Arlo Camera Review: Is It a Waste of Money?

Home security matters more than ever. You want to protect your family and property with the best technology available.

Arlo cameras stand out as one of the most trusted names in wireless security systems. This review explores the top Arlo camera models available on Amazon and helps you choose the right one for your home.

Arlo has built a reputation for creating high quality wireless security cameras that deliver crisp video footage and smart features.

Key Takeaways

• Wire free installation makes setup simple without professional help or drilling holes through walls
• 2K to 4K video quality captures every detail with stunning clarity day and night
• Color night vision shows what happens in darkness without grainy black and white footage
• Long battery life keeps cameras running for months without constant recharging
• Smart detection features identify people, vehicles, animals, and packages with AI technology
• Weather resistant design protects cameras in rain, snow, heat, and cold temperatures

Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Camera

The Arlo Pro 5S represents the sweet spot between features and price. This camera delivers 2K HDR video quality that captures sharp details. You can see faces clearly and read license plates from a distance.

The spotlight feature turns night into day. When motion triggers the camera, bright LED lights activate automatically. This scares away intruders and provides full color night vision. You get better footage than traditional infrared cameras.

Dual band WiFi connectivity ensures stable streaming. The camera connects to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. It automatically chooses the strongest signal for reliable performance. No more choppy video or connection drops.

Battery life impresses most users. A single charge lasts several months with normal use. The rechargeable battery removes easily for charging. You can also add a solar panel for continuous power without ever charging manually.

Two way audio lets you communicate through the camera. Talk to delivery drivers, greet visitors, or warn off suspicious people. The speaker produces clear sound that people hear easily from far away.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera

The Arlo Essential Spotlight provides excellent value for budget conscious buyers. This camera shoots 1080p HD video that looks sharp on phones and computers. The quality satisfies most homeowners who want clear security footage.

Installation takes minutes without tools or wiring. Mount the camera anywhere you need coverage. The magnetic base attaches securely to metal surfaces. Use the included screw mount for other locations.

The integrated spotlight works like the Pro models. Motion activation triggers bright white LEDs. Intruders get startled by sudden light. You get color video footage instead of grainy night vision.

Direct WiFi connection eliminates the need for a hub. The camera connects straight to your home network. This saves money because you skip buying extra hardware. Setup becomes faster and simpler too.

Smart notifications keep you informed. The camera sends alerts when it detects motion. You can customize activity zones to reduce false alarms. Focus on important areas like doors and driveways.

Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera

The Arlo Ultra 2 sits at the top of the product line. This premium camera shoots 4K HDR video with incredible detail. Zoom in on footage without losing clarity. Every frame looks professional and crisp.

The 180 degree field of view covers more area than competing cameras. You see wider spaces with a single device. This reduces blind spots and provides comprehensive coverage. Fewer cameras protect larger areas.

Advanced color night vision produces stunning nighttime footage. The camera captures vivid colors even in low light. You identify clothing colors and vehicle details that other cameras miss. The technology works better than human eyes in darkness.

Auto zoom and tracking follow moving objects. When someone walks through the frame, the camera automatically zooms in to capture details. It tracks the person across the viewing area. This feature helps identify suspects.

The SmartHub requirement gives extra benefits. Video streams stay secure on your local network. You get extended range and more reliable connections. The hub supports multiple cameras without WiFi congestion.

Top 3 Alternatives for Arlo Cameras

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

The Arlo Pro 4 balances advanced features with reasonable pricing. This camera records in 2K resolution with HDR enhancement. Videos look detailed and natural with accurate colors and good contrast.

Wire free design offers maximum flexibility. Place cameras anywhere without worrying about power outlets or network cables. The rechargeable battery lasts months between charges. Optional solar panels provide unlimited power.

Color night vision produces usable footage after dark. See what happens in color rather than black and white. The integrated spotlight illuminates areas when motion triggers. Thieves hate bright lights and cameras.

Two way audio works smoothly with minimal delay. Speak to visitors through your phone. The sound quality impresses users who try it. Both sides hear conversations clearly without echoes or distortion.

Direct WiFi connection simplifies installation. Skip the base station and connect cameras straight to your router. This reduces equipment costs and setup time. The system works with fewer components.

Video Quality and Resolution

Arlo cameras offer different resolution options for various budgets. The Essential models shoot 1080p Full HD video that looks sharp on most displays. This resolution captures faces and license plates at reasonable distances.

Pro series cameras step up to 2K resolution for enhanced clarity. You get more pixels and better detail in every frame. Zoom in on footage without losing important information. The improvement over 1080p becomes obvious.

Ultra cameras provide 4K resolution for maximum detail. This top tier quality rivals professional video cameras. Every frame contains four times more pixels than 1080p. You spot tiny details that lower resolution cameras miss.

HDR technology improves contrast and color. Videos show details in both bright and dark areas. You see what happens in shadows while bright spots stay clear. The technology makes footage look more natural and useful.

Night Vision Capabilities

Traditional security cameras use infrared night vision that produces black and white footage. This works but limits identification ability. You cannot determine clothing colors or vehicle paint from these videos.

Arlo changed the game with color night vision. The cameras use advanced sensors and LED spotlights. You get full color footage even in near total darkness. This technology helps police identify suspects more easily.

The integrated spotlight serves two purposes. Bright white LEDs illuminate the area when motion triggers. This provides light for color cameras and scares away intruders. Most criminals avoid well lit areas with obvious cameras.

Night vision range reaches impressive distances. Cameras see objects clearly up to 25 feet away. Some models extend this range even further. You monitor large yards and driveways without multiple cameras.

Battery Life and Power Options

Wire free cameras need reliable battery performance. Arlo delivers months of operation on single charges. The exact duration depends on usage, temperature, and settings.

Cold weather reduces battery life like all electronics. Cameras in freezing temperatures drain faster. Place cameras in protected locations when possible. Use solar panels in extreme climates for continuous power.

Rechargeable batteries remove easily for charging. Pop out the battery pack and plug it into any USB charger. Keep spare batteries charged and ready. Swap them in seconds without tools.

Solar panels eliminate charging completely. These accessories trickle charge batteries during daylight. Even cloudy days provide enough power. The combination creates truly wireless operation.

Wired power options exist for some models. Plug cameras into outdoor outlets for unlimited operation. This works perfectly for locations near existing electrical outlets. You never worry about batteries again.

Smart Detection Features

Basic motion detection sends too many false alerts. Shadows, branches, and animals trigger constant notifications. Arlo uses AI powered detection to filter these false alarms.

Person detection identifies humans in the camera view. The system ignores other motion sources. You only get alerts when actual people appear. This reduces notification fatigue dramatically.

Vehicle detection spots cars and trucks. Monitor driveways and parking areas effectively. Get notified when vehicles arrive or leave. The system distinguishes between vehicles and pedestrians.

Animal detection recognizes pets and wildlife. Check on outdoor pets throughout the day. Monitor wildlife visiting your yard. Separate these alerts from security notifications.

Package detection alerts you to deliveries. Know immediately when packages arrive. Check on deliveries remotely through live view. This prevents porch pirates from stealing packages.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Outdoor cameras face harsh conditions. Rain, snow, heat, and cold test camera construction. Arlo builds cameras to withstand extreme weather.

IP65 weather rating protects against water and dust. Cameras survive heavy rain and snow without damage. Sealed construction keeps internal components dry. Mount cameras anywhere without weather concerns.

Temperature range spans from negative temperatures to over 100 degrees. Cameras work in freezing winters and scorching summers. The electronics function reliably across this range.

Durable housing protects cameras from impacts. Drop resistant design survives accidental falls during installation. Vandal resistant construction makes tampering difficult.

UV resistant materials prevent sun damage. White cameras stay white instead of yellowing. Black models maintain their appearance. Cameras look new for years outdoors.

Mobile App and User Interface

The Arlo Secure app controls your entire system. Download it free on iOS and Android devices. The interface feels intuitive and responsive.

Live view shows camera feeds in real time. Check on your property from anywhere with internet. Stream quality adjusts automatically based on connection speed. Videos load quickly without buffering.

Motion alerts appear as push notifications. Tap notifications to see what triggered alerts. Review video clips immediately. Share suspicious footage with neighbors or police.

Activity zones reduce false alarms. Draw boxes on the camera view to define monitored areas. The system ignores motion outside these zones. Focus on doors, windows, and valuable areas.

Scheduling automates camera operation. Set cameras to arm and disarm automatically. Create schedules around your routine. Save battery power when you are home.

Cloud Storage and Subscription Plans

Arlo offers both free and paid storage options. Basic plans provide limited free cloud storage. Paid subscriptions unlock advanced features and extended storage.

The free plan includes rolling 30 day storage for limited video clips. This works fine for occasional users. You review recent events without monthly fees.

Arlo Secure plans add intelligent detection features. Get person, vehicle, animal, and package alerts. Access 60 days of video history. Enable activity zones and custom notifications.

Secure Plus plans include 24/7 professional monitoring. Emergency responders receive automatic alerts. Access unlimited cameras on one account. Get priority customer support.

Local storage options exist through SmartHub. Insert a USB drive or microSD card. Record footage locally without cloud subscriptions. Access recordings through the app or directly.

Integration with Smart Home Systems

Arlo cameras work with major smart home platforms. Connect cameras to Amazon Alexa for voice control. View camera feeds on Echo Show devices. Use voice commands to arm and disarm systems.

Google Assistant integration provides similar features. Ask Google to show camera feeds on smart displays. Control cameras with voice commands. Create routines that include camera automation.

Apple HomeKit compatibility brings Siri control. View cameras in the Home app. Use Siri to check on specific cameras. Include cameras in HomeKit automation.

IFTTT support enables creative automation. Connect cameras to hundreds of other services. Create custom triggers and actions. Build personalized smart home scenarios.

Installation Process

Arlo camera installation requires no professional help. Most users complete setup in under 15 minutes per camera. The process follows simple steps anyone can handle.

Download the Arlo app and create an account. The app guides you through each installation step. Follow on screen instructions for quick setup.

Charge batteries fully before first use. This ensures smooth operation during setup. Batteries ship partially charged but benefit from full charging.

Mount cameras in desired locations. Use the magnetic mount for easy positioning. Try different locations before permanent installation. The magnetic base allows quick adjustments.

Connect cameras to WiFi through the app. The system finds your network automatically. Enter your WiFi password to complete connection. Cameras appear in the app immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras work without WiFi connection?

Arlo cameras require WiFi for remote access and cloud features. Local recording through SmartHub works without internet. You cannot access cameras remotely without network connectivity. The system needs WiFi to send notifications and store cloud video.

Can I use Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Yes, Arlo cameras function without subscriptions. You get live streaming and basic motion alerts. The free plan includes limited cloud storage. Paid plans unlock advanced features like AI detection and extended storage. Many users find the free plan sufficient.

How long do Arlo camera batteries last?

Battery life varies based on usage and settings. Most cameras last three to six months per charge. Heavy use, extreme temperatures, and high traffic areas drain batteries faster. Solar panels extend battery life indefinitely. Some models claim up to one year on single charges.

Are Arlo cameras compatible with older models?

Arlo maintains backward compatibility across most models. Newer cameras work with older hubs and apps. Some advanced features require specific hardware. Check compatibility before mixing old and new equipment. The system generally works together well.

What happens if someone steals my Arlo camera?

Arlo cameras store footage in the cloud before thieves take them. You access recorded video through your account. Cameras lack local storage that thieves could delete. Cloud backups protect evidence even if criminals steal cameras. Report thefts to police with video evidence.

Do Arlo cameras record continuously?

Most Arlo cameras use motion triggered recording. This saves battery power and storage space. Continuous recording requires wired power connections. Some models support 24/7 recording with subscriptions. Battery powered cameras cannot record continuously without draining quickly.

Can I share camera access with family members?

The Arlo app supports multiple users. Grant access to family members through the app. Control what each user can see and do. Revoke access anytime through account settings. This feature works great for households and small businesses.

How secure are Arlo cameras from hackers?

Arlo uses bank level encryption for video streams. Two factor authentication protects accounts from unauthorized access. Regular firmware updates patch security vulnerabilities. Use strong passwords and enable security features. The system ranks among the most secure consumer cameras.

What warranty does Arlo provide?

Arlo cameras come with one year limited warranties. This covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures. Extended warranties are available through retailers. Keep purchase receipts for warranty claims. Register products online for easier support.

Can Arlo cameras work in apartments?

Arlo cameras work perfectly in apartments. No wiring or drilling required for installation. Magnetic mounts attach to metal surfaces. Adhesive mounts work on other surfaces. Check rental agreements about security camera policies before installation.