Reolink Security Cameras
Reolink Innovation Inc. · Camera / Doorbell
✓ Reviewed
Index
Reolink sells Wi-Fi and PoE cameras, NVRs and doorbells that can run fully local and offline (local NVR/SD recording, no mandatory subscription or account for on-network viewing), which is a genuine privacy strength. However, the companion app and cloud features route data through Reolink's servers, and independent testers have repeatedly flagged embedded Chinese analytics/tracking SDKs and P2P weaknesses. As a Chinese-owned firm, data touching its cloud is exposed to PRC legal-access regimes.
Why this rating
Policy: strong local/offline, no-subscription operation (+local-processing) but audio/video capture (-15), third-party/tracker data flows (-15), PRC-jurisdiction and loose law-enforcement exposure (-5), and vague disclosures (-7). Evidence: independent researchers (Exodus Privacy; documented by BornCity, Jan 2025) found three Chinese trackers - AutoNavi/Amap, Baidu and WeChat location - bundled in the Reolink Android app (Reolink says these were a development testing tool removed in Feb 2025); CISA advisory ICSA-21-019-02 documented P2P vulnerabilities enabling eavesdropping and credential exposure.
What it is
- Microphone
- Camera
- Works offline
- Manufacturer
- Reolink Innovation Inc.
- Category
- Camera / Doorbell
- Model years
- 2018-present
- Market status
- Current
- Companion app
- Reolink
The evidence 2
Independent research, regulatory action, lawsuits, breaches and journalism about this device — the "what actually happens" axis. Each links to its source.
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Analysis (via Exodus Privacy tracker detection) found Reolink's Android app v4.50.0.4 bundled AutoNavi/Amap, Baidu Location and WeChat location trackers.
Why it matters here: Independent detection of undisclosed Chinese tracking SDKs in this device's companion app.
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CISA/ICS-CERT published an advisory (from Nozomi Networks research) on vulnerabilities in Reolink's cloud P2P connectivity that could allow eavesdropping on camera streams and exposure of credentials.
Why it matters here: Government-coordinated advisory on security weaknesses in this device family's remote-access feature.
Descriptive, cited, not legal advice; ratings are versioned and corrections create a new version. Data from the IoT Info Grabber DB research project, CC BY-SA 4.0.