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Our review of the Arlo home security system, its services, and different cameras and doorbells.
Arlo offers some of the best home security systems on the market, with a specialisation in outdoor security and video doorbells. While Arlo’s packages aren’t customisable, additional accessories can be added on to them if you need to scale up.
Although its systems can be used without one, Arlo offers 3 different subscription plans which bring along a range of features such as video recording and theft replacement. The most expensive subscription has unlimited camera coverage and 4K camera resolution support.
Our experts have examined Arlo’s offerings and compared them with other popular home security systems in terms of price, reliability and performance to help you find the best system to protect your home.
Rating: ★★★★
Arlo offers an excellent range of cameras, video doorbells and additional devices. Each system is comprehensive and can be connected to Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit and IFTTT.
The ability to pick between 3 subscription packages allows customers to prioritise certain features, such as higher video resolution or VIP customer support. Plans are flexible and can be cancelled at any time, but none of them offer professional monitoring.
While Arlo itself doesn’t offer professional monitoring options, it is now part of Verisure, so Arlo cameras can be integrated into Verisure alarm systems for further protection.
Arlo’s biggest downfall is its low Trustpilot score, at just 1.8 stars out of 5. This is much lower than SimpliSafe, Verisure and ADT, which all boast scores above 4 stars. Reviews on Amazon are better, with most products receiving between 3 and 4 stars.
Arlo offers 4 home security systems. These ready-to-use kits aren’t customisable but can be scaled up with additional devices and accessories.
Unlike other brands, Arlo doesn’t include a hub as standard with its systems. Many devices can connect directly to the internet, but you may need a SmartHub or Base Station depending on which package you choose. All Arlo SmartHubs and Base Stations create a separate secure network for compatible devices, which is ideal when using a shared Wi-Fi network. These devices also allow all recordings to be stored locally and open the door for Apple HomeKit compatibility.
Your Arlo system will work a little differently depending on whether your devices require a SmartHub or Base Station.
If you don’t require further hardware, simply connect your devices to the Arlo Secure app where you’ll receive notifications. Ensure your devices are all set to a Location, such as the Lounge or the Office, for the devices to communicate effectively.
Some devices, such as the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell, require an Arlo SmartHub. Once your eligible devices are connected to your SmartHub or Base Station, you must also set them to a Location using the Arlo Secure app. Using a SmartHub or Base Station also allows for Apple HomeKit compatibility, a separate secure network, local storage options and local 2K or 4K live streaming.
With an Arlo subscription, you’ll benefit from more features. The most expensive plan, Arlo Secure Plus, allows eligible cameras to record in 4K, offers unlimited camera coverage and keeps video recordings in the cloud for 60 days.
While Arlo does not offer 24/7 professional monitoring in the UK, you can opt for the Arlo CVR (Continuous Video Recording) Plan for £12.90 per month. This plan applies to one camera in your setup and allows for 24/7 CCTV-style recordings with access to the timeline. You can also use existing Arlo cameras and sign up for 24/7 professional monitoring through Verisure, which now owns Arlo.
Arlo is well-known for its extensive range of high quality cameras, many of which can record footage in 4K. Arlo’s flagship Ultra 2 Outdoor Security Camera comes with AI motion detection, a siren and spotlight, and 2-way audio as well as a 180-degree wide field of view. The Arlo Pro 5 Outdoor records in 2K, and has advanced colour night vision for further peace of mind. For extra deterrence, the Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera is equipped with 2 bright floodlights that can be customised.
In the Essential range, the Arlo Essential 2K Outdoor Camera is a bit more affordable but still records in 2K resolution, comes with a built-in siren and spotlight, and has a 130-degree field of view.
Arlo’s 2K Wireless Video Doorbell captures high definition footage of visitors from head to toe, and calls your phone every time your doorbell is pressed so you can answer it from anywhere. With an Arlo Secure subscription, you can also receive person and package alerts.
Our top pick for the best home security system is SimpliSafe due to its vast range of packages, flexible subscriptions and 24/7 professional monitoring support. SimpliSafe is well suited to any house, and each package can be customised or scaled up.
Arlo specialises in outdoor equipment, making it a great choice for households with a garden or driveway. Most of Arlo’s packages are very expensive, but the brand has just released an affordable, entry-level system for just £149 containing a video doorbell, chime and outdoor camera.
If you require professional installation, ADT and Verisure are very reliable picks. Both companies offer 24/7 professional monitoring and create each package for your needs and property. Keep in mind that neither company has transparent pricing; ADT will offer a quote after visiting your property, and Verisure will call you to discuss your options after you’ve filled in an online form.
If you’re on a budget, look towards Ring and Blink. These systems can be scaled up and added to as necessary to keep costs low. Both offer easy subscription cancellation and no lengthy commitment periods.
Arlo is one of the most expensive home security solutions on the market, but it does have a very competitive entry-level package.
Below, we’ve compared the cheapest home security packages from Arlo and its competitors.
| Home security system brand | Cheapest package cost (excluding installation and subscription costs) |
|---|---|
| Arlo | From £149 for a 3-piece package |
| Verisure | Prices on quotation |
| SimpliSafe | From £284.96 for a 4-piece package |
| Ring | From £219.99 for a 5-piece package |
| Swann | From £279.99 for a 3-piece package |
| Yale | From £219.98 for a 5-piece package |
| Abode | From £197.99 for a 3-piece package |
| Blink | From £99.98 for a 2-piece package |
Like many home security brands, Arlo’s Trustpilot score is very low at just 1.8 stars. Many negative comments are around the company’s customer service being either unavailable, unresponsive or unhelpful, or about the high price of the subscription required to monitor your devices. Many happy customers praise the devices’ high resolution and quality. It’s also worth noting that on Amazon, the brand’s devices are all rated 4 stars and above.
“We began relying on Arlo security cameras when our home was unoccupied during
a refurbishment 4 years ago. We had been burgled and had lost all valuables from our shed. We put up the Arlo cameras and since have had no issues. They are reliable, easy to install and set up and they just get on with their thing! Great company and great products.”
“We had the Arlo Home Security Video Doorbell, Chime and 4 indoor cameras for several years. We were impressed with it when we got it set up and working. The picture quality for all the cameras were good in both livestream and video recordings. The notifications from the motion detected was fast. I also liked the ease of activating and de-activating the indoor cameras with the privacy screens when at home. The other big positive for us was the peace of mind the cameras gave us when we went away for a break or holiday because we could open the app on our phones and check on the house. The only negative for us was the monthly subscription, hence the reason we have changed to an alternative provider.”
“To be fair the security cameras are not too bad but are very expensive. You need to pay a monthly subscription in order for the system to be of any use, so for me this is a rip-off. Their support is a bot which is completely useless. After an hour I managed to chat with a real person who did solve my simple log in issue but to get a real person took a lot of persistence. I had the same problem last year with a faulty log in system. Still not fixed. […]”
The only glaring downsides of Arlo are its poor Trustpilot score, and the fact it does not offer the option to professionally monitor its systems.
Otherwise, Arlo offers an excellent range of cameras, motion detectors and accessories to build a home security system for any size of home. Every one of its devices is high-quality with cutting-edge software that makes self-monitoring a doddle.
Aside from its entry-level package, Arlo’s systems are definitely on the more expensive end of the spectrum, so households on a budget may want to look elsewhere. That said, the products you get for the price are high quality and high spec, and you’re not tied in to lengthy subscriptions.
Rating: ★★★★
Our experts have conducted hours of research to compile a list of the best security systems. There are many options on the market and they all have their pros and cons. However, our list includes some of the best security systems to consider for every need. Whether you are looking for a security system on a budget, easy installation, or a customisable package, one of the security systems above will surely be an excellent choice.
A home security system is an investment in your protection. After all, the best home security system aims to keep your family and property safe and protected from burglary, fire, home intrusion, and flood, among other threats.
We considered the following factors:
For more information, read our article on how we review home security systems.
