Reolink makes some of the easiest NVR systems for homeowners who want a dedicated recorder without dealing with complicated third-party camera compatibility. Reolink NVRs combine local 24/7 recording, built-in or networked PoE, high-resolution camera support, and remote access through the Reolink app.
This guide is for homeowners, small businesses, and larger properties that want to build a Reolink-only surveillance system with local storage and no monthly recording subscription.
TL;DR – Best Reolink NVRs (Quick Picks)
| Product | Best For | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Reolink RLN8-410 Check Price on Amazon | Best Overall | Excellent balance of 8-channel PoE, 16MP support, storage, and easy setup |
| Reolink RLN16-410 Check Price on Amazon | Best 16-Channel | 16 built-in PoE ports and 4TB storage for larger systems |
| Reolink RLN12W Check Price on Amazon | Best Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for mostly wireless Reolink camera systems |
| Reolink RLN36 Check Price on Amazon | Best for Large Installations | 36 channels and up to 48TB of storage |
If you’re looking for the cameras to pair with these recorders, check out our full guide to the Best Reolink Cameras for compatible PoE, Wi-Fi, AI, and high-resolution models.
Good to Know Before Buying
- Reolink NVRs are primarily designed for Reolink cameras, rather than mixed-brand surveillance systems.
- Most advanced AI detection is performed by compatible Reolink cameras rather than entirely by the NVR.
- PoE cameras are generally the easiest option for reliable 24/7 recording.
- Reolink NVRs can record locally without requiring an internet connection.
- Internet is mainly needed for remote access, notifications, and cloud-related features.
- Higher-resolution cameras use more storage, especially when recording continuously.
- Camera compatibility can vary depending on the NVR hardware version and firmware.
How to Choose the Right Reolink NVR
How many cameras do you need?
8 channels → most homes and small businesses
12 channels → larger homes and mostly wireless installations
16 channels → larger properties and growing surveillance systems
36 channels → commercial properties, warehouses, and large installations
Do you want PoE or Wi-Fi?
PoE → best for reliability, long-term installations, and 24/7 recording.
Wi-Fi → easier when running Ethernet cables to every camera is difficult.
The RLN8-410 and RLN16-410 have built-in PoE ports, while the RLN12W is designed around Wi-Fi 6. The RLN36 uses external PoE switches instead of having PoE ports built into the recorder.
How much storage do you need?
Storage requirements depend heavily on the number of cameras, resolution, bitrate, and whether cameras record continuously or only when motion is detected.
2TB → suitable for smaller systems
4TB → better for larger 16-camera installations
Additional HDDs → recommended for large systems and long retention periods
Do Reolink NVRs require internet?
No. The NVR can continue recording locally when the internet is unavailable. Internet access is mainly required for remote viewing, notifications, and other online features.
Best Reolink NVRs (Detailed Reviews)
1. Reolink RLN8-410 (Best Overall)
- Best for: Homeowners and small businesses wanting an easy-to-use Reolink PoE NVR with high-resolution camera support and local 24/7 recording.
- Not ideal if: You want to use cameras from multiple manufacturers or need more than eight cameras.
The Reolink RLN8-410 is our Best Overall Reolink NVR because it offers an excellent balance of camera capacity, high-resolution support, built-in PoE, storage, and simplicity.
It supports compatible Reolink cameras up to 16MP, provides 8 camera channels, and comes with a pre-installed 2TB HDD for local recording. Its built-in PoE ports make installation particularly straightforward because compatible Reolink PoE cameras can connect directly to the NVR using a single Ethernet cable for both power and video.
The RLN8-410 can also work with many Reolink cameras offering features such as person, vehicle, and animal detection, optical zoom, auto-tracking, two-way audio, and spotlights. This makes it a versatile foundation for a Reolink-only surveillance system.
Key Highlights
Video & AI
- Supports compatible Reolink cameras up to 16MP
- Supports 16MP, 12MP, 8MP/4K, 5MP, and 4MP cameras
- Works with compatible Reolink smart cameras
- Supports features such as person, vehicle, and animal detection when provided by compatible cameras
Storage
- Pre-installed 2TB HDD
- Storage expansion through the eSATA port
- Up to 8TB additional storage according to the listed specifications
- Supports continuous, motion-based, and scheduled recording
Installation
- 8 built-in PoE ports
- One Ethernet cable can provide power and data to each compatible PoE camera
- PoE cable distance up to 330 ft with suitable Ethernet cabling
Remote Access
- Reolink App
- Reolink Client
- Supports iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac
Why We Like It
- Excellent all-around choice for homeowners and small businesses.
- 8 built-in PoE ports make installation simple.
- Supports compatible Reolink cameras up to 16MP.
- 2TB of included storage makes it ready to use out of the box.
- Expandable storage provides additional flexibility for longer retention.
- Works with Reolink cameras offering AI detection, PTZ, auto-tracking, two-way audio, spotlights, and other features.
- Local recording does not require a monthly subscription.
- Reolink’s mobile and desktop software makes remote viewing straightforward.
Things to Keep in Mind
- It is designed for the Reolink ecosystem and does not support third-party cameras.
- Eight channels may be limiting if you plan to install more than eight cameras.
- The included 2TB HDD may not provide long retention with eight high-resolution cameras recording continuously.
- Camera compatibility can depend on the NVR hardware version and firmware.
- Some advanced features come from the connected camera rather than the NVR itself.
Bottom line: The best overall Reolink NVR for most homeowners and small businesses. The RLN8-410 combines 8-channel PoE, 16MP camera support, included storage, local recording, and easy installation without making the system unnecessarily complicated.
2. Reolink RLN16-410 16CH NVR (Best 16-Channel)
- Best for: Larger homes, businesses, workshops, and properties that need more than eight cameras.
- Not ideal if: You only need four or eight cameras or want a mixed-brand NVR.
The Reolink RLN16-410 is the better choice when eight channels aren’t enough. It provides 16 dedicated PoE ports, supports compatible Reolink cameras up to 16MP, and includes a 4TB HDD.
Its biggest advantage is expansion. You can connect up to 16 compatible PoE cameras directly to the recorder, making it particularly useful for larger properties or systems that may grow over time.
Key Highlights
Video & Storage
- Up to 16MP camera support
- 4TB pre-installed HDD
- Two SATA interfaces for storage expansion
- H.265 and H.264 compression
- 24/7 and motion/event recording
Installation
- 16 independent PoE ports
- IEEE 802.3af/at PoE
- Up to 330 ft PoE cable distance with suitable Ethernet cabling
Smart Features
- Human, vehicle, and animal detection with compatible cameras
- Supports compatible PTZ, auto-tracking, two-way talk, spotlight, and siren features
Why We Like It
- 16 PoE ports provide substantially more expansion room than the RLN8-410.
- 4TB of included storage is better suited to larger installations.
- Supports high-resolution Reolink cameras up to 16MP.
- Built-in PoE simplifies installation.
- Local recording continues without an internet connection.
- Two SATA interfaces provide a useful storage upgrade path.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Only Reolink cameras are supported.
- 16 channels may be excessive for smaller homes.
- AI capabilities depend largely on the connected cameras.
- Higher-resolution cameras recording continuously will consume storage quickly.
- Camera compatibility should be checked before adding newer Reolink models.
Bottom line: The best Reolink NVR for users who need 16 cameras, more storage, and substantial room to expand.
3. Reolink RLN12W 16CH Wi-Fi NVR (Best Wi-Fi)
- Best for: Homeowners who want a mostly wireless Reolink surveillance system.
- Not ideal if: You want a traditional all-PoE installation or need third-party ONVIF cameras.
The Reolink RLN12W is the best option in this lineup for users who want to avoid running Ethernet cables to every camera. It combines Wi-Fi 6, dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz connectivity, and local NVR recording.
Despite some listings calling it a 16CH Wi-Fi NVR, the specifications for this model list 12 NVR channels, so it is best treated as a 12-camera recorder.
Key Highlights
Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6
- Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- WPA3 security
- Compatible Reolink Wi-Fi cameras can connect directly to the NVR
Storage & Video
- 2TB pre-installed HDD
- Supports cameras up to 16MP according to the listed specifications
- HDMI output up to 4K
- 24/7 local recording
Wired Expansion
- Four Ethernet camera connections
- PoE cameras can be used with a separate PoE switch
- One additional LAN/WAN connection
Why We Like It
- Excellent option when extensive Ethernet cabling isn’t practical.
- Wi-Fi 6 provides modern wireless connectivity.
- Includes 2TB local storage.
- Supports high-resolution Reolink cameras.
- Remote access is available through the Reolink App and Client.
- No monthly subscription is required for local recording.
Things to Keep in Mind
- It is a 12-channel recorder according to the listed specifications, despite some listings calling it 16CH.
- Only Reolink cameras are supported.
- PoE cameras require a separate PoE switch or suitable network connection.
- Wi-Fi performance depends on distance, walls, interference, and the surrounding network.
- Some Wi-Fi cameras may require wired configuration initially.
Bottom line: The best Reolink NVR for mostly wireless installations where running Ethernet to every camera isn’t practical.
4. Reolink RLN36 36CH NVR (Best for Large Installations)
- Best for: Large homes, businesses, warehouses, offices, and properties requiring dozens of cameras.
- Not ideal if: You only need a few cameras or want an NVR with built-in PoE.
The Reolink RLN36 is Reolink’s choice for large surveillance deployments, supporting up to 36 Reolink IP cameras and up to 48TB of storage across three HDD bays.
Unlike the smaller Reolink NVRs, it has no built-in PoE ports. Instead, cameras connect through external PoE switches, allowing larger installations to distribute cameras across multiple network locations.
Why We Like It
- 36 channels provide extensive expansion capacity.
- Three SATA bays support up to 48TB of total storage.
- External PoE switches allow flexible large-scale installations.
- Supports compatible Reolink cameras with smart detection and advanced camera features.
- Gigabit networking helps handle large numbers of IP cameras.
- USB 3.0 makes footage backup more convenient.
- Local recording works without internet.
Things to Keep in Mind
- No built-in PoE ports.
- Requires external PoE switches.
- No HDD is included.
- Only Reolink cameras are supported.
- 36 channels is overkill for most homes.
- Dozens of high-resolution cameras can consume storage quickly.
Bottom line: The best Reolink NVR for large installations, especially when you need 36-camera capacity and up to 48TB of local storage.
Final Recommendations
- Best overall: Reolink RLN8-410
- Best 16-channel: Reolink RLN16-410
- Best Wi-Fi: Reolink RLN12W
- Best for large installations: Reolink RLN36
FAQ
Are Reolink NVRs compatible with other brands?
Generally, Reolink NVRs are designed for Reolink cameras rather than mixed-brand surveillance systems. If third-party camera compatibility is important, an ONVIF NVR is a better choice.
Do Reolink NVRs work without internet?
Yes. Reolink NVRs can record and provide local viewing without an internet connection. Internet access is mainly required for remote access and notifications.
Which Reolink NVR is best for most homes?
The RLN8-410 is the best overall choice for most homes because it provides 8 channels, built-in PoE, 2TB of storage, and support for compatible Reolink cameras up to 16MP.
Is the RLN16-410 better than the RLN8-410?
Not necessarily. The RLN16-410 is better when you need more than eight cameras or want more storage and expansion capacity. For a typical 4- or 8-camera home system, the RLN8-410 is usually the more practical choice.
Is the Reolink RLN12W really a 16-channel NVR?
The model is often marketed as a 16CH Wi-Fi NVR, but the specifications listed for the RLN12W identify 12 NVR channels. For planning purposes, it is safer to treat it as a 12-channel recorder.
Does the RLN36 have built-in PoE?
No. The RLN36 requires external PoE switches for PoE cameras. This makes it more flexible for large installations but less plug-and-play than the RLN8-410 or RLN16-410.
Do Reolink NVRs support 4K cameras?
Yes. Compatible Reolink NVRs support 4K and higher-resolution cameras, with some models supporting cameras up to 16MP. Actual compatibility depends on the NVR model, hardware version, firmware, and camera.
Do Reolink NVRs require a monthly subscription?
No. Local recording is stored on the NVR’s hard drive, so a monthly subscription is not required for standard NVR recording.