If you’re in the market for a smart home security system, the options today are virtually endless. While there were once only a few key players delivering solid results, the landscape has become far more competitive as technology improves and prices continue to fall. Choosing the right device can now be a challenge. This is where the new Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi comes into play—a security camera that offers excellent optics, strong features and an all-in-one design, making it a valuable addition to any home seeking a security upgrade. With a simple setup, high-quality camera and user-friendly app, it helps make protecting your home easier—and more exciting.
Okay, let’s be honest, it can be hard to be excited about a security camera, but the Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi managed to impress me, beyond it just being another camera I had to review. It brings together a few elements that make it something that is interesting and delivers key features that make it useful to protect your home. Rather than treating lighting and surveillance as separate functions that happen to coexist in one housing, Reolink has created a system where the two work together to complement each other. As one unit, they work very well, even for the $249.99 USD asking price.
While the camera offers a long list of features, its standout selling point is its recording capabilities—clearly a step above the budget options often found at big-box electronics stores. The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi features an advanced dual-lens configuration that captures a full 180-degree panoramic view using dual-image stitching technology, delivering seamless 4K UHD footage.
The significance of this approach becomes clear when compared to traditional security cameras, which frequently leave blind spots and require multiple devices to provide full coverage. The wide-angle field of view eliminates the common issue of missing key activity outside the frame of standard cameras. It may sound simple, but this upgrade allows the Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi to monitor a much larger area—without sacrificing clarity. We currently have it installed outside CGM HQ, and it captures the entire pathway with ease, reducing the need for multiple cameras set at different angles.
“The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi features an advanced dual-lens configuration that captures a full 180-degree panoramic view using dual-image stitching technology, delivering seamless 4K UHD footage.”
When put to the test, the camera captures crisp details across the entire viewing area, without the distortion or image degradation often associated with ultra-wide-angle lenses. Users can take advantage of the Reolink app’s clip feature to zoom into specific areas of interest within the panoramic view, enabling detailed examination without losing overall situational awareness. This makes it easier to orient the camera and clearly see what’s happening outside the home.
Beyond the camera itself, as the name suggests, the Elite Floodlight WiFi incorporates dual LED panels capable of producing up to 3,000 lumens of brightness, with illumination reaching up to 12 metres. However, its intelligent control system sets it apart from traditional floodlighting solutions. Users can adjust the colour temperature between 3,000K warm light and 6,000K cool white light, allowing the system to serve both security and ambient lighting needs. And yes—it’s bright. The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi fully illuminates the path in front of our office, making it safer for families—or our staff—to walk outside, while also deterring anyone who shouldn’t be there.
The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi features dusk-to-dawn automation, using ambient light sensors to maintain consistent illumination without manual input. Motion-triggered activation delivers an immediate response to detected activity, making it difficult for intruders to go unnoticed. The floodlight also serves as a light source for the camera, improving video quality when footage is needed later. Custom scheduling allows users to program specific activation times to match their routines or particular security needs.
The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with enhanced WPA3 encryption, making it easier to connect and stay connected—ensuring the camera is active when needed outside your home. Installation is relatively straightforward for those comfortable with light electrical work. Just be sure to turn off the breaker before beginning, and if you’re unsure, hire a professional. The Elite Floodlight WiFi also supports various mounting options, with adjustable camera and floodlight angles that accommodate both ceiling and wall installations. Its compact dimensions of 174 × 18.4 × 295 mm allow placement in areas where larger devices would be impractical.
For those reluctant to add yet another subscription to an already crowded list of services, it’s refreshing to see local storage options that let users retain control of their footage. The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi supports microSD cards up to 512 GB for continuous local recording—even during network outages. Integration with Reolink NVR and Home Hub systems provides centralized management for users with multiple devices.
Advanced users can also configure FTP or NAS server storage through RTSP and ONVIF protocols, offering enterprise-level flexibility for data management. Best of all, it works exceptionally well. Once the camera was installed and the wiring cleaned up, setting up the storage system was straightforward. The app made the process relatively painless—at least as painless as setting up a security system can be.
While it may sound gimmicky—and let’s face it, it is to a degree—the AI-powered detection system successfully reduces the false alarms that often plague other systems, while still maintaining sensitivity to real threats. The device accurately distinguishes between people, vehicles and animals, allowing for customized response protocols based on the type of activity detected. When motion triggers the system, users receive real-time mobile notifications, and the device can activate its 105 dB siren and play customizable voice alerts to provide immediate deterrence. I was impressed by how effectively it differentiated motion types, minimizing unnecessary phone alerts.
Diving into the app reveals a wealth of features that can be customized to your heart’s content—though many aren’t necessary for the device to function effectively. Advanced security tools include customizable detection zones, line-crossing alerts and loitering detection. These features allow users to establish virtual perimeters and receive notifications when boundaries are crossed or when individuals remain in specified areas beyond preset time limits. It’s impressive how much Reolink has packed into the app, striking a balance between complexity for advanced users and simplicity for those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it experience. It’s a smartly designed system—one that was incredibly easy to set up and even easier to use when checking around the house after hearing a noise.
The dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity maintains stable connections even in areas with significant network congestion. Its robust construction is well-suited for outdoor installation, while the adjustable mounting system accommodates various architectural configurations without compromising functionality. During testing, the camera maintained a consistent connection despite being on a network with multiple devices and other cameras—an area where competing brands, such as Ring, have occasionally struggled.
Well, it’s 2025, so of course, the camera’s got to have a bunch of smart features and AI. And with the Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi, you’ve got both. With voice control and Google Assistant, you can watch live feeds on Nest Hub displays or Chromecast-enabled TVs by just using your voice. This makes the Elite Floodlight WiFi a natural addition to existing smart home ecosystems rather than an isolated security component.
The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi also has AI features that let you search footage using keywords, like in a techno thriller from the 2000s. Surprisingly, it works pretty well. I don’t think it’s a feature I need, since the camera only really records key moments. But it’s a smart use of the technology and a fun trick to show your friends.
After setting up and using the device, I am impressed. The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi manages to offer a comprehensive security solution that delivers on its advertised features—and stands out as one of the most capable smart cameras I’ve tested. It combines 4K video quality, intelligent lighting control and advanced AI capabilities into a single device that addresses multiple aspects of property protection. The lack of subscription fees for core functionality makes it a strong value for long-term use, while its flexible storage options accommodate a range of preferences and technical setups.
The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi manages to deliver professional-grade capabilities through a user-friendly interface, making advanced security tools accessible even to those without technical expertise.
- What’s in the bundle?
- 1 x Elite Floodlight WiFi
