Arlo Smart Home Indooroutdoor Wireless Highdefinition Security Cameras Reviews
Arlo Security Camera Review 2022
Arlo has some of the all-time wireless security cameras out there
Arlo sells a bunch of wireless cameras that volition satisfy almost any need, and we've gathered them all hither for you.
Arlo cameras aren't the most expensive out at that place, and they accept impressive motion detection features, making them one of our most popular security camera recommendations.
The biggest downside is that Arlo cameras require a paid subscription to access some of the best features.
Keep reading our comprehensive guide to observe the best Arlo security camera for your home or apartment.
Top Arlo security cameras:
- : The almost basic
- : The most advanced
- : The cheapest
- : The most portable
Amazon.com List Prices (as of 02/22/2022) Total disclaimer
Which cameras do we cover in this review?
Arlo keeps making newer and better cameras. In this review, we've focused on the cameras and photographic camera lines that Arlo is actively selling. We didn't include products that are sold out or discontinued, although we noted outdated products when they're function of a line we're featuring.
How Arlo cameras work
Arlo sells a lot of cameras, and each one works a little differently
Arlo has a lot of variety in its offerings—which is terrific because the company has a lot of different solutions for different preferences. Merely each camera varies in its connectivity, compatibility, and even storage programme features, so at that place's a lot to consider (and a lot to discuss here).
Here's our stab at a quick-and-dirty summary. Nosotros'll provide more than depth as the review goes on.
- Almost Arlo cameras communicate without wall-fished wires (then you won't need an electrician unless you buy the wired doorbell).
- Some Arlo cameras demand to be continuously plugged in to work.
- Arlo sells outdoor, indoor, and doorbell cameras.
- Some Arlo cameras demand hubs or base stations to connect to your smart habitation. Some don't.
- Some Arlo hubs and cameras have local storage. Some don't.
- Most Arlo cameras work with Alexa, Google, IFTTT, and HomeKit.
- Arlo has three unlike cloud storage/video streaming plans. Yous tin't use every program with every photographic camera due to varying storage needs and video quality capabilities.
Video quality is the main differentiator between many of the Arlo camera lines. The Pro, Ultra, and Essential lines are all similar in features but vary in price. Those prices are primarily determined by whether the cameras stream in 1080p, 2K, or 4K.
So basically, if yous're just looking for a good photographic camera, any of Arlo'southward options should work for you lot. You're one and washed. But if you're looking for a specific feature, then you lot'll have to do a footling more piece of work to make sure you lot're picking the right camera.
Arlo hubs
Arlo sells three categories of hubs: the base station, the base of operations station with siren, and the Arlo SmartHub. And if that's not plenty, each category has a few unlike models.
The standard base station is compatible only with cameras that are now obsolete, similar the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2, so nosotros won't comprehend it in this review. Simply know that it's out at that place, and you might come across it as you look for the perfect Arlo camera.
The base stations with sirens and SmartHubs work with Arlo'southward electric current offerings.
Arlo base of operations station with siren and SmartHub models
| Features | VMB4000 base station | VMB4500 base station | VMB4000 SmartHub | VMB4500 SmartHub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Arlo Pro three Floodlight Camera, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Ultra ii, Arlo Essential Spotlight, Arlo Video Doorbell | Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Photographic camera, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Essential Spotlight, Arlo Video Doorbell | Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Photographic camera, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Ultra two, Arlo Essential Spotlight, Arlo Video Doorbell | Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Photographic camera, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Essential Spotlight, Arlo Video Doorbell |
| Max streaming resolution | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Local storage | Yes, USB | Yes, USB | Yes, microSD | Yes, USB |
| Siren | 100 dB | 90 dB | None | None |
| Learn more | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Data as of time of posting.
Arlo storage
Arlo Secure (previously known every bit Arlo Smart) features a few different storage plans, including a complimentary option.
For the cameras with advanced object detection and other features that brand Arlo worth the buy, you must get a paid Secure or Secure Plus program. Without one, you can't access virtually of your photographic camera's functions.
If you're thinking, "I'll just become the cheapest storage option, no thing what it is!" and then recollect again. The camera y'all buy volition determine the plan you need. And, if you accept a few different Arlo cameras with unlike plan needs, y'all could cease up paying for both a Secure and Secure Plus program each month.
This is important to mention in instance readers take previous experience with Arlo or have read other reviews that aren't every bit recent. We don't desire to lose credibility because we're using a different term than what they've heard earlier.
| Features | No Plan | Arlo Secure | Arlo Secure Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Complimentary | $ii.99/mo. for a unmarried photographic camera; $ix.99/mo. for unlimited cameras | $14.99/mo. for unlimited cameras |
| Max resolution | N/A | 2K | 4K |
| Cloud storage | None | 30 days | 30 days |
| Push notifications | | | |
| Custom activity zones | | | |
| Advanced object detection | | | |
| Emergency Response | | | |
| Acquire more | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Data current as of fourth dimension of posting.
Arlo also offers continuous video recording, too known as CVR or 24/vii recording. That way, y'all can see everything, non just camera clips triggered past events. Because—let's be honest—fifty-fifty the best motion-detection cameras sometimes miss things. It's meliorate to record everything if y'all tin.
But in that location's a catch. CVR costs extra money on top of your subscription plan. You'll spend $9.99 each calendar month for 14 days of CVR or $19.99 a month for 30 days. And that'south but for the outset Arlo photographic camera. If you want to add CVR to more cameras, information technology's an additional $4.99 each for 14 days or $ix.99 each for 30.
So if y'all have five Arlo cameras and want xxx-mean solar day CVR for all of them? You'll pay close to $threescore a month on top of what y'all're already paying for camera storage. That's much higher than the typical fees for DIY photographic camera systems.
If you have an older Arlo camera, similar an Arlo Pro or Arlo Pro ii, y'all become upwardly to vii days of cloud storage with the free plan. But the cameras we feature in this review all require a paid plan.
Arlo Pro features
The Pro is the near basic Arlo camera
Advanced object detection
High smart home compatibility
The Pro is Arlo'south standard photographic camera offer. It features 2K video quality, color nighttime vision, lights, zoom, and Arlo's signature advanced object detection. With all that, nothing's getting past your photographic camera or yous.
There have been many iterations of the Pro, some of which you may be familiar with.
Over the last few years, Arlo has discontinued the Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro two, and Arlo Pro 3. Currently, the company sells but the Pro iii Floodlight and Pro four.
Arlo Pro features comparison
Amazon.com List Prices (as of 02/22/2022)
All Arlo Pro cameras have the following:
- 2K video
- Motility detection
- Parcel detection
- Person detection
- Vehicle detection
- Two-way audio
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple tree HomeKit compatibility
- Colour night vision
- Zoom
- Projected six-month battery life
The primary divergence betwixt these cameras is that the Pro 4 has a spotlight, while the Pro 3 Floodlight (predictably) has a floodlight.
Avant-garde object detection
Arlo's "advanced object detection" encompasses bundle, person, and vehicle detection.
If you alive on a busy street, motion detection push notifications can quickly become annoying. Information technology'due south meliorate to get specific notifications, such as "Person detected" or "Package detected" so you know which notifications are of import and which you lot can ignore. And that'southward where Arlo's meridian unique feature comes into play.
However, to use this feature, yous'll demand a paid subscription.
Subscription
Arlo Pro cameras crave an Arlo Secure Plan for 2K streaming, 30 days of storage, and full access to all features. That's $2.99 a calendar month for a single camera or $ix.99 a month for unlimited cameras.
You'll get 3 months of Arlo Secure complimentary, and so it's time to pay.
Or yous tin can cull to go without a paid subscription, but you lot won't be able to become the whole Arlo Pro experience. And without that full experience, it's probably not worth it to buy Arlo. All the best features are wrapped up in the paid plans.
Subscriptions and video quality
If you're using a 2K or 4K Arlo camera, you can merely get full video quality with a paid plan. Choosing to forego a programme will result in 1080p quality on any Arlo photographic camera.
How to install Arlo Pro cameras
To set up an Arlo Pro camera, you'll charge it, mount it, and follow the app'south directions to get it connected to your Wi-Fi. Nosotros've tried information technology earlier, and it's a quick and easy process.
Arlo Ultra features
Ultra characteristic-packed; ultra-expensive
4K video
Local storage
Although the Ultra line used to include the Arlo Ultra, it'southward moved on to the Ultra ii merely.
The Arlo Ultra 2 has the following:
- 4K HDR video
- 180° field of view
- Motion detection
- Parcel detection
- Person detection
- Vehicle detection
- Ii-fashion audio
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit compatibility
- Siren
- Spotlight
- Color nighttime vision
- Zoom
- Local storage
- Projected half dozen-month battery life
The Ultra 2 requires an Arlo SmartHub or base station, so you'll want to become one if you don't take 1.
This camera is expensive because it comes in two-packs with an Arlo SmartHub. You lot can buy the camera as a less expensive add-on if y'all already have the hub .
I similar these callouts that show y'all've found the best link for nearly users, only that yous're too watching out for the users who already have a hub.
180° field of view
A 180° lens gives a broad field of view then you tin meliorate see activity on your property. If someone is lurking on the edges of the photographic camera view, you'll nonetheless see them.
Spotlight
Spotlights are quite useful for outdoor security cameras. Folks who sneak around on other people'south property generally don't want to be seen, so a calorie-free can exist a big deterrent.
A low-cal is too a a failsafe. If the color night vision experiences a problem, the spotlight volition ensure your camera catches a clear pic of night intruders.
Subscription
You'll become a three-month trial of Arlo Secure with an Ultra 2, but after that, y'all'll need to pay to get full apply of your camera. Since this camera films in 4K, it uses Arlo Secure Plus, which costs $14.99 every calendar month.
Note that the Arlo Ultra two comes with local storage ( a USB bulldoze or SD bill of fare inserted directly into the hub), and so you don't necessarily need Arlo Secure for storage purposes.
How to install Arlo Ultra cameras
To install the Arlo Ultra ii, charge the camera before setting it up. Follow the app'south instructions to connect the camera to the app and the SmartHub to your router.
Once the bombardment charges, y'all'll place it inside the camera and secure the photographic camera to its mount. You'll and so follow the app's instructions to consummate setup and buy your Secure Plus plan.
Like other Arlo cameras, the Ultra two is completely wireless. You don't demand to plug it into the hub or your router to work.
The Ultra 2 is completely wireless.
Arlo Essential features
The Essential line features an outdoor camera and indoor photographic camera
Spotlight
No hub required
When we say "Arlo Essential," we (and nigh reviewers) refer to the Arlo Essential Spotlight. But there's also an Arlo Essential Indoors. And 2 Essential Video Doorbells.
So what makes these cameras so essential? They all accept sirens and avant-garde motility detection, don't use hubs, and still manage to exist some of Arlo's cheaper photographic camera offerings. Affordable and user-friendly: nice.
Arlo Essential features comparing
Amazon.com Listing Prices (as of 02/22/2022)
All Arlo Essential cameras have the following:
- 1080p video
- Motility detection
- Package detection
- Person detection
- Vehicle detection
- Two-way audio
- Siren
- Nighttime vision
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings compatibility
And that'due south not all. Some of the Essential cameras accept additional features.
If y'all get the Essential Spotlight, you'll also become the spotlight, outdoor weatherproofing, color dark vision, zoom, an estimated six months of battery life, and Apple HomeKit compatibility.
And if you get the Essential Wired Video Doorbell, you'll get outdoor weatherproofing plus Apple HomeKit compatibility.
You lot'll also become outdoor weatherproofing with the Wireless Video Doorbell. But unlike its analogue, this doorbell iteration won't work with Apple, at to the lowest degree according to the Arlo website.
The Apple tree integration merely works if you lot use the Essential with an Arlo hub.
Siren
Why would you want a camera with a siren? It's extra protection for your dwelling house, property, and family unit.
For instance, peradventure someone is in your yard, trying to light your home on burn down. (Unlikely? Yes. Impossible? No.) Your typical security system is powerless against that. But an outdoor or doorbell camera with a siren can both alert you to the intruder's presence and scare off the would-exist arsonist.
Similarly, an indoor camera with a siren is a great way to broaden a security arrangement. Information technology's also a lower-price fashion to get some of a home security system'southward protection if you can't afford the whole kit and caboodle.
In both these instances, an Arlo Essential camera would serve the purpose.
Storage
The Arlo Essential cameras work with the Arlo Secure Plus program. All three cameras come up with a three-month-long trial. That way, you lot tin can test the plan before spending money on it.
If you choose to connect the photographic camera to an Arlo SmartHub, you can get free local storage too. But remember that if you decide to become that route over a paid Arlo Secure subscription, you can't use your object-detection features.
How to install Arlo Essential cameras
Plug the camera in and follow the app instructions to add information technology to your account/connect it to your Wi-Fi. Then place it on a flat surface or mountain information technology to the wall. (The camera comes with a mounting kit.)
How to install Arlo Essential Spotlight
We got a chance to try the Arlo Essential Spotlight ourselves, and setup wasn't difficult at all.
We charged the camera and followed the app instructions to add it to our Arlo account. It only took a few minutes. We didn't install the mountain, so we can't speak to that in detail—simply according to Arlo user manuals, it isn't complicated. You just demand the kit, a pencil, and a drill or screwdriver to become it fix.
How to install Arlo Essential Video Doorbell
If you lot have the wired doorbell, the installation will be complicated.
You'll need to turn off the power in your home, remove your existing doorbell, wire the new doorbell into place, and connect everything on the Arlo app. The Arlo website has more details virtually this process.
Some DIYers are fine with this kind of installation, and some notice it's a niggling out of their comfort zone. If y'all're nervous about working with home wiring, we suggest looking for an expert to aid.
If you have the wire-free doorbell, things volition exist much simpler. You'll charge the bombardment, connect the doorbell to the app, and mount your doorbell wherever you want. Yes—since it'due south not wired, nosotros mean literally wherever you want—although if information technology's besides far from the door, people might non know to ring it.
Arlo Go features
Accept your Arlo Become 2 on the go with LTE and geolocation
Base of operations not required
Functional anywhere
We propose the Arlo Become line if you live in a rural area, don't have Wi-Fi, or want a portable camera. This LTE-based photographic camera works anytime, anywhere, making it a perfect showtime choice for your circumstances.
Currently, the only Arlo Get photographic camera available is the Arlo Go 2.
The Arlo Go 2 has the following:
- 1080p video
- Motion detection
- Package detection
- Person detection
- Vehicle detection
- Two-way audio
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT compatibility
- Siren
- Spotlight
- Colour night vision
- Local storage
- Long-lasting battery life
- GPS location tracking
- LTE connectivity
GPS location tracking
The Arlo Go 2 is designed to piece of work every bit both a regular and portable security photographic camera. If y'all choose to use information technology on the go, there's a chance y'all might misplace it.
GPS location tracking solves that problem. Every bit long equally the camera battery has power, you tin can follow the photographic camera location through the Arlo app.
LTE connectivity
With an Arlo Become camera, it'due south not plenty to accept an Arlo Secure programme. If you intend to apply the photographic camera without Wi-Fi, you're going to need a monthly Arlo Mobile plan too.
Which plan should yous go? It depends on how much activeness you wait. If you place the camera in a rural area with few visitors, the $5, 15-minute plan might be plenty.
Simply if you recollect your camera's going to catch a lot of footage you'll want to review, then you're better off with a more than expensive just more extensive plan.
| Minutes of Video Upload Time | 30-Second Video Clips | Price |
|---|---|---|
| fifteen min./mo. | thirty sec./mo. | $4.99/mo. |
| 120 min./mo. | 300 sec./mo. | $22.99/mo. |
| 225 min./mo. | 450 sec./mo. | $32.99/mo. |
Information electric current as of time of posting.
Co-ordinate to Arlo, "the numbers of minutes and video clips per month assume" you're using the highest video quality and longest clip settings. Simply "if you apply lower video quality settings and set up your Arlo Go to record shorter clips, your Arlo Go tin upload significantly more video than indicated in the programme descriptions."
Arlo Mobile relies on AT&T and Verizon's LTE networks to provide photographic camera service throughout the US. That means that the Arlo Go 2 works like a smartphone. When it's connected to Wi-Fi, LTE is unnecessary. When it's not connected to Wi-Fi, the camera needs LTE to function.
How to install Arlo Go two
When setting upwardly the Arlo Go 2, get-go by charging the battery. Y'all'll then insert a Micro SD and the LTE SIM card that comes with the photographic camera.
Place the battery in the photographic camera and follow the app's instructions to complete setup. Once that's done, you can mount the photographic camera if yous program to go along it in i location. Otherwise, you'll probably want to leave information technology mount-less for easier travel.
Arlo accessories
Arlo has a few more than products up its sleeve
Arlo has another, now-defunct camera offerings that yous can purchase used (such as Arlo Q and Arlo Baby). Information technology likewise offers accessories that work with several of its cameras, similar solar panels and easy-apply magnetic mounts.
Arlo solar panels
Adjustable mount
Conditions-resistant
Ultra, Pro 3, and Essential Spotlight compatibility only
Arlo magnetic mounts
Indoor/outdoor apply
Ultra, Ultra 2, Pro three, and Pro 4 compatibility just
Arlo dual charging station
Simultaneous dual battery charging
Ultra, Ultra 2, Pro 3, Pro 3 Floodlight, and Pro four compatibility but
Recap: What are the best Arlo Cameras?
Most users will find value in most Arlo cameras
It's difficult to go wrong with an Arlo camera. Merely which i is right for you? Let's epitomize.
Arlo Pro: The Arlo Pro line streams in 2K. The older versions require a hub, while the 2 newest, the Pro three Floodlight and Pro 4, don't. To access the total features, like avant-garde object detection, you'll demand to pay for a subscription.
Arlo Ultra: Arlo Ultras feature 4K video and advanced object detection when you employ the premium paid subscription. All versions require connectedness with an Arlo hub.
Arlo Essential: This 1080p line features indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras. Hubs aren't required to use the Essential cameras, but y'all'll need a paid program to take total advantage of the features, including Arlo's signature advanced object detection.
Arlo Become: The portable Arlo Go line offers portable cameras that use LTE connectivity. Y'all'll nevertheless need a premium paid plan for total use plus an Arlo Mobile plan for LTE admission.
If yous aren't feeling Arlo, we suggest trying Reolink, which is similar simply with no hubs, fewer features, and lower prices.
You can also check out cameras such as the Canary Pro and EufyCam two.
Arlo cameras FAQ
Time to answer some frequently asked questions!
Are Arlo cameras expensive?
Arlo cameras can get expensive, but they aren't the well-nigh expensive cameras on the market place (hello, Google Nest).
The main thing that makes Arlo cameras expensive is that you typically take to buy them in a multipack or with a base, bringing the cost way upwardly.
When you buy them ane at a time, they're much more affordable, peculiarly if you wait and gild them in one case they've been out for a while.
What color are Arlo cameras?
Several Arlo cameras at present come in 2 different colors. Sadly, your choices are black or white. Yous don't get anything fun, like turquoise or fuschia.
Are Arlo chargers waterproof?
Arlo sells both indoor and outdoor power adapters that tin charge a camera or even provide a constant power supply (if y'all cull to always leave it plugged in).
While the indoor adapter cannot get wet, to our understanding, the outdoor ability adapter is fine in inclement weather.
Does Arlo have gratuitous camera storage?
Arlo's free option does not have whatever camera storage. You lot won't be able to refer back to an outcome recorded past a camera using the free option.
There are exceptions, though. Some older Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Q and Arlo Go, come with rolling seven-day storage at no cost.
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