Step into security cameras with our 2024 comparison: Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential. Wonder why these cameras are making waves?
These cameras are packed with cool features, turning your home into a fortress. From sharp visuals to nifty tricks, each has its own superpowers.
We’re here to unravel the secrets of differences and similarities and guide you to the perfect pick. Ready for a tech adventure? Let’s explore, compare, and find the ultimate guardian for your castle
Arlo Pro
The Arlo Pro is a compelling mid-range option, offering advanced features and a user-friendly design. Use the Arlo Pro to monitor key areas such as the front door, backyard, or garage and receive instant alerts when motion or sound is detected, enabling you to take swift action.
The two-way audio allows you to communicate with visitors or potential intruders, enhancing your ability to assess and respond to situations. Even in the darkness of night, the color night vision ensures a clear and detailed view, providing a robust home security solution.
With the Arlo Pro, your home becomes a fortress you can monitor and control effortlessly, ensuring peace of mind and a heightened sense of security.
Arlo Pro Key Features:
1. 2K HDR Video Resolution:
- Experience crystal-clear footage with a high-definition 2K HDR video resolution, ensuring every detail is captured precisely.
2. 160-Degree Field of View:
- Benefit from a wide viewing angle, covering expansive areas with a 160-degree field of view, reducing blind spots, and enhancing overall security coverage.
3. Color Night Vision:
- Illuminate the night with the Arlo Pro’s color night vision, providing vivid and accurate imaging even in low-light conditions.
4. Two-Way Audio:
- Engage in real-time communication through the built-in two-way audio system, allowing you to listen and speak directly to visitors or potential intruders from your smartphone.
5. Rechargeable Battery:
- Enjoy the convenience of a rechargeable battery, offering flexibility in camera placement without the constraints of wired power sources.
6. Works with Hub or Wi-Fi:
- Connect seamlessly to your home network using a hub or Wi-Fi, adapting to your specific setup preferences.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- The Arlo Pro delivers sharp and clear video footage, ensuring that every frame is high quality.
- The expansive 160-degree field of view enhances surveillance coverage, reducing blind spots and providing a comprehensive security solution.
- Homeowners will appreciate the straightforward installation process and user-friendly interface, making the Arlo Pro accessible for all.
- Seamlessly integrate your Arlo Pro with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT for a connected smart home experience.
Cons:
- Users must subscribe to a service plan to access cloud storage and advanced features, adding an ongoing cost.
- The battery life may vary Depending on usage and settings, requiring periodic recharging.
- The Arlo Pro may face challenges in extreme weather conditions, impacting its functionality and reliability.
Read: Difference between Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Pro 4? What You should Know! [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
Arlo Ultra
Arlo Ultra is a cutting-edge camera that redefines the standards of surveillance technology. The Arlo Ultra sets itself apart as the pinnacle of smart home security, boasting a range of advanced features, from unparalleled video resolution to enhanced night vision.
Arlo Ultra Key Features:
1. 4K HDR Video Resolution:
- Experience unrivaled video clarity with a stunning 4K HDR resolution, capturing every detail with precision and lifelike quality.
2. 180-Degree Field of View:
- Expand your surveillance coverage with an ultra-wide 180-degree field of view, minimizing blind spots and ensuring comprehensive monitoring.
3. Color Night Vision with Spotlight:
- Illuminate the night with color night vision enhanced by a built-in spotlight, providing vivid and detailed imaging even in complete darkness.
4. Two-Way Audio with Noise Cancellation:
- Engage in crystal-clear communication using the two-way audio system with noise cancellation for enhanced conversation clarity.
5. Rechargeable Battery:
- Enjoy the placement flexibility with a rechargeable battery, freeing the Arlo Ultra from the constraints of wired power sources.
6. Works with Hub or Wi-Fi:
- Seamlessly connect to your home network using a hub or Wi-Fi, adapting to your specific setup preferences.
7. One-Year Subscription to Arlo Smart Premier:
- Elevate your smart home experience with a complimentary one-year subscription to Arlo Smart Premier, unlocking advanced features and cloud storage.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- The Arlo Ultra delivers unparalleled video quality, capturing details with clarity and precision.
- Benefit from an expansive 180-degree field of view, ensuring comprehensive surveillance coverage.
- The combination of color night vision and a built-in spotlight provides enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
- Enjoy high-quality audio with noise cancellation, facilitating clear communication through the two-way audio system.
- The Arlo Ultra comes bundled with a one-year subscription to Arlo Smart Premier, offering cloud storage and access to advanced features.
Cons:
- The premium features of the Arlo Ultra come at a higher cost than other models in the Arlo lineup.
- The higher resolution and advanced features may result in a shorter battery life, necessitating more frequent recharging.
- Some users may encounter connectivity or performance issues, which could impact the overall reliability of the camera.
Arlo Essential
The Arlo Essential is a reliable option that combines simplicity, functionality, and affordability. The 1080p HD resolution ensures essential visibility, while the color night vision and spotlight enhance security during the night. In the event of suspicious activity, activate the built-in spotlight and siren to discourage potential intruders.
Arlo Essential Key Features:
1. 1080p HD Video Resolution:
- Enjoy clear and crisp video footage with a 1080p HD resolution, providing essential visibility for your home security needs.
2. 130-Degree Field of View:
- Cover essential areas with a 130-degree field of view, offering a wide perspective without compromising clarity.
3. Color Night Vision with Spotlight:
- Enhance night-time surveillance with color night vision, complemented by a built-in spotlight for increased visibility in low-light conditions.
4. Two-Way Audio:
- Engage in real-time communication with the two-way audio feature, allowing you to speak and listen to visitors or potential intruders.
5. Rechargeable Battery:
- Experience placement flexibility with a rechargeable battery, freeing you from the constraints of wired power sources.
6. Works with Wi-Fi Only:
- Connect seamlessly to your home network with Wi-Fi, simplifying the setup process and ensuring compatibility with standard home networks.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- The Arlo Essential offers an affordable entry point into smart home security, designed for ease of use.
- Despite its budget-friendly nature, the Arlo Essential maintains decent video quality and night vision capabilities.
- Utilize the built-in spotlight and siren to enhance security measures and deter potential intruders.
- Seamlessly integrate the Arlo Essential into your smart home ecosystem with Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility.
Cons:
- The Arlo Essential features a lower resolution and a narrower viewing angle compared to higher-tier models in the Arlo lineup.
- Users must subscribe to a service plan to access cloud storage and advanced features, incurring additional costs.
- Unlike other Arlo models, the Arlo Essential operates solely with Wi-Fi and does not support a hub.
Comparing Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential
1. Price
- Arlo Pro: Priced at around $180 for a single camera and $500 for a three-camera bundle, it balances features and affordability, making it an attractive mid-range option for homeowners looking to enhance their security.
- Arlo Ultra: Positioned as the premium choice, the Arlo Ultra comes with a higher price tag, approximately $400 for a single camera and $600 for a two-camera kit. Its advanced features justify the investment for those seeking top-tier smart surveillance.
- Arlo Essential: For budget-conscious consumers, the Arlo Essential stands out with a price of around $100 for a single camera and $200 for a two-camera kit, delivering essential security without breaking the bank.
2. Video Resolution
- Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential: Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential boast 1080p HD video quality, ensuring clear and crisp footage for comprehensive surveillance. This shared resolution makes them reliable choices for users prioritizing video clarity.
- Arlo Ultra: Stepping up in video quality, the Arlo Ultra offers 4K HDR video resolution, providing unparalleled detail and sharpness in every frame. This premium feature caters to users who prioritize the highest video standards.
3. Field of View
- Arlo Pro: The Arlo Pro offers a field of view covering 130 degrees horizontally, providing sufficient coverage but with a narrower perspective than other models.
- Arlo Ultra: With the widest field of view, the Arlo Ultra spans 180 degrees horizontally, ensuring expansive coverage and reducing blind spots for a comprehensive surveillance experience.
- Arlo Essential: Slightly wider than the Arlo Pro, the Arlo Essential covers 140 degrees horizontally, striking a balance between coverage and clarity for budget-conscious users.
4. Night Vision
- Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential: The Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential feature black-and-white night vision complemented by a built-in spotlight, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions for reliable 24/7 surveillance.
- Arlo Ultra: Differentiating itself, the Arlo Ultra introduces color night vision, adding more detail to nighttime monitoring. The built-in spotlight further enhances visibility for premium security.
5. Audio
- Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential: The Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential share a common audio type, featuring two-way communication with a built-in speaker and microphone. This allows users to engage in real-time conversations with those in the camera’s vicinity, enhancing interactivity and monitoring capabilities.
- Arlo Ultra: Distinguishing itself, the Arlo Ultra boasts advanced audio features, including two-way communication with noise cancellation and a built-in siren. This noise-canceling technology ensures clear communication, while the built-in siren is an added deterrent, enhancing security measures.
6. Battery Life
- Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential: The Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential offer commendable battery life, providing up to six months of usage on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures convenience and reduces the frequency of recharging, contributing to the overall user experience.
- Arlo Ultra: While the Arlo Ultra maintains a respectable battery life of up to three months on a single charge, it falls slightly short compared to its counterparts. Users may need to recharge the Ultra more frequently, a factor to consider when planning camera placements and maintenance routines.
9. Connectivity
- Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra: Enjoying versatility, the Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra offer connectivity options with a hub or Wi-Fi. This dual compatibility allows users to choose their preferred setup, ensuring reliable and efficient surveillance.
- Arlo Essential: The Arlo Essential operates exclusively on Wi-Fi, limiting placement options and potentially affecting signal quality. While suitable for many scenarios, users should consider their specific connectivity needs before opting for this model.
10. Compatibility
- Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential: All three models share compatibility with popular voice assistants, including Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows users to control the cameras seamlessly using voice commands, enhancing the overall user experience and convenience.
- Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra: Exclusive to the Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra, the integration with IFTTT opens up a realm of possibilities for customization. Users can create unique rules and triggers, adding a layer of personalization to their smart home setup.
- Arlo Essential: However, the Arlo Essential does not support IFTTT integration, limiting its potential for customizing smart home automation beyond basic voice commands.
11. Cloud Storage
- Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential: Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential necessitate a subscription to Arlo Smart for access to cloud storage and advanced features. This subscription provides 30 days of storage and capabilities such as person and vehicle detection and smart alerts.
- Arlo Ultra: Included with the Arlo Ultra is a one-year subscription to Arlo Smart Premier, offering the same 30 days of cloud storage along with additional features like auto-zoom and tracking, package detection, and emergency call service.
12. Design
- Arlo Pro: The Arlo Pro features a white oval-shaped body with a black front, presenting a modern and sleek design. Its weather-resistant construction allows for indoor and outdoor mounting, with magnetic mounts providing easy adjustability and movement.
- Arlo Ultra: The Arlo Ultra maintains a white oval-shaped body with a black front, ensuring a consistent and attractive aesthetic. The inclusion of magnetic mounts simplifies adjustments and movements. Notably, the Ultra also has a built-in spotlight and siren, adding functionality and a visual element to its design.
- Arlo Essential: The Arlo Essential showcases a white rectangular body with a white front. Its design is weather-resistant, accommodating both indoor and outdoor mounting. The inclusion of screw mounts enhances stability and security. Like the Ultra, it features a built-in spotlight and siren, combining practicality with visual appeal.
Tips for Choosing the Best Arlo Camera:
1. For Superior Video Quality:
- Recommendation: Choose the Arlo Ultra for its 4K HDR resolution, providing unmatched clarity and detail.
2. Balancing Performance and Price:
- Recommendation: Opt for the Arlo Pro, balancing video quality and affordability.
3. Simple and Affordable Option:
- Recommendation: Consider the Arlo Essential for straightforward functionality and a budget-friendly choice.
4. Enhanced Night Vision and Features:
- Recommendation: If advanced night vision and features matter, the Arlo Ultra stands out with color night vision and additional perks.
5. Flexible Placement and Connectivity:
- Recommendation: Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra offer hub or Wi-Fi connectivity, providing flexibility in camera placement.
6. Comprehensive Smart Home Integration:
- Recommendation: If you’re keen on IFTTT integration, Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra support it, enhancing your smart home ecosystem.
7. Consider Your Budget:
- Recommendation: Evaluate your budget and needs, ensuring the chosen Arlo camera aligns with your financial considerations.
Read: The Effectiveness of Arlo Security Cameras [2023 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
How to Install and Set Up the Arlo Cameras
To ensure a smooth installation and setup process for your Arlo cameras, follow these steps and gather the necessary items:
Requirements:
- An Arlo camera (Pro, Ultra, or Essential)
- A power adapter and charging cable (included with the camera)
- A mount and screws (included with the camera)
- A hub (optional for Pro and Ultra, not compatible with Essential)
- An Ethernet cable (included with the hub)
- A Wi-Fi router and internet connection
- A smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed
Installation Steps:
Step 1: Charge the Camera Battery:
- Connect the camera to the power adapter using the charging cable.
- Allow the battery to charge until the battery icon on the camera turns solid green.
Step 2: Set Up the Hub (If Applicable):
- If using a hub, connect it to your router using the provided Ethernet cable.
- Plug the hub into a power outlet and wait for the LED to turn solid blue, indicating it’s powered on.
Step 3: Download and Launch the Arlo App:
- Download the Arlo app from the respective app store on your smartphone or tablet.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
Step 4: Add Camera and Hub to Your Account:
- Follow the app instructions to add your camera and hub (if applicable) to your Arlo account.
- Scan the QR code on the camera or hub using the app or press the sync button on both devices.
Step 5: Choose Camera Location and Mount:
- Select a location for your camera, ensuring it has a clear view of the area to monitor.
- Use the provided mount and screws to install the camera securely.
- Ensure the camera is within the Wi-Fi range of your router or hub.
Step 6: Adjust Camera Settings on the App:
- Fine-tune camera settings in the Arlo app, such as video quality, motion and sound sensitivity, and activity zones.
- Customize preferences, enable or disable cloud storage, and manage advanced features based on your subscription plan.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Arlo Camera:
- Access your live stream and recordings remotely using the Arlo app.
- Integrate voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant for added convenience.
- Explore advanced automation by creating custom rules and triggers using IFTTT.
Read: Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install Arlo Video Doorbell in 12 Easy Steps
How to Access the Arlo App and Cloud Storage
The Arlo app and cloud storage are integral components of your camera system, providing convenient access and valuable features. Here’s an overview of the benefits, requirements, and steps for utilizing the Arlo app and cloud storage:
Benefits and Features:
- Access your live stream and recordings from anywhere, offering real-time monitoring and playback.
- Tailor camera settings, preferences, and alerts according to your needs.
- Relieving intelligent notifications based on motion, sound, or specific activity zones enhances security.
- Effortlessly shares captured videos with friends, family, or authorities.
- Safeguard your footage with cloud storage, allowing easy retrieval and management.
Requirements:
- An Arlo camera (Pro, Ultra, or Essential)
- A smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed
- A reliable internet connection
- An Arlo account and an active subscription plan for cloud storage
Steps:
Step 1: Download and Launch the Arlo App:
- Download the Arlo app from your smartphone or tablet’s app store.
- Log in using your existing Arlo account credentials or create a new account if you don’t have one.
Step 2: Navigate to the Devices Tab:
- Tap on the Devices tab within the app to view your connected cameras and their current status.
Step 3: View Live Stream or Recordings:
- Select a camera from the list to access its live stream or recorded footage.
- Enjoy the flexibility of monitoring your property in real-time or reviewing past events.
Step 4: Explore the Library Tab:
- Tap on the Library tab to access your cloud storage and view recorded videos.
- Utilize various features such as filtering, sorting, deleting, downloading, and sharing video clips.
Step 5: Manage Camera Settings:
- Visit the Settings tab to customize your camera settings and preferences.
- Adjust motion and sound sensitivity, activity zones, and other parameters to suit your preferences.
Step 6: Subscription Plan Management:
- Within the Settings tab, manage your subscription plan, enabling or disabling cloud storage and advanced features based on your chosen plan.
Conclusion
The Pro, Ultra, and Essential Arlo cameras offer distinct features catering to diverse preferences. The Arlo Ultra excels with its 4K HDR video, extensive field of view, and premium features but comes at a higher cost.
The Arlo Pro balances performance and price, offering solid video quality and compatibility. The Arlo Essential, a budget-friendly option, delivers simplicity with essential features.
Depending on needs, the Arlo Ultra is optimal for top-tier performance, the Arlo Pro for a balanced choice, and the Arlo Essential for budget-conscious users. Tailor your selection to priorities for an ideal home security solution. Which Arlo camera aligns with your needs?
Read: Comparing Arlo Wire-Free and Arlo Wired: An Efficient Quick 5-Point Analysis.