Quick Review: Reolink E1 Pro Baby Monitor and Security Camera

Reolink E1 Pro Smart Home Camera Review

I’ve been using Reolink cameras for a few years now.  I currently have three that load up on the Reolink app that makes it easy to setup and choose between them.  The indoor models make great baby monitors, too.

A handful of cameras met all my criteria for a home security/pet cam, including the Reolink E1 Pro Wireless Smart Camera.  It has all the basic features you’d expect, including pan/tilt/zoom and 2-way communication.  It also has full desktop (Windows/Mac) and mobile apps (Android/Apple) that can manage all the settings.  Setup is a breeze and the peer-to-peer network allows operation on your home WiFi network and on cellular when you are away from home.  There are some additional features found in only a few of the more deluxe internet-ready cameras:

1. 4MP sensor for up to 1440p resolution.
2. Micro SD slot allows for local recording
3. 2.4 and 5 Ghz WiFi network compatibility
4. Dual MIMO antennas for improved reception
5. Motion detection w/mobile app + email alerts
6. Night vision infrared LED illuminators

I had no issues getting the E1 Pro going.  Once the app is installed, you follow the app step-by-step voice instructions, point your cellphone camera to the code on the bottom of the camera and it was working within just a few minutes.  The picture quality was very good on automatic settings, with resolution up to 2560×1440 at 20 frames per second, even in zoom mode like this shot from the mobile app:

Pros

• Under $50, less on sale
• Easy to setup, takes a few minutes with smartphone app
• No pricey subscription required to record on SD card
• High resolution 720p/1080p/1440p up to 20 fps
• Dual band 2.4/5GHz Wifi w/2T2R MIMO antennas
• Night vision with app alerts
• Relatively quiet pan/tilt movement
• Works as a baby and pet monitor
• Also handy as security/babysitter cam with two way audio

Cons

• No battery or ethernet power, so you need a nearby power outlet
• Expected lag and occasional connection issues when using cellular
• Reolink Cloud Storage requires subscription cost

Conclusion

The Reolink E1 Pro is a nice step up from the many budget baby monitors and cameras you find online.  It’s great while you’re at home to keep an eye and ear on a sleeping baby or two.  It also works remotely on the mobile app so you can watch your pets or babysitter while you are out for the evening.  I had no issues getting it setup and working.  At the normal price of $49.99 at Reolink.com it’s a good deal, and it is a great value when it goes on sale for $44.99 at Newegg or Amazon.  The lower resolution E1 model is only $35.99 at Amazon.

 

Full Specifications:

More information can be found at the Reolink C1 Pro web page.  They have a full list of frequently asked questions and and documentation.  The sample used in this review was provided by ReoLink.  No other compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.