Arlo is known for producing a wide range of home security products with flexible options and exceptional video quality. The company, which spun out of Netgear, offers indoor and outdoor cameras as well as video storage bundles and accessories. They don’t offer any monitoring or installation services.
Most of Arlo’s cameras are wireless, but the Arlo Q—their indoor camera—is wired and must be plugged into the wall. They also offer the Arlo Q Plus, which is designed for business monitoring.
In general, the Arlo Q is best for homeowners who want continuous, high-quality video surveillance of their home, but don’t want to pay for professional monitoring and are comfortable monitoring it themselves. While it offers a good set of basic features, it’s best for those who want a simple, straightforward camera without all the bells and whistles some other cameras offer.
Nerd Pros
- Free cloud storage Arlo Q comes with seven days of free storage for motion- and sound-triggered recordings, during which you can view, share and download the footage. No contract is required, but they do offer paid plans that include longer storage as well as extra smart features.
- Easy installation and use Setting up the Arlo Q is simple. It can be either placed on a flat surface (it has a magnetic base) or mounted on a wall (mounting hardware is included). To use, you simply plug into an electrical outlet, download the Arlo app on your smartphone and connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi.
- Two-way audio With a built-in speaker and microphone, you can listen to and speak with people in the room from your mobile phone.
Nerd Cons
- Requires an outlet You must have an electrical outlet in order to power the Arlo Q, which means it’s not as flexible as some wireless cameras. On the flipside, however, it means you don’t need batteries.
- Limited field of view Arlo Q provides a 130-degree field of view, which may be adequate, but it won’t be enough to cover some spaces.
- Glitches and freezing Some users report issues with the camera repeatedly freezing and disconnecting. Others get frustrated by the camera’s lag time.
Arlo Q Features
Arlo Q doesn’t offer as many bells and whistles as some security cameras, but it’s equipped with a good range of basic features that will suit the needs of most families, including the following:
High-quality images: Arlo cameras are known for producing clear, high-quality images. The Arlo Q boats 1080p HD quality, which means you’ll be able to get a nice, crisp look at what’s happening in your home 24/7.
Two-way audio: Want to talk to your children or pets while you’re away? Arlo Q has a built-in speaker and microphone so you can do just that anytime, from anywhere with your phone.
Integration with smart home products: Arlo Q works with an array of smart home devices, including Amazon Alexa, Stringify, IFTTT and Google Assistant.
Night vision: When the lights are off, you can still see what’s happening, as Arlo Q has infrared lights to illuminate what’s going on even when it’s pitch dark.
Alerts: Whenever the camera detects sound or motion, you’ll receive an alert on your phone instantly. If anything is amiss, it’s up to you to notify authorities as Arlo Q doesn’t offer any professional monitoring services.
Limited free cloud recording: Want to review what’s been happening in a specific space while you’re away? Arlo Q keeps seven days’ worth of all sound- and motion-triggered footage, which you can view at no cost.
Arlo Q Smart plans: If you want to view more footage and have access to additional features, including advanced object detection and more advanced alerts, you have to pay for one of Arlo’s smart plans.
- Premier Plan The premier plan offers up to 2K resolution and a 30-day video history. It runs $2.99 a month for one camera and $9.99 for up to five cameras. If you have more than five cameras, then each additional camera is 50 percent off.
- Elite Plan The Arlo Elite Plan provides a 30-day video history with up to 4K resolution. It runs $4.99 per month for one camera and $14.99 for up to five cameras. Additional cameras are 50 percent off.
- Continuous Video Recording (CVR) Never want to miss a second? You can view up to 14 days of CVR footage for $9.99 a month or up to 30 days for $19.99.
Final Nerd word on Arlo Q
Arlo Q is a solid choice for people who want to keep an eye on their home while they’re away and are comfortable monitoring the cameras themselves. The cameras provide excellent video quality, a host of helpful features, such as night vision and two-way audio, and they’re easy to set up, as long as you have access to an electrical outlet and your home has Wi-Fi. Their price is relatively affordable too—$149.99 per camera full price, though they’re often priced under that on Amazon.
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately).
- Stream live video 24/7 and watch past recordings in sharp 1080p HD resolution from anywhere in the world using your smartphone, tablet, or...
- Save on expensive subscription fees with free cloud storage that lets you view, share, and download recordings from the past 7 days at no...
- Receive instant alerts on your mobile phone whenever motion or sound is detected. Wi-Fi range 300 feet line of sight
- BPA free secure-fit plastic lids are freezer, microwave and top-rack dishwasher safe
Seven days of free cloud storage for sound- and motion-activated recordings is a nice bonus for those who don’t want to pay a monthly fee, but there are also paid premium plans for those who want more storage options and other enhanced features. While there are some reports of glitches, a time lag and the cameras disconnecting, overall, the cameras get high marks from customers and other industry reviewers who say Arlo Q cameras are good, basic, reliable cameras that provide peace of mind when it comes to keeping their homes and families safer.
This article has been reviewed and approved by Officer Banta.
Officer Banta is the official SecurityNerd home security and safety expert. A member of the Biloxi Police Department for over 24 years, Officer Banta reviews all articles before lending his stamp of approval. Click here for more information on Officer Banta and the rest of our team.
