Arlo Pro Cameras Review: Small Devices but Great Service

The safety of one’s home is a concern for everyone today. And there are so many options on the market that it is not easy to choose the best cameras. So, those who don’t need a lot of bells and whistles in a security system can find in this provider a great option. Keep on reading the Arlo pro cameras review to find out more about its benefits in 2021.

Steven Lewis - Editorial Staff

Updated: March 16, 2020

Arlo Pro Cameras Review: In-Depth

Arlo Pro Camera

Arlo Pro cameras is a top service in the world of security. First, they got rid of annoying wires. Nobody wants them anymore, as they are ugly and inconvenient. Of course, they have some not-so-good points, but they are worth the price they cost. Read on to find out more about this point.

Key Features

  • Very easy to install
  • Integration with Google and Alexa
  • Embedded loud siren
  • AI perks
  • Upgrades available
  • No hidden costs

Background Information

Arlo Pro is part of a company called Arlo tech. It started in New York in 2018 and has not stopped working ever since. Today, it has more than 2 million users in the USA alone. The main offices are in California, and it has more than 300 people working for the firm. Together, they are able to develop quality products like this camera. It mainly sells through Amazon and eBay. But people can also find it on their own landing page.

Key Security Features: Bells and Whistles for Safety

Those who don’t need a lot of new features will find in this vendor a great option. Still, this doesn’t mean that the product does not have a lot of specs. Some of them include the product, and some others are related to the product itself.

Completely Wireless: Save Yourself the Hassle

Using wires has today become dated. In the past, they were very annoying. People could trip on them, and even animals could chew those. Meaning that the device would stop working and that the company would have to send someone to repair it. But this is not an issue anymore.

Support for Up to 60 Cameras: Adds-on for Everyone

This is crucial for people who own large houses. Or even for those who use this cam to monitor their companies with many floors. So, the subscription can cover all these devices without any issue.

Infrared Night Vision: Catching Thieves Even in the Dark

The night vision is very powerful. So, the owners can monitor their yards or room even in the deepest dark. The heat sensor comes in handy in these cases, then. And it can also recognize faces.

Motion Alerts: Always Be Updated

Nobody has time to monitor one’s home all the time. So, it is crucial that services alert the owner when they feel there is a person inside. But beware of false positives that can put people under stress with no need.

Compatible with Alexa: Comfortable Voice Commands

Today, Alexa crept into everyone’s lives. It can turn on a heater or even control a security system like Arlo. And this comes in handy when there are burglars in the property. And the person cannot look for remote control.

Extensive Platform Support: Great Team

Those who need help can access it using many forms. For example, users can download the app in iOS, Android, or web browsers. Even Apple TV serves this purpose. So, the app helps to control 1 or 45 cameras if needed.

Third-Party Smart Home Compatibility: Benefits for Everyone

Other vendors can also be of help when monitoring a home. That is why the company announced it could work with other providers. For example, Zigee and Z-wave are not partners. These can have control via the Hub.

Two-Way Talk: High-Quality Mic and Speaker

These products should not only focus on images. Sounds are also important, especially voices. So, this one shows a nice mix that is able to catch what the people around it are saying. And it allows customers to speak to the ones at home as well.

Equipment & Installation

The company has a wide catalog of products that aim at solving everyday safety issues for homes and businesses. Read on to know what they have to offer.

Arlo Pro: An Oldie but Goodie

Arlo Pro

This cam is an oldie, but it still gets the job done. It is a good option if one finds it a good price. Otherwise, it may be better just get the new one.

  • Weatherproof
  • 720p resolution
  • 110° field of view

Arlo Pro 2

Arlo Pro 2

This camera introduced to the family a wider field of view and a higher resolution. This is why, for the small difference in price on Amazon, it is a good upgrade against the previous home security device.

  • Best local storage through USB
  • 1080p resolution for cameras
  • 130° field of view

Arlo Pro 3

Arlo Pro 3

This is the first Arlo cam to introduce the spotlight feature. And on top of it, it has some of the highest resolutions in the market. Ideal for those for whom image quality is a top priority

  • Spotlight and siren
  • 2k resolution
  • 160° field of view

Arlo Ultra

Arlo Ultra

This is the most costly cam that this brand has to offer. Its image quality is so high that it can even record color at night or in very low-light settings.

  • High-quality low-light recording
  • 4k resolution
  • 180° field of view

Arlo Security Light

Arlo Security Light

This is the perfect complement to the cams that do not perform so well in dark environments. They detect when there is movement and turn themselves on.

  • Photosensor
  • Motion detector
  • IP65 certified
  • 400 lumens

Arlo Baby

Arlo Baby

With 1080p recording, this device is great for taking care of a baby. And their photosensors help to save energy by turning them off once the sun is out.

  • 1080p quality
  • Live to stream
  • Night vision

Arlo Q

Arlo Q

This item is a camera that does not need a base. Its super high resolution cannot be matched by almost any other competitor.

  • 1080p resolution
  • AC powered
  • Good for outdoors
  • Two-way audio

Arlo Q Plus

Arlo Q Plus

This device was best designed for businesses instead of domestic household. It has many of the latest perks, like 1080p HD video for capturing images on the cloud.

  • Local storage c
  • 130° wide-angle lens
  • 2-way audio.
  • Internal battery

Arlo Camera

This is the most basic cam of this brand. It can be used inside the home or outside it, and it does not include any audio features.

  • For indoors and outdoors
  • Night vision
  • Integrations with smart home

Arlo Base Station

The base fulfills many functions within the ecosystem. For example, it has a built-in siren that will wail loudly when there are intruders. It has been updated in 2021.

  • Smart siren
  • Local storage
  • Free Internet connection
  • Long battery life

Arlo Go

Arlo Go

This outdoor camera does not depend on Wi-Fi, as it can connect to cellular networks. The SD card slot is also a nice touch when talking about storing footage.

  • Mobile connectivity
  • IP65 certified
  • 2-way audio
  • SD card slot

Arlo Audio Doorbell

Arlo Audio Doorbell

It connects with cameras to let them know when someone is at the door. In this way, they start recording right away. It has nice reviews showing good access to the cloud and a great battery in 2021.

  • Video camera connectivity
  • Has communication with the Amazon hub
  • Includes the best two-way audio perk

Installation

The whole setup process is quite straightforward. First, download the Arlo app and create an account. Once this is ready, tap on the “Add New Device” button. The instructions on how to do this will appear. Make sure to follow them to the letter. Remember that the first step will be connecting everything to the same router. Once the hub is ready, click on add cameras and select the ones in the house. The app should detect them immediately.

Arlo Pro Cameras Packages & Prices

Arlo Packages & Prices

So, each package complements the hard drive mentioned above. Most of them have things in common. But premium packs add elements for the most demanding. The starting price for all of them is also very affordable.

Premier Elite
Price$9.99$14.99
Days of Storage30 days60 days
AIYesYes
Push notificationsYesYes
Emergency callsYesYes
Activity zonesYesYes

Smart Premier

Though this is a basic option, it has a lot of interesting features for users. For example, clients can choose to filter the alerts that the person is going to receive. Plus, it detects people when passing around the sensor instead of animals or flying objects.

Pros:

  • Cloud for free
  • Smart activity zones
  • 2k video res
  • 30 days of storage
  • Live streaming available

Cons:

Smart Premier

Though this is a basic option, it has a lot of interesting features for users. For example, clients can choose to filter the alerts that the person is going to receive. Plus, it detects people when passing around the sensor instead of animals or flying objects.

Pros:

  • Cloud for free
  • Smart activity zones
  • 2k video res
  • 30 days of storage
  • Live streaming available

Cons:

  • High res. in only one of the cams
  • A bit of crisp

Smart Elite

There are almost no false positives with the Elite pack. This happens because the motion sensor is very good. And it is able to see what moves is a person, a car, or a pet. And the rolling days for recorded footage is up to 60 days. This guarantees a lot of protection.

Pros:

  • 4k res instead of 2k
  • Video reviews animals and vehicles
  • Fast push notifications
  • Connection with the police
  • A lot of cameras supported

Cons:

  • A bit pricey for outdoors
  • Slow when showing videos

Equipment Prices

Apart from plans, the company also offers different types of devices. Some of them cover a lot of needs, while others are more basic. All of them have various prices and ranges. Let’s examine all the features below.

Camera’s Comparison Table

Pro Pro 2 Pro 3 Ultra
Price$419$479$500$600
Night vision25 feet25 feet25 feet25 feet+ color vision
WeatherproofYesYesYesYes
Zoom8x8x12x12x
Two-way audioYesYesYesYes
Type of storageUSBUSBUSBMicroSD
Resolution720p1080p2k4k
N° cameras2222

Arlo Pro: Affordable Packages

The cheapest of the options it has the same specs as more pricey ones. For example, the night vision has the same range for all the cams. It doesn’t matter if they are premium or not.

Pros:

  • Affordable for the quality
  • Quick USB options
  • Available customer team
  • High-quality mic and speaker
  • Protection against dust or wind

Cons:

  • No motion alerts
  • No add-ons available

Arlo Pro 2

This one looks a lot like the first one. But it adds a new feature to the basic equipment. These are the activity zones. So, the owner can point out at different areas of the view where why want to get alerts in case of motion.

Pros:

  • Fast USB port
  • Up to 113° celsius
  • 24/7 CVR
  • Different plugin options
  • 3-second look back

Cons:

  • Limited range
  • Low volume of the siren

Arlo Pro 3: Same Design, Software Upgrade

This is a bigger product than the previous ones. And it is a bit heavier as well, with almost 5 ounces. The waterproof is IP65, so it resists even heavy rain and has a magnet for mounting it.

Pros:

  • A magnet for metal surfaces
  • 720p video
  • 130° field of view
  • Great zoom
  • 25 feet of night vision with LED

Cons:

  • Only 30 days of recordings
  • Too many buttons

Arlo Ultra: Premium Services

Though the number of products is the same as with previous plans, the quality is not the same. For example, the res for capturing images is very high, and the same happens with the night vision.

Pros:

  • 4k for full detection
  • Vehicle, animal, and person alerts.
  • Color night vision
  • Up to 140° celsius
  • Long battery life

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Few cameras

Accessories

So, it is clear that the system as a whole includes a lot of accessories. Let’s take a look at all of them and the price for each one of the add-on.

  • Arlo Baby Table / Wall Stand – $39.99
  • Tenergy Rechargeable CR123 Batteries & Charger – $49.99
  • Camera skins – $9.99 – $24.99
  • Outdoor Power Adapter for Pro, Pro 2 and Go $24.99
  • Indoor Power Cable and Adapter for Pro, Pro 2 and Security Light $14.99
  • Wall Mount 4-Pack – $14.99
  • Table and Ceiling Mount – $24.99
  • Outdoor Security Mount – $24.99
  • Solar Panel – $79.99
  • Charging station for Pro, Pro 2, and Go – $59.99

Ease of Use

As part of the slogan, the Arlo Pro security camera claims people can put their products anywhere they want. So, that means it has to be easy to install. Plus, clients can control the whole system using the buttons in the base station. So, this won’t be an issue. In particular, for the elderly who might now know how to use a phone or a tablet.

Customer Experience

This is a company that cares about their customers. This is why they clarify each party’s rights and obligations from the very beginning. And this is also why they are available to help with technical problems at all times.

Terms and Guarantees

This section of the site outlines the duties and rights of every party involved. This is to say, the user and the provider. While the provider promises to give the service at its best capabilities, the user will be the only one responsible if it is not used for good purposes.

Also, Arlo promises not to use any of the info they gather to sell it to third-parties or anything of the sort. They will only use to ensure the safety of the user when they detect something suspicious. Of course, this will be at the discretion of their agents.

Customer Support

The customer care team is available to solve any technical issues every day of the week, at all hours. One can ask for support or use the warranty only by phone. For other types of queries, the team will only work between 6 am and 6 pm. And also only by calls.

Trust Score (Trustpilot & BBB.org)

Arlo Reviews

On the whole, the system has positive reviews online. For example, users praise the easy way to install it. They claim it is a snap. Plus, the free cloud storage is also a thing nobody offers. Such a thing makes it unique from other competitors. Still, some other clients seem to be disappointed at some of the cameras. For example, the most basic option does not include any audio. Though the price is not that low to imagine it. Finally, the waterproof feature works very well. All the devices seem to be able to resist the rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • So Is Arlo a Good Camera?

    Yes, it is. In particular, when considering the quality of the service. And the fame of the company. All the cameras are built with high-quality materials. Such a thing means they can resist even the harshest weather. And that they can detect top-notch images even in the dark.

  • Which Arlo Pro Camera Is Best?

    It all depends on what the client is looking for. For example, some of them will consider that the best option is the one that costs less money. While another person with a larger budget will look for the premium option instead. What customers should do is to review each feature before buying. And make a decision after that.

  • How Long Do Batteries Last in an Arlo Camera?

    It depends on the model. For example, the Q models do not use any batteries at all. They only work when the person plugs it to the power. Instead, the others do include some batteries. And they last 2-3 months, depending on the use. It could be a bit more or a bit less.

  • Can I Use Arlo Without Subscription?

    Yes, it is possible. But the users will only access some of the features available. For example, the cam will not record any of the images that appear. Instead, they will only live to stream it to the hub or the mobile app. Also, there won’t be any monitoring

Arlo Pro Camera Pros & Cons

As clients have seen, there are great things about the equipment. Such as the customer care team or wireless connections. But there are also grey areas to consider before making a decision. Which are those? Readers can find them below.

Pros:

  • Live video feeds and recordings available
  • Simple setup without any wires
  • Protection against rain, dust, snow, and heat
  • Great quality, range, and field of view
  • High-quality service and attention

Cons:

  • Too many products make it hard to choose

Be Always Vigilant

Clients looking to sleep in peace at night can do so with Arlo pro security camera in 2021. The company has tried for years to give a good service, and they have succeeded. The only challenge clients might face choosing from the wide array of models they have. But with the info they can find in this review, it is going to be a piece of cake.


Editorial Staff

Steven Lewis combined his writing talent and home security knowledge and became a journalist researching the topic. He holds a Degree in Criminal Law and has spent a significant part of his career studying security issues backed up with his legal knowledge.


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