REOLINK 36CH Network Video Recorder RLN36 - Expandable 36-Cam NVR

In this review of the REOLINK RLN36 Network Video Recorder, the bottom line is simple: it is aimed at homeowners and small businesses who want a robust, expandable Reolink-only NVR that can manage many PoE cameras without fuss. The RLN36 stands out for letting users manage up to 36 compatible Reolink PoE cameras and for providing three HDD bays for long-term local storage; for anyone building a multi-camera 4K system and prioritizing integrated, local recording capacity, this NVR delivers clear advantages.

Key Features

• 36-camera management: The unit can simultaneously manage up to 36 Reolink IP cameras, making it suitable for larger residential sites or small commercial properties.
• Reolink camera compatibility: Works with a broad range of Reolink PoE cameras including 12MP, 4K, 5MP, and 4MP models for consistent integration and feature support.
• Expandable via PoE switches: You can connect up to four PoE switches to the LAN ports to separate camera groups and extend coverage without latency issues.
• Three HDD bays: Three internal bays each support up to 16TB drives for a combined 48TB of local storage, suitable for multi-day continuous recording scenarios.
• Fast data transfer: The included USB 3.0 port helps back up important footage quickly to an external drive for archive or evidence export.
• Integrated detection and playback: Integrates human and vehicle detection from compatible cameras to make event playback and search more useful.

Who It's For

The RLN36 is best for homeowners with large properties, small business owners, or installers who already use or plan to standardize on Reolink PoE cameras and need local, business-grade storage and centralized management. It is especially useful where uninterrupted local recording and the option to scale up to dozens of cameras matter more than cross-brand compatibility.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who want an NVR that supports many non-Reolink camera brands or who prefer an all-cloud, subscription-based solution; this model is explicitly designed for Reolink PoE and specific compatible cameras and does not promise universal ONVIF compatibility with every third-party camera.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports up to 36 Reolink PoE cameras for large surveillance deployments without additional NVR units.
• Three HDD bays allow up to 48TB of local storage, enabling extended continuous recording windows.
• Expandable via up to four PoE switches for flexible physical layout and reduced latency.
• USB 3.0 port and audio jacks provide practical backup and two-way audio connectivity with supported cameras.

Cons

• Only guaranteed to work with Reolink IP PoE cameras, so mixed-brand systems may not be supported.
• No HDDs included, so initial setup requires purchasing and installing compatible drives separately.

Specifications

Product Type	Network Video Recorder (NVR)
Supported Cameras	Up to 36 Reolink PoE IP cameras (12MP/4K/5MP/4MP)
HDD Bays	3 bays, each up to 16TB (NO HDD included)
Expandable Ports	LAN ports support connection to up to 4 PoE switches
Backup Port	USB 3.0 for fast external backup
Audio	Mic/speaker connections for two-way talk (RCA converters may be required)

Our Verdict

The RLN36 is a practical choice for users invested in the Reolink ecosystem who need a single NVR to handle dozens of PoE cameras with substantial local storage. It offers good value for larger deployments, straightforward expansion via PoE switches, and the capacity for business-grade recording, provided you plan to buy and install your own HDDs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RLN36 work with non-Reolink cameras?
Answer: It is designed to work specifically with Reolink PoE IP cameras; support for other brands is not guaranteed.

How much local storage can I install?
Answer: The unit has three HDD bays with each supporting up to 16TB, allowing a maximum of 48TB total storage (HDDs not included).

Can I expand camera connections with PoE switches?
Answer: Yes, you can connect up to four PoE switches to the NVR LAN ports to separate and extend camera groups while maintaining integrated management.