Reolink vs Amcrest: Best Budget Security Cameras for Self-Hosting
TL;DR: Both Reolink and Amcrest offer excellent value for self-hosted security systems. Reolink wins on price and 4K quality ($89), while Amcrest wins on Frigate NVR compatibility and ONVIF features ($99). Both beat Ring/Nest with no subscriptions required.
Why Reolink and Amcrest?
If you've been researching self-hosted security cameras, you've probably seen these two brands recommended everywhere—Reddit, Slashdot, IP camera forums, and Frigate communities. Here's why:
- RTSP/ONVIF support: Work with any NVR software (Frigate, ZoneMinder, Blue Iris)
- No cloud required: 100% local operation, no subscriptions
- Affordable: $70-150 per camera vs $200+ for Axis/Hikvision
- PoE available: Reliable wired connections (no WiFi jammers)
- Active communities: Tons of tutorials and troubleshooting help
But which brand should you choose? Let's break it down.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Reolink | Amcrest |
|---|---|---|
| Price (4K Camera) | $89 (RLC-810A) | $120 (IP8M-2779EW) |
| Frigate Compatibility | Excellent | Perfect (officially tested) |
| RTSP Support | Yes (all models) | Yes (all models) |
| ONVIF Compliance | Good (basic features) | Excellent (full profile S) |
| PoE Models | Wide selection | Wide selection |
| Night Vision | Spotlight (color night vision) | IR only (black & white) |
| Doorbell Camera | $79-129 (WiFi or PoE) | $99 (AD410 - best integration) |
| Build Quality | Good (plastic housings) | Better (metal housings) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years (US-based support) |
Deep Dive: Reolink
✓ Best For: Budget-Conscious Buyers
Reolink has become the go-to brand for DIY home security. Their cameras offer incredible value—you get 4K resolution, PoE, and AI detection for under $90.
Top Reolink Models
Reolink RLC-810A (4K PoE) - $89
Best budget 4K camera for Frigate NVR
- Resolution: 4K (3840x2160) @ 25fps
- Night Vision: Spotlight for color night vision
- AI Detection: Person and vehicle detection (built-in)
- Power: PoE (802.3af)
- RTSP: Yes, dual streams (4K main + 640x480 sub)
Reolink Video Doorbell (PoE) - $129
Best budget doorbell camera
- Resolution: 5MP (2560x1920)
- ONVIF: Button press detection works with Frigate
- Pre-roll: Records 3 seconds before motion
- Power: PoE or WiFi versions available
Reolink Strengths
- Unbeatable price: Consistently $20-40 cheaper than Amcrest for similar specs
- Color night vision: Spotlight illuminates in full color (vs black & white IR)
- Easy setup: Simple web interface, works out of box with Frigate
- Wide selection: PTZ, battery, solar, floodlight—every form factor
- Active community: Huge Reddit following (r/reolinkcam)
Reolink Weaknesses
- ONVIF limitations: Some advanced features not supported
- Plastic housings: Not as durable as Amcrest metal housings
- Chinese company: Some users prefer US-based support
- Firmware updates: Occasionally break RTSP (roll back if needed)
Deep Dive: Amcrest
✓ Best For: Frigate NVR Users
Amcrest cameras are officially tested with Frigate NVR. If you're building a self-hosted system with Frigate (which you should), Amcrest offers the most reliable integration.
Top Amcrest Models
Amcrest AD410 Doorbell (PoE) - $99
Best doorbell camera for Frigate NVR (hands down)
- Resolution: 2K (2560x1920)
- ONVIF button detection: Perfect Frigate integration
- PoE powered: Single cable for power + data
- Local storage: microSD slot (no cloud required)
- 100% offline capable: Works without internet
Amcrest IP8M-2779EW (4K PoE) - $120
Professional-grade 4K turret camera
- Resolution: 4K (3840x2160) @ 30fps
- Build: Metal housing, IP67 weatherproof
- Lens: 2.8mm wide angle (112° field of view)
- ONVIF: Full Profile S support
Amcrest Strengths
- Frigate-certified: Officially tested and documented
- Full ONVIF support: All features work reliably
- Better build quality: Metal housings, better weatherproofing
- US-based support: English support team, 3-year warranty
- Consistent firmware: Rarely breaks RTSP with updates
Amcrest Weaknesses
- Higher price: $20-40 more than Reolink for similar specs
- No color night vision: IR only (black & white)
- Fewer models: Smaller product lineup than Reolink
- Dated web UI: Interface feels older than Reolink
Head-to-Head: Specific Use Cases
Doorbell Camera
Winner: Amcrest AD410
The Amcrest AD410 is the gold standard for self-hosted doorbells. ONVIF button detection works perfectly with Frigate, PoE means no battery charging, and it's only $99. The Reolink doorbell is $30 cheaper but lacks the perfect integration.
4K Outdoor Camera
Winner: Reolink RLC-810A (value) or Amcrest IP8M-2779EW (quality)
Reolink RLC-810A at $89 is unbeatable for value. You get 4K, PoE, color night vision, and AI detection for less than a Ring camera subscription costs per year. But if you want metal housing and better build quality, spend the extra $30 on Amcrest.
Multiple Camera Setup (5+ cameras)
Winner: Reolink
If you're buying 5-10 cameras, the $20-40 per camera savings adds up fast. Reolink's lower cost makes large deployments more affordable. Five Reolink cameras = $445. Five Amcrest = $600.
Harsh Weather Environments
Winner: Amcrest
Metal housings handle extreme cold/heat better than plastic. If you're in Alaska or Arizona, go Amcrest.
Frigate NVR Compatibility Notes
Reolink + Frigate
✓ Configuration Tips
- Use the sub stream for detection (640x480)
- Main stream for recording (4K)
- Enable "reduce FPS" in Frigate config to avoid overload
- RTSP URL:
rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/h264Preview_01_sub
Amcrest + Frigate
✓ Configuration Tips
- Officially documented: See Frigate docs for exact config
- ONVIF works perfectly for all features
- AD410 doorbell button press detected via ONVIF events
- RTSP URL:
rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=1
What About Hikvision, Dahua, Axis?
Hikvision / Dahua
Pros: Commercial-grade quality, excellent ONVIF, widely used
Cons: Chinese government concerns (banned in US gov buildings), more expensive
Axis Communications
Pros: Best-in-class, Swedish company, military-grade
Cons: $300-800 per camera (5-10x the cost)
For most home users, the cost doesn't justify the marginal quality improvement. Reolink and Amcrest are 90% as good for 20% of the price.
Buying Recommendations
Best Starter Kit (Budget): ~$400
- 3× Reolink RLC-810A cameras ($267)
- 1× Amcrest AD410 doorbell ($99)
- TP-Link 8-port PoE switch ($49)
Best Starter Kit (Quality): ~$550
- 3× Amcrest IP8M-2779EW cameras ($360)
- 1× Amcrest AD410 doorbell ($99)
- TP-Link 8-port PoE switch ($49)
- Raspberry Pi 5 8GB ($80)
Mix-and-Match Approach (Recommended)
Use Amcrest AD410 for the doorbell (best integration) and Reolink RLC-810A for perimeter cameras (best value). Best of both worlds.
Final Verdict
Choose Reolink If:
- Budget is your top priority
- You want color night vision
- Buying multiple cameras (5+)
- You're comfortable troubleshooting occasional firmware issues
Choose Amcrest If:
- Using Frigate NVR (perfect compatibility)
- Need a doorbell camera (AD410 is king)
- Want better build quality and warranty
- Prefer US-based support
⚠️ Don't Buy:
- Wyze: Requires unofficial firmware for RTSP, cloud-focused
- Blink: Proprietary, no RTSP, Amazon-only
- Ring: Expensive subscriptions, privacy issues
- Arlo: Subscription required, no local storage
Next Steps
- Plan your coverage: Sketch camera locations (front door, driveway, backyard)
- Measure cable runs: You'll need Cat6 cable + PoE switch
- Pick your mix: Amcrest doorbell + Reolink cameras is popular
- Install Frigate NVR: Download our one-line installer
- Configure cameras: Follow Frigate documentation
More Resources:
• Complete Hardware Buying Guide
• Why WiFi Cameras Are A Bad Idea
• webcam.org vs Ring vs Nest