Funlux Camera Review

If you’re looking for an inexpensive home security camera, a Funlux camera could be a viable option. On the plus side, you won’t pay too much for the camera. On the downside, it might not stay connected.

You can order any of Funlux’s cameras online and self-install them using the provided screws and some not-provided brackets. You’ll then connect them to the app (if it’s a standalone camera) or the network video recorder (NVR) device (if it’s a multiple-channel system).

Funlux also sells a variety of other cameras (some of which have audio) on its website.

Funlux’s prices are pretty inexpensive. A two-pack of cameras for $70 is nothing to sneer at.

Of course, you also have to pay for a monthly subscription plan (if you want to view clips more than 12 hours later). But Zmodo’s cloud service is affordable, so you can save money there too.

(The plan pricing is per camera, so if you get multiple cameras, you’ll pay for a separate subscription for each. The fewer cameras you have, the better a deal Funlux is.)

Features that require a paid Zmodo Cloud plan:

• Multi-day cloud storage
• Continuous recording
• Motion-detection zones
• Video editor
• Timelapse clips

So you’ve bought your Funlux camera at a reasonable price, and you’re ready for some fun luxury (we presume that’s what the Funlux name stands for). But will your luxury be fun, or will you have a stressful user experience? (Spoiler: probably gonna be a little bit stressful.)

Each Funlux model is slightly different, but the standalone cameras are easy to install. The NVR cameras, on the other hand, seem significantly more difficult to set up.

Your Funlux camera should come with the following:

• Power cords
• Screws
• Adapters (for the NVR system)

Looks like you’ll need to bring your own brackets and power drill, though.

The outdoor Funlux camera comes with a six-foot cord. Mount the camera, plug it into an outlet, and follow the app instructions to complete setup.

For this multiple-channel camera, you need to connect the NVR box to your router. Once you’ve done that, mount the cameras and plug them into a power source.

An NVR wizard will guide you through setting up the four channels. Setting this up looks a bit difficult. It may take some time.

Most security cameras are self-monitored, and Funlux is no different. You’ll keep an eye on your camera feeds by using a mobile app or the NVR device (if you chose the four-channel system).

Customers say the picture quality is fair, especially for the price. There are even time stamps on the videos and still shots you pull from the app. (That’s very helpful if you ever need footage for legal reasons.)

The motion detection feature is also dicey. One Amazon reviewer said, “Actually had a murder happen in front of my house, and the camera never even kicked on. Yet it will kick on for a leaf in the wind.”

Want to connect your camera to other stuff? You might be able to do that. Might.

Zmodo is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, but it hasn’t specifically said that its Funlux line also has that capability. And, while the Funlux app description talks only about cameras, it looks like there’s a place to connect thermostats and lights.

We’re cautiously optimistic that your Funlux cameras won’t be siloed, but we can’t make any guarantees.

If Funlux leaves you cold, we have some other, comparable suggestions.

We suggest the Amcrest Pro HD if you're looking for an indoor camera.

This dome-shaped camera has two-way audio and up to 32 feet of night vision. It also works with some third-party software.

The Amcrest Pro HD camera is best for:

• People who want zoom capabilities
• People who want far-reaching night vision
• People who want a higher resolution (1296p)

We don't necessarily recommend these cameras. We think you can get the same (and better) features for a similarly low price from other providers without the hassle.

But they aren't objectively awful, either, so if you're willing to brave the glitches and Wi-Fi connection issues, the Funlux could be enough for your needs.

If Funlux isn’t cutting it for you, we also have a whole list of cheap cameras we recommend. We also recommend entire home security systems with cameras already included.