The Reolink Argus 3 isn't the most feature-rich or the "smartest" camera on the market, which is exactly why it's a great buy for most people who don't want ever more invasive technology in their lives.

Specifications
  • Brand: Reolink
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • App Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
  • Night Vision: Color
  • Internal or External: External
  • Power Source: Internal, Solar
  • Axis Control: None
Pros
  • Easy to install and setup
  • Optional solar panel is very handy
  • Plenty of software options
Cons
  • Needs to be unmounted to charge without solar panel
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Reolink Argus 3

Like most every sort of gadget these days, home security cameras are getting smarter. However, there is such a thing as too smart. Do you need your security camera to have the ability to talk to your smart refrigerator or identify different family members as they come and go?

The people at Reolink don’t think so, which is why the company’s Argus line of home security cameras are just smart enough to be handy, but not smart to the point of being creepy. With the Argus 3, the company has brought new features and upgraded specs, and well, that’s about it.

Thanks to Reolink, we have an Argus 3 to giveaway to one lucky reader. You'll find the entry widget at the end of the review!

What’s In The Box?

Reolink Argus 3 box

Unlike some home security cameras, the box isn’t exactly packed with extras. Open it up and you’ll see the camera itself, as well as a few mounting options. These include a standard screw mount and a magnetic mount for easy removal, as well as a strap for mounting the camera on trees or fence posts.

Mounting screws and anchors are included for both, meaning you can have two different mounting locations. You also get a USB cable for power, but not a power supply.

One of the options available for powering the Reolink Argus 3 is a solar panel, which is sold separately. Our review unit came with one of these, which simply includes the panel and a screw mount.

Design and Features

Reolink Argus 3

The Reolink Argus 3 is designed for outdoor use, so it needs to be able to withstand the elements. As with the Reolink Argus 2 we reviewed in 2018, the Argus 3 is IP65 certified. This means it is dustproof and resistant to low-pressure jets of water or rain.

The overall look of the Argus 3 is similar to the previous model. This model is slightly less rounded and a little more modern-looking, though not so much as to be any more attention-grabbing.

The few ports on the Argus 3 are protected by rubber caps, protecting them from water and dust. You get a micro USB port, used mainly for power, plus a micro SD card slot. Near this slot, you’ll also find the power button as well as the reset button.

In addition to simply working as a camera, the Argus 3 works as a motion-sensing light. This can work to thwart would-be criminals, but is also handy if you’re getting home and night and can’t find the right key on your keychain.

One of the nicest improvements in the Argus 3 is the night vision. While the previous model featured night vision, it was black and white. With the Argus 3, you get color night vision.

Instead of the replaceable batteries in the Argus 2, the Argus 3 uses a rechargeable internal battery. This means that unless you have the optional solar panel, you need to unmount the camera in order to charge it. On the positive side, this means you don’t need to track down replacement batteries.

Reolink Argus 3 and solar panel

If you’re the type to toss out the instruction manual with any new gadget and just start using it, make sure to set up the Argus 3 before you install it. You’ll need to use your phone to scan a QR code on the camera, then you’ll need to scan another code on your phone from the camera. This would be tough or more likely impossible to do if you’ve already mounted the camera.

The Argus 3 has built-in voice prompts that walk you through the setup process. At least in my case, these happened to be incredibly loud, and I couldn’t find any way to turn them down.

To start, download and launch the Reolink app on your phone, tap the Add Device button, then scan the QR code on the back of the camera. Then you’ll need to connect the camera to your Wi-Fi, which as usual is limited to the 2.4 GHz band. Then you let the camera scan the QR code shown by your phone.

I mention phone specifically because I initially tried using an iPad to set up the Argus 3. When I got to the QR code on the screen, I couldn’t manage to get the Argus to read it, so I had to start the process over with my phone. Then it worked, as indicated by an ear-splitting, high-pitched beep that came out of the camera.

Installing The Camera

Reolink Argus 3

As mentioned above, you have a few options for mounting the Reolink Argus 3. One mount requires you to screw the mechanism holding the camera on to the mount that screws into your wall or other mounting surface. The other is magnetic, making it easy to pop the camera off to recharge it.

While the magnetic mount is more convenient, it isn’t exactly secure. If someone thinks to grab it, there could go any evidence of any crime they might be committing. The screw-on mount isn’t immune to this, but it is more secure.

You could get by with just a Phillips head screwdriver to complete the installation if need be. For proper installation, depending on where you’re installing the camera, you may also want a handheld drill to drill pilot holes for the screws to avoid cracking any wood.

If you’re using the optional solar panel, this is equally simple to mount. You’ll just need to make sure there’s enough room for the power cable to run from the panel to the Argus 3.

Like most other wireless security cameras, the Reolink Argus 3 isn’t meant to record video constantly. Instead, it uses motion detection that will record and optionally illuminate anything it registers.

The Argus 3 uses PIR motion detection, which detects body heat. This means passing cars or leaves blowing in the wind won’t activate the camera, but a deer in your yard or even your cat might. If this keeps happening, you’ll need to adjust the sensitivity in the Reolink app’s settings.

Reolink Argus 3 PIR sensitivity

This also means that when you go to turn the camera off in order to plug it in to recharge the battery, it will turn on. In my case, this resulted in temporary blindness after the Argus 3 turned on its light a few inches from my face.

Having to remove the camera to recharge the battery in the first place is one of the only real downsides of the Argus 3. That said, if you opt to use the solar panel add-on, this is no longer an issue, at least assuming you get some amount of sun where your camera is mounted.

Reolink Argus 3 camera view

You can control and monitor the Argus 3 using the Reolink app on nearly any platform you can think of. Most people will probably prefer their mobile devices, and the app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

The Reolink Argus 3 also features built-in support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, letting you control it with voice commands or view it with an Echo Show or similar device.

Mobile Software

Using the app is relatively simple. If you take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the settings and read the manual, you should have no problem using it. The icons below the live stream are relatively self-explanatory, so you shouldn’t be confused as to which button does what.

If you’ve got multiple Argus 3 cameras, you can see a split-screen feed, which is handy. Using multiple mobile devices with the Argus 3 reveals a few small bugs. For example, if you turn on the light on one device, you can’t turn it off on another. This is a minor issue, but one that would be nice to see fixed.

Desktop Software

Reolink desktop app

The Desktop software is slightly less friendly in terms of its interface but gives an easier overview of all the options at your disposal. If you fancy yourself a power user, this is probably what you’ll prefer to use.

Like the mobile app, you get split-screen viewing of your various cameras. In the desktop software, you can drag various “channels” to different corners of the interface. This more closely resembles what you’d see in the type of security camera systems used in business settings.

You also get an easy access calendar in the bottom right, letting you navigate to recordings from various days. This is especially handy if you notice something missing from your yard, for example, as you can quickly identify the last time it was still where it was supposed to be and how it left there.

If you don’t have a home security camera or you’re looking to add one for another location, the Reolink Argus 3 is certainly a smart buy. If you’re thinking about upgrading from the Argus 2, the question is a little tougher. Features like color night vision are nice, but not necessarily worth upgrading over.

I had some issues with the Argus 3, namely during setup, but after reviewing a few different home security cameras over the years, I wasn’t especially surprised. This just seems to be part and parcel with these devices, as I’ve never not had issues with them. In the grand scheme of things, the Argus 3 was one of the easiest to use cameras I’ve tested.

For some people, the lack of extra “smart” features may be a downside. If that describes you, take a look at our list of the best wireless security cameras for an alternative. If you’re the opposite and don’t want a camera that thinks it knows better than you, the Reolink Argus 3 is a great choice.