Home video surveillance has come a long way in recent years, but one problem that persists across most available solutions is the reliance on the cloud to store recordings, which means monthly fees, privacy concerns, and dependence on external servers that can fail or shut down.
The Reolink Home Hub Pro is the answer to that problem, acting as a management centre and local encrypted storage hub for Reolink cameras.
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We tested this device alongside three Reolink cameras over several weeks and share our experience here.
Reolink Home Hub Pro review — A safe home for your Reolink camera recordings
The Reolink Home Hub Pro is a wireless security hub that centralises the management of up to eight Reolink cameras on a single platform, with local encrypted storage, support for resolutions up to 16MP, and compatibility with dual-band WiFi and WiFi 6 cameras.
All recording is done offline using proprietary encryption algorithms that protect data even in the event of physical theft of the device, with no monthly fees and no cloud dependency.
It supports two microSD card slots with up to 1TB each, up to ten user accounts with customisable permissions, and integration with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice control. It also creates a dedicated WiFi network for cameras, independent of the home network, with separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz channel support.
The Reolink Home Hub Pro has a minimalist design built to blend discreetly into any décor.
It is a compact, light-coloured device that does not draw attention to itself, unlike many security hubs that look like technical equipment out of place in a living room.
On the front you will find the Reolink logo and an illuminated button at the bottom. On the top there is a grey-tinted area with a ventilation grille for cooling.
On the rear are the connectors for power and the network cable, along with the two microSD card slots. The build conveys adequate solidity for a device intended for continuous use.
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Installation and setup
Installing the Home Hub Pro is straightforward and takes around 10 to 15 minutes. The device connects to the router via Ethernet cable, so it should be positioned next to the internet connection point or near an Ethernet port that connects directly to the router.
After plugging in the network cable and the power cable, insert a microSD card into one of the two available slots. Then install the Reolink app, create an account, and add the Home Hub Pro by scanning the QR code on the device. The app guides you through the entire process until the Home Hub Pro is connected to the internet and ready to receive cameras.
One important point to bear in mind is that, since the Home Hub Pro creates a dedicated WiFi network for cameras, it should be placed in an open area rather than inside or behind furniture, so the signal can reach cameras installed outdoors effectively.
Adding cameras to the Home Hub Pro is equally straightforward. In the app, select the Home Hub Pro, tap the “+” button and scan the camera’s QR code, following the on-screen steps. The camera connects automatically to the Home Hub Pro’s WiFi network and begins recording everything locally.
Reolink app and camera integration
The Home Hub Pro is controlled through the Reolink app, which gives you a quick summary of all events recorded by the associated cameras, all in one place.
Alongside the footage, you have access to a weekly summary of alerts with a chart displaying the count of each event type broken down by day of the week and by device.
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The app also lets you check storage usage and the network IP, and create scenarios and automations with the different devices associated with the Home Hub Pro. You can manage each user account’s permissions, defining what each person can see and control, with the option to set expiry dates for access.
The Home Hub Pro works as a centralised alarm, sounding alerts when any associated camera detects motion, with several ringtone options available or the ability to customise the alert sound.
Local storage and privacy
The Home Hub Pro’s main argument over conventional cloud solutions is local encrypted storage. Recordings stay on the microSD cards installed in the device itself, protected by proprietary encryption algorithms that ensure the data cannot be accessed even if the device is physically stolen.
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The Home Hub Pro also creates a local LAN network that allows cameras to operate and record even without an internet connection, which is a significant advantage in the event of a connection failure or service outage. There are no monthly fees, no external servers, and no concerns about what happens to the data if a cloud provider shuts down its service.
With support for two microSD cards of up to 1TB each, up to 2TB of local storage is possible, which for most home users represents months of continuous recording before storage management is needed.
WiFi range and limitations
The Home Hub Pro creates two separate WiFi networks, one at 2.4GHz and one at 5GHz, to which cameras connect directly.
In our experience with internal-antenna cameras such as the Argus 3 Ultra, the Home Hub Pro’s signal range is similar to that of a conventional WiFi router, with no significant differences. Limitations arise mainly in homes with good exterior insulation, where materials such as EPS render can significantly reduce the available range.
Our attempt to use a signal repeater to extend the Home Hub Pro’s network did not go as planned, so the most reliable solution in cases of insufficient range is to move the Home Hub Pro closer to the cameras or use cameras with an external antenna.
However, there is another option to extend the range. After syncing a camera to the Home Hub Pro, it can be connected directly to the Home Hub Pro’s WiFi or you can choose to connect it to the home WiFi network for greater range, provided it is the same router network the Home Hub Pro is connected to.
This way, you can extend your WiFi network with a signal repeater and then connect the camera to that WiFi, while still maintaining centralised management through the Home Hub Pro.
Who is the Reolink Home Hub Pro for?
The Reolink Home Hub Pro is primarily aimed at those who already have or want to install Reolink cameras and are looking for a local encrypted storage solution with no monthly fees.
It is the natural choice for those who value data privacy and do not want to rely on external servers to store their home security system’s recordings.
For those with several cameras installed at different points around the home, the Home Hub Pro considerably simplifies management by centralising all events, alerts, and recordings in a single interface instead of managing each camera individually. The ability to expand the system up to eight cameras makes it a scalable solution that grows with the user’s needs.
For those with just one camera and no plans to expand the system, the Home Hub Pro may be an unnecessary investment, as Reolink cameras operate autonomously with microSD card storage.
The Home Hub Pro makes most sense from two or more cameras onwards, where centralised management and storage represents a genuine advantage.
Our verdict on the Reolink Home Hub Pro
The Reolink Home Hub Pro effectively solves one of the most frustrating problems with modern home video surveillance systems: cloud dependency and the recurring costs that come with it.
Installation is straightforward, centralised management of multiple cameras in a single interface is genuinely practical, and local encrypted storage offers a peace of mind that no cloud solution can match in terms of privacy and data control.
Integration with the Reolink app is smooth and well-organised, with the weekly event summary and recording history being the most useful day-to-day features. Compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa is a bonus that makes voice control possible without needing to open the app.
The main limitation is WiFi range in homes with good exterior insulation, where internal-antenna cameras may struggle to maintain a stable connection to the Home Hub Pro. It is a limitation that depends more on the characteristics of each home than on the device itself, but one worth evaluating before installing. That said, it can be resolved by opting for the Home Hub Pro with WiFi 6 for greater range.
For those who want a serious, scalable, and genuinely private home security system, the Reolink Home Hub Pro is one of the best options available in this price segment.
Frequently asked questions about the Reolink Home Hub Pro
What is the Reolink Home Hub Pro?
The Reolink Home Hub Pro is a management centre and local encrypted storage hub for Reolink cameras. It centralises up to eight cameras on a single platform, records locally with no monthly fees and no cloud dependency, and creates a dedicated WiFi network for cameras that is independent of the home network.
How many cameras does the Reolink Home Hub Pro support?
The Reolink Home Hub Pro supports up to eight Reolink cameras simultaneously, with resolutions up to 16MP. It is compatible with dual-band WiFi and WiFi 6 cameras, with the exception of 2MP battery cameras and 4G cameras.
Does the Reolink Home Hub Pro require a monthly subscription?
No. The Reolink Home Hub Pro has no monthly fees or recurring costs. All recordings are stored locally on the microSD cards installed in the device itself, with no dependency on external servers or paid cloud services.
What storage does the Reolink Home Hub Pro support?
The Reolink Home Hub Pro has two microSD card slots supporting up to 1TB each, allowing up to 2TB of total local storage. Recordings are encrypted using proprietary algorithms that protect data even in the event of physical theft of the device.
Does the Reolink Home Hub Pro work without internet?
Yes. The Home Hub Pro creates a local LAN network that allows cameras to operate and record even without an internet connection. Data is stored locally with encryption, with no dependency on external servers.
How do you install the Reolink Home Hub Pro?
Installation takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Simply connect the network cable to the router and the power cable, insert a microSD card, install the Reolink app, create an account and add the Home Hub Pro by scanning the QR code. The app guides you through the entire process until the device is operational.
Where should I place the Reolink Home Hub Pro in my home?
The Home Hub Pro should be placed in an open area, close to the router and with good signal propagation to the installed cameras. Avoid placing it inside or behind furniture to prevent interference with the WiFi signal it creates for the cameras.
What type of WiFi does the Reolink Home Hub Pro create for cameras?
The Reolink Home Hub Pro creates two separate WiFi networks, independent of the home network — one at 2.4GHz and one at 5GHz — to which cameras connect directly to store recordings locally.
Is the Reolink Home Hub Pro compatible with voice assistants?
Yes. The Reolink Home Hub Pro is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing you to control cameras and view footage by voice command on compatible devices such as the Google Nest Hub.
How many users can access the Reolink Home Hub Pro?
The Reolink Home Hub Pro supports up to ten user accounts with customisable permissions. You can define what each person can see and control, with the option to set access expiry dates for each account.
Does the Reolink Home Hub Pro have a sound alarm?
Yes. The Home Hub Pro sounds alerts when any associated camera detects motion, with several ringtone options available or the ability to customise the alert sound.
