Reolink Duo 2 WiFi vs. Duo 3 WiFi: Which Reolink Camera Should You Choose?

Years ago, Reolink launched the Duo series, ingeniously integrating two lenses into one device. Over the years, this lineup has expanded to include PoE, WiFi, and battery models. As one of the top sellers in the Duo series, the Duo 2 WiFi has garnered recognition from many users. However, at CES 2025, Reolink will expand the Duo series with the introduction of the Duo 3 WiFi.

In this article, we will thoroughly compare the main differences between the Reolink Duo 2 WiFi and Duo 3 WiFi, and help you decide which one is best for your specific security needs.

Reolink Duo 2 WiFi Reviews & Rating

So far, on the Reolink official website, the Reolink Duo 2 WiFi has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5. On Reolink's official Amazon store, it has a rating of 4.1 out of 5. This 4K dual-lens WiFi camera is ideal for outdoor use and offers excellent image quality and night vision capabilities. Check out what some Reolink users have to say:

Jay commented on the Duo 2 WiFi, saying, "Coming from Ring, to Nest, to this is an amazing difference. The quality is so much crisper that I cringe looking at my old videos. Granted the zoom is not that great but being able to see my entire street or back yard is a game changer."

Benji left this review on Amazon, saying, "The cameras work beautifully, day and night. I'm impressed by the nearly instant recording response, less than a second to start recording. The image is very clear and well-defined. The vehicle recognition picks up cars turning onto my street a good 400 feet away."

Overall, most consumers are satisfied with the Duo 2 WiFi's extensive field of view and impressive 4K quality. They also appreciate the 180-degree field of view, which allows them to monitor a more comprehensive range.

Reolink Duo 3 WiFi Overview

According to a spoiler at CES 2025, the new Reolink Duo 3 WiFi will be a new addition to Reolink's 16MP lineup, alongside the 16MP PoE models, such as the Duo 3 PoE and Duo 3V PoE. This model will be the industry's first 16MP ultra-high-definition 180° panoramic plug-in WiFi security camera.

Some users who have already tested the camera have commented, "The Reolink Duo 3 WiFi is a robust plug-in camera with a 16MP resolution. The most significant upgrade is its combination of dual-band WiFi 6 and 16MP resolution. Compared to the Duo 3 PoE, it is more beginner-friendly and easier to use.

Duo 2 WiFi vs. Duo 3 WiFi: What's the Difference?

The most significant difference between the Reolink Duo 2 WiFi and Duo 3 WiFi is their resolution: the Duo 2 features a 4K resolution, while the Duo 3 has been upgraded to a 16MP resolution. Here are their key differences:

Resolution: 4K vs. 16MP

Reolink security cameras are renowned for their combination of high resolution and advanced smart features. Most Reolink cameras have been upgraded to 4K resolution. The Duo 2 WiFi features a 4K resolution with a total of 4608x1728 pixels. The new Duo 3 WiFi boasts a UHD 16MP resolution, with a total of 7680x2160 pixels. This means that the picture captured by the Duo 3 WiFi has twice as many pixels as that of the Duo 2 WiFi. Consequently, the Duo 3 WiFi undoubtedly delivers more detail and better clarity than the Duo 2 WiFi.

Lens Aperture: F/2.0 vs. F/1.6

Another significant difference between these two cameras is their lens aperture. The Duo 3 WiFi has a larger lens aperture compared to the Duo 2 WiFi. With an aperture of F1.6, the Duo 3 WiFi's lens sensor allows more light to enter, resulting in superior night vision quality and excellent brightness in daylight footage. The Duo 2 WiFi's F2.0 aperture also ensures the camera captures the necessary details both day and night.

Local Storage: Up to 128GB vs. 512GB

These two cameras also differ in their maximum local storage capability. Although they both support local storage via MicroSD card and Reolink NVR, the Duo 3 WiFi supports a maximum storage capacity of up to 512GB with a MicroSD card, while the Duo 2 WiFi only supports up to 128GB. This upgrade is necessary due to the increased resolution, as higher resolution often requires more storage space.

Vertical Field of View: 60° vs. 55°

You will also notice a slight difference between these cameras when checking their vertical field of view. The Duo 2 WiFi has a vertical field of view of 60°, while the Duo 3 WiFi only has 55°. One noticeable drawback of dual-lens cameras is that they have to compromise on their vertical angles to achieve the ultra-wide horizontal field of view. Although this difference may not be very noticeable, it's important to keep in mind if you are concerned about the blind spot directly below the camera.

Smart Feature: Motion Track

Another important upgrade of the Duo 3 WiFi is its motion track feature. Users can access this feature directly on the Reolink app. When the motion track is enabled, the movements of an object over a certain period can be compiled into one snapshot, and the snapshot of the entire movement will be emailed to the user with essential timestamps. Thanks to this feature, users won't have to download long videos that take up much storage space.

Duo 3 WiFi vs. Duo 2 WiFi: What's the Same?

Apart from all the differences mentioned above, the Duo 2 WiFi and Duo 3 WiFi also share some imporant features in common.

180-degree Field of View

Both of these cameras combine two lenses into one device, creating a 180-degree field of view. They provide ultra-wide footage without any image distortion. This design addresses the functional issues highlighted by users, specifically their difficulties with the feedback that 'one camera can't cover enough, and two are too cumbersome to install.'

Dual-band WiFi 6

They also operate on dual-band WiFi 6, which is crucial for WiFi security cameras to maintain a stable internet connection. Dual-band WiFi 6 connectivity allows users to switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi based on their needs. At the same time, WiFi 6 provides a more stable network connection with fewer lags and buffering issues.

Color Night Vision

Both cameras use spotlights for color night vision. Users can switch between infrared black-and-white night vision and color night vision. The built-in spotlight can also be set to smart mode, where it will automatically light up when it detects motion events at night.

Comparison Table Between Reolink Duo 3 WiFi and Duo 2 WiFi

Check out the quick comparison between Reolink Duo 2 and Duo 3 WiFi in the table below.

Reolink Duo 2 WiFi or Duo 3 WiFi: Which One to Choose?

To be honest, the choice between the Reolink Duo 2 WiFi and Duo 3 WiFi depends on your specific security needs. The Duo 2 WiFi is already a robust choice for outdoor surveillance with a 180-degree field of view. However, it compromises on clarity if you zoom in for more details or want to check objects that are more than 30 feet away.

Compared to the Duo 2 WiFi, the Duo 3 WiFi's 16-megapixel resolution reveals more detail and provides clearer images. This is particularly important in situations that require precise identification, such as facial recognition, license plates, and object details. You might want to upgrade to the Duo 3 WiFi if you need to see things at a greater distance. The Duo 3 WiFi is also a good option if you need larger storage space or better night vision capability.

Verdict

After the full comparison, we found that the most significant difference between the Reolink Duo 2 WiFi and Duo 3 WiFi is their resolution: the Duo 2 boasts a 4K resolution, while the Duo 3 features a 16MP resolution. Choose the Duo 2 WiFi if you only require basic surveillance features and a more budget-friendly option. Opt for the Duo 3 WiFi if you want to capture more details in your footage, making it more suitable for your driveway or the outside of your property.