Arlo cameras are relatively new in the market, and in the recent past, have been known as simple-to-use home security cameras. Aesthetics, no wires to hide, and compatibility with other smart home ecosystems are some of the features that make Arlo cameras attractive to many homeowners, today. But are Arlo security cameras all that good and are they worth the money spent on them? The following is a breakdown of some of the most important elements that have to be taken into consideration.
Image and Video Quality
An ideal home security camera must provide quality videos and images that can be used to identify intruders or other suspicious individuals. This enables them to be able to capture human faces and other key aspects whenever there is movement. The Arlo cameras perform video recording in up to 1080p to 2K, which produces high-definition videos. They also have large visual angles of up to 180 degrees, thus reducing blind zones. Night vision is up to 25m to ensure the capture of images and videos even in low light conditions. In general, Arlo cameras’ video quality is at least on par with its rivals, and in some cases, it surpasses them.
Smart Features
Features that Arlo Best Security Cameras come with are smart ones you would find in an advanced, flexible home security solution. This consists of motion detection to record when something is going on in front of the lens and sound detection. They can then be used to send real-time alerts to your Smartphone so that you are notified immediately there is activity. However, some other interesting features include a built-in siren and two-way talk that helps to scare off intruders. There is also the choice of a Smart subscription plan with 30 days of video history in the cloud and advanced recognition of people, vehicles, animals, and packages. These smart capabilities turn Arlo cameras into something more than mere recording devices.
Weather Resistance
Since Arlo cameras are completely wireless and can be used both inside and outside the house, the ability to withstand adverse weather conditions is essential. Arlo models have IP65 weather resistance which implies that the cameras can handle rain, snow, and temperatures of -4 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. You do not have to bother to take them off or cover them in unfavorable weather conditions. In addition to this, the fabric also protects against UV rays that cause sun damage over time. The only thing that has to be checked while installing on walls is to check the weight-bearing strength of the walls. In conclusion, Arlo cameras are designed to work in any weather.
Battery Life
One of the main issues that were identified with wireless battery-powered cameras is battery duration. Many alerts and recordings can use up the cameras’ power very fast especially where they don’t have AC power supplies. Arlo intends to address this problem in a few practical ways. Their latest 4K HDR Wire-Free Spotlight Camera can deliver over 6 months of battery life on a single charge. Other Arlo camera models may last for as little as 3 to as much as 6 months depending on the settings and usage. Charging is also made easier through the use of magnetic charging cables. It is also worth mentioning that older Arlo cameras are compatible with solar charging panels for continuous power. Just be ready to recharge now and then or plugin for a more permanent solution.
Storage Options
This can also be a problem when recording from multiple Arlo cameras especially if the available space for cloud storage or local storage is limited. The default setting for Arlo cameras is that the system has seven days of free cloud archive storage. For extended storage, there is an optional Arlo SmartHub device that enables local storage on USB flash drives. Some SmartHub models come with options for recording from 5 to 15 camera feeds to be stored. However, for a maximum of 30 days of cloud video history, you will have to opt for the Arlo Smart Premier subscription plan. Only accommodate subscription fees that are recurring if wanting to record several weeks' worth in the cloud. It is worth mentioning that Arlo has rather flexible storage options, in general.
Smart Home Integration
One of the strongest suits for Arlo systems is their compatibility with various smart home ecosystems. This entails SiriusXM, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT integration. With voice commands, using the compatible smart displays live streams from the cameras can be viewed. It also enables Arlo to trigger other internet-connected devices to perform certain actions once motion or audio has been detected. Evaluating applicability by integrating with other Smart Home control systems other than security further opens up value for Arlo cameras in the homes of technologically inclined individuals. It is a plus that Arlo can be integrated into other smart structures.
Installation and Maintenance
The last advantage of Arlo cameras is that despite being sophisticated systems, setting up and managing them is relatively easy. Installation is as simple as placing wire-free camera units on the wall or other surfaces and connecting to the home Wi-Fi via the mobile application. The cameras pair themselves with the supplied router-like Arlo base station from up to 300 feet away. As there are no wires to run to the sources of power in this case either, you eliminate the cumbersome issue of trying to install a more elaborate wired system. It also has other features that allow remote control such as changing motion sensitivity levels using your smartphone. As a whole, supervision stays basic, despite Arlo cameras’ initial setup.
Pricing Factors
As it is expected, Arlo camera prices significantly differ depending on the video quality, additional options, and packages. Basic Arlo Essential Spotlight cameras cost approximately $200 for wireless cameras with 1080p HD quality. Upgrading to 4K HDR quality brings SoloCam models closer to $300 each. Larger multi-camera kits with the newest Arlo Pro 4 models are priced at $500 and above. Other charges such as the Arlo Smart cloud storage plan should also be factored in. However, the brand has constant and more frequent seasonal sales on older models which makes Arlo cameras cheaper than ever.
Summary: Are Arlo Cameras Worth Investing in?
When it comes to considering all aspects of the videos in terms of quality and smart features, build, battery, storage, and integration Arlo cameras justify themselves against more basic competitors or wired rivals. The simplicity of installation along with the also portable monitoring solutions enhance the versatility. With as little as 1-2 Arlo Pro or Ultra cameras, you’ll get the most intelligent monitoring for rental units, vacation homes, or even for those who want added protection for their packages. It also means that there will always be the ability to update the app in the future through firmware updates. For the value that Arlo cameras offer in the increasingly crowded home security camera space, they remain affordably priced choices compared to many others. Given these features, Arlo security systems deserve a purchase to enhance security.
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