In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring the safety and security of our homes has never been more critical. Home security systems need to be reliable, affordable and customizable to your family’s needs.
This review dives deep into the various aspects of the best-selling Arlo home security system, highlighting its components, features, pros and cons, pricing and how it compares to other security products on the market—so you can decide if this leading security solution best meets your needs.
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| Highlights |
|---|
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring Included |
| Cellular & Battery Backup Available |
| Powerful Camera with Color Night Vision & 12x Zoom |
| 8 Different Detection Functions To Protect Doors, Windows, & More |
Arlo home security stands out as a popular choice among homeowners looking for reliable and advanced security solutions. Arlo has long been known as a manufacturer of high-quality, well-designed security products that are easy to install and have easy-to-use, highly-customizable and advanced security features.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Video: Up to 4K video quality for crisp, clear footage even in low-light conditions. | Limited Features: Some features, like cloud storage and smart notifications are not available without a subscription plan. |
| Easy Self Installation: User-friendly setup with no professional assistance required. | Limited Monitoring Options: Professional monitoring is only available with the top-tier Arlo Secure subscription plan, although it comes standard with every Arlo Total Security plan. |
| Flexible Monitoring Options: Choose between different levels of no-contract professional monitoring, or opt for self monitoring (although some features are not available with self monitoring). | |
| Advanced Sensor Technology: Arlo’s all-in-one sensors have eight detection functions built into one smart sensor, including motion, opening and closing, tilt, lighting changes, water leaks, temperature changes and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm listening. | |
| Smart Home Compatibility: Integrates seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant and other smart home devices. | |
| Mobile App Control: Manage and monitor your security system remotely via the Arlo Secure app. | |
| Advanced Motion Detection: AI technology reduces false alarms by distinguishing between people, animals and objects. | |
| Customizable Options: A wide variety of cameras, bundles, complete systems and subscription options to meet every family’s needs. | |
| Theft Replacement: Some Arlo devices qualify for free theft replacement, in the event your equipment is stolen. |
Arlo’s products boast an array of features that enhance its functionality and ease of use. Heads up, some of these features are only available with an Arlo subscription plan:
A standout feature of Arlo is customization. Customers can choose between options ranging from a single camera all the way up to a total home security system with hub, cameras and smart sensors. There’s choice in monitoring options, too, with different options available for monitoring ranging from basic to all the bells and whistles. Arlo also offers complete packages that include Arlo’s Home Security System, sensors, cameras and professional monitoring.
So to get started with Arlo, consider your home’s security needs. Do you want a couple of cameras and a video doorbell that can send you motion alerts when the camera is triggered? Or would you prefer the peace of mind that comes with a whole-home security system and sensors that can detect not only motion, opening and closing, but water leaks, freezing temperatures, lighting changes and more?
Once you have an idea of your household’s needs, you can start shopping. All of Arlo’s products are available for individual purchase online. Additionally, you can opt to build your own bundle that’s tailored to your exact needs and add on an optional monitoring subscription. Or you can choose from one of Arlo’s Total Security packages, which include a Home Security System hub, sensors, cameras and 24/7 professional monitoring.
Another great benefit of Arlo is that all of their products are compatible, meaning you can start small with a single camera or video doorbell and add other devices at any time, and everything is controlled and customizable within the Arlo Secure app.
Next, we’ll deep dive into the features of Arlo’s product offerings, to help you decide which products would be ideal for you.
Whether you’re looking for a total home security system or a couple of cameras to self-monitor, Arlo has all of your security needs covered. Products can be purchased separately, or you can build your own bundle based on your home’s needs or go with a Total Security Plan that includes equipment and professional monitoring.
Here’s an overview of the security products offered by Arlo:
Arlo has several cameras that are suitable for indoor use. The Essential camera is a wireless camera with your choice of 2K or HD video quality, wide-angle field of vision, integrated spotlight, two-way audio, color night vision and rechargeable battery.
The Essential Indoor camera shares all the same features as the Essential camera, but in a wired version that plugs directly into the wall instead of running off of a battery. The Essential Indoor also features an automated privacy shield that closes whenever you disarm your camera.
Arlo makes a host of wireless camera options, suitable for indoor and outdoor use and chock-full of security features like wide-angle viewing, two-way audio, color night vision, integrated spotlight, 2K, 4K or HD video quality and a rechargeable battery.
A majority of Arlo’s security cameras are wireless and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making them versatile and easy to install. Some of the top features of Arlo outdoor cameras include wide-angle field of vision for maximum viewing, color night vision, integrated spotlight and siren, two-way audio, rechargeable battery, weather resistant construction and up to 4K video quality.
Arlo Essential cameras come with an integrated spotlight and color night vision, for ultimate visibility and protection. If your Arlo camera is armed and in low light, the spotlight automatically turns on and the camera records as motion is detected. You can also activate the spotlight manually in your camera’s live stream.
Arlo has two types of subscription plans with different tiers in each.
Arlo Secure plans are standalone monitoring plans that pair with your Arlo cameras, allowing you to get the cameras you need and add on professional monitoring at the time of purchase or in the future. The tiers of Arlo Secure plans are:
Arlo Total Security subscriptions pair with Arlo’s Home Security System hub and sensors, and all tiers include 24/7 professional monitoring. These systems function as whole-home security systems (rather than just cameras), and just like with Arlo Secure, the features build based on which tier is selected:
Arlo Secure monitoring subscription plans range from $7.99 to $24.99 per month, depending on the features you need for your home. Annual plans are available and, depending on the plan chosen, can save you money when you pay for a full year up front.
Arlo Total Security packages range from about $350 to $1,800. Financing is available, and is interest-free for 36 months, breaking the total cost of the packages into affordable monthly payments that range from $9.99 per month up to $49.99 per month.
Arlo frequently offers discounts and promotional savings that can make their already-competitive pricing even more attractive. For those looking to purchase an Arlo security camera or home security system, look out for seasonal sales and specials on the Arlo website for discounts on security cameras and bundles. Also, signing up for Arlo notifications can gain you early access to sales and promo codes sent directly to your inbox.
By leveraging these discounts and keeping an eye out for promotional offers, you can take advantage of great savings that can reduce the overall cost of your Arlo security system.
Arlo video doorbells are designed with multiple power options, allowing you to choose between quickly installing wire-free using the rechargeable battery, or hardwiring to existing power for continuous power.
To install hardwired, first download the Arlo Secure app. The app will walk you through step-by-step instructions for installation, but here’s a general overview: First, turn off power to your existing doorbell. Disconnect the wires of your existing doorbell from the wall and connect them to the back of your Arlo doorbell. Drill and secure the mounting plate to the wall, then connect the Arlo doorbell to the mounted plate. Turn the power back on, and connect the Arlo doorbell to Wi-Fi to complete the setup.
Arlo offers comprehensive customer support for their home security products, including:
Arlo does not publish a customer service number on their website. In order to contact Arlo by phone, you must be subscribed to Arlo Smart, on an Arlo Smart trial or have a camera that was originally activated less than 90 days ago. From the app, go to settings, then support. Select the product and tap contact to speak with an Arlo support expert via chat or phone call.
Arlo and Ring are both popular brands in the home security space, known for their DIY home security systems. Here’s what you need to know:
Arlo and Blink are both prominent names in the home security market, but they target different segments. Here are the similarities and differences between these two top security brands:
Eufy and Arlo are two of the most popular security brands on the market today. Both have unique benefits and drawbacks to consider when deciding which home security system is best for you:
Both Arlo and Google Nest offer comprehensive security systems with sensors, video doorbells, accessories, security cameras and opt-in subscription plans. However, there are a few key differences to consider between these two well-known brands:
Arlo is a reliable, versatile and advanced home security system that provides comprehensive protection for your home. Its user-friendly installation, high-quality video options and seamless integration with smart home devices make it a standout choice. Despite the subscription costs for advanced features, the benefits and peace of mind it offers are well worth the investment. We love the ability to scale the system and customize settings to meet your home’s specific security needs. If you’re in the market for a DIY home security system, you’ll want to add Arlo to your short list.
While the basic functionality of Arlo home security products can be used without a subscription, access to advanced features like cloud storage, professional monitoring, smart notifications and more requires a subscription plan.
Without a subscription plan, users can still access basic notifications without object detection. Features that require a subscription include 30 days of video history saved to Arlo Safe Cloud, AI-powered smart object detection, customizable motion notifications, 24/7 emergency response and professional monitoring.
Arlo offers various types and tiers of subscription plans for monitoring only and monitoring plus equipment. Features vary from basic to premium within each subscription type, and prices range from $7.99 per month up to $49.99 per month across all of the different subscription levels.
Arlo makes self-installation easy for all of their products. Your equipment will come with detailed instructions for setup, and Arlo has additional easy-to-follow guides and videos on their website for installation help and troubleshooting.
If you’ve chosen the Arlo Home Security System, the first step is to plug in the Keyboard Sensor Hub and pair the sensors and cameras with Arlo SecureLink for better connection and range.
Next, you’ll place the sensors at key entry points, like front and back doors, first-floor windows and anywhere else you want added peace of mind.
If you ordered Arlo cameras or a video doorbell, you’ll set those up through the Arlo Secure App, connecting to Wi-Fi and placing them in the areas you want video feed.
Once your cameras and sensors are connected to Wi-Fi, you can customize your settings in the Arlo Secure App and create “rules” for how your system tracks and records different events, creating a home security system that is customized to you and your family’s needs.
Yes, Arlo is a reputable brand for home security products. They are well-known for their security cameras and also offer a DIY home security system with all-in-one sensors that have eight detection functions, including water, temperature, lighting changes, smoke and carbon monoxide in addition to opening, closing and tilt.
Overall Arlo is a good quality, affordable home security system with easy DIY installation and loads of customization, making it a must-have for homeowner’s peace of mind.
Methodology
Behind Our Best Home Security Ratings
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