Arlo officially entered the home security system world in 2022 after years of making some of the best security cameras on the market. Arlo’s foray into home security systems comes with a bevy of options to fit any home. Here’s what you can expect with one of the Arlo home security packages.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Field of view
- High resolution
Cons
- Few free features
- No local storage
- Need separate device to connect to Apple HomeKit
Arlo Home Security At a Glance
Arlo offers seven security packages, each of which varies by what’s included in the bundle. You can also create your own home security bundle based on what you want for your home.
Home Security System With Two Sensors and Additional Sensor Bundle: $309
The Arlo Home Security System comes with two Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Cameras, a cellular and battery backup and an all-in-one sensor. The sensor has eight detection functions and is designed to fit anywhere in your house. The sensor will notify you when a door is opened or closed, when it detects motion and water leaks. With the Arlo Secure App you can add freeze detection, tilt detection, light detection, smoke listening and carbon monoxide alarm listening.
Security System With Two Sensors and Wired Doorbell Bundle: $429
The next package includes everything as the previous bundle, plus a wired video doorbell that has a 180 degree diagonal field of view, built-in siren, 1536-by-1536 video resolution, high-powered infrared LED night vision, 12x digital zoom, two-way audio and 110 degree horizontal motion sensor.
Security System With Two Sensors and Floodlight Bundle: $529
Arlo’s next security system comes with an Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera instead of a doorbell camera. The floodlight camera comes with 2K HDR video quality, 160 degree field of view, color night vision, two-way noise canceling audio, wind, noise and echo reduction, built-in siren and two-way audio.
Security System With Two Sensors, Wireless Doorbell and Chime Bundle: $529
The next security system adds a wireless doorbell and Arlo Chime 2 all for the same price. The wireless doorbell camera has all the same features as the wired option while the Arlo Chime 2 alerts you when someone presses the doorbell or when motion or audio is detected. It also has a built-in siren and connects directly to Wi-Fi.
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Security System With Two Sensors, Wireless Doorbell and Essential Indoor Camera Bundle: $579
Another bundle you can choose include the basic system, a wireless doorbell and an indoor camera. The Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera works over Wi-Fi and has 1080p HD video. It also features two-way audio, a built-in siren and an automated camera privacy shield. With the indoor camera you can view events in real time or whenever the camera gets triggered by motion.
Security System With Two Sensors, Wireless Doorbell, Essential Indoor Camera and Floodlight Bundle: $829
You can add a floodlight camera to the previous bundle to give you indoor and outdoor security cameras for expanded video coverage.
Security System With Two Sensors, Wireless Doorbell, Essential Indoor Camera and Pro 5 Bundles: $829
Instead of a floodlight camera, you can opt for the Arlo Pro 5 wireless security camera that comes with 2K HDR video, color night vision, 12x zoom and 160 degree field of view.
How Does Arlo Work?
Arlo, a leading brand in smart home technology, has a sophisticated system of wireless security cameras, doorbells and lights that allow users to monitor their homes remotely. The company’s line of products is designed to enhance surveillance, convenience and peace of mind for users.
Arlo’s cutting-edge hardware makes monitoring your home from anywhere in the world easy. Mainly because, once installed, you can control your cameras, doorbells or security lights via the Arlo mobile app. You can set up rules to determine when an alert should be sent to your phone when motion is detected at certain times of day or night, and cloud storage ensures that footage will never be lost if something happens to the camera itself.
Arlo Home Security Equipment
Arlo has a robust line of cameras, doorbells and security lights designed to strengthen and streamline the protection of your home or business.
Cameras
Arlo’s camera lineup includes a diverse array of wireless options, including indoor and outdoor surveillance options, as well as high-definition video recording, night vision capabilities, motion detection and two-way audio communication.
- Arlo Pro security cameras: The Arlo Pro series combines the benefits of wireless convenience with advanced features like 2K video with HDR, color night vision and rechargeable batteries, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a balance between technology and user-friendly design.
- Arlo Essential security cameras: The Arlo Essential Series is a collection of cameras with 1080p video recording and an integrated spotlight, providing users with fundamental security features at a budget-friendly price.
- Arlo Ultra security cameras: The Arlo Ultra is one of the best cameras on the market, offering 2K and 4K HDR resolution. This high-end device also has advanced features, including an integrated spotlight and color night vision for heightened visibility in low-light conditions.
- Arlo Go security cameras: The Arlo Go camera is tailor-made for on-the-go monitoring, ensuring reliable surveillance even in locations that lack Wi-Fi access. Its portability and reliance on 4G LTE cellular connectivity make it ideal for outdoor scenarios.
Doorbells
Arlo’s doorbell lineup is designed to provide users with advanced features and functionality. From the Arlo Video Doorbell to the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell, each option is crafted to offer high-definition video quality, two-way audio communication, motion detection and night vision. These doorbells cater to diverse needs, ensuring a comprehensive system for front door monitoring.
- Arlo video doorbell: The Arlo Video Doorbell is the perfect way to keep tabs on your front door. It offers high-definition video quality, two-way audio communication, motion detection, 180-degree field of view and night vision so you can see who’s there and hear exactly what they say.
- Arlo Essential video doorbell: The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is ideal for homeowners looking for a simple, affordable way to monitor their front door. It offers high-definition video quality with HDR, two-way audio communication, motion detection and a wide 180-degree view angle. These are all important features for keeping your home safe.
Security Lights
Arlo’s security lights are designed to seamlessly integrate into outdoor spaces and provide essential illumination to enhance your home’s security. Arlo’s security lights assist with outdoor visibility, deter potential threats and integrate with other Arlo devices for a complete smart home security solution.
- Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera: The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera is a security camera and floodlight in one. It seamlessly integrates 2K HDR video quality and a bright LED light to ensure high-performance surveillance in any lighting condition.
Fine Print
You’ll need the Arlo Secure App to operate all systems through your phone though Arlo SecureLink enabled cameras, like the Arlo Pro 5S 2K can connect directly to the Keypad Sensor Hub.
You don’t need an Arlo Secure plan to use an Arlo Home Security System, but Arlo recommends an Arlo Professional Monitoring plan. If you want video storage, you’ll need to select an Arlo Secure plan. Arlo Secure plans include the Arlo Secure plan, the Arlo Secure Plus and the Arlo Safe and Secure Pro.
Some features like 24/7 live security experts, one tap emergency response, video verification, cellular backup, Smoke and CO alarm listening require an Arlo Professional Monitoring plan after the trial period.
Plan Pricing
An Arlo Secure plan will give you unlimited video recordings in Secure Cloud for 30 days, Smart activity zone, up to 2K video resolution and priority care and support for $9.99 per month for unlimited cameras or $2.99 per month for a single camera.
The Arlo Secure Plus plan includes 24/7 emergency response, direct dispatch of first responders, up to 4K video recording in Secure cloud and priority care and support for $14.99 per month for unlimited cameras.
The Arlo Safe and Secure Pro plan adds to the Secure Plus plan one-tap safety, 24/7 personal safety experts, family place alerts, crash detection and response and more for $19.99 per month for unlimited cameras. The trial length for the plan is 30 days.
Installation
Most installation is DIY but if you select a wired doorbell camera, you might want to have an electrician install it. Arlo provides professional installation with OnTech for $99.99.
Setup Process
Arlo’s setup process is a streamlined, user-friendly way to integrate cutting-edge surveillance technology into your home. Whether you’re configuring wire-free cameras, video doorbells, floodlight cameras or other Arlo devices, the setup process follows a series of intuitive steps.
- Unboxing and hardware setup: First, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary components, such as power adapters, cables and batteries. Follow the instructions to set up the hardware components, including inserting batteries, connecting cables and positioning cameras.
- Download the Arlo app: Download and install the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet. Follow the instructions to create a new Arlo account; if you already have one, you can log in using your existing credentials.
- Add devices to your account: Follow the on-screen instructions in the Arlo app to add your Arlo devices to your account. For instance, tap “Ultra,” “Pro,” or “Essential.”
- Connect the base station: If your Arlo system includes a base station, connect it to your home network using an Ethernet cable. Ensure that the base station is powered on.
- Sync cameras with the base station: If you have wire-free Arlo cameras, sync them with the base station according to the provided instructions. This often involves pressing a sync button on the camera and base station.
- Position and test cameras: Place your Arlo cameras in their desired locations. Consider factors such as field of view, motion detection range and wireless signal strength. Test the cameras and ensure they are capturing footage as expected.
- Configure settings: Adjust your Arlo settings through the app. You can customize settings like motion sensitivity, set up recording schedules and configure alert preferences.
- Explore additional features: Arlo models come with a variety of features. Depending on your model, you can explore cloud storage plans, smart home integrations and geofencing options.
Add-ons and Upgrades
When you purchase an Arlo Home Security System you get a trial plan subscription to the Arlo Professional Monitoring plan. After the trial plan ends, you can purchase the plan for $9.99 a month. The Professional Monitoring plan has one tap direct dispatch, 24/7 live security experts, video verification and cellular and battery backup.
Video Storage
In order to have video storage, you’ll need to subscribe to an Arlo plan. Each plan provides up to 30 days of video history, though the Secure Plus and Safe and Secure plans can provide 4K video resolution instead of 2K resolution with the Arlo Secure plan.
Contracts & Warranties
Regarding Arlo Home Security, it’s essential to understand the terms of the company’s contracts and the protection provided by its warranties. For instance, Arlos’ professional monitoring and cloud video storage services are among the most flexible in the industry. You can sign up for Arlos’ services without any contractual commitment.
Arlo offers a limited hardware warranty for all of its products, which means you can rest assured that your system will work as intended for a long time to come. The warranty protects against material and workmanship defects when used as intended.
Arlo’s limited hardware warranty lasts for one year from the date of purchase. However, the duration may vary depending on the specific Arlo product. Certain components or accessories, such as batteries and power supplies, may have distinct warranty lengths. To determine additional warranty specifics for your Arlo product, refer to the Arlo website.
Customer Service
If you’re looking for Arlo Customer Service, there are a few ways to receive the assistance you need. For instance, you can review articles, videos and documentation on the site, ask the Arlo community for advice, chat with a live agent via the website or receive support from the Arlo mobile app.
The company is there to assist with your inquiries, technical support, warranty concerns, billing questions and more related to your Arlo security products and services.
Smartphone Controls and Smart Home Integration
Arlo devices work through the Arlo Secure app and have compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, but connecting to Apple HomeKit requires an Arlo SmartHub.
Arlo Customer Service and Support
Arlo is committed to providing the best support to maximize your security cameras and smart home devices. The compnay offers an extensive online support center, giving users various resources such as product documentation, setup guides, FAQs and troubleshooting articles accessible through the official Arlo website.
Additionally, Arlo provides community forums where users can engage with a broader community and share insights. These forums often serve as platforms for both peer-to-peer assistance and interaction with Arlo representatives who may contribute useful insights.
Arlo provides various support options, including live chat, email and phone support. I is recommended to have any relevant information on hand when seeking assistance, such as the specific model of the Arlo device and details about the issue you’re experiencing.
How Arlo Home Security Stacks Up
Here’s a look at how Arlo Home Security compares to some of the other major security companies:
Arlo Home Security has some of the best cameras and features available but those looking for video storage or a low monthly fee might not like Arlo as much. You can live stream your Arlo cameras without a subscription but if you want any kind of video backup or event capture, you’ll need to purchase a subscription.
Arlo’s home security bundles are fairly new offerings but you’ve been able to bundle on your own in the past. You can still bundle Arlo products based on what you need and want.
How Does Arlo Work?
Arlo is a smart home security brand that offers wireless camera systems for property monitoring. Its setup is straightforward: the cameras can be powered by batteries, plugged in or both. These cameras connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and establish a dedicated camera network, manage data and can locally store footage. Then, through the Arlo mobile app, users can easily access live feeds, review recorded videos, adjust settings and receive real-time notifications.
Overall, Arlo offers a versatile and customizable home security solution that can adapt to your specific needs, whether you want to keep an eye on your property, loved ones or pets. The wireless design and easy-to-use app make it accessible to a wide range of users.
Is Arlo the Right Home Security Company for You?
Arlo cameras offer some of the best resolution and video quality in the industry, but as far as a home security package, Arlo lacks some of the features others provide in their packages. You can add features to your Arlo bundle, but things like window breaking alerts aren’t included with Arlo.
Arlo Home Security Methodology
Brief methods explanation: To determine this ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed third-party data on dozens of home security companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
- Cost/contracts (20%)
- Customer reviews and reputation (BBB/Trustpilot/Customer Affairs) (20%)
- Options and equipment (20%)
- Customer support (15%)
- Features/smart home integration (10%)
- App reviews (10%)
- Warranty (5%)
Arlo Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Arlo cameras can you have for free?
You can have unlimited cameras with Arlo Ultra Series, Pro 3, Pro 3 Floodlight, Pro 4, Essential Series and the Video Doorbell Series for free, but you only can stream with those cameras. For Arlo Wire-free, Pro, Pro 2, Q, Q Plus, Go and Baby cameras you can only have up to five cameras for free streaming. But you can have up to 1080p seven-day rolling cloud storage.
Does Arlo require a monthly fee?
Arlo does not require a monthly fee, but in order to receive some services, you’ll need to subscribe to a plan.
Does Arlo still record without subscription?
Arlo will live stream its cameras without a subscription but any kind of recording requires a subscription.
Do Arlo cameras work without Wi-Fi?
Most Arlo cameras depend on Wi-Fi for primary functionality, but some Arlo models have 4G LTE connectivity. For instance, the Arlo Go 2 has this 4G LTE connectivity and stores real-time video recordings locally on a microSD card instead of in the cloud.
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