Amcrest vs Lorex (What You Need To Know – 2022?)
To make things easier for you, we took it upon ourselves to test various models from these two surveillance giants to see which brand is the best. We tested the most popular cameras of these two companies and compared them based on some standard features.
Read on to learn about our findings and see which brand between Amcrest and Lorex we prefer.
We cover;
- A Feature Face-Off
- Unique features of each brand
- Our Verdict
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Amcrest SmartHome Outdoor Security Camera
SPECIFICATIONS
Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
Resolution: 1080p HD
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Amcrest Technologies manufactures remote surveillance systems for homes and businesses. Their brand closes the gap between affordability and powerful surveillance to help small, medium, and large businesses put an effective security system in place.
They have now expanded their operations in several countries in Europe. The company is also a sought-after brand due to its after-sales support, which is a crucial element when it comes to security cameras.
Lorex Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera
SPECIFICATIONS
Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
Connectivity Technology: Wired
Lorex is a security camera manufacturing company that has been serving customers of North America for nearly three decades, making them one of the longest-serving surveillance brands out there. They have made a name for themselves as an industry leader, and both homeowners and business owners rely on the unique technology of Lorex to have all their surveillance requirements met.
The company manufactures all kinds of security systems, including IP, Analog, wire-free, and smart home cameras, as well as accessories that complement the performance of security systems. The easy-to-use Lorex app is also one of the prime reasons why many people choose Lorex security cameras for their surveillance needs.
Amcrest vs Lorex: Feature Face-Off
Video Quality
During our testing, Amcrest and Lorex security cameras both exceeded our expectations when it came to video quality. Their models offer a spectacular 4K- Ultra resolution that captures images and video in a crisp and bright HD quality.
If you are someone who prioritizes image resolution over everything else, then Amcrest and Lorex would both cater to your needs. To make things better, some of these security cameras also come with image sensors that can capture images and videos with 2,160 pixels vertically and 3,840 pixels horizontally, enhancing the quality of the image even more.
Winner: Both
Easy Installation
Many security camera brands charge their customers for professional installation, some even as high as $100. However, Amcrest and Lorex are both easy to install. We found their cameras simple and quick to set up, which also saved us a ton of money on professional installation. If you want to do the installation of your camera on your own, you may want to see this guide on how to install security cameras.
It takes the initial setup of the Lorex camera about 20 minutes, meanwhile, the set-up of the Amcrest camera would take you anywhere from around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending upon your skill. With just a few tools such as a driller and a handful of fasteners, you can get the job done on your own. However, if you think you’re not up for the task, then you can pay a technician to get it done for you. Both the cameras are simple and quick to install, but Lorex might take slightly less time to set up.
Winner: Both
Viewing Angle
Both the Amcrest and Lorex come with a wide viewing angle. Although, the viewing angle of Amcrest is slightly higher than that of Lorex’s, with Amcrest being 112 degrees and Lorex’s being 88 degrees. If you want your camera to have more coverage, then we’d suggest you choose Amcrest. (1)
Winner: Amcrest – Wider Viewing Angle
Night Vision
Night Vision is another feature that should be considered before buying a security camera. Lorex cameras come with both color night vision and black and white IR night vision. This, hands down makes Lorex a better option for nighttime viewing. Amcrest, on the other hand, features the standard black and white IR night vision only, but with higher specifications. It covers a broader area than Lorex.
The bottom line is, if you’re fine with standard black and white IR, then Amcrest is the easy choice, but Lorex offers a wider set of night-vision options, which worked great during our testing.
Winner: Lorex – Advanced Night-Vision Capabilities
You may want to check our guide here for the best night vision security cameras.
Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF)
Open Network Video Interface Forum or ONVIF is a forum that standardized the IP surveillance system industry. It streamlines the functions and compatibility options of security cameras manufactured by different brands.
A while ago, Lorex cameras did not support this technology, but now, you can expect all the cameras of this company to support ONVIF. Amcrest, meanwhile, has always supported the Open Network Video Interface Forum. (2)
Winner: Both
Amcrest vs Lorex: Differences
While Amcrest and Lorex are identical in terms of several features, there are certain tie-breaking attributes of these two brands that can help you zero in on the ideal make and model of the security camera that you should buy.
Amcrest
In Amcrest cameras, we found the following unique features the best.
Wider Selection of Cameras
The Amcrest brand has a wider selection of surveillance equipment than Lorex. Not only can you buy wireless and hardwired cameras from Amcrest, but also devices like drones, GPS trackers, and baby monitors, making Amcrest’s selection much wider in range. It should also be noted that Amcrest offers both wireless and hardwired options; meanwhile, Lorex only provides wireless connections. (3)
Although this distinction isn’t as glaring as the others, as today most people prefer to buy wireless cameras due to their hassle-free installation, it is nevertheless a noteworthy point. Hardwired cameras can be better than wireless ones in various aspects. They are very reliable, especially in a region where Wi-Fi and cellular connections are not easy to come by.
Home Security Spread
Amcrest devices are compatible with nearly all the high-tech third-party gadgets and platforms that you can think of. The mobile app of the camera works with all the major operating systems. In addition to this, you can use an Amcrest camera with cloud storage, DVR, NVR, and video doorbells. It uses Wi-Fi connectivity options to record full HD videos from wide angles.
The sheer compatibility of Amcrest security cameras with these many devices makes it an ideal security camera to spend your hard-earned money on. Another difference that sets Amcrest apart from Lorex is that Amcrest cameras can function without the support of an NVR, while Lorex cannot. So, while buying a Lorex security camera, you inevitably would also have to buy an NVR, which isn’t mandatory in the case of an Amcrest camera.
Lorex
When we tested the Lorex cameras, we found the following unique features to be important.
Advanced Person Detection
You can expect all the cameras of major brands to come with detection capabilities, but Lorex’s person detection abilities surpass its competitors by a mile. We noticed this especially while using the Lorex HD Smart Indoor Camera, which not only detects movements of humans and objects but also uses the built-in technology to avoid sending any false alarms.
This feature especially comes in handy during the night, as it prevents the system from sending an alert when it detects the movement of branches or similar harmless objects.
Weatherproof Exterior
While nearly every other security camera has some weatherproofing, Lorex goes an extra mile to weatherproof its equipment, enabling the models to withstand all sorts of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, and snow. We found out that the Lorex outdoor IP camera can endure temperatures as high as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit.
We also tested the Lorex outdoor security cameras against water and found the results favorable. What’s more, the video quality of Lorex cameras does not suffer as a result of such weather conditions. While Amcrest also provides excellent weatherproofing capabilities, our testing revealed Lorex to be a more durable option.
So Which One Should You Buy?
Lorex security cameras and Amcrest cameras both have a lot to offer. Throughout our testing, we found that each brand catered to all our broad surveillance needs, but when we put some of their models under the microscope, we found Lorex to be more favorable in many aspects. For one, It performs well in several key areas, thanks to its advanced night vision and motion detection capabilities.
However, this does not mean that Amcrest cameras are not worth checking out. Its range of compatibility is much wider than that of Lorex. Amcrest cameras began to be supported by ONVIF way before Lorex, so that explains their streamlined compatibility options.
Ultimately, it boils down to what your expectations are of your ideal security camera, and most importantly, how much you are willing to spend on the surveillance system. It should be noted that you might be required to pay extra for storage options and maintenance. Take these expenses into account as well while choosing the security camera for your home.
Other Products: Amcrest vs Lorex
- EXPERIENCE ULTRA HD 4K – Stunning ultra-high quality 4K (8-Megapixel / 3840x2160) resolution featuring enhanced low light capability utilizing the latest CMOS image sensor and chipset. Super-wide 105° viewing angle allows you to cover more ground and keep more of what matters to you safe. Power Over Ethernet (POE camera) for easy installation (POE Injector or Switch Required; Not Included, Sold Separately).
- SMARTER SECURITY – Receive motion alert notifications and review footage via your smartphone with the Amcrest View app. Playback and record professionally on a PC using the Amcrest Surveillance Pro for Windows and MAC (included) or Blue Iris Professional. Works with Amcrest Cloud remote video storage, MicroSd Card (up to 256GB), Amcrest NVRs, Synology and QNAP NAS, FTP, Pale Moon and Sea Monkey Browsers, IE, Safari, Firefox 49. 0 and Chrome with Amcrest Web View Extension.
- The Amcrest 4K (8MP) UltraHD Bullet Security Camera is a high resolution 3840x2160P (2160TVL) camera that provides best in class video quality and clarity. Crystal clear night vision allows the camera exceptional video quality even in low light or night time conditions. The heavy duty metal outdoor IP67 Weatherproof can endure even the harshest climates.
- Connect your Amcrest 4K camera to an Amcrest 4K DVR to view, record and playback video from anywhere in the world in superior 4K UltraHD resolution. Amcrest 4K Camera compatible with the following Amcrest DVRs; ASINs: B07R6TBM7Y, B07HPB7D9F, B07HPCYLQ5. Not compatible with 3rd Party DVRs.
- Add-On Security Camera - This indoor or outdoor bullet camera has 1080p resolution with 112-degree field of view
- Active Deterrence - This camera has a motion-activated LED warning light and a remote-triggered siren for an added level of security
- Complete Security Camera System - This system includes a NVR and 4k HD quality security cameras with an 8MP image sensor
- Active Deterrence - Each camera has a motion-activated LED warning light and a remote-triggered siren for an added level of security
The Bottom Line
Use Lorex Security Camera if you:
- Want a camera with advanced night-vision functions
- Want your camera to have advanced motion detection capabilities
Use Amcrest cameras if you
- Want to have a wider selection of surveillance equipment to choose from
- Want to have a camera that works well with other high-tech gadgets
References
(1) viewing angle – https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/viewing-angle
(2) ONVIF – https://faq.security.panasonic.com/faq/show/6692?category_id=19&site_domain=en_scrtycam
(3) GPS trackers – https://m.economictimes.com/wealth/spend/how-to-use-gps-to-locate-things-and-track-people/articleshow/55386722.cms
