Good-value 5MP PoE kit with 2TB storage, but not the sharpest option

Is the ZOSI 8CH 5MP PoE CCTV Camera System worth buying? Yes, if you want an affordable wired PoE kit with 2TB storage, AI human detection and 24/7 recording at £212.79. It is less convincing if your priority is the highest image resolution or the strongest app ecosystem, because this package sits below pricier rivals such as Reolink’s 4K kits.

At first glance, the spec sheet is strong for the money. You get an 8-channel H.265+ NVR with a built-in 2TB HDD, four 4MP wired cameras, AI human detection, 100ft IR night vision and remote access through the ZOSI Smart App. The listing also highlights plug-and-play PoE installation, which is the main reason to buy a system like this: each camera only needs a single Ethernet cable for power and video, so setup is cleaner and more reliable than with Wi-Fi cameras.

The headline numbers matter here. The system is rated 4.4/5 from 138 reviews, sells for £212.79, and that is 18% off the £259.99 RRP. The current price is also the all-time lowest recorded, which makes this a much easier recommendation than if it were sitting closer to the list price. In practical terms, the included 2TB drive should suit most typical home users who want continuous recording without immediately budgeting for extra storage. H.265+ compression is also a useful feature because it helps stretch storage further than older codecs.

Performance should be judged in the context of the camera mix. The title says 5MP, while the listed cameras are 4MP, so the system is not trying to compete with true 4K kits. That matters if you want maximum detail for reading plates at distance or zooming into faces across a driveway. The 100ft IR night vision is the standout imaging claim, and IR is usually the right choice for dependable low-light coverage because it is less affected by weather and lighting changes than colour night vision. Human detection is another practical win: it should reduce the constant alerts that come from cars, trees and general motion, which is exactly the kind of improvement that makes a CCTV system usable day to day.

Build quality is harder to judge from the listing alone, but the format is sensible for UK homes. A wired PoE kit is generally more stable than a pure wireless system, especially for garages, side passages and detached buildings where Wi-Fi can be patchy. The product is listed for outdoor and indoor use, though the provided data does not include an IP weatherproof rating, so buyers should not assume the cameras are fully protected against every exposure level without checking the exact variant. That is an important gap in the listing.

Value for money is where ZOSI is strongest. At £212.79, it undercuts the Reolink 4K NVR 8CH PoE kit with 2TB HDD and 4x 5MP cameras at £389.99, and it is also cheaper than ieGeek’s 8MP+2TB HDD PTZ system at £284.99 and Reolink’s 4K 8MP kit at £424.99. Those alternatives offer higher resolution or extra features such as PTZ, colour night vision or 8MP cameras, but you pay a lot more for them. If your budget is capped and you want a properly wired system with continuous recording, ZOSI makes a much stronger financial case.

The main caution is that this is a value-focused system, not a premium one. The listing gives no clear battery backup duration, no IP rating, and no smart-lock integration because this is CCTV, not a broader smart-home security platform. The app is mentioned as free, but app quality is often where lower-priced systems can feel less polished than the big-name alternatives, so that is an area to scrutinise before buying. Still, for the price, the combination of 2TB storage, PoE reliability, human detection and 100ft IR makes it a practical home security package rather than a flashy one.

How does the ZOSI compare with Reolink and ieGeek?

At £212.79, the ZOSI is the cheapest of the three systems listed, and that gap is large enough to matter. Reolink’s 4K 8CH PoE kit costs £389.99, while ieGeek’s 8MP+2TB PTZ kit is £284.99; both are more expensive, and both are positioned as higher-spec alternatives. If you want the best image detail, Reolink or ieGeek will be more appealing, but if you want the lowest entry cost with 2TB storage and wired recording, ZOSI is the better buy.

Is the ZOSI good value for money?

Yes, because £212.79 is the lowest recorded price and it includes 2TB of storage, four wired cameras and an 8-channel NVR. The value case is strongest for homeowners who want dependable 24/7 recording without paying for 4K they may not need.

Should you buy it?

Buy it if you want a budget-conscious PoE CCTV system with continuous recording and decent night coverage. Skip it if you need top-tier resolution, a clearly specified weatherproof rating, or the most polished software experience.