Reolink's Argus PT Ultra kit offers a home video surveillance solution built on three pillars : native 4K resolution, autonomous solar power, and local storage with no recurring fees. The kit includes two motorized cameras, two 6-watt solar panels, and a storage station capable of holding up to 1TB of data. Priced around €350-400, it targets individuals looking to secure their property without installing electrical wiring or subscribing to a cloud service.
This two-camera solar kit stands out from the competition with its 355-degree horizontal and 140-degree vertical panning motor, providing near-complete coverage of the surroundings from a fixed point. Its intelligent detection system differentiates between people, vehicles, and pets to minimize false alarms. The design prioritizes local storage via microSD cards, ensuring complete confidentiality of recordings.
three-week real-world test of the Reolink 4K 360° Argus PT Ultra surveillance camera reveals a generally compelling product for its price range, with effective 4K image quality and a functional mobile app. However, battery life exhibits noticeable seasonal limitations, and the lack of third-party home automation integrations restricts advanced automation capabilities.
Table of Contents
Design and Construction: Robustness Guaranteed
Unboxing the Reolink Argus PT Ultra kit reveals two 12cm diameter white spherical cameras, a now standard size in the world of wireless surveillance. The matte plastic has a high-quality finish that inspires confidence. The IP65 certification promises complete protection against water splashes and dust. Reolink specifies a temperature resistance of -10°C to +55°C, a range that easily covers French climatic conditions, from summer heatwaves to winter frosts.
During our three-week testing of the cameras in autumn conditions (temperatures ranging from 5°C at night to 18°C in the afternoon), no malfunctions were observed. The cameras withstood several rain events without any issues. The construction therefore appears to be robust enough for permanent outdoor installation.
Antennas and connectivity of the two solar cameras
Two external Wi-Fi antennas screw onto the back of each camera. These protrusions slightly detract from the sleek aesthetics, but play a crucial role in maintaining a stable connection. They ensure dual-band 2.4/5 GHz compatibility, an important detail for adapting to different home network configurations. In our test house with stone walls, these external antennas made all the difference in maintaining the signal 20 meters from the hub, even with an obstacle in between.
An easily accessible on/off switch on the camera body makes resetting much simpler. Unlike some competing models that require partial disassembly to access the reset button, here everything is quick and easy. This is especially useful when installing cameras 3 meters high.
Fixing and installing the Reolink kit
The mounting bracket included in the kit combines strength and flexibility. The metal fasteners inspire confidence for long-term installation, while the bayonet locking system allows for quick camera removal without disassembling the bracket. This is convenient for manual charging during winter or for adjusting the camera's orientation.
The articulated support allows for precise manual adjustment of the initial angle before the motor takes over. This dual approach is appreciated: rough mechanical positioning followed by fine adjustments via the app. The two-year manufacturer's warranty covers all components, a reasonable duration for this price range.
Solar panels: the detail that makes this camera kit self-sufficient
Reolink solar camera kit's photovoltaic modules measure approximately 15 x 10 cm. Compact, they blend in discreetly once installed. But their real strength lies in the connecting cable: 4 meters separate the panel from the camera. This generous length radically transforms installation possibilities.
In practice, during our test of the Argus PT Ultra, we positioned a camera under an eave to protect it from the elements while monitoring the main entrance. The solar panel was placed on the south-facing slope of the roof, where it receives sunlight from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The actual distance between the two components was 3.5 meters. The result: a constant charge level maintained between 75-85%, even in November with partial sunlight.
Without this flexibility, you would have had to choose between optimizing the camera's viewing angle or maximizing solar energy capture. With 4 meters of cable, you can optimize both. Reolink has clearly thought about this detail, which makes all the difference in real-world use.
Storage station: the heart of Reolink's solar cameras
The central hub included in the Reolink Argus PT Ultra solar monitoring kit has a discreet form factor of approximately 10 x 10 x 3 cm. Its understated design allows it to blend in on a shelf or behind an internet router. Two microSD slots accommodate cards up to 512 GB each. Theoretical storage capacity: 1.024 TB. With 512 GB cards, you can easily record over 130 hours of 4K video before overwriting the oldest files.
The minimalist connectivity includes an RJ45 Ethernet port (wired connection to the local network required), a standard 5V/2A power supply, and a discreet reset button. Indicator LEDs show the operating status: power, network connection, and camera activity. These LEDs can be deactivated via the app for installations in bedrooms or living rooms where they might be distracting at night.
The lack of a Wi-Fi module on the hub does indeed impose a placement constraint near the internet box or a network switch. However, this wired connection guarantees rock-solid stability. During our three weeks of intensive testing, not a single disconnection was recorded. For a security system, this reliability is well worth the drawback of an Ethernet cable.
Image Quality: 4K Makes the Difference
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of our test of Reolink's solar cameras, the Argus PT Ultra, and its video quality. On paper, it boasts a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is true 4K. But how does it perform in reality? We made dozens of passes at varying distances to precisely assess the level of detail captured by these cameras.
Daytime performance of the solar monitoring kit
In broad daylight with good natural lighting, the 4K resolution of these Reolink surveillance cameras delivers a substantial improvement over 1080p or 2K cameras. At a distance of 8 meters, facial features are clearly identifiable: the shape of glasses, eye color, and beard type. License plates remain legible up to 8-10 meters, depending on the angle and lighting conditions. By comparison, a standard 1080p camera begins to lose these details at 5-6 meters.
The sensor delivers natural and balanced colorimetry. The greens of the grass and vegetation are displayed without the excessive saturation sometimes seen on cheap cameras that boost colors to create a more vibrant impression. Here, the rendering remains true to reality, making it easier to identify details (the color of a vehicle, the shade of clothing).
The white balance automatically adjusts to changes in light throughout the day. We viewed recordings covering a full day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.: no noticeable color shift between morning and evening. The internal electronics handle these transitions correctly.
Dynamic Range Management
The dynamic range (difference between the darkest and brightest areas of the same image) is around 10-11 stops according to our estimate. This is respectable for this price range, though it doesn't reach the performance of high-end sensors. In practical terms, we observed slight overexposure in very bright areas when the camera was filming against the light.
A typical example we encountered during our test: a camera facing west in the late afternoon, with the setting sun in the field of view. The sky appears slightly "blown out" (details lost in the white), but the ground and shadows retain usable detail. For a surveillance camera, this is a good compromise: it's preferable to see what's happening on the ground (where potential intruders are moving) even if it means losing the nuances of the sky.
Argus PT Ultra night vision: two complementary modes
At nightfall, two operational modes are available depending on the chosen configuration:
Classic infrared mode: Activation of IR LEDs invisible to the naked eye. The image switches to black and white. The effective range reaches 10 meters while maintaining sufficient detail to distinguish silhouettes, movements, and a person's overall appearance. It is possible to determine if someone is wearing light or dark clothing, is alone or accompanied, and is walking or running.
Beyond 8 meters, the image quality begins to decline. At 12-15 meters, movement is still discernible, but fine details are lost. For standard perimeter surveillance, this is more than adequate.
Color mode with LED spotlight: The white LED spotlight activates automatically upon motion detection. And here's the radical change: the image retains its true colors. Up to 8 meters, the lighting produces sufficient brightness to identify the color of a vehicle (red, blue, black), clothing, or a backpack. Between 8 and 12 meters, visibility remains acceptable, but the brightness gradually decreases.
This mode consumes more battery power because white LEDs are more energy-intensive than IR LEDs. However, the superior information value justifies this consumption in most residential use cases. Being able to identify that an intruder is wearing a green jacket and blue jeans is significantly more helpful to law enforcement than identifying "an individual in dark clothing."
During our extensive nighttime tests of the Argus PT Ultra kit, we favored the color mode. The impact on battery life remains manageable with the solar panels correctly oriented. And the identification quality improves significantly.
Real-time streaming
A crucial point often overlooked: can you actually watch the stream in 4K on your smartphone? The answer is yes, but under certain conditions. The app does display the stream in native 4K resolution with a frame rate of approximately 15 frames per second under optimal conditions.
Optimal conditions mean: camera located less than 10 meters from the hub, excellent Wi-Fi signal (4-5 bars), access via home Wi-Fi (not 4G). In this configuration, the stream remains stable without noticeable stuttering. The measured latency between the actual event and the mobile display ranges between 1.5 and 2.5 seconds. This is standard for this type of system operating over a local network. Absolute real-time performance is impossible without a professional wired infrastructure.
The application offers two quality profiles:
- Net : Full 4K, estimated bandwidth consumption of 8 Mbps
- Smooth : Reduced resolution (probably 1080p), 2-3 Mbps usage
In reality, Net mode works perfectly on 5 GHz Wi-Fi when close to the router. On 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or with a weak signal, Smooth mode is recommended to avoid unexpected interruptions. But even in Smooth mode, the quality remains far superior to entry-level 720p cameras.
One particularly useful detail: switching between the two modes is instantaneous, without restarting the stream. You can switch from Net to Fluide with a single click if the connection becomes unstable.
Motorization: Near-Total 360° Coverage
This is what truly sets the Argus PT Ultra apart from conventional fixed cameras. Each unit features two motors, enabling 355 degrees of horizontal rotation and 140 degrees of vertical tilt. In practical terms, from a single installation point, you can cover virtually the entire environment with only a 5-degree residual blind spot.
Kit control and responsiveness
The camera is controlled via virtual joysticks displayed in the mobile app. The ergonomics are good: the thumb glides naturally on the touch joystick, and the camera responds smoothly. The measured delay between the command and the start of physical movement is 1 to 2 seconds. It's not instantaneous, but it's perfectly usable for tracking a moving intruder or exploring a suspicious area identified in the image.
The maximum rotation speed is approximately 20 degrees per second. This is fast enough to track a person walking, but insufficient for following a vehicle traveling at normal speed. In any case, this isn't the intended purpose of a residential surveillance camera: the motorized system is primarily used to scan different areas as needed.
The motors generate a mechanical noise that can be heard from 2-3 meters away. In a garden or outdoors with ambient noise (birds, traffic, wind), this noise blends into the environment. In a completely silent indoor setting (for example, in a closed conservatory), it becomes more audible but is not bothersome.
Positioning accuracy
The accuracy of automatic repositioning to a memorized point has a margin of error of 3 to 5 degrees. In other words, if you record a viewpoint precisely aimed at the entrance gate, recalling that point will reposition the camera with a tolerance of a few degrees. For a surveillance camera that targets an area rather than a precise point, this tolerance remains perfectly acceptable.
We tested this function extensively: 50 recalls of memorized points over several days. No gradual drift was observed. The motors appear to have good position memory without accumulating errors over time.
Preset point system: ultra-practical for everyday use
The Reolink 4K 360° surveillance camera app allows you to save 32 distinct positions per camera . Each point records the exact horizontal orientation and vertical angle. Programming is simple: manually orient the camera using the joysticks, then click "Save Preset Point" and give it a descriptive name ("Gate," "Driveway," "Pool," "Garage").
In real-world use, this feature transforms the user experience. Rather than manipulating the joysticks each time you want to check a specific area, a simple click on "Gate" instantly repositions the camera. The entire movement takes 2 to 4 seconds, depending on the required range of motion.
During our test, we programmed 8 points on each camera:
- Rear camera: swimming pool, gate, patio, left garden, right garden, shed, back gate, side passage
- Front camera: main entrance, driveway, street (overview), mailbox, gate, front left garden, front right garden, neighborhood
The result: we were able to effectively monitor 16 distinct areas with only two cameras. The equivalent of 8 traditional fixed cameras in terms of coverage.
"Guard Point" mode: automatic return
A particularly well-designed feature: the "Guard Point" mode automatically returns the camera to a predefined orientation after 60 seconds of inactivity. You manually explore different areas, then the camera automatically returns to monitoring the priority zone you have defined (typically the main entrance or access gate).
This feature ensures that if you forget (for example, if you view different views and then put your phone down without repositioning it), the camera won't get "stuck" on a secondary view. It will automatically resume its primary monitoring function.
Intelligent Detection: Effective AI, But Room for Improvement
The surveillance kit incorporates a local detection algorithm capable of differentiating between four categories: people, vehicles, pets, and general movement. Unlike cloud solutions where analysis is performed on remote servers, here all processing takes place within the camera itself. Advantages: rapid response and operation even during internet outages. Disadvantage: limited computing power compared to sophisticated cloud analytics.
In-depth recognition tests
We conducted systematic tests to evaluate the actual reliability of this intelligent detection system. Protocol: 50 passes per category under varying conditions (day/night, distances between 3 and 15 meters, different approach angles).
Measured results:
Human detection: 92% success rate (46/50) . Very satisfactory. Out of 50 people passing in front of the camera at different times of day, 46 were correctly identified as "person." The 4 failures involved very fast passages (running) in low twilight conditions. In normal daytime or nighttime use with LED lighting activated, the success rate rose to 98%.
Vehicle detection: 88% success rate (44/50) . A good score overall. The errors mainly involved bicycles (sometimes classified as "moving" rather than "vehicles") and a motorcycle (mistaken for a bicycle). Cars, vans, and scooters were consistently recognized.
Animal detection: 72% success rate (36/50) . More random. The algorithm struggles to differentiate between a small dog and a large cat depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. In several cases, a Chihuahua was classified as "undetermined movement" rather than "animal." A Labrador, on the other hand, was consistently recognized.
On the plus side, even when there was confusion about the precise type of animal, the system consistently detected that it was a living being in motion (and not a leaf or a branch). For a home monitoring application where the goal is to ignore false alarms caused by vegetation while still detecting neighborhood animals, it works.
Generic motion detection: 95% accuracy . Excellent rate, but be aware: this mode detects EVERYTHING that moves. Tree branches swaying in the wind, shadows shifting with the sun, papers blown by a gust of wind… All these events are captured faithfully. Hence the importance of specific categories (people/vehicles/animals) for intelligent filtering.
Sensitivity settings: finding the right balance
Each category has a sensitivity slider graduated from 1 to 100, with a default value of 60. We tested different configurations to identify the optimal setting:
Sensitivity 80-90 (high) Ultra-responsive detection: the slightest movement triggers a recording. Advantage: no event goes unnoticed. Major drawback: frequent false alarms. During a 24-hour test with sensitivity at 90, we received 47 notifications… 32 of which were false alarms (shadows, branches, reflections on a window).
Sensitivity 40-50 (low): Drastically reduces false alarms: only clear and significant movements trigger a recording. However, there is an increased risk of missing subtle events. A person moving very slowly or remaining relatively still (an individual observing the property from the street) may go undetected.
Sensitivity 60 (default) – Our recommendation: An acceptable compromise for general residential use. Occasional false alarms (2-3 per day on average during our testing) but a satisfactory detection rate for significant events. For further refinement, this setting can be combined with exclusion zones.
Exclusion zones: an essential function
This feature radically transforms the system's daily usability. The principle: you draw your finger on the video preview to indicate areas where certain categories will be ignored.
A concrete example from our test setup:
- The front camera captured a section of the public road where vehicles regularly pass.
- Without an exclusion zone: 15-20 daily notifications for vehicles not affected
- With exclusion zone on the street: zero notifications for street vehicles, immediate alert if a vehicle enters the private driveway
Another example:
- The rear camera monitoring the garden regularly captures the neighbor's cat wandering around the perimeter
- Exclusion zone on the edge: no more alerts for the neighbor's cat, but detection is still required if an animal enters the central zone of the garden.
The drawing process is intuitive and can be done with a simple touch directly on the smartphone screen. Settings are saved instantly. Multiple exclusion zones can be defined for each category on the same camera.
Push notifications: fast and informative
The Argus PT Ultra software alerts reach the smartphone within 3 to 5 seconds of detection. Timing performed: event recorded at 2:32 PM, notification received at 2:32:04 PM. This timeframe is consistent with a local system (no transit via a remote cloud).
Each notification displays:
- A preview thumbnail (a snapshot of the moment of detection)
- The detected category (person/vehicle/animal/movement)
- The precise timestamp
- The camera in question, if you have several.
Clicking the notification opens the full video recording directly in the app. No need to navigate menus: direct access to the event.
Periods of silence
A useful feature: configure periods when notifications are disabled while recording remains active. A typical example: disable alerts from 11 PM to 7 AM to avoid being woken by the neighborhood cat making its nightly rounds, but keep recordings in case of unusual events that can be verified in the morning.
We used this feature to schedule notifications to be disabled from 11 PM to 7 AM on weekdays, and from midnight to 9 AM on weekends. The result: peaceful nights without any loss of surveillance coverage.
Argus PT Ultra kit battery life: The Seasonal Achilles' Heel
Let's now address the sensitive point of the Argus PT Ultra solar surveillance kit: the actual battery life of these solar-powered cameras. Reolink claims that 10 minutes of sunlight provides 24 hours of battery life. This figure corresponds to optimal conditions, which we detail below.
Optimal conditions (summer)
- Direct sunlight: minimum 6 hours per day
- Moderate temperature: 15-25°C
- Moderate use: 10-15 daily triggers of 20-30 seconds each
- No extended video streaming
Under these ideal conditions, the cameras maintain a charge level between 90-100% without intervention. The 6-watt panel recharges the battery faster than it discharges.
Our tests in real autumn conditions
Period: Late October to mid-November Weather: Alternating sunny (4 hours of direct sunlight) and overcast days Temperature: 5°C at night, 12-18°C during the day Usage: 20 daily recordings + 5-10 minutes of streaming viewing per day
Results measured over 21 days:
Day 1 : Initial charge 100% Day 3 : 78% Day 7 : Stabilized at 58% Day 14 : Fluctuation between 52-62% depending on daily sunlight Day 21 : 55%
The batteries have stabilized within a 50-65% range with limited autumn sunlight. There was no gradual depletion, but rather a balance at half charge. Estimated remaining autonomy without any sun: 5-7 additional days before shutdown.
Extreme winter simulation
To test the worst-case scenario (winter period without sun), we covered the panels for 5 consecutive days to simulate a week of continuous dense cloud cover.
Results :
- Starting point: 60%
- Day 1 without sun: 48%
- Day 2: 37%
- Day 3: 26%
- Day 4: 18%
- Day 5: 12%
Discharge of approximately 10% per day without any solar input. Extrapolation: 8-9 days of maximum autonomy from a full charge without any sunlight.
In mainland France, even in the depths of winter, periods of 7-8 days without ANY sunshine (even diffuse sunshine through clouds) remain rare. But they do exist, particularly in the North and East of the country in December and January.
Conclusion of our battery life test: manual charging will be necessary during the winter.
To be clear: with optimal panel placement for the Argus PT Ultra (south-facing, no shadows), the system operates completely autonomously from March to October without any intervention. From November to February, depending on your region and the weather, expect 1 to 2 manual recharges per month via the USB-C port.
A full charge via USB-C cable from a standard 5V/2A charger takes 4 hours, as measured by stopwatch. Reolink does not officially disclose the capacity of the built-in battery. Our calculations, based on charging times and power consumption, suggest approximately 5000-6000 mAh per camera.
The 4-meter cable trick
Let's return to this crucial point: the 4-meter cable makes all the difference. During our test, optimizing the panel's positioning (facing due south, without shade) while keeping the camera in its strategic location allowed us to maintain 75-85% charge even in November with limited sunlight.
Without this flexibility, installing the camera in a shaded spot (under the eaves, on the north side) with the solar panel forced to remain in close proximity would have significantly reduced battery life. The long cable largely compensates for the inherent limitations of winter solar power.
Storage Station and Network Architecture
The Reolink 4K 360° Argus PT Ultra surveillance camera hub is the nerve center of the system. Unlike cloud solutions where your videos are routed to remote servers (Arlo Secure, Ring Protect), here everything stays on your premises. 100% local architecture.
Storage capacity: generously sized
The two microSD slots accept microSDXC cards up to 512GB each. For our tests, we installed two 256GB SanDisk Extreme cards, for a total of 512GB. Actual capacity measured before overwriting the oldest files: 65 hours of 4K video.
Theoretical calculation with maximum configuration (2×512 GB = 1024 GB): approximately 130-140 hours of continuous 4K recording before looping. That's almost 6 days of uninterrupted video.
In real-world surveillance use with motion detection (not continuous 24/7 recording), these capabilities offer considerable historical data. During our test with 20-30 daily triggers of 20-40 seconds each, a 256GB card retained approximately 2.5 to 3 weeks of history.
For most residential uses, this capacity far exceeds needs. A burglary is usually resolved within 48-72 hours: quick identification, filing of a police report, and transmission of images to the authorities. Keeping three weeks of history provides a comfortable buffer.
Total confidentiality: your data stays with you
A key point: no video is transmitted outside your home. No Reolink servers, no third-party cloud, no remote hosting. Everything remains physically stored on the Argus PT Uktra base station located in your home.
To view recordings, the application queries the hub directly via your local network. When traveling, remote access is via a secure tunnel through your internet router (requires port forwarding or the use of services like DynDNS, advanced technical configuration).
This architecture guarantees maximum privacy. Your private images (children playing in the garden, guests on the patio, delivery drivers at the door) are not transmitted over the internet and are not hosted on commercial servers. In the context of the European GDPR, which strictly regulates residential video surveillance, this local approach significantly simplifies compliance issues.
Ethernet connection required: accepted constraint
The hub does not have a Wi-Fi module. Connection is exclusively wired via RJ45 Ethernet cable. This limitation requires it to be installed in the immediate vicinity of your internet box, a network switch, or an Ethernet powerline adapter.
For certain housing configurations (internet box located upstairs, desired station on the ground floor), this constraint can be problematic. Possible solutions: using powerline adapters to extend the Ethernet network via the electrical wiring, or installing an additional network switch.
In return for this constraint, connection stability reaches an optimal level. During our three weeks of intensive testing, with multiple daily checks of the video stream, regular downloading of recordings, and extended streaming for test purposes: zero disconnections, zero interruptions, zero abnormal latency.
For a security system where reliability takes precedence over placement flexibility, this design choice is justifiable. Even high-performance Wi-Fi remains susceptible to interference, micro-interruptions, and slowdowns depending on network load. Wired Ethernet eliminates all these variables.
Camera-hub communication: Dual-band Wi-Fi
If the hub connects via Ethernet, the cameras communicate with it via dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi. We tested both frequencies in different configurations:
2.4 GHz configuration
- Distance tested: 25 meters with a 50 cm thick stone load-bearing wall
- Signal: 3-4 bars out of 5
- Stability: excellent, no disconnections during 48 hours of continuous testing
- Bandwidth: sufficient for 4K streaming (8 Mbps measured at peak)
- Latency: 2-2.5 seconds between event and mobile display
5 GHz configuration
- Distance tested: 15 meters with the same load-bearing wall
- Signal: 4-5 bars out of 5
- Stability: also excellent
- Speed: higher (12 Mbps peak)
- Latency: slightly reduced to 1.5-2 seconds
Practical recommendation: prioritize 2.4 GHz for installations with long distances or thick obstacles (load-bearing walls, concrete floors). Opt for 5 GHz if the cameras are relatively close to the hub (less than 15 meters in a straight line) to benefit from reduced latency.
In our test setup with cameras installed 18-20 meters from the hub, the 2.4 GHz band naturally proved its worth in maintaining a stable 3-4 bar signal. At this distance, with an obstacle present, the 5 GHz band dropped to 2 bars and caused occasional micro-interruptions in the video stream.
Pairing procedure: simple but requires precision
The camera-hub pairing is done via a sequence of QR code scans. Detailed, timed procedure on our setup:
- Camera power-up (switch to ON): 10 seconds for full startup
- Launch the application and click on "Add a device": 5 seconds
- Scan the QR code printed on the camera label using the app: 15 seconds (time to position correctly)
- Connecting to the Wi-Fi network : Enter SSID and password: 30 seconds
- QR code application displayed on the smartphone screen: immediate
- Scan this QR code with the camera (you must present the phone screen to the lens): 20 seconds for recognition
- Final connection establishment and synchronization: 30-60 seconds
Total time measured per camera: 8-10 minutes for a smooth first installation. Voice instructions from the camera guide each step ("Setup in progress", "Code scan successful", "Connecting to network", "Camera successfully connected").
Both pairings went smoothly. One recommendation: increase your smartphone screen brightness to maximum during step 6 (scanning the app's QR code with the camera). In low light, the camera struggles to read the code.
Software Interface and User Experience
The Reolink app for the Argus PT Ultra (available for iOS and Android) centralizes all control and viewing functions. It's a free download from the App Store and Google Play Store. No subscription is required to access features, a radical change from Arlo or Ring, which restrict certain functionalities without a subscription.
Main interface of the Argus PT Ultra: simple and efficient
The home screen displays thumbnails of all configured cameras. In our case: two cameras shown side-by-side with a real-time preview refreshed every 2-3 seconds. Tapping a thumbnail launches the full-screen video feed with all controls superimposed.
Navigation between the different sections is done via a classic tab bar: Home / Playback / Settings. No frills, no cluttered menus. Everything remains accessible in two or three clicks at most. For a security application, this simplicity is a strength: in an alert situation, you want quick access to the image, not to navigate through labyrinthine submenus.
Fluidity: excellent. No perceptible latency when navigating menus, launching video streams, or viewing recordings. The application seems well optimized and doesn't consume excessive resources. Our tests on iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S22 yielded identical results: responsiveness is excellent.
Detailed main functions
Real-time visualization Full-screen video stream with overlaid controls:
- Directional joysticks for controlling the motor
- Image capture button (saves a snapshot to the phone's gallery)
- Manual recording button (starts on-demand recording)
- Digital zoom slider (x2 to x8, quality degraded beyond x4)
- Fullscreen mode button (hides controls for optimal viewing)
- Network quality indicator (Wi-Fi signal camera-hub)
Event Log: All records triggered by detection appear chronologically with:
- Preview thumbnail
- Category detected (person/vehicle/animal/movement icon)
- Precise timestamp (date and time to the second)
- Video clip duration
- Camera concerned (if multi-camera installation)
Available filters: by category, by date, by camera. Search function by time range. During our test with 600+ recordings accumulated over three weeks, searching for a specific event ("last Thursday around 3 p.m., person detected on front camera") took less than 20 seconds.
Two-way audio communication. The "talk-back" function is accessible via a microphone button in the viewing interface. Press and hold the microphone button, speak, then release. The camera will broadcast your voice through its built-in speaker.
Outgoing audio quality: acceptable for short, clear messages ("Can I help you?", "The package can be left at the door"). Slightly metallic tone with noticeable compression, but intelligibility is good up to 6-8 meters away.
Audio recording by the camera: adequate in quiet indoor environments or outdoors in favorable weather conditions. Major limitation: excessive sensitivity to wind. As soon as the wind speed exceeds 15-20 km/h, the gusts completely drown out voices. The microphone primarily picks up wind noise instead of conversations.
For indoor use (veranda, garage) or outdoor use in calm weather, the function performs as expected. For daily outdoor use, its performance remains unreliable depending on weather conditions.
Mosaic view mode displays the feed from all cameras simultaneously on a split screen. With two cameras: vertical or horizontal split-screen. With four cameras: 2x2 grid. Convenient for overall monitoring from a smartphone or especially from a tablet where the larger screen allows for better detail.
Accessible advanced settings
Exclusion zones by category . Direct touch mapping on the video preview. Ability to define multiple different zones for each category (people/vehicles/animals). Zones saved instantly. Later modification or deletion in just a few clicks.
Adjustable detection sensitivity. Graduated slider 1-100 for each category. Real-time adjustment with immediate preview of the impact on detection.
Notification scheduling: Configurable quiet time slots in one-hour increments. Option to differentiate between weekdays and weekends. Global "Do Not Disturb" option for quick temporary deactivation.
Video quality and framerate: Choice between Sharp (4K) and Smooth (HD) quality. No framerate (frames per second) setting: automatically set to 15 fps.
Siren management: Manual activation via dedicated button, or automatic activation according to a scenario (example: person detection between 10 PM and 6 AM). Configurable alert duration from 10 to 120 seconds.
Individual camera settings
- Status LED activation/deactivation
- Image orientation (rotation if camera is installed at an angle)
- Custom camera name
- Motor settings (speed, preset points, guard point)
What the Argus PT Ultra monitoring kit sorely lacks is...
No home automation integration. No compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings. It's impossible to trigger automated routines involving these cameras and other connected devices.
Examples of impossible scenarios:
- "If person is detected on the front camera AND the front door is closed (sensor), then trigger the siren" (advanced anti-intrusion scenario)
- "If the sun sets (automatic calculation), then activate detection on all cameras" (scheduled activation)
- "Alexa, show me the garden camera on the Echo Show" (voice consultation)
For users of sophisticated home automation ecosystems (fully connected homes with multiple sensors and automations), this omission represents a major limitation. For basic standalone use (cameras operating independently), this aspect becomes negligible.
No advanced conditional scenarios. The Argus PT Ultra solar kit app does not allow for the creation of complex, multi-condition automations. You cannot program: "IF person is detected AND time is between 10 PM and 6 AM AND camera is in away mode, THEN trigger siren + send priority notification + activate lighting." The settings remain binary and simple.
No package detection. Unlike Ring or Nest, which include a specific "Package" category to detect package deliveries, Reolink sticks to the four basic categories. A dropped package will be detected as "movement" without any specific identification.
These omissions in the Reolink 4K 360° Argus PT Ultra surveillance kit primarily frustrate advanced users seeking deep home automation integration. For standard home surveillance without the need for complex automation, the Reolink app performs adequately. It remains functional, stable, and relatively comprehensive for essential needs.
Audio Performance and Alert System
The audio quality of the cameras in the Argus PT Ultra kit plays a secondary but not insignificant role. Reolink integrates audio components into both the cameras and the central station.
Reolink camera speakers: limited power
Each Reolink camera includes a small speaker for broadcasting:
- Voice messages transmitted via talk-back function
- Pre-programmed audible alerts (local siren)
- Voice setup instructions
Measured power level approximately: 75-80 dB at 1 meter. This is sufficient for short conversations at a reasonable distance (5-6 meters maximum in a quiet outdoor environment). In noisy environments (traffic, neighbor's lawnmower, strong wind), intelligibility becomes problematic beyond 3-4 meters.
The audio output quality is decent, though not excellent. There's a slightly metallic tone due to audio compression and the small size of the speaker. It works for short, clear sentences ("Hello, the package can be left here," "I see you, please identify yourself"). However, for sustained conversations, listening fatigue sets in quickly.
Hub siren: an effective deterrent
The Reolink base station has a built-in siren that's significantly more powerful than the small speakers on the cameras. A sound level meter reading of 92 dB at 1 meter confirms it's loud. For comparison, 90 dB is equivalent to the noise of a lawnmower or a motorcycle at idle.
Outdoor audibility range: 30-40 meters easily, depending on the environment. In a quiet residential area, this siren can easily be heard two or three houses away. In a densely populated neighborhood with adjoining properties, be mindful of the potential disturbance to neighbors. An untimely activation at 3 a.m. could create tension…
Activation is performed:
- Manually via a dedicated button in the application (long press to avoid accidental activation)
- Automatically, according to a schedule: "person detection between such and such time"
The alert duration can be adjusted from 10 to 120 seconds. Our recommendation: 30 seconds for a sufficient deterrent effect without excessive prolongation that would irritate the neighborhood.
The siren's sound: shrill and piercing, typical of residential alarms. Hard to ignore, even with doors and windows closed. Effective for scaring away an intruder or alerting neighbors in case of an incident.
Recording microphones: sensitive to wind
Each Argus PT Ultra camera includes a microphone to capture ambient sounds. Effective pickup range: 4-5 meters under favorable conditions.
Indoor tests (garage, veranda): Quality is acceptable. Conversations are intelligible, and household noises (car door slamming, door closing) are clearly identifiable. Background noise level is acceptable.
Outdoor tests in calm weather: Acceptable quality. Voices can be distinguished up to 4-5 meters, as well as footsteps on gravel and the sound of a vehicle starting. This data could be used to supplement video footage.
Outdoor tests in moderate wind (15-20 km/h): Degraded quality. The wind noise dominates the audio recording to the point of drowning out other sounds. Conversations become unintelligible. Only very loud noises (engine, door) remain audible.
Outdoor tests in strong winds (>25 km/h): Audio unusable. The microphone only captures wind noise and mechanical vibrations from the camera being shaken. It's impossible to identify anything.
This inherent limitation of outdoor microphones exposed to the elements hinders the use of the audio function in real-world conditions. During our autumn test (windy season), approximately 40% of the recordings exhibited wind noise.
Software noise reduction would have significantly improved the situation. This feature, available on some high-end competitors, is missing here. The microphones capture raw sound without processing. For a camera primarily intended for outdoor use, this is a shame.
Competitive Positioning and Alternatives
The Argus PT Ultra kit, priced at €350-400, enters a highly competitive market segment. Let's compare it methodically with the main alternatives on the market.
Reolink Argus PT Ultra vs Arlo Pro 4
| Criteria | Argus PT Ultra | Arlo Pro 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K (3840×2160) | 2K (2560×1440) |
| Engine | 355°/140° | Fixed |
| Food | 6W Panels | Rechargeable battery |
| Storage | Free local storage (1TB max) | Cloud + subscription |
| Price of a 2-camera kit | 350-400 € | 500-550 € |
| 3-year subscription | 0 € | €180 (€5/month) |
| Total cost over 3 years | 350-400 € | 680-730 € |
| Integrations | None | Alexa, Google, IFTTT |
| Declared autonomy | Infinite (solar) | 6 months per charge |
Reolink advantage : superior resolution, motorized, massive savings over 3 years (€280-330), unlimited local storage.
Arlo advantage : rich ecosystem, home automation integrations, more sophisticated application, advanced facial recognition (with subscription).
Verdict : For basic use prioritizing value for money and data privacy, Reolink wins. For integration into a sophisticated home automation ecosystem, Arlo retains an advantage despite its higher cost.
Reolink Argus PT Ultra vs Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
| Criteria | Argus PT Ultra | Ring Stick Up Cam |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K (3840×2160) | 1080p (1920×1080) |
| Engine | 355°/140° | Fixed |
| Night vision | IR + LED color | IR only |
| Storage | Free local | Cloud + subscription |
| Price of a 2-camera kit | 350-400 € | 300-350 € |
| 3-year subscription | 0 € | €144 (€4/month) |
| Total cost over 3 years | 350-400 € | 444-494 € |
| Integrations | None | Alexa (native Ring) |
Reolink advantage : 4x higher resolution, motorized, color night vision, savings over 3 years (€44-94).
Ring advantage : native Alexa integration, highly developed Ring app, complete ecosystem (doorbells, alarms), integrated emergency services.
Verdict : Reolink outperforms Ring in purely technical aspects (resolution, motorization) and cost. Ring retains an advantage for Alexa users and those seeking a complete home security ecosystem.
Reolink Argus PT Ultra vs Eufy SoloCam S340
| Criteria | Argus PT Ultra | Eufy SoloCam S340 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Engine | 355°/140° | 360° panoramic |
| Food | 6W Panels | Integrated panel |
| Storage | 1TB External Docking Station | Local 8 GB integrated |
| Price of a 2-camera kit | 350-400 € | 380-420 € |
| Subscription | 0 € | 0 € |
| Integrations | None | HomeKit, Google |
Alternatives in other product ranges
Cheaper (€200-300) :
- TP-Link Tapo C520WS : 2K, basic motorization, Wi-Fi only, local microSD storage. Good value for money but lower resolution and no solar panels.
- Imou Cell Pro : Standalone 4G, battery, 1080p. Interesting for isolated locations without Wi-Fi but limited resolution.
More expensive (€600+) :
- Arlo Ultra 2 : 4K HDR, integrated projector, 180° field of view, advanced detection. Superior performance but requires a subscription for full operation.
- Nest Cam IQ Outdoor : 4K, smart digital zoom, facial recognition. Excellent but requires an expensive Nest Aware subscription (€10/month).
- Eufy Security Cam S330 : 4K dual-mode (wide-angle + telephoto), motorized auto-tracking, AI facial recognition, local and solar-powered storage. A complete premium solution with HomeKit integration, but at a high price (€650-€700 for the kit). A credible alternative for Apple users seeking maximum quality without a subscription.
- Hiseeu PTZ Kit : 4K motorized pan-tilt-zoom, 60m color night vision, NVR recorder included, professional wired system. Impressive performance and superior reliability (PoE connection) but complex installation requiring Ethernet cabling to each camera. More suited to semi-professional use than typical residential applications. Attractive price (€600-€650) considering the specifications, but loses the "wireless" advantage of battery/solar-powered solutions.
✔ Native 4K resolution (3840×2160) offering precise identification up to 8-10m.
✔ 355°/140° panoramic motorization covering the equivalent of 6-8 fixed cameras.
✔ Local storage on microSD cards (up to 1TB) without any cloud subscription.
✔ Savings of €144 to €330 over 3 years compared to subscription solutions.
✔ 6W solar panels with 4m cable allowing separate optimization of positioning.
✔ Multi-criteria AI detection with a recognition rate of 92% (humans) and 88% (vehicles).
✔ Configurable exclusion zones effectively eliminate false alerts.
✔ 32 preset points can be memorized per camera for quick navigation.
✔ Dual mode night vision : infrared B&W or color with LED spotlight.
✔ Smooth, intuitive and complete mobile application for essential use.
✔ Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi ensuring compatibility and range.
✔ IP65 certification and thermal resistance -10 to +55°C.
✔ 2-year manufacturer's warranty on all components.
✔ Excellent value for money : €350-400 for a complete 2-camera kit.
✔ Total data confidentiality (no external cloud transit).
✖ Winter autonomy requiring 1-2 manual recharges per month without prolonged sunshine.
✖ Storage station must be connected via Ethernet (no Wi-Fi option).
✖ Total absence of third-party home automation integrations (Alexa, Google, HomeKit, IFTTT).
✖ Microphones are very sensitive to wind, making audio unusable beyond 15 km/h.
✖ Motorized control latency (1-2 seconds) preventing smooth real-time tracking.
✖ Animal detection less reliable (72%) than human/vehicle detection (90%+).
✖ No advanced conditional automated scenarios in the application.
✖ Hub siren potentially disturbing to neighbors (92 dB).
✖ Real-time 4K streaming requires bandwidth (8 Mbps).
✖ No specific package detection (unlike Ring/Nest).
✖ Mechanical noise from the engines perceptible at 2-3 meters.
✖ Built-in battery not replaceable by the user.
Our test verdict and review of the Reolink Argus PT Ultra cameras
After three weeks of intensive use in real-life living conditions, the Reolink Argus PT Ultra kit demonstrates undeniable qualities for its price segment, while also revealing certain limitations that should be fully understood before purchase.
Confirmed strengths
Authentic 4K image quality: The native resolution of 3840×2160 pixels is not just empty marketing hype. The level of detail captured allows for facial identification up to 8-10 meters away. The gain in information is substantial .
Panoramic motorization eliminates blind spots: 355° horizontal and 140° vertical coverage transforms surveillance. The savings justify the additional cost. The 32-point preset system is highly usable.
Local storage without a subscription: Zero subscription fees after purchase. Over three years, savings reach €144 to €330 depending on the competitor. The absence of recurring fees offers complete data confidentiality .
Solar panels with 4m cable: The generous cable length allows separate optimization of the two elements, compensating for the limitations inherent in solar power.
Effective AI detection: 92% recognition rate for humans and 88% for vehicles. Configurable exclusion zones effectively eliminate recurring false alerts. The system fulfills its role of intelligent filtering .
Limitations to be aware of
Winter battery life requiring intervention: From November to February, plan for 1 to 2 manual recharges per month via USB-C in case of prolonged adverse weather. This need for occasional intervention may be a deal-breaker for some.
Complete lack of home automation integrations: No compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit , or home automation protocols. This lack of integration represents a major limitation for users of sophisticated connected ecosystems.
Outdoor audio not very usable in wind: The excessive sensitivity of the microphones to wind blast makes the audio unusable in moderate windy conditions (15-20 km/h).
Station must be wired Ethernet: The inability to connect the hub via Wi-Fi forces it to be installed near a network outlet.
Motorized control latency: 1-2 second delay between command and actual movement prevents accurate real-time tracking of a fast-moving intruder.
Recommended user profile
Reolink Argus PT Ultra kit is particularly suitable for:
- ✅ Owners of detached houses with garden, terrace, swimming pool
- ✅ Users seeking zero recurring fees and data
- ✅ Installations without the possibility of electrical wiring to monitoring points
- ✅ For people allergic to cloud subscriptions and who prefer to control everything locally
- ✅ Needs to monitor large areas with a limited budget (motorized = savings on cameras)
- ✅ Users willing to accept one or two winter interventions for manual recharging
It is less suitable for:
- ❌ Users of integrated home automation ecosystems (Alexa, Google, HomeKit) looking for advanced automations
- ❌ For people requiring 100% autonomous operation all year round without any intervention
- ❌ Housing where installing a wired Ethernet connection station poses a problem
- ❌ Professional video surveillance needs requiring continuous 24/7 recording
- ❌ Geographical areas with very limited sunshine (Northern Europe, shaded mountain areas)
Value for money: a decisive factor. At a price of €350-400 for the complete kit, the value for money is excellent . The savings on a three-year subscription (€144 to €330 depending on the competitor) make this kit even more attractive in the long run.
Final score: 8/10. We give this Reolink Argus PT Ultra kit a score of 8 out of 10. Two points are deducted for: less-than-ideal winter battery life (-1 point) and lack of home automation integrations (-1 point) . The eight points awarded recognize: authentic 4K picture quality, efficient panning, free local storage, reliable AI detection, a functional mobile app, and excellent value for money in its segment.
Purchase recommendation: **YES, with reservations**. We recommend the purchase of this Reolink Argus PT Ultra kit to users matching the profile described above.
Excellent value for money. This motorized, subscription-free, and self-contained 4K kit is a top choice for outdoor surveillance, provided you accept the lack of home automation integrations and the potential need for manual recharging in winter.