Reolink Video Doorbells Explained: Choosing Between 2nd Gen, PoE, and Wi-Fi

Reolink offers multiple video doorbell options that allow users to choose the right one for their situation and needs. But choosing one of them could be a bit difficult if you don’t know the difference.

Let’s understand the difference between Reolink Doorbell (2nd Gen), Reolink PoE, and Reolink Wi-Fi. We will give you an overview of all video doorbells and share the pros and cons. We will also explain which video doorbell you can choose according to different scenarios and situations.

Reolink Doorbells: 2nd Gen vs PoE vs Wi-Fi

Key Difference

The key differences are power and connectivity. The Reolink Doorbell PoE is a wired doorbell that requires an Ethernet cable connection to a router, PoE switch, or NVR. The Reolink Doorbell Wi-Fi is also a wired doorbell, but wiring is required only for the power. For internet, it is connected to a Wi-Fi network.

The Reolink Doorbell (2nd Gen) offers the best of both worlds. You can either use it as a wired doorbell for continuous power and reliable 24/7 performance. Secondly, it can work as a battery doorbell. It’s completely wireless, and its built-in battery can last up to 10 months. For internet connectivity, it relies on Wi-Fi.

Overview of Reolink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

Reolink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) Review

The Reolink Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a wireless/wired video doorbell with a 2K video resolution. It can detect persons, vehicles, animals, and packages and send real-time alerts. The wired mode offers a 300-day long-lasting battery life. It captures a head-to-toe video and does not require any subscription or monthly fee for local storage. It also supports dual-band Wi-Fi for fast, reliable, and stable connectivity.

Pros

• Supports dual-band Wi-Fi, which ensures reliable and fast connectivity
• HDR technology captures exceptional details and reduces overexposure
• Works with your existing mechanical chimes and also supports Reolink Chime Plus
• Has the tamper alert functionality to prevent tampering
• Captures head-to-toe video in a 1:1 aspect ratio to record the person and packages
• IFTTT for enhanced automation and smart control

Cons:

• It requires hard wiring for 24/7 recordings.

Overview of Reolink Video Doorbell PoE

Reolink Doorbell PoE Review

Reolink Doorbell PoE is an incredible option for reliable security. It records videos in 2K+ (5MP) resolution and offers smart person detection through real-time alerts. It requires an Ethernet connection for continuous power and internet connectivity. There is no monthly fee for local storage, and users can enjoy all features. It’s designed for outdoor weather conditions and has IP65 weatherproofing.

Pros

• Offers exceptional clarity and details in video recordings.
• Smartly detects persons without any subscription fee
• Power over Ethernet ensures reliable performance 24/7
• Offers flexible storage options, including microSD card, FTP, NAS, and Reolink NVR
• IP65 rated and works well in harsh outdoor conditions

Cons

• Requires proper Ethernet wiring to work

Overview of Reolink Video Doorbell Wi-Fi

Reolink Doorbell Wi-Fi Review

Reolink Doorbell Wi-Fi is a video doorbell that requires wired power and Wi-Fi connectivity. It records videos in 2K+ resolution and also has infrared night vision. It can detect persons and packages and send instant alerts without any subscription if you use local storage. For reliable and fast performance, it supports dual-band Wi-Fi and has IP65 weatherproofing to work in the rain and snow.

Pros

• The 2K+ resolution captures exceptional details with optimal clarity
• Customized motion zones to prevent false alerts and focus on a specific area
• Supports quick replies to respond automatically when you are away
• No monthly fee or subscription required for local storage
• Dual-band Wi-Fi for better connectivity and fast performance

Cons

• Requires stable and strong Wi-Fi connectivity to work smoothly

Key Similarities Explained

All Reolink video doorbells share some common features and functionalities. They offer a live feed and remote access. That said, users can monitor the front door from any location and talk to the person through two-way audio.

The cameras record clear and detailed videos. Even if it is night, they use the built-in night vision to capture videos with optimal clarity. They can detect persons and parcels. Once anything is detected, a real-time alert or notification is sent to the connected devices.

Users can connect chimes to the doorbell to alert everyone in the house. They can set quick replies to answer the door automatically. The recorded videos are stored in the microSD card, NVR, or FTP. The flexible storage options are perfect, and they support easy and smart playback.

All Reolink video doorbells are subscription-free. Users can enjoy all features, including live feed, recordings, remote access, and real-time alerts, without any charges if they use local storage. The best part is that they are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for smart control.

Which One to Choose?

The best Reolink video doorbell depends on your specific scenario. You have to consider the power options, internet connectivity, installation, recording options, and other details to get the right doorbell for your needs.

Conclusion

Reolink offers a video doorbell for every user and scenario. To select the right one, you have to consider the feasibility of the installation and your security needs. You can opt for a completely wireless Reolink Doorbell (2nd Gen) for a hassle-free temporary setup. For most suburban homes, Reolink Doorbell Wi-Fi works best as it has wired power and Wi-Fi compatibility. However, for robust security, Reolink Doorbell PoE has no competition. Depending on whether you can run a wire, connect to Wi-Fi, or need battery power, you can select a suitable option and capture every moment happening on your front door.

FAQs

Which Reolink doorbell camera is best?

If you want reliable performance 24/7, you can go with the PoE doorbell. For easy installation, both the Reolink Doorbell (2nd Gen) and the Reolink Doorbell Wi-Fi are excellent options. However, Reolink Doorbell (2nd Gen) offers battery-powered mode, which is completely wireless.

Does the Reolink PoE doorbell have Wi-Fi?

Reolink PoE doorbell does not work on Wi-Fi. It requires a proper Ethernet connection from the router, NVR, or PoE switch.

How long does a Reolink doorbell battery last? (2nd Gen)

If it records 5 minutes of recordings per day, the battery lasts for up to 10 months. But there is frequent activity on the door, and the doorbell records 10 minutes every day; the battery will last 6 months.

Can you replace the battery in a second generation Reolink doorbell?

No, you cannot replace the battery in a second generation Reolink doorbell. It contains a built-in rechargeable battery that cannot be replaced.

Is the Reolink doorbell 16V or 24V?

Reolink Doorbells require 16–24VAC power. You can connect them to the existing mechanical doorbell transformer. You can also connect them to the given power adapter.