PIR Motion Detection Distance Comparison - Blink, Ring Stick Up Cam, Arlo Pro 2, Reolink Argus 2
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.พ. 2025
- Today, we are going to do a comparison between motion detection distance between my wireless battery powered WiFi security cameras. For this test, we are going to use my Arlo Pro 2, Blink XT, Ring Stickup Cam Battery and the Reolink Argus 2.
Which ones do you think can detect at 30 feet? how about 25 feet? 20 feet? Well, we have one battery powered security WiFi camera that can only detect when the motion is at 15 feet which I think is pretty short of a distance. All these cameras tested have their sensitivity cranked up to the highest settings.
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Individual Reviews of these Wireless WiFi Battery Powered Security Cameras:
Blink XT - • Blink XT Outdoor Secur...
Arlo Pro 2 - • Arlo Pro 2 Review - Wi...
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery - • Ring Stick Up Cam Batt...
Reolink Argus 2 - • Reolink Argus 2 Review...
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Argus 2 - amzn.to/2RsfpMk
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great video! was considering buying the argus 2, but with the short distance in notification in your video is making me reconsider... thank you!
I know. You are welcome.
Thank you for taking your time on making this awesome video on these battery camera sensors. I was waiting for someone to do these comparison.
You are welcome.
ALWAYS going above and beyond !! another AWESOME video ......THANKS 4 all u do !!!! sure helps when ready to purchase
Thank You. I appreciate the compliments.
I just purchased 4 sets of Argus 2 with solar panel. After watching this, I may consider returning them for the Arlo.
Leontius Halim
Go with Arlo pro or pro 2..they are better..
I know. Hopefully, they can fix this via a firmware update.
I'm going nuts trying to make a decision on an outdoor battery wifi cam. I have watched many many of your videos. I was sold on the Arlo Pro 2, then changed my mind to the Argus 2.. and now I'm leaning back towards the Arlo Pro 2. Geeeeeesh.
There is also the Argus Eco, Eufy Cam, Blink XT 2, Ring stick up cam... :)
Thanks for the video. I am about to buy Arlo Pro 2 and your review confirm my decision
You are welcome.
Sir your video was spot on with regard to the Reolink Argus 2. I just wish I'd seen your excellent demonstration video before I purchased one. I installed the Argus 2 and it won't pick up motion beyond 8' and that's with the PIR set to High. It is completely useless to me for what I specifically intended so I am hoping to return it and try to get something else. After seeing your video I like the look of the Blink for my needs so perhaps I'll give that a try. I'm just so disappointed with the Argus as I'd really hoped to set up a network of these. Back t the drawing board I guess.... Great video thank you!
You are welcome.. and Reolink is aware of this issue...
thank you so much for this video! I have 3 Reolink Argus 2 and I am frustrated with them. They don't detect motions at 25-30ft with highest sensitivity. I've been trying different hight and angles of the cameras. Your video is informative!!! I will give another try on my cameras. Thank you!
Thanks for the video. I wish I had seen this before purchasing all 4 of my Argus Pros. I'm very disappointed in the motion sensitivity.
I hope that Reolink can fix this via a firmware update. I will be reviewing the Argus Eco soon (different design) and hoping it has better motion sensitivity.
@@LifeHackster has anything changed now?
Love your reviews! I actually went with the Argus 2 based on many of your most recent ones. However, as you proved in this video, the motion detection is disappointing. In addition, keeping a strong WiFi signal is difficult. My wireless access point is about 15 feet away - which shows three full bars for any device that’s using it - only shows one bar on the Argus 2 (for the one i have installed in my family room). So I can’t even consider using this outside. I may be returning these.
I know. I am disappointed too. Most of my Argus I actually use inside the house which works pretty good.
@@LifeHackster Regarding the poor motion detection, I forgot to mention that I have mounted this upside down, about 8 feet up in a corner of our room. When mounted upside down - and changing the settings so that the image appears properly - does this also shift the motion sensor so that it's not directed at the ceiling? I have no choice but to mount it this way given the pitch of our ceiling.
I just tried mounting my camera right side up and it's unable to pick up motion at 12 feet (the distance between the camera mounted on the corner and the patio door where a would-be intruder would enter) - unless I continuously walk back and forth to to try and trigger the motion (something a thief won't be doing). I guess my two new Argus 2's are going back to Amazon. I wish the Ring stick-up cams we're a bit more reasonable in cost.
My experience is consistent with Dan's. PIR motion detection fails for motion beyond 15'.
I just returned the Arlo Ultra I bought ! I was so excited with Argus 2 because the video quality it’s amazing but now I’m super disappointed because the motion sensor range !!!! I tested the camera with different angles and in some cases the motion sensor works better , I don’t know why !
I think it works better if the camera is in an angle and this is actually what Reolink recommends in their user guide.
I noticed this myself with the argus 2, only detected 12-15 feet away, getting a second camera to make up for the "short distance". Overall a great camera still
Video quality on the Argus are way better than all the other battery powered cameras. I hope that they will be able to fix this issue.
Has anything changed since last year? I want to get an Argus 2 for my parents but this is a showstopper.
I'm quite happy with my 5MP Reolink POE camera's besides the lack of people/car detection. I get a lot of false alerts from weather changes. They need to add AI to enable movement analysis.
I have two Argus 2 cameras placed outside and they detect pretty well. About 25-30ft usually sets them off so I guess it just depends on the environment and placing of the cameras.
Good to hear that. I have placed mine in several setups and areas though but it is still the same. I also tested my Argus Pro which is a bit better and is able to detect within 20 feet but not consistently.
A few months later has Argus addressed the motion detection issue?
Thanks! This was great helping me to make up my mind!! :)
You are welcome.
Thanks for the explanations on the difference, I’m looking further a camera that does not use PIR, as I like to be alerted for anything in the cameras view, what would you recommend? Thank you
Great videos. Thanks for the information!
You are welcome.
Hey, How did I miss such giveaway? Did I have to do anything ? As far as your next milestone goal, I predict you will reach 40K subscribers sooner than expected. You are that good on what you do!
Thank You footballer... as to the giveaway, I did mention it on my Nest Hello Update video.
Which camera starts recording the fastest when it detects motion? My reolink captures only half of the motion. The person is usually out of the scene by the time the camera starts recording.
I had a Blink camera on a tree outside and it was good at detecting motion at night for the most part. I just changed it to an Argus 2 and it hardly ever triggers even on the highest setting. The video quality of the Argus 2 is vastly superior to my Blink it feels, but the darn Argus 2 never triggers. I walked 10ft in front of it to make sure it was working. Not sure if Reolink can do any updates to help this out or not.
That is the issue with the Argus and I need to test the original and the Pro if they have the same issue. I'm hoping Reolink can fix this with just a firmware update.
@@LifeHackster can you recommend which camera has the furthest reach to detect human motion ?
I’m looking for a camera that can detect motion at 50 ft min preferably 70?
Any advice ???
i love the fact that
Nice video. The indoor demo was backlighted which has a higher contrast so motion detection should be better. How do these cameras perform as a security camera at night with the same test?
Theoretically, it should be the same because of the PIR sensors...which detects heat and doesn't rely on lighting..but it might be a topic that I want to test especially to compare with camera based motion detection cameras..thanks for the idea.
LifeHackster please view sun effects on PIR sensors. The sun does emit IR radiation.
Reolink Argus 2 is terrible at motion detection at a distance from my experience. Please fix this with an update Reolink.
Hopefully, they can fix it with just a firmware update.
Hi,how can I fill these ports in muy router ,don't see muy camera with other wifi
Hi Thank you for the great info. I was wondering if you can help me out with the Reolink Argus pro. I can’t seem to view my camera away from my hose. can you tell me what I can do so that I can view them away from home. Thank you
Thanks for the video. Is the ring doorbell 2 a pixel base or pir based motion detection? I can probably turn off a zone and adjust the distance of detection to avoid bushes moving in the view, but I get a lot of shadow movement on the ground from trees, on my stoop at the door. A pixel based detection is not preferred. Also do you find that falling or blowing leaves sets off motion? Thanks.
The ring doorbell 2 is PIR based so it should work with your setup. Shadow shouldn’t trigger it but if there is a change in temperature on the shadowed areas, it might but you can adjust the sensitivity.
Hello, I have an arlo pro 2 and it does not detect people walking in front of the house and it is less than 25 feet. I saw in the video that in Motion Detection Test you set it to 100. My question is, how to configure the other option, Motion Sensitivity?
You set it in the “armed” mode settings..click edit or the pencil icon and you can adjust the motion sensitivity from there.
Do you reccomend the blink xt or arlo pro 2 for basic starter system? Just soo many options out there.
Yes, so many options. Blink XT is ok to start off. The Arlo Pro 2 are better in video quality though and has instant notifications plus 2 way audio.
Do any cameras use AI to monitor the activity zones before the PIR detects motion? I have an activity zone that is at about 30 feet away. Since the Arlo PIR detects motion at 25 feet the 30 foot activity zone is never triggered. Do all of these cameras work this way or is there a better option for a longer distance movement trigger?
Thanks for this helpful video
Greetings from the chilly northeast. Great review, as always. I really appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that goes into your reviews. I wonder what the effect of ambient temperature is on PIR, both positive and negative. I have security lights that seem much more sensitive to human/animal detection in the winters (temps can easily be 20-30 degrees F). They seem hardly to work at all on days with 90+ degree temps.
I’m assuming because of the difference in temperatures. In cold weather, the surrounding area is way cooler and when a warm body can easily be detected as compared to a warm environment.
That's the issue I am facing, first with Argus 3 and now with Argus 3 pro, camera record starting too late so the person or vehicle is almost entirely out of the video. I tried increasing the sensitivity to high & it made no difference other than seeming to record a lot of nothing. How long does it take to walk 20 foot in a straight line with no obstacles in the way - 3 to 4 seconds maybe. Maybe 2 at a run. If the camera takes 3 seconds to start recording , most of the time the action is all over. Because only place I can mount my camera is straight line to my drive way not cross, so does any one try to use Arlo camera angling straight line on roof gutter, does it take time to start recording same like Argus?
great video LifeHacker always have great information. question I am looking to get a outdoor camera with facial recognition what do you recommend besides Nest Cam thank you.
Nest cameras IQ and the Hello are the only ones that are pretty decent in facial recognition. I did try the lighthouse cam before also but it is not consistent in identifying people.
@@LifeHackster Hello LifeHackster thanks for the information and for getting back to me thanks again. cheers
Wow it picks up a detection at 15’. Is Reolink exercising social distancing? I wish I had seen this video prior to my purchase. Hopefully a firmware update can fix this issue.
How do the Nest (Outdoor and Outdoor IQ) cameras do in this comparison? Has anyone done a test for motion alert distance? If not, does anyone know what they claim? Great video!
I haven’t tested the IQ. Nest cams uses camera based detection not PIR so theoretically, it can detect further depending on your set zones and sensitivity.
Which one of these is the better system that has a pixel based detection like the kind you show in the video. That is exactly what i need
Most wired WiFi cameras have pixel based detection..
LifeHackster thank you for your reply. My question is though like in your video you used the mouse to move the dots to tell the camera what zone to look at. That is what i need as my current arlo does not have that option
LIfeHackster, I am waiting on my order for the Stick up Wired Ring Camera instead of the Battery version. In your opinion, battery version has plenty of flaws just like the other battery based Ring Devices, right?
Yes, but I think as to motion detection and cool off period, the stick up cam battery is better than the Spotlight cam... I still have to do a comparison video on both cameras. My spotlight cam battery is not reliable in picking up motion.. either I get a lot or a miss a lot... For the price, the wired stick up cam has more connection options and better motion detection.
@@LifeHackster Thanks for your reliable feedback. I wanted to try the battery one, but I am not sold on the reliability of the Ring battery devices; Therefore, I purchased the Wired version instead.
Will you do a review on the Mr. Beams motion sensor light in the future?
Yes, I will whenever they release it.
@@LifeHackster Looking forward to your review of the Ring Smart Lights and assorted accessories. According to Ring's website the product line will be released on March 6, 2019.
Great review.
Got an Arlo Pro a few days ago. The Live feed lapses between 10 seconds to 35 seconds. (My internet is the basic 11mp download speed, as I only use it for basic things). Do I need a fast internet connection for this to give me Real-time live pictures?
Arlos have a lag from real time..~ 3 seconds. I’m not sure if a faster internet will make it better.. check your upload speed..which should be at least 2mbps.
@@LifeHackster Thank you. Thought it was the download speed. Just checked my broadband speed. Download = 11.00 mbps/ Upload = 0.83 mbps. Will upgrade to a higher upload speed.
will you be reviewing LUMUS?
What about Argus Pro PIR compared to Argus 2?
I tested it with my Argus Pro and is a bit better...not much. It was able to detect me at 20 feet but not consistently.
@@LifeHackster thank you!
I have 4 Pros. I'm disappointed. 15 feet seems about right.
Is the data of the WiFi cam encrypted during transmission? What about the other cams, arlo, reolink, and blink? If not an attacker could be watching you in your home.
Yes it is.
@@LifeHackster If you don't mind me asking, how did you know and what is the encryption scheme ?
Anyone know of a cloud wifi camera that uses a CV (computer vision ) motion detector. I need almost zero delay between motion and start of recording. It's for a long hallway in a multifamily building. I would like to mount on the 11 floor ceiling. I tried a few units but subjects are out of view by the time recording starts. Not concerned about false alarms
Most plug in WiFi cameras will have pixel based/ camera based motion detection. Like Wyze cams or Yi cameras.. you just need to put in a micro SD card..to get at least a few seconds of prerecording when it detects motion.
Can you make a video about the cameras boot up time from the moment of movement detection? If a thief is running too fast and the camera boot up time is too long the thief will not be recorded.
Good suggestion... I will test this whenever I will do a comparison between a wired camera vs a battery powered one.. Thanks.
Grate info keep it up
Thanks You.
Dammit, where do I be when these give aways start. I subscribed and got the bell on. 😑
:) Next time...
Your Gopro in the background is it a "Hero-5"?
Yes.
when will some 4K wifi cameras come out?
Search Arlo Ultra
Yes. Arlo Ultra will be coming out on the end of the month.
How are the cameras sensitivity if you're moving quickly towards them ?
It should still detect you but it might start recording whenever you are close to it or you already passed it.
Which camera has the fastest notification?
Good stuff.
Thanks.
Try kasa cam outdoor k200
I might need to check that out.
Do I get reolink camera
Can you do a ring beams video next
Whenever it comes out... I have seen that pics and specs of it has been leaked...
LifeHackster same and Thank you so much I love ring I have ring everything lol around my home
Am impressed
My Blink xt2 around 5-10ft
Argus 2 was disappointing there website indicates Rapid Wake up & 33ft detection.
Yes.. me too. I tried this also with the Argus Pro and it seems better. It will occasionally detect at 20 feet. I couldn't do that with the Argus 2.
the problem with some of these is that they look sooo steal able!?!?, has anybody ever lost one or is there any kind of guarantee from theft etc?, would be comical to have the actual camera itself stolen :(
Ring, Nest and Arlo have theft replacement warranty.
I'm looking for cameras that gives me close up video, I can't even read address off the house across the street. I'm using Ring spotlight camera, can't make out faces, and when cars pass it freezes when directly in front. What do you suggest? I have all settings max. I need better. HELP...
You will need a narrower field of view cameras which all these WiFi cameras don't do... All of them have wide FOV. Your best option is to have a wired; PoE NVR camera system which the cameras that comes in the kit are narrower 80-90 degree FOV or you can even get a camera that has an optical zoom too. Check out my videos on Reolink NVR system.
@@LifeHackster thanks for your response.
I got the Argus 2 camera a month ago and I think the sensor is too sensitive. Even at 1% sensitivity it would pick up cars driving by. At 100% sensitivity it can pick up humans from 50ish ft away.
So they fixed it
@@latinace1981 no they did not, I'm not sure what this person is experiencing, but I've just purchased 2 argus 2 about 3 weeks ago and am returning them, they cant even activate at 6-10ft no matter what angle,or where u put them. I've talked with support and after proving to them how bad these cameras are, they admitted its a problem with their camera and offered me a 20% refund, so its still an issue and they know about it, and refuse to fix it but still continue to take peoples money. very sad.
@@emmaf2937 20% refund? That's sucks. I bought mine on amazon, returned it and got my full refundn
Ring camera is junk, it could be 50 degrees out the ring camera can pick up my body heat 15 to 20 ft away from it when I come out of the house, but if I spend 15 to 20 minutes outside and my body heat cools off than the camera does not pick me up.
Looks like Reolink use cheap motion sensors and cheap wifi receivers in their cameras. That's why they are cheap.