The Reolink CX810 and CX820 cameras bring premium features like 4K HDR, smart motion detection, and true full-color night vision into the budget category. And right now, they’re up to 30% off, making them some of the most attractive smart camera deals on the market.
If you’re looking for a security upgrade without jumping into pro-level pricing, these cameras hit a sweet spot. Both models offer PoE for simple wired installation, built-in microphones and speakers for 2-way audio, and integration with Google Assistant and Alexa. But it’s the performance, for the price, that sets them apart.
Let’s take a closer look at why the Reolink CX810 camera and Reolink CX820 aren’t just affordable—they’re arguably two of the best value-packed Reolink security cameras available today.
What Makes Reolink CX810 and CX820 Special?
True 4K Resolution with HDR
Both cameras record in 4K 8MP (3840 × 2160) with HDR technology, delivering sharp detail and balanced contrast even in challenging lighting. Whether it’s direct sunlight, shaded entryways, or mixed indoor lighting, these Reolink 4K camera models keep the footage clean and usable.
For anyone looking to future-proof their security setup, a Reolink 4K security camera system is a strong investment. You’ll see clearer faces, license plates, and subtle movements—especially useful when events need to be reviewed or shared.
ColorX Night Vision: Real Color in the Dark
What truly separates the Reolink CX820 and CX810 from many competitors is ColorX Night Vision. This technology, paired with an F1.0 super aperture lens, lets the camera maintain full-color footage in extremely low-light environments, without relying on infrared alone.
You won’t just see shapes or silhouettes at night—you’ll see the color of a jacket, the model of a car, or the lettering on a delivery package. That’s a serious edge in low-light monitoring. Especially for CX820 with ColorX Night Vision, the clarity is impressive even with minimal ambient light.
Smart AI Detection Built-In
Both the Reolink CX810 and CX820 are equipped with onboard AI detection powered by Reolink’s latest smart engine — no subscription required
These cameras can intelligently distinguish between:
- People
- Vehicles
- Animals
- Unusual movements in defined zones (Zone Loitering, Intrusion, Line Crossing)
You can customize:
- Motion Zones – Focus only on areas that matter, like driveways or gates.
- Alert Types – Choose push, email, or app-based alerts.
- Schedules – Enable detection only during selected hours or days.
This level of control gives you precise perimeter protection at a price usually seen in commercial-grade systems. The best part? It’s all handled locally. Your video stays private, and your alerts are instant — no cloud server delay, and no ongoing fees.
Reolink App & Client: Full Access Anywhere, Anytime
Reolink’s free app and desktop client give you instant, real-time access to your cameras from virtually anywhere.
What you can do with the app:
- Live View – Monitor your property from phone, tablet, or computer
- Smart Playback – Filter events by time, type (person, vehicle, etc.), and zone
- Real-Time Alerts – Receive instant push or email notifications for AI-triggered events
- Custom Detection Zones – Set motion boundaries to reduce false alarms
- Device Control – Manage multiple cameras, enable sirens, speak via two-way audio
The app is available on:
- iOS & Android
- Windows & macOS (Reolink Client)
And yes — it’s free.
Power over Ethernet and Smart Assistant Support
As part of the Reolink 4K PoE security camera system family, both devices use PoE for power and data, making installation easier and more stable. If you’ve dealt with Wi-Fi dropouts in other smart camera setups, this is a welcome upgrade.
You also get hands-free control via Google Assistant or Alexa. Want to pull up a live feed on a smart display or TV? Just ask. These Reolink security cameras are built to integrate smoothly into modern smart homes.
If you’re specifically looking for full-color night vision that works even in zero-light conditions, Reolink has extended this approach in other models as well. For example, the Reolink Altas offers a 2K solar-powered setup with 24/7 recording and ColorX tech — ideal for remote or off-grid environments.
Format, Weather, and Creative Tools
Efficient Video Format: H.265 Saves Space
The Reolink CX810 and CX820 use H.265 encoding, the same technology found in professional surveillance systems. Compared to the older H.264, it offers:
- Up to 50% smaller file sizes
- Smoother remote streaming even on limited bandwidth
- More days of footage stored on the same SD card or NVR
This matters whether you’re using local microSD storage or uploading footage to an NVR — you’ll get more out of every gigabyte.
Weatherproof Durability: Built to Survive Outdoors
Rated IP67, both models are sealed tight against the elements. Whether you mount them on an exposed garage wall or under a roofline, they’re ready to perform.
- Works in rain, snow, sleet, and dust
- Operates from -10°C to 55°C (14°F to 131°F)
- Rugged aluminum alloy housing resists impact and corrosion
Built-In Timelapse: Creativity Meets Surveillance
Time-lapse isn’t just for YouTube. With Reolink’s built-in Timelapse tools, you can compress hours of activity into short, shareable clips:
- Document garden growth or renovations
- Monitor deliveries or traffic patterns
- Capture beautiful sunrises and weather transitions
No special software needed — just choose your camera, set a schedule, and export directly from the Reolink app.
Smart Playback and Motion Zones: No Time Wasted
Footage is only valuable if you can find what matters — fast. Both cameras offer event-based playback with advanced filters:
- Search by event type (person, vehicle, animal)
- Use the timeline scrubber or event list
- Customize detection zones to ignore trees, roads, or movement beyond your fence
Jump straight to critical moments. Skip false alerts and wasted time.
This helps homeowners and small business owners focus only on what matters — whether that’s a visitor, delivery, or unexpected intrusion.
Design Differences: Bullet vs. Turret
Though the Reolink CX810 and Reolink CX820 offer nearly identical specs and performance, they differ in one important aspect—form factor.
The CX810 is a classic bullet-style camera. It’s ideal for mounting on walls or under overhangs where its elongated shape makes direction control easy. Bullet cameras like the Reolink CX810 camera are often preferred for visible deterrence and long, narrow coverage zones—driveways, fences, or alleyways, for example.
The CX820, by contrast, is a turret-style camera. Its compact dome-like design is more discreet and better suited for ceilings or corner positions. That makes it a great choice for front porches, entryways, or indoor installations where a lower profile is preferred. The turret design also helps reduce glare or water buildup on the lens in exposed conditions.
If you’re deciding based on appearance and placement flexibility, this physical difference is the only real deciding factor.
Reolink CX810 vs. CX820: Which to Choose?
Technically, the Reolink CX810 and Reolink CX820 are nearly identical. They share the same 4K resolution, ColorX Night Vision, AI-based person/vehicle/animal detection, PoE connectivity, and smart home support. The differences come down to form factor and installation preferences.
When to Choose the Reolink CX810
The CX810 is a bullet-style camera with a narrow, elongated housing. This makes it a better fit for:
- Wall-mounted outdoor setups, such as garage exteriors or fences
- Installations requiring a more visible, deterrent-style camera
- Situations where the lens angle needs to be directed with precision
Its slim profile also gives you more flexibility in directional alignment without relying on ceiling mounts.
If you’re building a front-door or entrance-focused system, pairing your CX810 or CX820 with a video doorbell can elevate coverage. The Reolink Video Doorbell supports both PoE and Wi-Fi setups, offers rich smart alerts, and integrates with the same Reolink app for seamless control.
When to Choose the Reolink CX820
The CX820 uses a turret-style dome design. It’s more compact and discreet, making it well-suited for:
- Under-eave or ceiling placements—porches, hallways, corners
- Installations where reduced glare or water shedding is important
- Indoor or semi-sheltered outdoor locations where aesthetics matter
The dome construction also protects the lens better from dust and weather exposure in certain mounting positions.
Bottom line: If you prefer a directional camera with a strong presence, go with the Reolink CX810 camera. If you want a lower-profile look with more flexible vertical mounting, the Reolink CX820 is the smarter pick.
Both cameras deliver the same core performance. Your choice is all about placement and personal style.
Price and Value Breakdown (June 2025)
Right now, the Reolink CX810 and CX820 are priced far below their feature set suggests, and that applies to both the U.S. and Canadian markets.
🇺🇸 United States Pricing (USD)
- Reolink CX810: ~$76.99 (30% OFF from $109.99)
- Reolink CX820: ~$116.99 (10% OFF from $129.99)
🇨🇦 Canada Pricing (CAD)
- CX810: C$90.99 (30% OFF)
- CX820: C$97.99 (approx. 30% OFF)
At under USD 80, the CX810 delivers 4K Ultra HD, ColorX Night Vision, person/vehicle/animal detection, PoE, and two-way audio, which puts it in a class of its own. Even the CX820, at around USD 117, holds its value by offering the same smart features in a turret-style housing.
Both Reolink security cameras include:
- Local microSD card support (up to 256 GB)
- PoE connectivity (Power over Ethernet)
- Access to the Reolink app with no subscription required
- Google Assistant and Alexa integration
- Compatibility with Reolink NVRs and IoT devices
For buyers in either country, these cameras represent standout value in the Reolink 4K PoE security camera system lineup. And with temporary discounts in place, it’s one of the most affordable entries into AI security solutions with ColorX Night Vision.
How Do They Compare to Other Popular 4K Smart Cameras in North America?
If you’re exploring alternatives to Reolink CX810 and CX820, you’ll likely come across other popular options from brands like Eufy, Aosu, Wyze, Google Nest, and Ring. These brands also offer AI-powered 2K or 4K cameras with smart alerts and cloud support. But if you dig into the details, the Reolink 4K PoE security camera system still stands out, especially in value, connectivity, and ownership.
🔍 Comparison Chart: How Reolink Stacks Up in 2025
| Feature | Reolink CX810 / CX820 | EufyCam E330 / S340 | Wyze Cam v3 Pro / OG 4K | Google Nest Cam (Wired) | Ring Stick Up Cam Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ✅ 4K UHD (8MP) with HDR | ✅ 4K (8MP) | ⚠️ 2K–4K AI upscaled | ❌ 1080p only | ⚠️ 2K HDR |
| AI Detection | ✅ Person / Vehicle / Animal | ✅ Person / Vehicle / Crying | ⚠️ Person (some models only) | ⚠️ Person (subscription) | ⚠️ Person / motion (subscription) |
| Night Vision | ✅ ColorX + Spotlight | ✅ Color + IR | ✅ Color + IR | ❌ IR only | ✅ Color w/ spotlight |
| Connectivity | ✅ PoE (wired) | ⚠️ Battery / solar / limited PoE | ❌ Wi-Fi only | ⚠️ Wired or battery Wi-Fi | ❌ Wi-Fi only |
| Local Storage | ✅ microSD up to 256 GB | ⚠️ Internal only / limited microSD | ✅ microSD (restricted) | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Subscription Needed? | ❌ No | ⚠️ Optional for full AI | ✅ Yes for alerts | ✅ Yes (Nest Aware) | ✅ Yes (Ring Protect) |
| Smart Home | ✅ Google & Alexa | ✅ Google, Alexa, HomeKit | ⚠️ Google/Alexa vary | ✅ Google only | ✅ Alexa only |
| Price Range (June 2025) | ✅ $76.99–$116.99 | ⚠️ $129–$199 | ✅ $69–$99 | ⚠️ $99–$159 | ⚠️ $129–$179 |
🟩 ✅ = Best in category
🟨 ⚠️ = Compromises / limitations
🟥 ❌ = Not supported or requires paid upgrade
Most brands make you choose. Reolink gives you everything, without the hidden costs.
Where Reolink Has the Edge
- PoE Stability: Reolink CX810 and CX820 use Power over Ethernet. This means you get both power and data through one cable—no Wi‑Fi interference, no battery charging, no solar dependency. Most competitors rely on Wi‑Fi or batteries.
- True Local Storage: You can record continuously to a microSD card or use a Reolink NVR—without paying monthly fees. Most other brands either limit local storage or lock key features (like smart detection or cloud history) behind subscriptions.
- Full AI Detection Without Cloud: Both Reolink cameras handle person, vehicle, and animal detection locally. Many other models limit detection to basic motion (unless you subscribe).
- ColorX Night Vision: In dim light, Reolink CX820 with ColorX Night Vision outperforms traditional IR cameras by maintaining natural color instead of grayscale footage. This is still rare at this price point.
- Real 4K Detail: Some budget cameras claim “2K+” or AI-upscaled footage, but Reolink offers actual 3840 × 2160 resolution with HDR, sharp enough for license plates, faces, and fine details.
Why It Matters for Buyers in the US and Canada
Whether you’re in the U.S. or Canada, camera performance should be consistent. But:
- PoE systems are better suited for harsh climates (extreme cold, strong winds) where Wi‑Fi or solar can become unreliable.
- Reolink offers regional warehouses and supports shipping across North America.
- Ongoing sales pricing under $120 gives Reolink a cost advantage even before subscriptions are factored in.
In short, while Eufy, Aosu, Wyze, Nest, and Ring each have strong selling points, the Reolink CX810 and CX820 give you full 4K resolution, smart AI, true local control, and PoE reliability—at a significantly lower total cost of ownership.
Long-Term Value and Integration
Both the Reolink CX810 and CX820 are more than just standalone smart cameras — they’re part of a scalable ecosystem that grows with your needs:
- Reolink NVR Compatibility: You can pair either camera with Reolink’s NVRs for 24/7 continuous recording, centralized management, and expanded video retention, without needing to rely on cloud storage or subscriptions.
- Smart Home Friendly: Full integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa lets you check feeds on smart displays or control alerts with voice commands.
- IoT Device Integration: These cameras work alongside other Reolink products, including floodlights, doorbells, and solar panels, providing a cohesive security platform.
- Expandable Storage: While some systems cap at 32 or 64 GB, Reolink offers up to 256 GB microSD support and larger-capacity storage when used with NVRs — better futureproofing than most cloud-first or Wi‑Fi-only options.
- ONVIF-Compatible (limited): Though not fully open-source, Reolink’s partial ONVIF support means potential for integration with some third-party systems, useful for professional installers and DIY enthusiasts alike.
In the long run, this flexibility makes Reolink a stronger investment than closed ecosystems with locked-in storage or limited connectivity.
For users who prioritize remote access and off-grid coverage, especially in rural areas or large properties, Reolink’s lineup of 4G-enabled smart cameras may offer even more flexibility. See our full 2025 guide to the best cellular security cameras to explore models that work beyond Wi-Fi coverage zones.
Final Verdict: Affordable AI Security for 2025
If you’re looking for a Reolink AI camera that blends performance, features, and affordability, the CX810 and CX820 are tough to beat in mid-2025.
- The CX810 offers clean 4K visuals, precise person/vehicle/animal detection, and reliable PoE — ideal for outdoor monitoring, driveways, or small storefronts.
- The CX820, with its ColorX Night Vision, is a standout for 24/7 color imaging, especially in areas without ambient lighting like alleyways, garages, or rural properties.
- Both units deliver subscription-free local storage, reducing long-term ownership costs and privacy concerns.
Recommended For:
- Homeowners looking for high-quality outdoor security without ongoing fees
- Small business owners wanting to monitor inventory areas, entrances, or parking lots
- Professional installers and integrators need dependable AI cameras to build PoE-based security systems
These cameras prove that in 2025, top-tier video surveillance doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.
FAQ
What is the difference between Reolink CX810 and CX820?
Both models offer the same 4K resolution, HDR, ColorX Night Vision, and AI detection. The only difference is form factor: the CX810 is a bullet-style camera suited for wall mounts, while the CX820 is a turret-style dome ideal for ceiling or eave installation.
Do Reolink CX810 and CX820 cameras work without a subscription?
Yes. These Reolink AI cameras use local microSD storage (up to 256GB) and do not require a cloud subscription to record or access AI detection. You get full functionality without recurring fees.
Can I use Reolink CX810/CX820 with Google Assistant or Alexa?
Absolutely. Both are smart cameras that integrate seamlessly with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to view live feeds or control alerts via smart displays or voice commands.
Are Reolink CX810 and CX820 compatible with PoE?
Yes—they are part of the Reolink 4K PoE security camera system and receive power and data through an Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for Wi‑Fi and ensuring stable performance.
Which Reolink camera offers ColorX Night Vision?
The Reolink CX820 includes full ColorX Night Vision with an F1.0 aperture, ensuring natural color footage even in very low light. The CX810 also offers ColorX but may not perform as well in extreme darkness.
What software can I use to monitor Reolink CX810 and CX820 on PC?
You can monitor them through the official Reolink Client app (Windows/macOS) or by using popular third-party IP camera monitoring software — see our guide on the best IP camera monitoring software for 2025 for detailed recommendations.
