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Head-to-head · Home Security Camera Apps

DS cam vs Reolink App

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score DS cam #4 in Home Security Camera Apps 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Synology
Reolink App #8 in Home Security Camera Apps 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Reolink

DS cam leads on 0 checks, Reolink App on 2, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDS cam · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresReolink App · 3 of 3

DS cam scores higher on our rubric for home security camera apps: 9.0 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

Reolink App offers cloud recording; DS cam doesn't. Reolink App offers smart display support; DS cam doesn't publish it.

DS cam is the better fit for synology Surveillance Station camera users. Reolink App is the better fit for reolink owners who need flexible recording playback.

  • DS cam fits best

    Synology Surveillance Station camera users

  • Reolink App fits best

    Reolink owners who need flexible recording playback

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature DS cam 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Reolink App 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.5
Ranking #4 in Home Security Camera Apps #8 in Home Security Camera Apps
Best for Synology Surveillance Station camera users Reolink owners who need flexible recording playback
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Mobile
Platforms iOS, Android iOS, Android
Integrations 3 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features DS cam 1/3 · Reolink App 3/3
Cloud recording — ✓ (best)
Local recording ✓ ✓
Smart display support Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Max video resolution Not published Not published
Camera limit Not published Not published
Mobile platforms Both Both
Our review
Pros
  • View up to six live camera feeds at once and navigate recordings by event.
  • Use PTZ controls, snapshots, push notifications, and supported two-way audio.
  • Set Home Mode to activate on a schedule or based on location.
  • Plays recordings from camera microSD cards, NVR hard drives, or supported cloud plans
  • Offers multi-screen live viewing and downloads to a mobile device
  • Supports motion alerts, schedules, two-way audio, Google Home, and Alexa
Cons
  • Requires a Synology Surveillance Station system on NAS or NVR hardware.
  • Camera capacity and device licensing depend on the host system and deployment.
  • Two-way audio and camera controls depend on device support.
  • Works with compatible Reolink devices rather than other camera brands
  • Cloud recording access depends on supported devices and regions
  • Optional Reolink Cloud subscriptions vary by region, camera model, and plan
Our verdict

DS cam is Synology’s free mobile companion app for people managing cameras through Surveillance Station. Available on iOS and Android, it connects to a Surveillance Station system running on Synology NAS or NVR hardware. It suits existing…

Read the review →

For owners of compatible Reolink cameras and NVRs, the Reolink App brings setup, camera management, live viewing, alerts, and recording playback to iOS and Android. Its focus is practical camera operation rather than broader smart-home…

Read the review →
  1. DS camHome Security Camera Apps 9.0Free plan
  2. Reolink AppHome Security Camera Apps 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • DS cam — where it wins

    • View up to six live camera feeds at once and navigate recordings by event.
    • Use PTZ controls, snapshots, push notifications, and supported two-way audio.
    • Set Home Mode to activate on a schedule or based on location.

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires a Synology Surveillance Station system on NAS or NVR hardware.
    • Camera capacity and device licensing depend on the host system and deployment.
    • Two-way audio and camera controls depend on device support.

  • Reolink App — where it wins

    • Plays recordings from camera microSD cards, NVR hard drives, or supported cloud plans
    • Offers multi-screen live viewing and downloads to a mobile device
    • Supports motion alerts, schedules, two-way audio, Google Home, and Alexa

    Where it doesn't

    • Works with compatible Reolink devices rather than other camera brands
    • Cloud recording access depends on supported devices and regions
    • Optional Reolink Cloud subscriptions vary by region, camera model, and plan

More comparisons

All home security camera apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update