When looking to buy security cameras, you need to consider a lot of factors. Resolution, field of view, night vision, data storage, wired or wireless transmission are just some of the topics along with the all important factor, budget. In this article, we review two leading security camera brands – Night Owl vs Lorex.
Security is a big concern for all. Whether you are a single parent, large family or business owner, you will naturally be worried about potential burglaries and break-ins. Moreover, if your property happens to be in a bad neighborhood, your worries will be even greater.
Regardless of the reasons, a powerful security camera can help you restore your peace of mind. Most of these cameras have HD resolution, night good vision range, Wi-Fi compatibility, as remote viewing.
Indoor IP Head to Head
Indoor IP – Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera vs Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera
Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera
Model(s): WG4-1I-16SD
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera is ultra-lightweight and can record 1080P videos. It is considered one of the best security cameras on the market. This AC powered wireless IP camera is suited for indoor use. With a wireless connectivity range of 300 Feet, you don’t need to worry about where you put it. Moreover, it comes with an internal 16GB storage.
Pros
- Includes 16GB Micro SD Card
- Compatible with Google Assistant
- 300 foot wireless reach
Cons
- Some users have complained about the app’s usability
Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera
Model(s): W261AQC-E
The Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera is a ceiling mount camera that comes with a 256 GB SD Card. Connecting this Indoor IP Camera is easy, all you need to do is scan a QR code. Thanks to infrared LED lights, you get viewing coverage of 33 Feet at night.
Pros
- Supports 256 GB SD Card storage
- 135 degrees wide field of view
- Two-Way-Audio
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor use
Number of Channels, Resolution and Field of View
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera depends on wireless connectivity for data transmission. It records videos at a 1080p resolution and has superior coverage; this camera has an 88-degrees field of view.
The Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera is compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. It records at a 1080p resolution. To extend the range of view, its head can move spontaneously, ensuring a 135-degrees field of view.
Power & Installation Options
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera comes with a magnetic mounting base that makes installation easy. Moreover, to eliminate the need of replacing old batteries with new ones every once in a while, it resorts to an AC power source.
You don’t need to adjust your Wi-Fi router placement after you get the Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera. No matter where your router is, this camera can connect to the Wi-Fi network using its 300 Feet wireless range.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera features 2-Way-Audio. You can use this Indoor IP Camera as an intercom via the mobile app or any smart Device.
The Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera comes with multiple LED lights that enable it to cover a 33 Feet range at night. On the flip side, the Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera can cover 20 Feet at night. It also features a 2-Way-Audio option. You can both talk and listen to others in your home using its built-in microphone.
Footage Storage, Memory Capacity and Streaming
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera comes with a dedicated slot for Micro SD card. You don’t need to buy the SD card separately because the model comes with a 16GB card.
However, when compared to its Lorex counterpart, it falls short by a big margin, as the Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera comes with a 256 GB SD Card. Moreover, it works seamlessly with the Lorex Home App. After you buy this camera, flip it over, scan the QR code with the Lorex Home App, and it will automatically complete the connection with the App.
Technical Comparison
| Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera | Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera | |
| Video Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Night Vision Range | 20 Feet | 33 Feet |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB Micro SD | 256 GB |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Google Assistant & Amazon Alexa |
| Pan-Tilt | N/A | Yes |
| Zoom | N/A | Yes |
| Detection | Motion | Person |
| Viewing Angle | 88 degrees | 135 degrees |
The Verdict
Both the Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera and Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera are a good match for your money. However, the Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera takes the winner spot with its superior storage, field of view and Alexa support.
Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera
Model(s): WG4-1I-16SD
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera is ultra-lightweight and can record 1080P videos. It is considered one of the best security cameras on the market. This AC powered wireless IP camera is suited for indoor use. With a wireless connectivity range of 300 Feet, you don’t need to worry about where you put it. Moreover, it comes with an internal 16GB storage.
Pros
- Includes 16GB Micro SD Card
- Compatible with Google Assistant
- 300 foot wireless reach
Cons
- Some users have complained about the app’s usability
Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera
Model(s): W261AQC-E
The Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera is a ceiling mount camera that comes with a 256 GB SD Card. Connecting this Indoor IP Camera is easy, all you need to do is scan a QR code. Thanks to infrared LED lights, you get viewing coverage of 33 Feet at night.
Pros
- Supports 256 GB SD Card storage
- 135 degrees wide field of view
- Two-Way-Audio
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor use
Wired NVR Kit Head to Head
Wired NVR Kit – Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR vs Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR
Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR
Model(s): IH802-88BA-B
The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR comes with a 2TB Hard Drive, which is enough to store footage from 8 different 1080p security cameras. After video footage reaches this NVR, they are processed using Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID) and L2 Color Boost Technology to give you crisp and sharp videos. You can access video footage from anywhere using the Free App.
Pros
- L2 Color Boost Technology
- Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID)
- 4K Video Resolution
Cons
- Some users have complained about the power adapter
Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR
Model(s): LNK71082T85B
The Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR comes with support for 8 different channels. You can connect 8 security cameras with recording at a 5MP 4K resolution. Once you connect all 8 channels, you will have a 130-degrees field of view. It also gives you color night vision, as well as a built-in microphone. This NVR uses 50% less space than most other NVRs on the market.
Pros
- Comes with 2TB Video Storage
- 130 Feet Color Night Vision
- 90 Feet B&W Night Vision
Cons
- Some users have complained about the quality of technical support
Number of Channels, Resolution and Field of View
If you don’t have an investigator’s eye, don’t worry. The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR can mount 8 separate 4K security cameras. In case you are planning on setting up multiple cameras, Night Owl should be your pick. You can arrange the Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR model with a group of 4,8 or 12 cameras.
On the other hand, the Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR also supports 8 channels. You can use it both indoors or outdoors. It is perfect for museums, office spaces, as well as for your home use.
Power & Installation Options
With the Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR, you can either program connected cameras for continuous recording, or record only when motion is detected. And each time you will get 1080p resolution footage, which is four times greater than the usual cameras.
In comparison, the Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR can be used for live viewing as well as to check up on important motion captures. The Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR is very easy to set up. Its robust Hard Drive housing can withstand adverse climate.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR will make sure no detail goes unnoticed thanks to its L2 Color Boost Technology and Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID). At night, it covers 100 Feet. Managing and viewing footage from different devices is also easy, all you need to do is get the Free Night Owl App.
Moreover, at night this NVR ensures your camera can cover 100 Feet.
At night, you will get Black and White footage that covers 90-degrees.
Footage Storage, Memory Capacity and Streaming
The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR comes with a whopping 2TB Hard Drive. Now if you are wondering how big that is, according to some estimates, you can store 70 hours of 4K videos on it. That’s a lot of video footage. Moreover, Advanced Video Compression technology ensures maximum encryption of captured footage.
On the flip side, the Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR also comes with 2TB Hard Drive. Its H. 265 video compression technology ensures less storage space and bandwidth is used.
Technical Comparison
| Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR | Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR | |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 2TB | 2TB |
| Dimension | 19.3 x 14.5 x 11.3 inches | 19.8 x 13.7 x 11.1 inches |
| Color Night Vision (CNV) | No (L2 Color Boost Technology) | Yes |
| Video Compression | Advanced Video Compression | H. 265 |
| PoE connection | Yes (8 PoE ports) | Yes (8 100′ CAT5e Ethernet cables) |
| Cold Climate Capability | N/A | -22°F |
| Mounting Kits | N/A | 8 bullet camera mounting kits |
| Weight | 33.6 pounds | 32.5 pounds |
The Verdict
In this battle of Night Owl vs Lorex, it’s a tie! The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR and the Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR have similar features and specs and both would be worthy purchases.
Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR
Model(s): IH802-88BA-B
The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR comes with a 2TB Hard Drive, which is enough to store footage from 8 different 1080p security cameras. After video footage reaches this NVR, they are processed using Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID) and L2 Color Boost Technology to give you crisp and sharp videos. You can access video footage from anywhere using the Free App.
Pros
- L2 Color Boost Technology
- Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID)
- 4K Video Resolution
Cons
- Some users have complained about the power adapter
Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR
Model(s): LNK71082T85B
The Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR comes with support for 8 different channels. You can connect 8 security cameras with recording at a 5MP 4K resolution. Once you connect all 8 channels, you will have a 130-degrees field of view. It also gives you color night vision, as well as a built-in microphone. This NVR uses 50% less space than most other NVRs on the market.
Pros
- Comes with 2TB Video Storage
- 130 Feet Color Night Vision
- 90 Feet B&W Night Vision
Cons
- Some users have complained about the quality of technical support
Wired DVR Kit Head to Head
Wired DVR Kit – Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR vs Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR
Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR
Model(s): WM-841-2MP
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR comes with 8 different channels for accommodating that many 1080p security cameras, preferably bullets. This package comes with 4 weatherproof security cameras that are equipped to record at a 1080p HD resolution. To give its users more coverage, each camera has 100 Feet night vision and 100-degrees field of view.
Pros
- Supports 8 channels
- Comes with 4 weatherproof indoor/outdoor cameras
- Comes with H.264+ video compression technology
Cons
- Some users have complained about the usability of the app
Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR
Model(s): D841A82B
The Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR has 2TB Hard Drive storage. Moreover, it also comes with 4 ultra-HD security cameras that have Color Night Vision technology and 4 power adapters. You can extend the reach of this NVR with 60 Feet BNC cables. All the cameras come with motion detection and voice command compatibility.
Pros
- 4 power adapters
- 4 60 ft. BNC extension cables
- 4 4K Ultra HD C841CA security cameras
Cons
- Does not record Audio
Number of Channels, Resolution and Field of View
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR includes 4 HD wired cameras. Each camera comes with 100 ft. of Night Vision and a 100° wide viewing angle.
On the other hand, the 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR also has 8 channels and 4x4K Ultra-HD Bullet cameras.
Power & Installation Options
After you are done setting up the Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR, you can access your cameras and stored footage by using the Free mobile app. Setup is a breeze as the app can automatically detect any Night Owl device close by. You can also use the CMS software that comes with it.
The 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR is compatible with Google Assistant, Apple TV, Amazon Alexa, and Chromecast. Unlike other DVR models, this device is hard-wired, thus eliminating the possibility of Wi-Fi network disruptions.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR comes with smart motion detection. Upon detecting an undesired movement, this system will send motion alerts to your smart device instantly.
Similarly, the 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR also comes with Smart Motion Detection, as well as color night vision.
Footage Storage, Memory Capacity and Streaming
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR has a 1TB HDD. Furthermore, it is equipped with H.264+ compression technology for saving storage and bandwidth.
On the flip side, the Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR comes with double the storage capacity- 2 TB HDD. Moreover, H.264+ compression allows for better encryption of data.
Technical Comparison
| Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR | Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR | |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB HDD | 2 TB HDD |
| Dimension | 17.8 x 11.5 x 7.4 inches | 20 x 14 x 11 inches |
| Color Night Vision (CNV) | N/A | Yes |
| Video Compression | H.264+ | N/A |
| PoE connection | N/A | N/A |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 12.03 pounds | 2.47 ounces |
The Verdict
After looking at the two best DVRs in this Night Owl vs Lorex battle, it’s time for the verdict. The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR beats 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR in terms of price, indoor/outdoor use, and advanced encryption technology.
Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR
Model(s): WM-841-2MP
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR comes with 8 different channels for accommodating that many 1080p security cameras, preferably bullets. This package comes with 4 weatherproof security cameras that are equipped to record at a 1080p HD resolution. To give its users more coverage, each camera has 100 Feet night vision and 100-degrees field of view.
Pros
- Supports 8 channels
- Comes with 4 weatherproof indoor/outdoor cameras
- Comes with H.264+ video compression technology
Cons
- Some users have complained about the usability of the app
Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR
Model(s): D841A82B
The Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR has 2TB Hard Drive storage. Moreover, it also comes with 4 ultra-HD security cameras that have Color Night Vision technology and 4 power adapters. You can extend the reach of this NVR with 60 Feet BNC cables. All the cameras come with motion detection and voice command compatibility.
Pros
- 4 power adapters
- 4 60 ft. BNC extension cables
- 4 4K Ultra HD C841CA security cameras
Cons
- Does not record Audio
2 Comments
Crystal
Is this outdoor cameras?
Daniel Henderson
Hi Crystal,
Yes, the cameras included in the Wired DVR and NVR kits listed are typically for out outdoor use. The IP cameras listed would not be suitable for outdoor as they are not waterproof.
Hope this helps
Daniel