Reolink Home Hub Review scaled

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Reolink has always relied on connecting directly to your home WiFi and storing footage locally on a microSD card on the camera itself.

A few months ago, Reolink launched a new Home Hub, which is basically an affordable NVR that is compatible with WiFi battery cameras.

You can either connect them directly to the WiFi of the camera itself or use your normal WiFi as long as it is on the same network.

It is also compatible with the POE cameras, so if you have small number of mixed cameras then this is potentially a better investment than one of the bigger Reolink NVRs.

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Specification

SpecificationReolink Home Hub
Device Management
CameraUp to 8 cameras
Device CompatibilityAll Reolink Wi-Fi/PoE cameras (Battery cameras require a firmware upgrade)
Safety ProtectionAccount access and sharing options available only through Home Hub
Input/Output
HDMINo
USBNo
Reset ButtonYes
PowerDC 12V/1A
SpeakerYes (Max. 115dB)
Ethernet1*10M/100M bit RJ45 port for WAN
Storage
SATANo
microSD Card SlotUp to 512GB*2
Backup MediaNo
Storage EncryptionAES-128 encryption algorithm
Preview & Playback
Live ViewAPP, PC Client
PlaybackSmart playback/event history
Wi-Fi
Wireless StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6)
Operating Frequency2.4/5 GHz
Wireless SecurityWPA/WPA2/WPA3
Sub-1 GHz
Operating Frequency868/915MHz
System
Network ProtocolsTCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, P2P, UPNP, RTSP, RTMP, SMTP, SSL/TLS, DNS, DDNS, NTP, FTP
OS SupportedPC: Windows, Mac OS; Smartphone: iOS, Android
Max. User Access11 users (1 admin account & 10 shared accounts)
Smart HomeGoogle Assistant
Working Environment
Operating Temperature-10℃~+45℃
Operating Humidity10%~90%
Mechanical
Dimensions9595161.8mm
Weight441g
Warranty
Limited Warranty2-year limited warranty

Features

This device provides flexible storage options and supports a wide range of Reolink cameras, creating an all-in-one security management system.

Storage and Data Protection

Local Storage Options

  • Includes a 64GB microSD card
  • Expandable up to 1TB with two 512GB microSD card slots
  • Eliminates monthly fees associated with cloud storage

Enhanced Privacy Features

  • Encrypted storage using proprietary algorithms
  • Offline recording capability
  • LAN access for camera functionality without internet connection

These features ensure that your recordings remain secure and accessible, even in the event of network interruptions or unauthorised access attempts.

Camera Compatibility and Performance

The Reolink Home Hub supports:

  • Up to 8 Reolink cameras
  • Resolutions up to 16MP for ultra-high definition video
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi (5GHz and 2.4GHz) and Wi-Fi 6 cameras

It is compatible with most Reolink PoE cameras, plug-in Wi-Fi cameras, and recently released battery Wi-Fi cameras. However, it does not support 2MP battery cameras or 4G cameras.

User Interface and Functionality

Reolink App Integration

  • Easy access to live feeds and playbacks
  • High-definition main stream viewing from multiple devices
  • Regular security summaries (daily, weekly, monthly)
  • Chronological event presentation for efficient review

Alarm System

  • Triggers alarms when connected IP cameras detect motion
  • Offers various alarm ringtones, including customisable options

Additional Features

  • Multi-user permissions for shared access
  • Timelapse capture functionality
  • Compatible with voice assistants like Google Assistant for hands-free control

Unboxing / Design

Reolink Home Hub ports

The Reolink Home Hub arrives in a compact, well-designed package that reflects the product’s minimalist aesthetic. Upon opening the box, you’ll find the following items:

  • Reolink Home Hub
  • Power adapter (12V/1A)
  • Ethernet cable
  • Quick start guide
  • 64GB microSDXC card (Reolink branded)
  • SD card case
  • Reset pin tool

The Home Hub itself is a simple, white plastic box with a clean and unobtrusive design. It’s compact enough to fit discreetly on a shelf or desk without drawing attention to itself. The front of the device features a status light, while the top has ventilation holes to prevent overheating.

On the back of the Home Hub, you’ll find:

  • Power port
  • Reset button
  • Two microSD card slots
  • Ethernet port

The device’s simplicity extends to its setup process, which we’ll cover in more detail later in this review.

Reolink App & Set Up

The Reolink Home Hub setup involves three straightforward steps:

  1. Insert the included 64GB microSD card (or your own card) into one of the two available slots.
  2. Connect the Home Hub to your router using the provided Ethernet cable.
  3. Plug in the power adapter to turn on the device.
  4. Download and open the Reolink app on your smartphone.
  5. In the app settings, enable “Add Devices Automatically”.
  6. The app should detect the Home Hub. Select it from the list of devices.
  7. Follow the on-screen prompts to initialise the device, which may include updating firmware.
  8. Create a device password and format the SD card when prompted.
  9. Enable file encryption for added security, if desired.

Once the Home Hub is set up, you can start adding compatible Reolink cameras to the system. This process is equally simple:

  1. In the Reolink app, select the option to add a new device.
  2. Choose your camera model from the list or scan its QR code.
  3. Follow the app’s instructions to connect the camera to your Wi-Fi network.
  4. Once connected, the camera will appear in your device list and can be managed through the Home Hub.

Day to Day Performance

Camera Management

The Home Hub can manage up to eight Reolink cameras simultaneously, which should be sufficient for most home and small business setups. During my tests, I connected multiple camera models, including the Argus 4 Pro, Argus PT Ultra, and the Reolink Duo 3 WiFi. The Hub handled them all without any noticeable lag or performance issues.

One of the standout features is the Hub’s ability to work with both Wi-Fi and wired cameras (either PoE or DC-powered WiFi cameras). This flexibility allows users to mix and match camera types to suit their specific needs. However, it’s worth noting that PoE cameras will require a PoE switch or injector, as the Home Hub doesn’t have built-in PoE ports.

Storage and Playback

The Home Hub comes with a 64GB microSD card pre-installed, which is a nice touch. However, the real strength lies in its expandability. With two microSD card slots supporting up to 512GB each, you can potentially have up to 1TB of local storage, though I have not tested this. This is a significant amount of space for security footage and eliminates the need for cloud storage subscriptions in most cases.

I would have preferred it if they had used a proper HDD/SSD as these provide much more storage and better write durability. You will need the Pro model if you want to use hard disks.

Accessing and playing back recorded footage is straightforward through the Reolink app. The app allows you to view live feeds, playback recorded events, and even create time-lapse videos. The playback quality is excellent, maintaining the original resolution of the camera feeds.

One minor drawback is the lack of HDMI output, which you find on the more traditional style NVRs from Reolink.

Wi-Fi Performance

The Home Hub creates its own Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi 6 technology, broadcasting on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. This dual-band capability ensures better compatibility with various camera models and can help reduce interference in crowded Wi-Fi environments.

During my testing, I found the Wi-Fi range to be comparable to most modern routers. Cameras placed up to 15m away with a wall in between maintained a stable connection. However, as with any Wi-Fi system, your mileage may vary depending on the layout of your space and potential sources of interference.

Alarm and Notification System

The built-in speaker (with a maximum volume of 115dB) allows the Home Hub to function as an alarm centre. When motion is detected by any of the connected cameras, the Hub can emit an audible alarm. This feature adds an extra layer of deterrence to potential intruders.

Notifications are prompt and reliable. During my testing, we received push notifications on my Pixel 9 Pro XL within seconds of motion being detected.

The system also allows for email notifications and FTP uploads, providing flexibility in how you receive and store alerts.

Additionally, if you pair this with a Reolink Doorbell, the Home Hub can act as a chime.

Smart Home Integration

While not as extensive as some competitors, the Home Hub does offer some smart home integration. It’s compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing for voice control of certain functions. However, support for other popular platforms like Apple HomeKit is currently lacking.

User Management

The Home Hub supports up to 11 user accounts (1 admin and 10 sub-accounts), which is useful for families or small businesses where multiple people need access to the security system. The ability to set different permission levels for each user adds an extra layer of security and control.

Video Quality

While the Reolink Home Hub itself doesn’t capture video, it plays a crucial role in managing and storing the footage from connected Reolink cameras. The quality of this footage and how it’s handled by the Hub is a key consideration for any potential buyer.

The Home Hub supports cameras with resolutions up to 16MP, which includes 4K (3840×2160) models. In our tests with the Argus 4 Pro and Argus PT Ultra, we found that the Hub had no issues handling these high-resolution streams.

The Argus 4 Pro, for instance, captures footage at 5120×1440 resolution at 15 frames per second. This ultra-wide view provides excellent coverage, though it’s worth noting that the full impact of this resolution may not be immediately apparent on smaller smartphone screens.

The Argus PT Ultra, on the other hand, records at 4K (3840×2160) resolution. The clarity and detail in these recordings are impressive, with faces remaining recognisable from several metres away.

It’s important to note that while the Hub can handle these high-resolution streams, the actual video quality will depend on the capabilities of the individual cameras connected to it.

Storage Options and Management

The Home Hub comes with a 64GB microSD card pre-installed, which is a good starting point for most users. However, its true strength lies in its expandability. With two microSD card slots, each supporting up to 512GB (and potentially more, but Reolink states 512GB support)

This local storage approach has several advantages:

  1. No recurring subscription fees for cloud storage
  2. Better privacy, as your footage never leaves your local network
  3. Faster access to recorded events

The Hub uses the AES-128 encryption algorithm to secure stored footage, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorised access.

Playback and Retrieval

Accessing stored footage is straightforward through the Reolink app. The app provides a timeline view, making it easy to find and review specific events. You can also filter events based on the type of motion detected (person, vehicle, or animal), which is particularly useful for quickly finding relevant footage.

The Home Hub also supports features like pre-recording and time-lapse creation, adding versatility to how you can use and review your security footage.

One potential drawback is the lack of a direct HDMI output on the Hub. This means you can’t connect it directly to a monitor for viewing footage, which might be inconvenient for some users.

2025 01 29 04 31 56 0000
Reolink Windows app streaming footage from the Atlas PT Ultra

One feature I love about the Home Hub is that it works with the Reolink Windows app, just like the NVR and wired cameras do. This then allows you to view the battery cameras directly from Windows.

Price and Alternative Options

The Reolink Home Hub has an RRP of £100 but at the time of writing Reolink had it discounted to £85.

There is also the Reolink Home Hub Pro, which is available for £240 and has a 3.5” 2TB HDD built-in which you can swap out for larger drives. This supports 24 cameras at up to 16MP and has WiFi 6.

Reolink also released a firmware upgrade for the battery cameras, so they are compatible with the older NVRs.

The RLN12W has an RRP of £200 but is available for £170, and this includes WiFi, so it would work similarly to the Home Hub with the option to connect cameras directly to the WiFi. Alternatively, there is the RLN36, which lacks WiFi, supports three disks but doesn’t come with one installed and is available for £145.

There are not really any directly competing products as you are only going to buy this if you have Reolink cameras.

However, for context, the Eufy Security S380 HomeBase has an RRP of £159 but is available for £129. It has 16GB of built-in storage, but it is expandable with a 2.5” drive. It improves the object detection for Eufy cameras by adding facial recognition. However, this does not support any PoE cameras (because Eufy doesn’t make them).
Overall

If you have a few of the battery-powered Reolink cameras, then the Home Hub makes a lot of sense.

By recording everything to two microSD cards rather than one card per camera, you can potentially have more storage or reduce storage costs.

Storage is more secure, both physically, as it is now stored off the camera, and the data is secured by encryption, reducing any privacy/hacking concerns.

It is particularly appealing if you have a mixture of battery-powered and wired cameras with it effectively working as an affordable NVR.

That being said, depending on your set-up, it may be worth looking at the RLN12W NVR or Reolink Home Hub Pro if you have, or plan to have, a lot of cameras. In particular, wired cameras that record 24/7 would benefit from a proper hard disk.

Overall, I like the Reolink Home Hub; it is a sensible addition to the Reolink product range, reasonably priced, and reliably performed. I can therefore give it a strong recommendation.

Reolink Home Hub Review

Summary

The Reolink Home Hub successfully bridges the gap between standalone battery cameras and more complex NVR systems. Its ability to work with various Reolink camera types, combined with its user-friendly interface and enhanced security features, makes it a worthy addition to any Reolink-based home security setup.

Overall
85%
85%
  • Overall - 85%
    85%

Pros

  • Centralised Storage: The Home Hub eliminates the need for individual microSD cards in each camera, providing up to 1TB of local storage across two card slots.
  • Enhanced Security: With encrypted storage and the ability to keep footage safe even if a camera is stolen or tampered with, the Hub offers improved peace of mind.
  • Flexible Compatibility: Supporting up to 8 cameras, including WiFi, PoE, and battery-powered models, the Hub caters to a wide range of security setups.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The Reolink app provides easy access to live feeds, recorded footage, and system settings.
  • No Subscription Fees: With local storage, users can avoid ongoing cloud storage costs.
  • Dual-Band WiFi: The Hub’s WiFi 6 capability and dual-band support (2.4GHz and 5GHz) ensure stable connections for wireless cameras.

Cons

  • Limited PoE Support: Unlike full-fledged NVRs, the Home Hub lacks built-in PoE ports, requiring separate PoE injectors for wired cameras.
  • No HDMI Output: The absence of direct video output limits the ability to view footage on a larger screen without using the app or client software.
  • Camera Compatibility Restrictions: Some older Reolink models, particularly 2MP battery cameras and 4G cameras, are not supported.

Last update on 2025-02-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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