Reolink Argus 3 Review

If you want a super solar camera that’s easy to mount, the Reolink Argus 3 could be your jam.

By Brianne Sandorf

Sep 14, 2022

5 min read

Want an outdoor security camera but don’t want to hardwire it or screw it into your siding? The Reolink Argus 3 is a good fit for you.

Read on to learn more about the Reolink Argus 3. We tested this camera at a property that recently had an attempted break-in, so you know we aren’t messing around.

Reolink Argus 3 price and details

Product	Price	Night vision	Compatibility	Learn more
Reolink Argus 3	$90.99	33 ft.	Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant	View Camera

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 09/14/2020 12:45 MST) Full disclaimer

Argus 3 features

The Reolink Argus 3 has some awesome features.

One of our favorite things about this IP camera is its night vision. The starlight tech makes it so much easier to see what goes on in the dark.

Source: Reolink

We’re also big fans of the motion-activated light and siren. With those two features, this camera is almost like a mini security system rolled up in one.

Also, with this camera, you can use a rechargeable battery or add a solar panel. You can even alternate between the two power methods if you want.

Other Argus 3 features:

1080p video quality
Motion detection
Push notifications
Email notifications
Two-way audio
MicroSD card storage
Multiple mounting options
IP65 waterproofing
Arlo-like appearance

Argus 3 two-way audio

When you talk to the person on camera, your voice is actually louder than the siren (which isn’t quiet by any means).

What’s included

This camera comes with the following:

A magnet mount
A screw mount
Screws
A strap for mounting to a tree or pole
A window sticker

We love, love the mounting strap. It makes installation so much easier and doesn’t require any holes.

What doesn’t the Argus 3 include?

To use this camera, you need to buy either a USB cable and plug or a Reolink Solar Panel. And unless you want to use Reolink’s subscription plans, you need a microSD card too.

Argus 3 pricing

The camera itself doesn’t cost much, but you do need accessories.

This camera is $90.99, which is a superb deal for an outdoor camera. Of course, you also need to spend around $15 to $30 to get a power cord or solar panel. And if you want to utilize the SD storage, you’ll need to get a microSD as well.

Still, that should come to less than $150 all together.

Reolink Solar Panel 2

We got a solar panel to try with our Argus 3. On a sunny day in Utah, it charged about 10% battery life per hour. That’s a lot slower than the cord, but since the battery is relatively long-lasting, the camera should still charge more than enough each day to last through the night. If you get a panel, though, we recommend trying it out to see how fast it charges, just to be safe. Your results could be different than ours.

Subscription plan

If you choose not to do the microSD storage option, you’ll need to get a subscription plan.

For just the Argus 3, you don’t have to pay any fees for rolling seven-day storage. But if you want more than one camera or more than seven days and one gigabyte of footage, you’ll need an upgraded plan.

For just one camera, you don’t have to pay any fees for rolling seven-day storage.

Reolink subscription plans

Reolink app plan	Limit	Cameras	Price monthly	Price annually
Basic Plan	7 days and 1GB	1	$0.00	$0.00
Standard Plan	30 days and 30 GB	Up to 5	$4.99	$49.99
Premier Plan	30 days and 80 GB	Up to 10	$9.99	$99.00
Business Plan	60 days and 150 GB	Up to 20	$14.99	$149.00

Data effective 09/14/2020. Offers subject to change.

Argus 3 home automation

Your Argus 3 will work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

If you stick with either Echo or Google Home, this camera connects with either.

If you swear by Apple HomeKit, this Argus 3 isn’t for you.

However, the only thing you can really do with the voice control is bring up the camera feed. So if your smart speaker doesn’t have a screen, there’s not much of a point.

Argus 3 installation

Installation is no problem with this Reolink camera.

We’ve tested several of the leading outdoor cameras. The Argus 3 was, by far, the easiest to install—at least with the physical components.

The app setup wasn’t difficult, but it was anti-intuitive at times. We had to pay close attention to the steps the app gave us to get it right.

microSD card

If you choose to use an SD card for playback power, pop it into its slot before powering on the camera.

Reolink Argus 3 installation steps:

Charge the camera. Even if you plan to use the Reolink Solar Panel, we suggest charging the Argus 3 with a cord the first time around.
Turn the camera on.
Download the Reolink app.
Create a Reolink account.
Click the plus sign button to add a new device.
Follow the in-app given steps to connect the camera to Wi-Fi and the app.
Attach the camera to a mount.
Secure the mount to the desired location with the screws (or the strap if you’re attaching the camera to a tree or pole).

Source: Reolink

Location

This camera is meant to be used outside. You can use it inside if you really want to, but it would be a waste since you can get an indoor camera at a lower price.

And if you’re thinking of placing the camera indoors but aiming it to look outside through a window, we don’t recommend that. The reflective surface of the glass makes it difficult for the tech to work right.

Speaking of tech interference, Reolink cautions users not to install the camera in the following locations:

In a place with strong winds
Pointed at bright lights
Pointed at a mirror (or other highly reflective surfaces)
Near other wireless devices
Near air conditioning, heat, or humidifier vents
Near frequently moving objects

Solar panel location

If you want to use the solar panel, you have to screw it into place as there’s no strap option. That limits where you can put it.

The panel also has to be close enough to the camera to connect by a cord.

Recap: Is the Argus 3 good?

We think the Argus 3 is very good, even though you have to buy stuff to make it work.

At this price, a solar-powered camera with clear night vision, a light, a siren, and easy mounting is like a dream. We highly recommend this camera for all your security needs. Just remember that you need to buy a power source and a storage option separately.

Like this camera but want to save a few bucks? In that case, there’s also the cheaper Argus 2. (The main difference we see between the 2 and 3: the batteries are removable in the 2, which is actually a plus. You don’t have to take the whole camera down when you’re recharging.)

Or, if you’d like a full home security suite, check out our best security systems review. We cover all the best brands, including Vivint and SimpliSafe.

Argus 3 FAQ

If you still have questions about the Reolink Argus 3, we’ve answered some common inquiries.

The default setting for the Argus 3 motion detector isn’t too sensitive. It didn’t pick up on waving tree branches or flashing shadows. The notifications we received were generally for passing people and cars.

Still, some people only want notifications for people who get quite close. In that case, you can try the two motion settings that are less sensitive than the default.

The Argus 3 we tested used about 6% of its battery life every 24 hours. That’s not horrible, but it does mean charging the battery twice a month or so. For that reason, the Reolink Solar Panel could be worth looking into.

Reolink sells a lot of cameras for video surveillance purposes. The company offers both CCTV and IP devices to meet different customer needs, and it even sells NVR systems.

The bullet and dome cameras are some of Reolink’s most recommended items.

Many users are eschewing regular security cameras for a doorbell camera. We understand why: the multifunction of a doorbell with a camera attached can be too good to pass up.

Reolink doesn’t have a video doorbell as such. However, during our tests, we kept the Argus 3 trained on the front porch area. It caught the comings and goings of everyone who came to the front door.

In short, a regular Argus video camera can video your doorstep just as well as a doorbell camera. It just can’t be rung.

To learn more, check out our smart video doorbell buyers guide.

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Written by

Brianne Sandorf

Brianne has a degree in English and creative writing from Westminster College. She's spent the last 10+ years writing professional, research-based content about technology, luxury retail brands, chicken sandwiches, and everything in between. Before joining Reviews.org, Brianne wrote safety and security content for ASecureLife.com. Her pieces and quotes are published across the web, including on MSN.com, Social Catfish, and Parents.com. Brianne loves to read, write, travel, cook, and spend time with her family. Contact her at brianne@reviews.org.