Reolink Delivers Simplicity, Innovation, And Convenience With The New Altas PT Ultra

We spend our whole lives in homes aiming to create a space that's cozy, inviting, and safe. It's no wonder that the home security market is filled with companies that sell the reassurance of protection — after all, your home is your respite. You want peace of mind, and while there are a variety of brands that offer this, Reolink Innovation Inc. sticks out from the rest with its hassle-free hardware that is both easy to use and reliable.

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a battery-powered security camera that allows you to install it almost anywhere without the fuss of wiring. This unit was created with reassurance in mind, allowing you to record hours of security footage and providing more coverage of your home for longer than most systems that run off batteries. Even better, you get to avoid the issues (and costs) that come with systems that rely on subscriptions – not bad for its base price of $209.99, or $229.99 if you opt for the camera to be bundled with a 6-watt solar panel.

When choosing the best security system for your home, factors like budget, installation, and security needs come into play. Thankfully, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra provides exactly what people need to keep their homes safe – I would know, as I got the chance to put it to the test. The tidy packaging held a reassuring collection of items. While I'm far from a techie or security cam expert, after scrolling through the Reolink website and instruction manual, I felt assured that I would be able to set up my system.

Most security systems that I've researched have handbooks and setup manuals that read like complicated stereo instructions, but the Altas PT Ultra felt immediately approachable. My box came with a 4K Continuous Recording Battery PT Camera that features crisp 8MP resolution, a wall mount, a solar charging panel and mount, two instruction books, two boxes of screws and straps, a USBC charging cable, and a few stickers. I really like this small addition, as it gives a little extra sense of security being able to warn others that your house is being monitored. The system is modern looking, not overly bulky, and seemed fairly easy to figure out.

First, I laid each item on my counter and flipped through the instruction manual to determine which steps to take first. The question of where to place our security camera came up, and I decided to install it just inside my front door, as I want to be able to see my pets while I'm out as well as give myself peace of mind that the interior is safe. The setup easily fits just above my front door in the gap between the frame and the ceiling. However, those seeking a camera for outdoor applications need not worry; the Altas PT Ultra's wireless capabilities are no joke. Featuring continuous 4K recording and over eight days of use on a single charge (recording 8 hours per day), this is not a product that will let you down in terms of functionality or battery life when used outside.

I started by setting up the camera with my phone. The instruction manual had me scan a QR code, and from there, it took only a few simple steps to get the camera connected. I was incredibly impressed by how smooth and streamlined this process was. The camera connected within a minute of downloading and working through the app prompts. After I removed the plastic from the lens, what really surprised me was the clarity of the picture. This one even has ColorX night vision technology, meaning it uses an advanced lens and image sensor to collect more light than similar security cameras in the darkest of settings. The result is crystal-clear nighttime and low-light video that is provided in glorious, full color and is nearly indistinguishable from daytime footage – a total game-changer when trying to identify someone who operates under the cover of darkness.

The app itself and the camera are very impressive. You can use the app to rotate the 360 degree lens, which allows me a view of the entire living room, entryway, and dining room. One of the most impressive aspects is that the camera can rotate so completely that I can even see the front door in the lens. Among the many features the app boasts, motion detector technology means that my phone will receive notifications of movement within my home when I am away. I played around with the settings, choosing to keep maximum motion detection just for testing purposes. As soon as my dog moved or I entered one of the zones where the camera can detect movement, I got a notification. It was fast and effective — and adjustable, if you prefer not to be alerted every time your dog stretches.

The PTZ button on the app lets you pivot the camera so you can find specific areas when you're out of the house (or even in another room). This is great for checking on family members or pets who may be at home. The app also has recording, playback, and screenshot options. The audio is two-way, and you can insert a micro SD card (512GB) to capture footage which the camera streams over your WiFi. And, with a 20,000 mAh battery, you will get plenty of days of use out of this nifty system.

Because I decided to forgo installing this outside, I did not need the solar panel charger or the mount for it. This was put aside in case I decide to move the security camera at a later date. The wall mount for the security camera is incredibly easy to secure to the wall and comes with all the screws you need. I employed my husband to do the drilling; He drilled the mount to the wall and then added the camera, which slots into the mount easily and is secured with two more screws. After proudly admiring his handiwork, I tested the different functions and adjusted the settings to suit my needs. The camera needs to charge before use, and the cord can't reach my outlet, but I used my laptop cable and was able to charge from the lower outlet that way.

After just one day of using the Reolink Altas PT Ultra, my home already feels more secure. I went out and had the peace of mind that I did, in fact, turn off burners and shut the refrigerator door because I could see the kitchen from the camera. My dog doesn't tend to move around a lot, so I left the maximum detection settings on for now, and it's nice to be able to rotate the camera to see where I want, whenever I want. The detection zone is wide enough my whole downstairs feels safe and effectively monitored.

This device's ease of setup has me wondering why I didn't invest in a security camera sooner, but I am so glad my first was the Reolink Altas PT Ultra. There are so many mistakes people can make when buying a home security system, but this brand takes the guesswork out and ticks most of the boxes you need. Considering this camera's night vision technology and low price point of $209.99, I can easily see myself getting another one to keep an eye on what goes on outside my home.