Reolink2K+ Wired Video Doorbell Camera with Chime, 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi, Human Detection, App Alert, Video Call, 2-Way Audio, Local Storage, No Monthly Fee, hardwired/plug-in installation

Having wanted a doorbell that I could integrate with Home Assistant, have local control over, block cloud access but not hamper its features, not be tied into anyone’s expensive hardware (unify) and still have excellent quality at a reasonable price point, I went for this. I went for the WiFi version despite the obvious downsides, as I have other cameras and this is more for notifications rather than security - and it would be difficult for me to run PoE to its location (I was, however, really pleased to see Ethernet as an option in case that changes in the future). Despite being released for some time, this doorbell still ticked all the boxes. The signal strength to my unify APs on the 2.4GHz band is 100% in the unify console with the nearest UAC-AC-Pro approx 5M away through brick wall - so the antenna in the doorbell is obviously good. I paid £85.49 after applying a 5% voucher for this doorbell, which I thought was pretty amazing considering the competition (especially since the sensor in this unit consistently comes out in the top few). I have it integrated with HA and Frigate using the Coral TPU and so far performance has been good. I’ve never really taken much notice of Reolink before, but I must say I’m really quite impressed. Config can be handled entirely from Web UI, but even their app works locally or via VPN despite being blocked from WAN access (after the initial setup). WAN access was blocked using DNS to restrict just Reolink’s domain and sub domains so that NTP still works, with HA handling push notifications. Video quality is excellent with adjustable settings and ONVIF and RTSP work well. There’s a ton of under the hood settings and granularity - for example AI person and motion detection as well as image colour/brightness etc. The settings for AI and motion are obviously handled in camera and have been useful in refining the notifications sent to my phone via HA. This allows the separate AI person detection in Frigate to work independently so gives total control over events. As a side note: It wasn’t clear from the plethora of YouTube reviews if the button ring led lights on visitor approach (a feature I think looks really slick) but I can confirm that it does, and this is handled by the doorbell unit itself. Firmware is available from the Reolink website without allowing the doorbell WAN access (another tick in the box). I wanted the push notifications on my phone to have the same tone as the door bell and chime. A quick search found a subreddit where someone has provided all 11 audio files. This made it easy to import into HA on my phone to have a more synchronous alert experience. In terms of the product features, I’m really impressed. I’m also thoroughly impressed with what’s in the box. I was expecting no PSU like other brands, and expected to have to get a 24v transformer, but this comes not only with a PSU, but a very generous extension cable and various other leads to integrate with your existing wiring and chime. So in summary: If you are looking for something you have total “un-crippled” control over without spending a ton, then go for this. I solved the issue of the quick release slot (which all these smart doorbells seem to have to be fair) by installing a corner bracket directly below the hole (at bottom of unit) which I painted black with hammerite. The screw into the wall is a security torx. I don’t think one can reasonably do more than that - if someone’s determined to rip it off the wall after that, well then they probably always would have. I’ve only had this 48 hours so I will monitor and update if I experience any issue but I really am genuinely impressed with this so far. :-) Reolink appear to be getting every aspect right so far…. 👏 I hope they stay this way and I cannot wait for their next Doorbell (hopefully with a package cam and LCD screen? ;-))Update (20240301):Having now had this installed for about a month I can say that I do not regret my purchase decision. The only downside that I can tell of so far is that the WiFi signal strength occasionally dips (I setup an automation in HA to notify my phone) but I solved this by placing a repeater near the front door, just to ensure continued connection. The weather has been awful recently so I suspect this to be the cause. Most likely in summer I will have zero issues. As previously mentioned this is not for 24/7 recording, if it were I would probably recommend the PoE version just to ensure connection. After installing the repeater, the unit is now approx 2 meters from an AP. I repeated a site survey to ensure WiFi interference was not a factor. I am still under the opinion that this is an excellent unit for the price - even the WiFi version - considering the flexibility and feature set. WiFi signal issues can most likely be mitigated and this continues to be a viable option for those who cannot run PoE to the front door. The unit continues to work well with frigate and HA. I have experienced no other issues with it. I’m giving this a 10/10 because I truly believe it represents value for money and it does the job I wanted and more. I will absolutely be keeping an eye on Reolink’s offerings in the future.

This doorbell works really well, and I'm very pleased with it. Would highly recommend.Based on previous experiences I would very much recommend a permanently powered doorbell like this rather than battery powered - as that's the only way you get good pre-event recording.I was able to wire it to existing doorbell wiring so it was very easy to install - you need a (min 12V, max 24V) supply for the doorbell - I already had a 24V transformer installed for the doorbell wiring due to a previous Ring Pro install, which worked perfectly. Many older UK doorbells are only 8V though - so check the voltage is high enough (or replace the transformer) if you want to use existing wiring. If you dont already have doorbell wiring, or it can't supply enough power then you can instead power it with the included plug-in power supply - a good length of cabling is included in the box, but you may have to drill a hole through your doorframe for it. But worth it!Once installed and powered it does the job brilliantly. Will integrate with alexa or google home. The included wireless chime works well. You can't buy additional chimes from reolink separately unfortunately - but apparently any programmable 433Mhz chime will work. According to the internet the KERUI M525 works for example. Because its a simple 433Mhz signal for the chime the doorbell will still ring even if your Internet connection is down! The wifi connection has been rock solid in any case. Helps that it supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz!. You do have an ethernet port on the doorbell too so you can skip wifi altogether if you want to.The APP works well, alerts come through instantly. It can notify you for any motion, or it can detect a person and notify for that. The app connects pretty much instantly, and the video quality is great (including at night) Unlike many doorbells you have a complete choice as to where your footage is stored, and you do not have to pay a subscription. You can have the doorbell store video1) On a MicroSD card on the doorbell itself. That's easiest, and costs nothing, but I'd recommend an additional storage option also for backup/security from one of the following...2) Reolink Cloud service (£32.49/year)3) Reolink NVR (check amazon for current price https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CDW6N7V5 ) - One off fee, and once set up will store footage from the doorbell + other security cameras. Can record 24/7 with this.4) FTP Server. The doorbell can transfer recordings via FTP to whatever FTP server you configure. This is what I have set up - an old Raspberry Pi with a large USB storage key.5) RTSP / ONVIF stream. You can have your own NVR record 24/7 with this option.It can also e-mail clips to an address you configure if you want.Basically this doorbell is brilliant - It does everything I want - and leaves my previous Ring Pro (and then Blink) for dust, and all for just a one off purchase price!