Reolink does not require a subscription to record video or view your cameras locally, but cloud storage and some remote features cost extra
Reolink cameras work without any subscription at all. You can set up a camera, record to a local hard drive or microSD card, and watch the live feed from inside your home network without paying anything beyond the camera itself. The company makes money partly by selling hardware and partly by offering optional add-ons — cloud storage, person detection, and remote viewing — that you can choose to buy or skip entirely.
The catch is that some features people expect from a modern camera — like viewing your feed from your phone when you are away from home, or getting alerts when the camera detects a person rather than just motion — require either a subscription or a one-time purchase. Understanding which features are free and which cost money helps you decide whether Reolink fits your needs and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Local recording to a hard drive or microSD card works without any subscription, and you can view live video from inside your home network for free.
- Remote viewing — watching your cameras from outside your home on a phone or computer — requires either a one-time Reolink account or a paid cloud subscription.
- Cloud storage for video clips costs money; local storage does not, but requires you to set up a hard drive or use the camera's built-in card slot.
- Person detection and other AI features are available as a one-time purchase or through a subscription, depending on the camera model.
- Reolink's free tier includes basic motion alerts and email notifications, but more detailed alerts require paid features.
What works without paying anything
If you connect a Reolink camera to your home network and attach a hard drive or microSD card, you can record 24/7 without a subscription. The camera stores video locally, and you watch it by opening the Reolink app or web interface from a device on the same network — a phone, tablet, or computer connected to your home WiFi or wired to your router.
This setup gives you the core security function: continuous recording that you can review if something happens. You get motion alerts sent to your phone or email, and you can rewind and watch clips from the past. Many people use Reolink this way and never pay for anything beyond the camera hardware.
The Reolink app itself is free to download. Creating a Reolink account is also free. What costs money is cloud storage and certain detection features, which we cover below.
Remote viewing and why it costs money
Reolink offers two ways to watch your cameras from outside your home: through their cloud service or through a direct connection using a Reolink hub or NVR (network video recorder). The cloud option is simpler but requires a paid subscription. The hub or NVR option is a one-time hardware purchase.
If you want to check your camera from your phone while you are at work or traveling, you have three paths. First, you can pay for Reolink's cloud subscription, which typically costs between $3 and $5 per month per camera, depending on the plan and how long you want clips stored. Second, you can buy a Reolink hub — a small device that sits on your home network and lets you connect remotely without a subscription. Third, you can set up port forwarding on your router yourself, which is free but requires technical knowledge and carries security risks if done incorrectly.
Most people choose either the cloud subscription or the hub. The hub is a one-time cost of roughly $30 to $50 and works with most Reolink cameras, though it requires you to set it up and keep it powered on at home.
Cloud storage plans and what they include
Reolink's cloud storage plans vary by camera model and subscription tier. A basic plan might store 7 days of video clips in the cloud for one camera at around $3 per month. A more expensive plan might offer 30 days of storage across multiple cameras for $10 to $15 per month. The exact pricing and storage duration depend on which Reolink product line you own.
Cloud storage is optional. If you do not buy it, your camera still records locally and you can still view clips from home. You simply cannot access recorded video from outside your home network unless you use a hub or set up port forwarding.
Reolink also offers a free tier: you get 1 day of cloud storage at no cost, which is enough to see what happened in the last 24 hours if you are away from home. This free tier is useful for checking on something specific but not for long-term backup.
Person detection and AI features
Reolink cameras can detect motion for free. Detecting a person specifically — rather than a car, animal, or tree branch moving in the wind — usually costs extra. Some Reolink models include person detection as a one-time purchase of $5 to $10 per camera. Others require a subscription that adds $1 to $3 per month on top of any cloud storage plan.
The difference matters if you get a lot of false alerts from wind or passing cars. Person detection reduces noise by ignoring motion that is not a human. If you live on a quiet street and do not mind reviewing motion clips manually, you may not need it. If you live near a busy road or have trees that move in the wind, it becomes more valuable.
Check the product page for your specific camera model to see whether person detection is a one-time purchase or a subscription add-on, as Reolink has changed this across their product line.
Comparing local storage versus cloud storage
| Storage Type | Cost | Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MicroSD card in camera | One-time, $10–$50 | From home network only | Small amounts of video, low budget |
| Hard drive connected to NVR or hub | One-time, $50–$200+ | From home network; remote with hub | Months of video, multiple cameras |
| Reolink cloud storage | Monthly, $3–$15 | From anywhere with internet | Remote access without hub setup |
Local storage — whether a microSD card or a hard drive — is a one-time cost and gives you full control over your video. You own the files and can keep them as long as you want. Cloud storage costs money every month but requires no setup and works from anywhere.
Many people use both: a hard drive at home for long-term backup and a small cloud subscription for quick remote access when they are away.
How to avoid unexpected charges
Reolink does not auto-enroll you in paid plans. When you set up a camera, you choose whether to add cloud storage or other features. The free local recording and basic motion alerts are the default.
If you buy a Reolink camera secondhand or inherit one from someone else, check the account settings to see what subscriptions are active. You can cancel them from the app or the Reolink website without losing the ability to record locally.
Before buying a specific Reolink model, visit the product page and look for the pricing section. It will list what features are free, what costs a one-time fee, and what requires a subscription. This takes two minutes and prevents surprises later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Reolink camera without creating an account?
You can record and view video locally without an account if you connect directly to the camera's IP address on your home network. However, creating a free Reolink account is simpler and gives you access to the mobile app. An account does not cost money; it is the cloud storage and remote features that do.
What happens if my internet goes out?
Local recording continues without interruption. You can still watch video from devices on your home network. You simply cannot access the camera remotely or upload clips to the cloud until your internet is back. This is one reason many people prefer local storage — it does not depend on your internet connection staying up.
Do I need a Reolink hub if I have a subscription?
No. A cloud subscription lets you view cameras remotely without a hub. A hub is an alternative if you want remote access without paying a monthly fee. You choose one or the other based on your preference and budget.
Can I move a subscription to a different camera?
Yes, you can cancel a subscription for one camera and start it for another through the Reolink app. You are not locked into a specific device. However, you pay per camera, so moving a subscription does not reduce your total cost if you want to cover multiple cameras.
What if I only want to record when I am away from home?
You can set up motion-triggered recording in the Reolink app, so the camera only saves video when it detects movement. This uses less storage and is the default setting for most users. You can also schedule recording to turn on and off at specific times.