Arlo home security cameras review

Arlo was founded in 2014 by California-based company Netgear and has a broad catalogue of home security systems and gadgets, including video doorbells, outdoor security cameras, smart floodlights and bundled security kits. The company was acquired by Swiss home security provider Verisure in 2020. 

Known for its 24/7 alarm monitoring and wire-free easy-to-install systems, Arlo is a great option for homeowners who prefer DIY installation. The introduction of Arlo SmartHub in 2019 further strengthened the company’s foothold in the industry, allowing consumers to protect their footage by adding a secure encrypted network to internet routers.

Arlo’s doorbell camera has infrared night vision so users can get clear video any time of day. (Arlo)

• Price: £179.99
• Type: Doorbell camera
• Wireless: Yes, with wired options
• Resolution: 1080p HDR
• Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT
• Power source: Rechargeable batteries
• Battery lasts: Up to 6 months
• Mounting: Flat and angled mounting plates included 
• Two-way audio: Yes
• Motion detection: Yes
• Cloud storage: Yes, with paid-for subscription, or SD card storage in base station (not included)
• Night vision: Yes, Infrared (IR) LED

Arlo Wireless Smart Video Doorbell overview 

Arlo’s wire-free doorbell boasts a sleek, discrete design and comes with a multitude of smart features, including 2-way talk, sharp 1080p HDR video capture and motion detection. The square viewing angle is unique to Arlo, allowing you to see a head-to-toe view of the people on your doorstep, and the wide 180-degree field of view captures more viewing angles. 

Other features include an 80 decibel (dB) siren, a selection of automated messages that play if you can not get to the door, and push notifications sent directly to your mobile device. Motion detection is also present, which can be customised to only detect people, rather than animals or passing cars. If you want access to cloud storage and custom Activity Zones, you will need to sign up for the Arlo Secure Subscription, which also covers consumers if their device is stolen. 

With a high number of features and a £179.99 price tag, the Arlo Essential Wireless Smart Video Doorbell is ideal for homeowners who prioritise a high level of security. The dedicated Arlo app also walks you through the process of installing the doorbell, making it a great pick for DIY enthusiasts.

Design 

The Arlo Video Doorbell offers a simple and stylish design that comes in black or white. The small footprint of the device – which measures 47 x 143 x 37mm – means that it can be easily placed on your doorframe or wall. 

Inside the box is a flat mounting plate, angled mounting plate, wall mount screw kit and wired extension kit. The base plate can be screwed onto a wall or door frame and the two wiring terminals located inside the base mean that it can be hardwired if you prefer constant power, which will require a 10VA transformer that outputs 8-24 VAC. Otherwise, the battery pack can last up to 6 months on a single charge. 

Video Quality 

Capturing 1080p Full HD video with a wide-angle 180-degree field of view, the Essential Wireless Smart Video Doorbell delivers crisp and clear imagery with detailed colour reproduction. The inclusion of Infrared LED night vision allows you to see deliveries made after dark, although the lack of a spotlight can make night-time video capture hard to distinguish. 

The wide viewing angle and 1:1 aspect ratio also mean that you can see a full body image of anyone at your door, which offers an added level of security and visibility. 

Connectivity and app

The Arlo app is supported on iOS and Android and requires speeds of 2.4 GHz for best performance. 

The app underwent a redesign in 2020 and offers a simple and easy-to-navigate experience. It can be linked with other Arlo devices in the home and can be used to customise your doorbell experience. Whenever the doorbell is rung, it will automatically notify all linked devices so you can see who is standing outside, with the option to send automated messages if you cannot get to the door in time. 

Unless you opt for the Arlo Secure subscription service, however, you will not have access to cloud storage, customisable Activity Zones or package detection, among other features. It is worth noting that you can locally store footage via an SD card in the Base Station, which can be found from Arlo for an additional £179.99.

When purchased from Arlo, the Essential Wireless Smart Video Doorbell comes bundled with an Arlo Secure subscription trial, giving you the chance to test out the service before committing to a longer period.  

How does the Arlo Wireless Smart Video Doorbell compare?

Verdict

Homeowners that put high value on simplicity and security will be impressed by the Arlo Essential Wireless Smart Video Doorbell. The detailed video quality, streamlined app, easy-to-install design and integration with smart assistants, like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, mean that it should easily fit in with any other existing smart ecosystems in the home.

While it does require the Arlo Secure subscription plan for more helpful features like smart motion detection and cloud storage, it is a good pick for homeowners interested in comprehensive home security. 

Arlo claims their floodlight camera can shine brighter than car headlights. (Arlo)

• Price: £259.99
• Type: Outdoor
• Wireless: Yes, with wired options
• Resolution: 2K HDR
• Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Homekit, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT
• Power source: Rechargeable batteries, or solar power (not included)
• Battery lasts: Up to 6 months
• Mounting: Wall plate included
• Two-way audio: Yes
• Motion detection: Yes
• Cloud storage: Yes, and SD card storage in base station (not included)
• Night vision:  Yes, IR colour night vision

Pro 3 Floodlight Outdoor Security Camera overview 

The Pro 3 Floodlight Outdoor Security Camera is a reliable option for homeowners that want more lighting outside their property with the added security of a high-definition camera. 

Unlike the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro, the Pro 3 is wireless, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts, although it can be hardwired with an Arlo outdoor charging cable, not included. The hardwired option allows it to reach up to 3,000 lumens (lm) of brightness, while the wireless set-up reaches between 2,000 and 3,000 lm. It can illuminate up to 8 metres and comes with a 2K HDR camera with a 160-degree field of view, adding an extra level of security. 

The built-in 80 dB siren can be heard up to 30 metres away and is effective at deterring intruders, with the option for it to be automatically triggered directly from the Arlo app. Without an Arlo Secure subscription, however, there is no access to features like cloud storage and theft protection. 

Design 

The Pro 3 comes with an extended battery, resulting in an elongated case that can be found in black or white.

Due to its 650g of weight and larger size – 218.5 x 190.5 x 77.9 mm – it comes with a wall plate and screw kit that can be screwed into a wall. The included power adaptor allows it to be attached to the mains for added security, although the process is not as DIY-friendly.  

Despite Arlo quoting a battery life of up to 6 months, our research found that some models needed to be recharged within 1 month with LEDs enabled. This can be remedied by using an Arlo Solar Panel (£59.99) or hardwiring it. The rechargeable battery can be easily removed and charged via a micro-USB or dedicated magnetic Arlo charger, which is not included. 

Video quality 

Capturing up to 2K HDR video with a 160-degree field of view, the Pro 3 provides crisp and clear imagery that’s highly detailed. During the day, the footage is well exposed and the wide angle allows for more area to be covered with just one camera, ideal for those that put a high value on security. 

The floodlight feature is triggered at night, adding an additional burst of light for more visibility. Video capture was slightly less detailed, but distinguishable features, like faces and pieces of clothing, were still visible. 

With an Arlo Secure subscription, footage is saved automatically to the Cloud when motion is detected, and Activity Zones can be created, creating fewer notifications and allowing you to focus surveillance on specific areas. 

Connectivity and app

Like most other Arlo home security devices, the Pro 3 requires a 2.4GHz connection, with Arlo recommending upload speeds of at least 2GHz. 

The Pro 3 Floodlight Outdoor Security Camera connects to the Arlo app – available for Android and iOS. Through the app, 2-way talk can be activated as well as access to live feed. 

How does the Pro 3 Floodlight Outdoor Security Camera compare?

Verdict

Arlo’s Pro 3 Floodlight Outdoor Security camera may have a high starting price, but the DIY installation and affordable Arlo Secure subscription – at £3.49 a month for 1 camera – makes it a dependable option for homeowners who prioritise high levels of security. 

With up to 3,000 lm of brightness, a 2K HDR camera and colour night vision, this will tick many boxes for those after a premium floodlight experience. 

The Pro 5 outdoor camera has a 160 degree field of view. (Arlo)

• Price: £219.99
• Type: Outdoor 
• Wireless: Yes
• Resolution: 2K
• Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT
• Power source: Rechargeable batteries
• Battery lasts: Up to 8 months
• Mounting: Mount included
• Two-way audio: Yes
• Motion detection: Yes
• Cloud storage: Yes, and SD Card in base station (not included)
• Night vision: Yes, colour night vision

Pro 5 Outdoor Security Camera overview 

As the successor to the Arlo Pro 4, the Arlo 5 Pro Outdoor Security Camera made improvements in several key areas; enhanced full-colour night vision, detailed 2K resolution and an 8-month battery life make it one of the most premium outdoor security cameras on the market. 

The flagship model comes with an array of other features, including 2-way audio, a 160-degree field of view, a built-in siren and customisable Activity Zones, although the latter requires the Arlo Secure subscription. The latest version of the Arlo Secure app also allows you to create custom camera widgets and offers more features, including 3 security alarm configurations. 

The Arlo Pro 5 works with either the Arlo Base Station – which can be found for £179.99 – or over wifi. A wall mount and screw kit are included in the box and thanks to the wireless design, it can be done at home with minimal fuss.

Design 

The Arlo Pro 5 has the same dimensions as its predecessor, 89 x 52 x 78.4 mm, with a sleek pill-shaped body and thin mount. The well-made and subtle design means that it should not draw too much attention, with the choice between white or black colourways. 

The included wall mount and screw kit make this easy to install without professional assistance. The ball joint also means that this Arlo camera can be configured to your liking and the quick-release battery allows it to be easily removed and charged when needed using the included magnetic charging cable. 

Video quality 

Thanks to the 2K resolution, the Arlo Pro 5 is capable of delivering excellent video quality; our research found that video capture was sharp, clear and highly detailed. Support for HDR allowed for crisp videos during the daytime with no glare, even with strong sunlight facing the camera. 

Arlo opted to feature a new sensor in the Pro 5, which provided extremely capable night vision without the need for an external light source, thanks to the integrated spotlight. Detail is hugely impressive, with and without the spotlight, and far better than the previous Arlo 4 Pro. 

With the Arlo Secure subscription, you can set up customisable Activity Zones and specific person, vehicle and pet detection, which helps reduce false alarms. 

Connectivity and app

The Arlo Pro 5 Outdoor Security Camera requires the latest version of the Arlo app, which must be updated to start the installation process. The app only supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wifi, and our research shows that some users had issues setting up the app with Mesh wifi systems. 

The app is supported on both iOS and Android smartphones and is a complete overhaul from the previous version. You can add camera widgets to the new home screen of your preferred devices, creating a setup. 3 modes are available, Arm Away, Arm Home and Standby, which can be automated or scheduled accordingly. We did find that the newest version of the app is not as versatile as the previous version, with fewer options for customisation. 

With Arlo Secure, you can access and use cloud storage, receive smart notifications and create activity zones to reduce false alarms. There is also integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings, for anyone with existing smart ecosystems in the home, although it is worth noting that it is not compatible with Apple HomeKit. 

How does the Pro 5 Outdoor Security Camera compare?

Verdict

The Arlo 5 Pro Outdoor Security Camera is one of the most expensive outdoor cameras on the market, at £219.99, but it does offer some of the best video capture, especially at nighttime. The Arlo Secure subscription is required for features, such as cloud service and smart detection, but only costs £3.49 a month for 1 device, which is cheaper than SimpliSafe and Abode plans. 

Noise reduction technology means voices are clear through the 2-way audio communication. (Arlo)

• Price: £629.99 for 2 camera kit
• Type: Outdoor
• Wireless: Yes
• Resolution: 4K
• Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT
• Power source: Rechargeable batteries
• Battery lasts: Up to 6 months
• Mounting: Wall mount included
• Two-way audio: Yes
• Motion detection: Yes
• Cloud storage: Yes, and SD card storage in base station (not included)
• Night vision:  Yes, IR LED

Arlo Ultra 2 Outdoor Security Camera overview 

The Arlo Ultra 2 Outdoor Security Camera is the most advanced security camera from the company, delivering 4K HDR video capture with a 180-degree field of view. It is expensive, costing £319.99 for 1 add-on camera and £629.99 for a 2 kit package (which includes a SmartHub), but does come with a plethora of features. Enhanced colour night vision,12x digital zoom, an integrated spotlight and noise cancelling 2-way audio are all present, offering a comprehensive experience for homeowners. 

Like other Arlo home security devices, the Ultra 2 works best when paired with the Arlo Secure subscription plan. This is offered to users as a free trial when signing up and opens up features such as cloud storage, package detection, activity zones and protection against theft. Without Arlo Secure, however, you can only view videos live, which limits usability. 

It is worth noting that the Arlo Ultra 2 cannot connect directly to wifi. Instead, it connects to the Arlo SmartHub, which comes included with the 2 Camera Kit and above, but not the singular model. If you only want to purchase 1 Arlo camera you need to purchase a SmartHub separately for £179.99.

Design 

The Arlo Ultra 2 Outdoor Security Camera has a similar design to the rest of the Arlo Outdoor Camera catalogue, coming in black or white colourways with a sturdy pill-shaped design. It requires an Arlo Smarthub to connect to the internet, which has a sleek, curved design that should discreetly fit into any home.

It comes with a magnetic wall mount as well as a regular screw mount, with our research suggesting that the former is easier to install. The rechargeable batteries can be easily removed and charged via a compatible battery charger (not included) or the bundled magnetic charger.

Video quality 

With 4K video capture and a 180-degree field of view, the Arlo Ultra 2 delivers fantastic video quality. Images are sharp and well-exposed, covering large areas thanks to the wide field of view. In low light conditions, it shoots in full colour, presenting good detail, even if motion blur becomes more apparent. 

Signing up for the Arlo Secure subscription allows you to create alerts for person, animal and vehicle detection as well as create custom Activity Zones. With or without the subscription, you can tune into the live feed at any time. 

Connectivity and app

Unlike other home security devices from Arlo, the Ultra 2 requires the Arlo SmartHub to connect to the internet. This does make it one of the most expensive outdoor security cameras, with the SmartHub costing £179.99 when purchased separately. 

The Arlo app works across iOS and Android devices and requires either a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz connection. Our tests show that the app is user-friendly and simple to navigate, although there is no way to access Cloud storage without an Arlo Secure subscription. 

How does the Ultra 2 Outdoor Security Camera compare?

Verdict

If you want high-definition coverage of your garden or street, the Arlo Ultra 2 Outdoor Security Camera is a good option, provided that you are willing to pay a high price. The daytime and nighttime video capture is clear and detailed, and the noise-cancelling 2-way audio allows for better conversion between visitors or delivery drivers.  

Arlo’s indoor cameras include an 80dB siren. (Arlo)

• Price: £119.99
• Type: Indoor
• Wireless: No
• Resolution: 1080p HDR
• Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT
• Power source: Mains connection
• Battery lasts: N/A
• Mounting: Wall mount included, or place on a flat surface
• Two-way audio: Yes
• Motion detection: Yes
• Cloud storage: Yes, and SD card storage in base station (not included)
• Night vision:  Yes, IR LED

Essential Indoor Security Camera overview 

The Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera is the only dedicated indoor camera from the company and one of its few wired devices. The 1080p HDR lens is combined with a 130-degree field of view for extensive coverage of indoor areas, with features such as 2-way talk and an integrated siren for added security. 

One of the most important features of this camera is its privacy shield; once set to disarm mode, the privacy shutter will automatically close over the lens, ensuring privacy. It can be quickly reopened via the app to once again view the live feed at any time. 

Design 

The Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera is a wired product and comes with a wall mount and screw kit, although it can also be placed on a flat surface. 

It can be found in black or white and comes with a glossy front panel. Due to the product being made of plastic, however, it can feel quite cheap and frail in terms of build. 

Video quality 

The Indoor Security Camera performs well, with 1080p HDR video capture, although it is less impressive in low-lit scenes. Details were cut off at upwards of 3.6 metres, and our research shows that placing the camera with a wall to the side can reflect the IR lights back towards the lens, reducing visibility. 

The wide 130-degree field of view means that it can capture large amounts of the environment, although it also should not be placed near bright windows in the daytime, as the video capture can get blown out. 

Connectivity and app

The camera connects to home wifi running at either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz and is supported on both iOS and Android devices. 

Alerts can be sent directly to your phone thanks to the inclusion of motion detection, with the option to customise alerts by people, pets or vehicles when using the Arlo Secure subscription. This service is also needed to access cloud storage, although footage can be stored locally via an SD card in the Base Station, which is sold separately. 

How does the Essential Indoor Security Camera compare?

Verdict

The Essential Indoor Security Camera is more expensive than some of its competitors, such as Ring and Hey!, but it does come with support for popular virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. 

However, the unreliable video capture and requirement for the Arlo Secure subscription for features such as cloud storage may make it less desirable for those looking for a dependable indoor security camera. 

Our research concluded that Arlo has a Trustpilot score of 1.2 out of 5 stars. Less than 4% of users gave the service a 4 or 5-star rating, while 95% of users rated it 1 or 2 stars. It should be noted that these scores reflect on the company as a whole and are not specifically aimed at the home security camera selection. 

Many of the negative reviews focus on poor customer service, poor camera quality, connectivity problems and issues with the Arlo app. 

“You are purchasing expensive cameras to essentially rent through an expensive monthly fee. It’s like buying a car and then paying monthly just to turn on the engine. To add insult to injury, their current service though the app is poor. It’s taken me on average 1 to 2 weeks to receive a reply to each message I send as part of a longer conversion. Each time you get a reply it’s from a different person. This means weeks / months to get an issue resolved. Once I upgrade my cameras in the future, I won’t be using Arlo again.”

• Seam GW, via Trustpilot

“No idea why there’s so many 1-star reviews. I know a few people who have Arlo stuff and only ever have positive things to say. I’ve just had a doorbell camera installed and it’s fantastic. Also had phone support help me sort something I was having trouble with and they answered quickly and resolved the issue within a few minutes. I’m personally very pleased. Admittedly, their system takes a bit of getting used to as there are so many settings, but once it’s all calibrated then you have a high-quality bit of kit helping you protect your home 24/7, all with a very low-cost subscription (if you want it). Highly recommended”

• Josh W, via Trustpilot

“I have had 2 Arlo cameras for over 2 years now with very few issues, however, over the last few weeks one of my cameras stopped recording and would not connect to the base station. Contacted support who talked me through a few things and stated the issue was my upload bandwidth and service provider. I had tested all these areas and the network was working correctly. Many updates and a couple of calls and they just repeated it was my issue, I have now purchased a replacement camera and all is working so their tech support was providing false and incorrect information. I expect a so-called quality product to last longer than two years. I believe they upgraded software / firmware that caused the issues and have noted many people are suffering similar issues with the Pr0-3 cameras at present.”

• Daniel Yeo, via Trustpilot

“Literally the worst wireless camera system. Breaks every week as they send firmware updates. Now Base station won’t even connect. Crippleware to avoid at all costs. Their monthly billing of my account works flawlessly every month though.”

• Phillip Ellis, via Trustpilot