Arlo Essential Vs Arlo Pro 4: Which is Better?

When it comes to buying a wireless security camera, Arlo has a variety of models for you. These cameras have an array of cutting-edge features and modern construction, and the big question is always ‘Which is better?’ Arlo Essential Vs Arlo Pro 4.

Since their introduction back in 2020, Arlo Essential and Arlo Pro 4 security cameras have taken the home security market by storm, which is for a good reason. The wireless design gives you the flexibility to install them just about anywhere. Furthermore, these cameras deliver fast and uninterrupted performance in HD resolution.

When choosing between Arlo Essential vs Arlo Pro 4 security camera, it is important to first determine the intended usage. Knowing whether you want to use the camera indoors or outdoors is the primary guide to choosing the right model for your lifestyle and security needs. The other things to consider are resolution, viewing angle, and budget.

We have come up with a comprehensive comparison between these two handy and efficient security cameras. In this guide, we compare the two cameras in terms of design, video quality, and price, in addition to smart features, battery performance, and ease of use. But first, let’s start by going through the benefits of investing in an Arlo security camera.

Benefits of Arlo Essential Vs Arlo Pro 4 Security Cameras

Arlo security cameras offer a wide range of benefits for both home and business surveillance. These benefits include:

1. Ease of Installation

Arlo security cameras are wireless for ease of installation. The wireless design gives you the flexibility to install the cameras in different locations around your home or business premises.

2. High Image and Video Quality

The high resolution of Arlo security cameras ensures clear and quality footage, even in low-light settings and typical nighttime environments. With crispy image views, it is easy to distinguish people and other objects when you are going through the recorded footage.

3. Remote Monitoring

With an Arlo security camera, you can monitor the surveillance from just about anywhere via a Smartphone app or web portal.

4. Crisp Night Vision

Arlo security cameras for home and business surveillance provide reliable surveillance day and night. With the built-in infrared LED light, the cameras capture crystal clear footage, even in pitch-black darkness.

5. Customizable Alerts

Whether you are using an Arlo camera for home surveillance or business surveillance, you can customize the alerts via the motion detection zones. This means that false alarms will be reduced so you only receive alarms from relevant notifications.

6. Smart Home Integration

Lastly, Arlo security cameras integrate with smart home systems such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This integration enables you to control the camera using voice commands. On top of that, smart home integration is important for broadening your entire home ecosystem.

Arlo Essential Vs Arlo Pro 4 – Detailed Comparison

In this section, we will have a detailed comparison between Arlo Essential and Arlo Pro 4 taking into account design, price, resolution, smart features, and installation process.

1. Resolution

Resolution is what sets a quality security camera apart from a cheap one. This is not any different with Arlo security cameras for home and business surveillance.

The Arlo essential security camera has a maximum video resolution of 1080p and a 130° diagonal field of view. With this resolution, the camera provides decent image and video quality at night and during the day as well. Furthermore, this camera has color night vision and 12x digital zoom ability to get you up close views of the footage captured.

On the other hand, the Alro Pro 4 camera has a more advanced resolution. It has a 2K HDR resolution which guarantees bright, crisp, and tack-sharp video footage. On top of that, the camera has a wide 160° diagonal viewing angle. This means that it covers a larger area at a go compared to the Arlo Essential counterpart.

However, there are some common features that the two cameras share in common. These features include 12x digital zoom and color night vision.

2. Smart Features

Arlo security cameras for home and business surveillance stand out in terms of smart features compared with similarly-priced cameras from other brands.

Both Arlo Essential and Alro Pro 4 security cameras have an array of smart features to enhance functionality. These features include two-way audio for real-time communication, live video and audio monitoring, and an integrated siren among many more.

However, the two-way audio in the Arlo Pro 4 is clearer and richer in quality compared to that of the Arlo Essential. The volume of the sound is also better for added security.

When you subscribe to the Arlo Secure plan, you will be able to unlock more smart features including customizable zones and a 30-day video history for both cameras. With the customizable zone feature, it is easy to tailor the detection zones to prevent false alarms.

Furthermore, both camera models support integration with smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTT, and Apple HomeKit as well. Remember that compatibility with the Apple HomeKit calls for a compatible smart hub or base station that you buy separately.

3. Design

When choosing Arlo Essential Vs Arlo Pro 4, you will notice several differences in their design. For starters, the Arlo Pro 4 security camera has a modular design made up of two parts; the camera and battery as one part, and the housing as a protective shell for the camera.

With the unique design, the camera gives you the ability to take out and swap the battery with ease when the need for a replacement arrives. On the contrary, the Arlo Essential security camera has an integrated design and it doesn’t allow for battery change.

Moreover, the Arlo Pro 4 security camera has a magnetic charging port that is more futuristic. It makes battery charging more convenient and a breeze compared to the standard Micro USB port that the Arlo Essential is outfitted with.

When it comes to construction quality, both the Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Essential security cameras are built with durability in mind. Both cameras are weather-resistant to outlast elements when used outdoors. Furthermore, both models come with a built-in spotlight which provides better illumination at night.

4. Installation Process

Wireless home security cameras are easy to install and the Arlo Essential and Pro 4 models are not any different. Both cameras are powered by batteries so the installation process is quick and straightforward, either indoors or outdoors.

Furthermore, both Arlo Essential and Pro 4 security cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi. This means that you need a separate hub or base station.

After installation, you will need to recharge the battery as both models are powered by rechargeable batteries. Charging the Arlo Pro 4 is easier thanks to the magnetic charging cable. All you have to do is align the metal contacts and snap them in place to start charging the battery. Besides, the Arlo Pro 4 has a longer battery life of up to 6 months.

5. Price

In terms of price, the Arlo Pro 4 is more expensive compared to the Arlo Essential counterpart. The higher price tag is because of the more advanced features that the Arlo Pro 4 security camera is made with. This translates to more capabilities for both home and business surveillance.

While the price tag of the Arlo Essential camera is nearly half that of the Arlo Pro 4, it doesn’t cut corners on quality or performance. Instead, it offers all the basic features of a security camera while meeting the needs of budget-friendly buyers.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Detailed Look

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera offers protection for every home and family. It comes with an array of cutting-edge features and highly advanced technology to meet the surveillance needs of every home.

This camera captures details in full 1080p. It provides a clear picture, day and night in any weather condition. Besides, it is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, and for indoor use, it doubles as a pet and baby monitor in addition to a nanny cam.

The camera connects directly to Wi-Fi. The wireless design makes it easy to install. The wire-free design matched with the compact size makes the camera easy to mount just about anywhere in your home, even in the tightest spaces.

Arlo Essential security camera has an integrated spotlight for illumination when darkness falls. As a result, you will be able to see important features such as license plates and faces in full color even in pitch-black darkness.

To top off all these benefits, this camera is tested and certified to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and be resistant to heat, cold, rain, and sun.

Key Features

  • 1080p resolution
  • Weather-resistant construction
  • Smart alerts
  • Full-color night vision
  • Integrated spotlight
  • Customizable activity zones
  • 130° viewing angle
  • Two-way talk-back audio

Pros

  • Designed for indoor and outdoor use
  • Fast, wireless setup
  • Crisp clear night vision
  • Budget-friendly
  • Decent image quality

Cons

  • Poor battery life
  • Connectivity issues

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera Detailed Look

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

If you want to take your home or business surveillance to the next big level, you need a high-performing security camera like the Arlo Pro 4. It has a wide 160° diagonal viewing angle lens which not only reduces the fisheye effect but also guarantees auto image correction.

The wide-angle lens design is complemented by the clear 2K resolution which captures every footage in utmost clarity. Furthermore, this camera has a wireless design for easy installation and an integrated spotlight to light up the night and ward off unwelcome guests.

In terms of construction, the camera is built to provide long-lasting durability. It is weather resistant to brave the elements of nature and withstands heat, rain, sun, and cold as well. Besides that, the camera has a modular design that adds durability while ensuring convenient battery change when the need arises.

The other essential features included are smarter alerts for quicker action, clear, two-way audio, and a highly advanced motion sensor that distinguishes motion from humans from that of pets and objects like vehicles or delivery packages.

Key Features

  • Integrated spotlight
  • Customizable activity zones
  • 160° diagonal viewing angle lens
  • Two-way talk-back audio
  • 2K HDR resolution
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Smart home integration
  • Color night vision
  • Weather-resistant design

Pros

  • Ease of installation
  • Great image quality
  • Crisp clear full-color night vision
  • Stand-alone connectivity

Cons

  • Motion detection issues

Arlo Essential Vs Arlo Pro 4 Buying Guide

When looking to buy either an Arlo Essential or an Arlo Pro 4 security camera, take into account the following factors.

1. Intended Use

This is the first thing to consider when choosing the Arlo Essential vs Arlo Pro 4 security camera. Is the camera for indoor or outdoor use? Determine where you want to use the camera and make the right selection. Both cameras are ideal for indoor and outdoor use, but the Arlo Pro 4 model is better for outdoor use as it is more resistant to weather elements.

2. Battery Life

The battery life of a security camera determines how long it runs without the need to have the battery changed. The Arlo Pro 4 security camera has a longer battery life of up to 6 months. This makes it more economical to run and maintain.

3. Price

Choosing a security camera for home or business surveillance is not something you do on a whip. Determine how much you can afford and settle for the camera that offers you the best value for your money. If you are on a budget, we recommend the Arlo essential Spotlight security camera which is almost half the cost of the Arlo Pro 4 security camera.

4. Night Vision

You will want a security camera that provides reliable surveillance day and night. Arlo security cameras offer stunningly bright and crisp image and video quality 24/7. Besides, some models including the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Essential cameras have an integrated spotlight that wards off unwelcomed guests.

FAQs: Arlo Essential Vs Arlo Pro 4

1. Which camera is better for indoor use?

Both cameras can be used indoors, but the Arlo Essential may be more suitable for indoor use due to its 1080p resolution and more compact design.

2. Can these cameras be used outdoors?

Yes, both the Arlo Essential and Arlo Pro 4 are designed for outdoor use and are weather-resistant.

3. Do they require a hub/base station?

Arlo Pro 4 can work both with and without a hub, while Arlo Essential typically requires a hub for full functionality.

4. What is the typical wireless range for these cameras?

The wireless range can vary depending on factors like Wi-Fi signal strength and obstructions. However, Arlo Pro 4 often has a slightly longer wireless range compared to Arlo Essential, making it suitable for larger properties or locations farther from your Wi-Fi router.

Conclusion

Choosing between Arlo Essential vs Arlo Pro 4 is largely a matter of individual preference and needs. The two cameras are outstanding in terms of performance for any kind of surveillance. Identify your needs, preferences, and budget, then use this guide to find the camera that will revolutionize surveillance in your home or business premises.

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