Arlo Q vs Arlo vs Arlo Pro vs Arlo Pro 2 vs Arlo Ultra: Which should you buy? (2023)

Arlo security cameras are generally among theThe best home security camerasfor its design, ease of use, comprehensive features and generous security plans.

With the launch of Arlo Ultra, the company now has six security cameras, not counting the baby monitors, all with different capabilities and price points. Whichever camera you choose, Arlo offers seven days of video recording without you having to sign a contract.

So which is better for you? We've put together this buying guide to help you decide which Arlo security camera is best for you.

Editor's note:Arlo now has a seventh home security camera, the Arlo Pro 3; that's how it isPro 3 is comparable to Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Ultra.

Arlo Camera Comparison Chart

Arlo

Arlo's original camera is pretty basic compared to later models: It doesn't record audio or have a speakerphone that lets you talk to someone in front of the camera. Still, the 720p camera and 110-degree field of view and low price are good for those on a budget.

Arlo Pro

The Arlo Pro is essentially the Arlo - 720p video - with added audio capabilities so you can hear and talk to the person in front of the camera. However, it's around $100 more for a dual-cam kit.

Arlo Pro 2

This camera has a higher resolution (1080p) and a wider field of view (130 degrees) than its predecessors, so you can not only see more, but better.

Arlo Ultra

Arlo's top-of-the-line camera has a 4K resolution, making it the sharpest of the company's offerings. It also means that you can get closer to people a little better. And it has a 180-degree field of view, so you can see much more than their other cameras.

arlo go

This is essentially the Arlo Pro, except it connects to the cloud via LTE, which means you can put it in places where Wi-Fi isn't available. It's good if you want to monitor a remote cabin or construction site, or even use it as a trail camera.

Arlo Q

The Arlo Q is designed for indoor use only and must be plugged into an electrical outlet to function. However, it does have a sharp 1080p camera with a 130-degree field of view.

Which Arlo camera has the best video quality?

Arlo Ultra records video in 4K, which not only means you get the sharpest quality, but you can also digitally zoom in on sections of video without sacrificing fidelity. After that, the Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Q will record 1080p video.

I want to hear the person in front of the camera and talk to them.

If you want to record audio and talk to the person you see on the camera, any camera other than the original Arlo will do. It is the only one without a microphone. The Arlo Ultra is the best equipped. It features dual microphones, which the company claims reduce ambient noise like wind.

I want to install an Arlo camera outdoors

You should go with anything other than the Arlo Q, which is the only camera among their offerings that isn't waterproof. It's also the only camera that isn't wireless, which means you'll have to plug it in for power.

How long do Arlo batteries last?

Most Arlo cameras are wireless, which means their batteries need to be charged. Arlo says that battery life in cameras depends on several factors, including the outside temperature, how often the camera records video, how far away you are from the base station, and how often you use the camera. Live View function.

That being said, Arlo wireless camera batteries should last four to six months with normal use, about 5 minutes of footage per day. Arlo Go's battery should last two to three months with normal use.

Do all Arlo cameras require a base station?

You may find that many Arlo cameras (Ultra, Pro 2, Pro, and Arlo) require a base station. The base station serves multiple purposes: it bridges the connection between the cameras and the cloud, helping the cameras save battery life. And if you connect a USB drive to the base station, you can also store your video stream locally.

The Arlo Ultra base station differs from the other cameras. That's because it works with Arlo's smart home security system, which is set to launch later this year. Plus, Ultra's hub features Zigbee and Z-Wave antennas, so you can use it as a hub for other smart home devices. Although it is more expensive than the other cameras, it could be the best option for those looking to expand their home security.

Arlo Q does not require a base station; Since it needs to be plugged in to work, it has built-in Wi-Fi.

I want to install an Arlo camera where there is no WiFi.

Your only option is the Arlo Go, which has an LTE connection and can stream video remotely. However, you will also need to subscribe to a data plan from AT&T, Verizon, or Arlo Mobile.

How much does an Arlo subscription cost and do I need one?

One of the reasons we like Arlo's cameras so much is that the company offers up to seven days of video history without you having to pay for a subscription. However, if you opt for an Arlo Smart Plan, you get additional features like customizable activity zones, e911 calling capabilities, and advanced AI detection that can distinguish between people, packages (which is still in beta), animals, and vehicles.

FURTHER:Which security camera has the best storage plan?

For cameras that support it, Arlo also offers continuous recording in the cloud; A plan that offers 14 days of video history costs $9.99/month per camera (or $99/year), and a 30-day history plan costs $19.99/month per camera (or $199 per year).

What other smart home devices does Arlo work with?

In addition to security cameras, Arlo also makes an audio doorbell that, paired with one of its cameras, allows you to see and talk to a visitor. The company also sells a security light/motion detector that is weather resistant and has a brightness rating of 400 lumens. It is not as powerful asAnillos Floodlight Cam, but you must provide additional outdoor lighting.

Alexa

if you have onesmart speaker with alexa, you can announce when someone rings the doorbell.

if you have oneecho show,echo point,Fire-TV,Palo de FireTV(second generation and later) or aFire Edition-Smart-TV, you can view a feed from your Arlo cameras on these Alexa-enabled displays. However, this does not work with the original Arlo camera.

google assistant

if you have oneChromecastdevice or agoogle assistantsmart display enabled, such asGoogle Home Centeror theLenovo Smart Display— You can view a stream from your Arlo cameras (except the original Arlo camera) on this screen.

Apple Home Kit

The Arlo Ultra 4K and Arlo Pro 2 cameras will be compatible with Apple's smart home platform at the end of the first quarter of 2019.

Arlo cameras also work with SmartThings, IFTTT, and Stringify.

Photo Credit: Arlo