The Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam floods your property with dazzling light to deter would-be burglars

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Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: two-minute review

Founded in 2009 by a team of engineers in Shenzhen, China, Reolink has grown into a global provider of smart, yet affordable, security cameras. A little while back I tested the Reolink Altas PT Ultra and was really impressed with the 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt camera, though the design was a little bulky. This recently launched Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is very different though.

While it doesn’t feature a rotating pan-and-tilt camera (instead it features a fixed lens with 150-degree field of view), it does boast two large LED panels capable of delivering up to 1,000 lumens of brightness. It’s also quite a bit cheaper than the Reolink Altas PT Ultra, currently retailing for around £85. Of course, the cheaper price tag does involve some trade-offs, not least the lower video resolution. Whereas the Reolink Altas PT Ultra offers 4K ultra high definition, the Solar Floodlight Cam is restricted to 2K (1440p) resolution. However, for the vast majority of people, 2K video resolution is more than adequate.

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam with packaging on outdoor table

The camera’s two extra-bright spotlights resemble ‘ears’ on either side of the main unit (Image credit: Future)

Designed to be placed on the outside of the property with a clear view of the sky at a height of around 2.5 to 3m, the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is reasonably easy to install. In the box there’s a mounting bracket with screws and wall plugs, as well as — unusually — a mounting wrench for tightening up the bracket.

Before installation, you will need to charge the unit using the USB-C cable provided and pair the camera with the Reolink app using the QR code on the back of the unit. Helpfully, the camera supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies and it tells you when it is successfully paired with your home network.

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam mount attached to wall

The camera comes with a mounting bracket and screws, plus a mounting wrench to tighten the bracket (Image credit: Future)Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam at Amazon for $87.99

Unlike some apps, which can be confusing to navigate, the Reolink app offers everything you need within a reasonably clear interface. You can select the different types of object you want the camera to detect (human, animal, vehicle or other) and set a schedule for when you want recordings to happen (for example, switch off during the day if you know family members are going to be around). You can also exclude certain parts of the frame, which is handy if — like me — you are setting the camera up in a back garden and don’t want to record activity from your next-door neighbour’s property.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to use the Reolink app, the device can be fully integrated with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to view live video feeds on screen-enabled devices such as an Echo Show (though we didn’t test this facility). You can even control the floodlights using your own voice via the Alexa app.

Adjusting recording settings for Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam in app

The Reolink app has a refreshingly clear interface (Image credit: Future)

In addition to two powerful spotlights, a very loud 110dB siren is provided to help deter burglars. Alternatively, it’s possible to set your own custom audio tone if the alarm is triggered such as whispering ‘pssst’ to get intruders to look at the camera for better facial recognition.

Not only can the brightness of the LED spotlights be adjusted depending on your preferences, it’s also possible to adjust color temperature depending on whether you want your intruders to be bathed in a cold ‘blue-ish’ light or a much warmer yellow light.

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam lights active at night

You can adjust the brightness of the camera’s twin spotlights, and even their color temperature (Image credit: Future)

Two-way audio is provided for communications with sound coming from a large-ish speaker on the bottom of the unit next to the PIR sensor and waterproof connections for the USB-C cable and Micro SD card.

Footage can be recorded either to the MicroSD card (up to a maximum of 512GB) or you can subscribe to Reolink Cloud to store footage in the cloud – see details below. This facility also includes AI Video Search so you can quickly find footage using natural language. For example, type ‘man wearing a red T-shirt’ and in the UK it will bring up the postman coming to the door and anyone else wearing a red T-shirt!

https://cloud.reolink.com/cloud-plan for further details

First announced at CES 2026 in early January, the Solar Floodlight Cam is one of a number of devices Reolink is planning to release this year. Others include a 24MP triple lens outdoor camera (the OMVI X16 PoE) and an interesting Reolink AI set-top box designed to add AI functionality to non-AI cameras.

What’s more, the Floodlight Cam is also one of the cheapest outdoor cameras you can buy with local storage (although you will have to fork out for your own Micro SD card). Whereas some companies keep hardware prices relatively low by tying you into a subscription even for basic functionality, the Reolink offers a best of both worlds’ solution – cheap hardware combined with local subscription-free storage.

Nor is just about the money. For those worried about the security of cloud-based storage, local storage is a far safer option (providing the burglar doesn’t steal the camera with the MicroSD card inside, of course). However, there is always the option of taking out a monthly subscription if you so choose.

Whereas some manufacturers will charge you over £10 a month for basic functionality, at least Reolink Cloud is relatively cheap. Subscription prices have even come down since I last reviewed a Reolink product around 18 months ago. You can now get 30-days of recordings stored in the cloud for less than £3 a month. The cloud subscription also includes AI video search for finding recordings using short descriptions.

Most outdoor security cameras comprise either one or maybe two main elements. There’s usually the camera itself plus a solar panel which is either mounted on the camera or housed in a separate device and connected via a USB-C cable. The Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is unusual in that it really comprises four elements of similar size and shape.

First there’s the main cube where the fixed camera lens and PIR are located. Then there are the two flexible LED lights that sit either side like big flappy ears. Finally, there’s the solar panel, which sits on top of the main unit.

The solar panel is in a fixed position, so you need to be careful to mount the camera in a place where it will catch the sun (Image credit: Future)

Baseus Security S2 the panel actually rotates with the movement of the sun). But that’s not the case here. Instead, the solar panel is fixed which means you will need to install the camera somewhere that is relatively sunny to ensure additional power.

Initially I had worried that the unusual cube design might make the Solar Floodlight Cam feel a bit more flimsy than some of the more conventional tubular shaped models. However, this white unit feels well-built and comes with IP66 waterproofing.

Image 1 of 2

Bottom of Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam The camera is equipped with a dome-shaped motion sensor and a large speaker(Image credit: Future) Back of Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam The camera is equipped with a dome-shaped motion sensor and a large speaker(Image credit: Future)

Underneath the camera are two weatherproof sockets (one for external power from a USB-C cable and one for power on/off and a MicroSD card slot). Also provided are a PIR dome motion sensor and large speaker. Finally at the back of the camera sits a metal ball joint that connects to the mounting bracket to provide ultimate flexibility when it comes to angling the camera.

When it comes to performance it’s fair to say that the Reolink is solid rather than spectacular. Images from the 2K (1440p) camera lens aren’t the sharpest I’ve seen, certainly nowhere near as good as those from its stablemate, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra. However, where it comes into its own is its ability to capture footage in near total darkness. Virtually every night I tested the camera it captured wildlife in my garden, including several foxes and even a hedgehog! Thankfully no human intruders though.

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Reolink’s app is easy to use, and clips are neatly ordered for quick reference(Image credit: Future)You can schedule times when the camera should and shouldn’t watch for activity(Image credit: Future)Adjusting the battery mode can extend the time between charges(Image credit: Future)The time lapse setting is unusual, but helpful for things like tracking the process of a building project(Image credit: Future)

Whereas some security cameras have apps that are very difficult to navigate, Reolink’s are generally very easy to use. Underneath the main image there’s a timeline where you can scroll through captured footage — useful if you missed the push notifications on your phone. Each of the clips is categorized for easy reference with an image of a running person for an intruder, pawprint for animal or a circle for other sighting. This makes it much easier to find relevant footage.

As with many security cameras, I found the lens on the Reolink Solar Floodlight camera a little too sensitive at its default setting of 80. For example, sheets hanging on a washing line were routinely triggering alerts. As a result, I found it necessary to reduce the sensitivity to around 50 so it didn’t capture every minor movement.

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The Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam doesn’t capture the sharpest images in daylight…(Image credit: Future)…but it really comes into its own after dark(Image credit: Future)

Alternatively, if you want to use the camera for creative, rather than security purposes, there’s an innovative time lapse setting. This can be set up to capture images at set intervals of between 10 seconds and six hours and also includes different pre-sets including one for construction — handy if you are tracking the progress of a building project.

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Costing around £85, the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is excellent value for money considering it offers two large spotlights and a built-in solar panel.

4.5/5

Design

An unusual cube design, the Reolink is surprisingly sturdy with decent IP66 rating.

4/5

Performance

The Reolink produces solid rather than spectacular images. However, its menus are easy to navigate and it incorporates some useful features such as time lapse.

4/5

Average rating

If you want a decent security camera with powerful spotlights that you don’t have to keep recharging every few months then the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is a good option, especially given the competitive price tag.

4/5

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Solar)

IMOU Cell 3C

Subscription price

None. Optional Reolink Cloud From £2.71 a month.

From £4.99 a month

None required. optional IMOU Protect from £3.49 a month)

Row 1 – Cell 4

Viewing angle

150° ultra-wide (diagonal)

140° view horizontal, 80° vertical

120° horizontal

Row 2 – Cell 4

Network connection

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)

Row 3 – Cell 4

Audio

Two-way audio

Row 4 – Cell 4

Video

2K (1440p) video resolution

2K Video, HDR, Live View, Color Night Vision

2K (3MP) video resolution

Row 5 – Cell 4

Power

Battery/Solar

Battery/Solar (mains option also available)

Battery/Solar

Row 6 – Cell 4

Hardware price

£85 (with built in solar panel)

£199 (with separate solar panel)

£49.99 (with built in solar panel)

Row 7 – Cell 4

If you’re not sure whether the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is the right device to protect your home, here are two other options you should consider:

I installed the Reolink camera on the front of my summer house which also serves as a small gym and an office during the summer. Because the building is made of wood it makes it simple to install cameras using the screws provided, whereas if it was on a brick wall I would have to use a drill and the wall plugs provided for installation.

As the solar panel is fixed and the ideal location for the camera is under the eaves of the summer house I had worried that the solar panel would be ineffective. But, remarkably, after 10 days of testing (admittedly many of them actually sunny for a change), the camera’s battery is still at 100% charge. Part of the reason is that I turned the sensitivity of the camera down to reduce the number of false alerts. I also reduced the brightness of the spotlights so as not to annoy the neighbours with too much light pollution every time an alert is triggered.