Camera Comparison · UK 2026
Reolink RLC-520A vs Reolink CX820

Specs, pros and cons compared side by side

Both the Reolink RLC-520A and the Reolink CX820 are wired PoE security cameras. This head-to-head sets them side by side using the specs, pros and cons from our full reviews. Reolink specs come from Reolink’s own product pages.

Quick verdict

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Reolink RLC-520A

Pick it for: Infrared night vision up to 30 m (the CX820: no infrared) · Wider 100° horizontal view on the 2.8mm version (the CX820: 93°) · Dome shape for ceilings and eaves (the CX820 is a turret)

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Reolink CX820

Pick it for: 4K (3840 x 2160) video (the RLC-520A: 5MP, 2560 x 1920) · Colour night vision with ColorX (the RLC-520A: black and white only) · Two-way audio (the RLC-520A: no two-way audio)

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Quick comparison

Spec Reolink RLC-520A Reolink CX820
Resolution 2560 x 1920 (5MP); 4mm or 2.8mm lens versions 4K (3840 x 2160), F1.0 lens
Power PoE (IEEE 802.3af), or 12V 1A adapter PoE (IEEE 802.3af), or 12V 1A adapter
IP Rating IP66 IP67
Wi-Fi None: Ethernet only None: Ethernet only
Storage microSD up to 512GB, Reolink NVR, FTP microSD up to 512GB, Reolink NVR, FTP
Smart home Google Assistant (Reolink lists Alexa as coming soon) Google Assistant (Reolink lists Alexa as coming soon)
Reolink RLC-520A

Pros

  • Dome shape suits ceilings and eaves
  • Wider 2.8mm version available
  • One cable for power and data
  • 30-metre infrared range

Cons

  • Black and white night vision only
  • No two-way audio
  • IP66 rather than IP67
  • Reolink lists Alexa as coming soon
Reolink CX820

Pros

  • Colour picture at night
  • Perimeter alerts
  • Compact turret shape
  • Two-way audio and siren

Cons

  • No infrared night vision
  • Night picture depends on available light and the spotlight
  • Reolink lists Alexa as coming soon

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Which should you buy?

Why choose the Reolink RLC-520A

  • Infrared night vision up to 30 m (the CX820: no infrared)
  • Wider 100° horizontal view on the 2.8mm version (the CX820: 93°)
  • Dome shape for ceilings and eaves (the CX820 is a turret)
Why choose the Reolink CX820

  • 4K (3840 x 2160) video (the RLC-520A: 5MP, 2560 x 1920)
  • Colour night vision with ColorX (the RLC-520A: black and white only)
  • Two-way audio (the RLC-520A: no two-way audio)

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