Lorex
1.4
2.6
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Lorex is focused on bringing the latest and greatest video technology to all its members so they can capture experiences in all their vivid detail. The company has one of the most easy-to-use home security camera systems on the market. The system integrates easily with apps and helps users to monitor the safety and sanctity of their home.
Lorex provides video solutions to both small businesses and consumers in the United States, Canada, and the UK. The company offers wired, wireless, and IP cameras, as well as larger and more cohesively integrated monitoring systems. Some systems include SD Card recording capability, while others are modeled with more elaborate DVR recording platforms.
Lorex Technology is based out of Markham, Canada. In recent years, a company known as FLIR SYSTEMS, INC acquired Lorex. Lorex's system is pretty streamlined, as it comes with two cameras, but customers can easily expand their home security system beyond that. Customers can add cameras onto the Lorex home security system presented on its website, as well as wireless range extenders, increasing the capabilities of the system in the home.
Unfortunately, the majority of Lorex reviews are negative, noting poor customer service, inadequate tech support, and unreliable products.
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The Good
- Camera System Bundles
- Skype Functionality
- Heavy-Duty Recorders
- Camera Monitor
- Camera Quality
- Customization
Camera System Bundles
Lorex has camera bundles available for customers who want to purchase more than one camera at one time. Camera systems can have up to 32 channels, and there are many more to choose from. Lorex's available camera systems are as follows:
Digital IP Systems
Digital IP systems are best for monitoring larger areas with high amounts of traffic, such as warehouses, commercial units, businesses, and residential homes.
MPX/Wireless Systems
MPX systems are best for urban properties, farms, smaller businesses, and residential homes. MPX systems can also include wireless surveillance cameras.
Wire-Free Systems
Wire-free systems are best for users who want the most flexibility with their Lorex security cameras. Being wire-free, these security cameras can be moved with little difficulty. Keep in mind that wire-free systems are ideal for low-traffic areas.
Skype Functionality
Lorex's home security system, the SD7+ wireless home video surveillance kit, is accessible via Skype. There are pros and cons to the Skype functionality. With the Skype feature, you can access the SD7+ system from virtually anywhere in the world, granted you have a Skype account. This is a great way to increase the robustness of the hardware while not worrying about the cross-compatibility between different platforms. The bad news is if you have a Mac, you can't use the system over Skype. The Skype compatibility works on the iPhone (with iOS 4.0 or better) and Android phones (Android 2.3 or better).
Heavy-Duty Recorders
Lorex has heavy-duty network video recorders (NVRs). With 24/7 functionality, the recorders have various recording modes, pre-installed hard drives, as well as the ability to connect to your system using Lorex's mobile app. Most of the recorders include combinations of IP cameras that have pan-tilt-zoom functionality, color night vision, and motorized varifocal lenses.
Other camera capabilities can include IK10 vandal-proof ratings and listen-in audio functionality. The NVRs are also compatible with Lorex's mobile app that allows remote viewing at any time and anywhere.
Lorex has three video recorder options:
- Security NVR
- Security DVR
- Wire-Free DVR
Camera Monitor
Another positive is that the SD7+ system comes with a monitor. The Lorex system was one of the only camera packages that we reviewed that included a monitor. The 7" monitor comes with a lot of different settings that enable you to easily adjust the brightness of the screen, view multiple cameras, and add additional cameras that are purchased separately beyond the first two. You can't go beyond 4 cameras, however.
Camera Quality
Lorex security cameras are high quality with a wide variety of features:
- Weatherproof
- Vandal-resistant
- 4K resolution
- Wide-angle
- Color night vision
- Two-way audio and talk
Customization
Lorex makes this system very customizable. The basic SD+7 system includes two cameras (you can add two more). However, if you have a larger home, you can purchase additional wireless range enhancers. There are two different range extenders, and you can purchase both of them for $69.99.
The Bad
- Limitations
- Number of Cameras
Limitations
Unfortunately, you cannot use the Skype functionality of the Lorex system with Macintosh computers. This was disappointing, as Skype works pretty well with the Windows operating system. There were a few other details that we read in the fine print that concerned us. For example, you can only upload pictures to a computer if it is running windows.
Another issue that concerned us was that there was no power over Ethernet. If you have a camera as part of the Lorex system, it depends heavily upon conventional power outlets, severely limiting the camera's deployment in the outdoors. Also, in order to interface with a computer, you must have a USB connection between the 7" monitor and the computer. This somewhat limits the system's functionality when a wireless home network is used.
Number of Cameras
With so many surveillance cameras, it may be difficult to decide which ones are the best for you. However, if you do the research and decide which type of Lorex security cameras best fit your ideal security, then the wide variety of cameras may be a convenience to you.
The Bottom Line
Overall, Lorex offers good basic home security systems. If you have a Mac, buyers beware. You won't be able to use the Skype app on Apple machines due to incapability issues. Also, there doesn't appear to be any momentum on Lorex's part to resolve this issue. However, this is not a truly "wireless" system. If you want to upload camera images or videos to your computer, you will need the SD card or a USB cable to connect to your Window's machine.
The app compatibility product on smartphone devices with this system is acceptable. Lorex supports older versions of iOS and Android (4.0 and 2.3 respectively). In fact, Lorex security systems support the widest range of mobile platforms in terms of age. Some of the products reviewed here only worked with iOS 6.0 or greater. In this sense, Lorex is a good system if you have an older iPhone or Android phone.
Lorex offers a variety of security products with camera system bundles available for those who want a higher quantity of cameras. The company's network video recorders are high quality and include three options: Security NVR, Security DVR, and Wire-Free DVR.
Lorex security cameras are weatherproof, vandal-resistant, wide-angled, and include 4K resolution and color night vision. However, the majority of Lorex reviews are negative, highlighting poor tech support, malfunctioning products, and bad customer service. We suggest looking into home security companies with better reviews and more extensive options.
