communication with visitors. The built-in microphones pick up sound well, and the speaker produces clear, audible responses.
Day Time Footage Sample
Night Time Footage Sample
Battery Life
The 7000mAh rechargeable battery is designed to provide up to 5 months of operation under typical usage. However, actual battery life can vary significantly based on factors such as:
- Frequency of activations
- Live view usage
- Wi-Fi signal strength
- Environmental conditions
Based on my usage, I would estimate I need to charge this every couple of months. It falls short of the battery life I get from my Eufy doorbell, but it is around the same as many other brands I have tested, including Aqara, Ring and Arlo.
If you want to hardwire the doorbell, I’d say you’d be better off getting the Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi as it is superior in many ways. However, it is possible if you later want to hardware this in.
Connectivity and Integration
The Reolink Battery Doorbell supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), offering improved connectivity options compared to single-band devices. The 2.4GHz band provides a better range, which can be beneficial for doorbells installed far from the router. The 5GHz band offers faster speeds for more responsive performance when in range.
In terms of smart home integration, the doorbell works with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This allows for voice control and the ability to view the doorbell’s feed on compatible smart displays.
However, it’s worth noting that the integration options are somewhat limited compared to some competitors.
Privacy and Security
Reolink emphasises privacy in its product design, and the Battery Doorbell reflects this approach. All video footage is stored locally on the microSD card or Reolink Home Hub, giving users full control over their data.
The device supports WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption for Wi-Fi connections, helping to secure the transmission of data between the doorbell and your network. However, it’s always advisable to use a strong, unique password for your Reolink account and keep the device’s firmware up to date to maintain security.
One privacy-enhancing feature that some users might appreciate is the ability to set up privacy masks. This allows you to block out certain areas of the camera’s view, which can be useful if your doorbell’s field of view includes a neighbour’s property.
Price and Alternative Options
The Reolink Battery Doorbell has an RRP of £140 and is not currently available to order in the UK.
It is available to pre-order on the US website with an RRP of $145.99 but an early bird offer of $124.09. For UK buyers, it can be shipped from the US, but you will likely have to pay customs fees when it is imported.
The market is saturated with video doorbells nowadays. The Reolink sits somewhere in the middle of pricing. Some alternative options include:
- Blink Video Doorbell for £60. It is only 1080P with a FoV of 135° horizontal, 80° vertical but it is great value for money.
- Tapo 2K 5MP Smart Wireless Security Camera Doorbell has an RRP of £150 but is available for £90. This has a 5MP Starvis sensor and can produce colour night footage. It has a 4:3 aspect ratio with a 160° diagonal FoV, so not quite the full head-to-toe coverage of the Reolink. This also includes a hub and chime.
- Eufy C210 Video Doorbell for £100. This is also only 1080P, but it comes with a chime.
- Eufy Security, Video Doorbell S220 2K is available for £160. It has 2K resolution, a 4:3 aspect ratio, and a home base.
- Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340 has an RRP of £160 but is available for £103. This lacks a chime or homebase but has 8GB onboard storage and is a dual-camera doorbell with a 2K main camera.
Overall
The Reolink Battery Doorbell is a solid entry into the competitive video doorbell market.
With so many options on the market, I’d say it is perhaps not the most exciting of video doorbells, but the overall features and performance are excellent for the price.
More importantly, for me and many others, it allows me to keep all my surveillance devices within the Reolink ecosystem. I had been using Eufy for my video doorbell and battery-powered cameras, but since the launch of the Argus 4 Pro, this doorbell and the upcoming Reolink Atlas PT, I no longer feel the need have cameras spread across different ecosystems.
Overall, if you are looking for a good-quality video doorbell with local storage (and therefore no monthly fees) at a reasonable price then the Reolink Battery Doorbell is a good choice for anyone. For existing Reolink users, then I’d give this a very strong recommendation.
Reolink Battery Doorbell Review
Summary
If you are looking for a good-quality video doorbell with local storage (and therefore no monthly fees) at a reasonable price then the Reolink Battery Doorbell is a good choice for anyone. For existing Reolink users, then I’d give this a very strong recommendation.
Overall
85%-
Overall - 85%85%
Pros
- High-quality 2K video with 1:1 aspect ratio
- Local storage without subscription fees
- Accurate AI-powered detection features
- Dual-band Wi-Fi support
Cons
- Lack of pre-buffered recording
- Battery life not quite as good as some options
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
