Arlo Camera Reviews

Arlo Camera Tech Features

Here are some of the tech features Arlo offers that stood out to our SecurityNerd.

• HD Video: Arlo offers full HD video options for a crystal-clear picture.
• Night vision: Some of the camera models even have color night vision.
• Integrated spotlight: There are some Arlo camera models that include a spotlight built right into the camera for better quality video when motion is detected at night.
• 2-way communication: You’ll be able to talk to someone you see on camera, whether it’s a family member or would-be intruder. And you can listen in to what’s happening on the other side as well.
• Siren: Sometimes built into the base station and sometimes right into the camera itself, the siren will scare off intruders.
• Weather resistant models: Some of the most popular Arlo camera models can be installed either indoors or outside.
• Customized alerts: You can set specific activity zones around your home or yard and receive alerts when motion is detected.
• Advanced object detection: The camera can tell when a person, vehicle, animal or even package is detected in your home or at your door.
• E911 emergency feature: If you see an emergency situation unfolding, you have the option to call 911 directly from the app without even unlocking your phone.

Arlo Camera System Installation

When it comes to DIY installation, Arlo camera installation is about as simple as it gets. Arlo customers consistently rank this as one of the simplest installations out there, due to the wireless configuration. The company says it takes under 10 minutes to get a camera up and running. It’s as simple as plugging in the base station and logging into the user-friendly app to begin. The work is essentially done for you, as your mobile device will discover the new equipment and links automatically.

It’s important to only install one camera at a time, while making sure each camera is within just a few feet from the base station while syncing. You can lay the camera flat on a bookshelf or table, or place it on a wall with the included magnetic camera mount.

Arlo Camera Video Quality

Arlo’s strongest selling point is the quality of the video you’ll get with the purchase of each device. While each model provides HD video, the newest model, Arlo Ultra, provides 4K UHD image quality for unparalleled video quality in home surveillance. Even with its night vision, users will enjoy a clear picture and color night vision in the more advanced models.

Smart Home Integration Options

While Arlo provides some automation options, they are not as robust as some other home security camera systems out there. However, the company announced a new “Works with Arlo” program at the beginning of 2019, promising more smart home options as the year progresses, so we’ll be keeping an eye on it.

Arlo cameras are compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa as well as Google Assistant. This smart home integration allows you to stream your live camera feed onto your television just by using your voice. Other third party integration options include SmartThings, Stringify, Telguard, and Wink. You can also utilize IFTTT technology with your Arlo camera system.

Monitoring through Arlo

You can set up your cameras to alert you in just about any situation and you can even dial 911 immediately from inside the app in case of an emergency. The key thing to know about Arlo is that there is no professional monitoring option at all. That means if you choose to buy the Arlo camera system, you’ll need to be confident enough to monitor your home on your own.

Arlo’s Pricing Options

It’s a good idea to figure out exactly how many cameras you need to cover your home before purchasing anything from Arlo, because the more cameras you buy, the better the deal you’ll get. On every single camera option, you will end up saving money if you purchase more than one.

For example, buying just one of Arlo’s highest tier cameras, the Arlo Ultra, costs $399.99. But, if you purchase a two-camera kit, it will cost you $599.99. That’s even less than buying the one camera option, and an add-on option at a later date. You’ll save about $100 by buying the two-camera system up front. That doesn’t mean you should stack your cart with a ton of cameras you don’t actually need. It just means that you should do a thorough walk through of your home or apartment and figure out exactly how many you will need so that you don’t end up buying them one by one later.

Video Storage Bundles

There are a few different options to choose from when it comes to storing the video captured by your Arlo camera. Each purchase comes with a basic plan where users can store up to 7 days of video on the cloud. To get anything above that, you’ll have to pay extra. Here are how the storage plans break down:

• Arlo Smart: For $2.99/month per camera, you’ll be able to store 30 days of recordings on the cloud. Features include advanced A.I. detection, custom activity zones and lock screen notifications.
• Arlo Smart Premier: For $9.99/month for up to 10 cameras, you’ll get all the features included from the smart plan plus the ability to dial 911 from inside the app in case of an emergency.
• Arlo Smart Elite: For $14.99/month, you’ll get 60 day recording history stored on the cloud for up to 20 cameras with all the same features of the premier plan.

There is also an optional upgrade for the Arlo Ultra, Q Plus, Q, and Pro 2 cameras called continuous video recording, or CVR. This enables the camera to keep footage 24/7, instead of only the motion activated video clips. For a 14-day CVR plan, the cost is $10 per month per camera. For a 30-day CVR plan, you’ll pay $20 per month per camera. It’s important to note, you can only use CVR if your camera is plugged in.

If you are in the market for a camera system that offers really solid video quality and customized smart alerts, an Arlo camera system could be a good option for you. As long as you’re comfortable installing it yourself and monitoring your own home, it could save you a lot of cash over choosing a more traditional security system.

This is also an ideal system for renters or people who aren’t looking to drill any holes. (If this describes you, check out our resources for apartment security.) Most Arlo camera options are 100% wireless, which means they are portable so you can take them with you when you move. With no contract, you can pick and choose your video storage options and customize your system to your liking. Arlo delivers a powerful line of cameras with plenty of added features including smart home integration options. If you don’t mind taking on your own security monitoring, Arlo could be a good choice.