There are tons of reasons why anyone would want to keep an eye on their homes while they’re absent. You might want to keep an eye on your children, pets, housemates, elderly parents, and even employees while you’re away. With a reliable indoor camera, it can be done with ease and efficiency and you can be at peace knowing that you can always stay on top of things.

However, stationary cameras have lots of limitations. This is why the Wyze Cam Pan was brought to life. Lots of users found themselves enchanted with its predecessor and found that the only way to make it better is to make it more interactive by turning it into a PTZ camera.

With the addition of its ability to move, the Wyze Cam Pan definitely stepped up the game for indoor cameras. In combination with its very affordable price tag, it proves to be an interesting choice for those who want to be more thorough in their home security.

If you’re thinking of getting one, read our review first as it might help you make up your mind about this product.

A Close Look: Wyze Cam Pan Review

Design and Features

It may not seem like much to others but we actually find the design of the Wyze Cam Pan very interesting. Its white body and vertical rectangular shape remind you of what modern bullet cameras of the 90s look like even with their major differences. They just seem to have the same vibe, for some reason and it’s rather entertaining.

In any case,  it’s rather tall with a sizeable black detail on the upper part of its faceplate where the lens sits. The rounded part slightly juts out and the lens obviously moves as it tracks motion. It also has two smaller black dots at the bottom, one is an indicator light and the other is its sensor. On the back are grills for the speaker.

The main body of the camera sits on top of a flat round base which helps it rotate 360 degrees. It moves up to 110 degrees per second, allowing it to follow movements with precision. It’s also sturdy enough to not need an additional base.

Each purchase comes with a mounting kit, however, so if you wish to place it on a wall or your ceiling you can also do so without the need for additional purchases. The base has a hinge design so it’s very versatile and will let you position the camera whichever way you want it to face.

Setup and Usage

Setting up the Wyze Cam Pan is very simple, however. Aside from the prompts on the app, you can also turn to the Wyze website for the step-by-step instructions to get it up and running in no time. You pretty much just need to plug in the device, download the app, follow its prompts, scan the QR code on your unit, and connect it to your wireless network. It’s really very fuss-free.

What could be a bigger challenge is in finding a good place around your house to put the camera in. The unit of this model is a bit bulky, so you might need to look for a good spot for it. You will also need to drill a hole for the mount but if you’re a bit handy, you wouldn’t need a professional to do the dirty work for you.

Video Quality

Like the other Wyze cameras, you can also count on the image quality of the Wyze Cam Pan. They’re sharp and well-balanced. There’s a little motion blur when the camera is moving around but it’s bearable. Even in night vision mode, it’s bright and has good contrast and exposure so you don’t have to worry about missing out on the important details when monitoring your space.

Track, Pan, Tilt, Zoom, and Time Lapse

What really sets the Wyze Cam Pan apart from lots of its low-priced indoor camera competitors is its ability to track motion, pan, tilt, and zoom. Not a lot of affordable security cams offer the same functionality which make this device a major steal.

Aside from motion tracking, the Pan Scan feature of this device is worth noting. Not only does this camera tracks motion when it detects movements, but you can also set it up to sweep the room when you log into its live feed. This will give you a good look at your space and check whether anything is amiss in it while you’re away.

In addition, the Wyze Cam Pan also comes with a Time Lapse feature. This makes it more versatile and useful for various applications.

Audio Quality

There are mixed opinions on this device’s audio quality as some say that it’s decent enough for clear communication while others think that the volume of the built-in speaker is too low. However, its microphone, despite being located at the bottom of the base of the unit, picks up sounds quite clearly so you can be guaranteed of its reliability.

Motion and Sound Detection

As expected from the Wyze Cam Pan, its motion sensors are also very reliable. It picks up on all sorts of movements within its field of view so you can count on it to start recording when you need it to. It also has a sensitivity adjustment in the app, so in case, you don’t want to be bombarded with notifications, you can tweak its settings here.

The sound sensor of this device is a great addition as well. Not a lot of cameras in this price point have such a functionality, so it’s nice that it has it. As it’s also designed to pick up the sounds emitted by smoke and CO2 detectors, it promises to help keep your home safer.

Cloud Storage Costs

The fact that there are no monthly subscription fees required for Wyze Cam Pan users makes this item a strong contender for the best budget indoor camera pick for many. It even has two storage options so you have more choices in how to store your clips.

One option is its local storage. You can just insert an SD card in its SD card slot and record clips without having to upload it on a cloud. Lots of people like this option as it’s safer from hacking and it promises a higher level of privacy.

If you don’t like the fussiness of checking the SD card every so often, you can just use the free rolling 14-day cloud storage of the manufacturer. It promises encrypted storage and transmission, so you can be sure that your clips and feed are safe.

Smart Home Compatibility

Further making this product a lot easier to use is its compatibility with various smart home environments. You can access this camera with the help of Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT-enabled devices.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

While the Wyze app is easy to use and navigate, you’re advised not to expect that you can access or tweak your camera’s setting through your PC. This item doesn’t have a web portal, so you will need to get used to using your smartphone to work with this security camera.

FAQs

Is the WYZE Cam Pan wireless?

If you mean by terms of network connection, then yes, the Wyze Cam Pan is a wireless camera. However, it’s a plug-in device so it still uses some wires to connect it to a power source, so it’s not completely wireless in the most literal sense of the term.

Can WYZE Cam Pan be mounted upside down?

Yes, the Wyze Cam Pan can be mounted upside down. You can then rotate its video display using the app.

Can the Wyze Cam Pan record continuously?

Yes, you can set up the Wyze Cam Pan to record continuously but only on the SD card. If you’d prefer to use the cloud service, you will only be limited to event videos which are the 12-second clips.

Conclusion

With the great number of things that it can do and its tried and tested solid performance, we believe that the Wyze Cam Pan can be an amazing budget pick for those who want to keep an eye inside their homes while they’re away. Its functionality are very useful and they’re also nicely executed. And since the device is very affordable, you don’t have lots of reasons not to give it a chance.

Like other Arlo products, the Q is meant to be a fuss-free security camera that’s completely painless to work with. It’s honestly its main charm, attracting a lot of people who are not capable of setting up their own home networks but will still try to do so just to save some cash in the process. One look at this item and you’ll be able to tell that it’s consumer-targeted and webcam-based, offering total convenience to consumers.

The thing with the Arlo Q, however, is that it’s pretty basic. It’s not as advanced as the other items in the Arlo roster but it’s completely painless to set up so that tradeoff is definitely nice. So if you’re after a reliable, no-frills, and fuss-free security camera to monitor certain areas inside your home. This can be a solid pick.

The Arlo Q Review

Design and Features

Again, like other Arlo products, the Q is made to blend in nicely in any contemporary home. Its white body, minimalist design, and sleek silhouette will not make it too distracting in most modern spaces. We even dare say that it’s quite cute. It has a large head that makes it appear a bit comical. It reminds us of the Pixar logo lampshade a bit, to be honest. So in some homes, it can work as a piece of decor.

Its 3 x 3 x 1.5-inch diamond-shaped head holds the camera lens that has a 130-degree view. It pivots and rotates, letting you change its angle and direction without a fuss. Holding it upright is a large flat magnetic base so you can anchor it to a metallic surface or use the included metal bracket and screws to secure it to a wall or ceiling.

What makes the camera’s head so big is its collection of LED lights, a microphone, and status light. There are no light sensors but the lens does the trick for this component. Completing it is its 10-foot power cord that is attached to the unit using a USB port.

Setup and Usage

As we keep saying above, if there’s one reason that should convince you to give the Arlo Q a shot, it should be its painless setup. It’s so easy to install, blowing all of the competition that requires wiring, drilling, and hours and hours on the computer to put together.

In fact, it’s so easy to set up that some experts don’t even find it necessary that you read the product manual anymore. It will help, though, as the instructions are broken down nicely and are easy to follow. However, if you’re not too keen on that, these steps will show you how easy this camera is to install:

1. Plug the camera into a power outlet.
2. Download the Arlo Q app on your smartphone then create an account.
3. Press its Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button for it to automatically connect to your wi-fi network.
4. Connect the camera to your app using the QR code.
5. Claim your camera following the app’s prompts.

And that’s it. Your Arlo Q will be set up after these steps. If you need to move the camera, it will automatically reconnect to your wi-fi network. If it doesn’t, it’s still very easy to set up.

A good deal of the camera’s feed performance relies on your wi-fi network, so if you want it to be smooth and without any interruptions, it’s best not to add the camera to an overloaded network. Otherwise, expect some lagging and unstable performance.

Video Quality

To ensure clear footage, the Arlo Q records in full HD 1080p resolution. Its 4-megapixel image sensor promises high-quality video with 130-degree coverage. The clips are crisp, clear, and with good contrast whether in bright light or night vision.

Track and Zoom

While there are no tracking and zooming issues on the app, there’s some pixelation when viewing clips in the web portal. This is particularly true when the footage is taken in night vision mode.

Audio Quality

You can also expect decent quality audio with the Arlo Q. It’s crisp and clear in recordings but can skip and lag in live streams. This is to be expected, however, since wi-fi signals can get wonky from time to time. The 2-way audio is also reliable as you can easily use the camera as an intercom. The speaker is small and soft but with a stable connection and the right positioning, you can be sure to hear what is being said.

Motion and Sound Detection

When it comes to responsiveness, the Arlo Q makes no distinction over humans or animals, which is why it can also be a good pet camera. It also comes with a comprehensive set of sound and motion detection features as the other Arlo products, so you don’t have to leave it up and running all the time.

We like that there are lots of ways for you to customize the notification settings as it will help you get more out of your security system. However, some patience might be required from you as setting this up on an iOS phone or the web portal can be a bit confusing.

Cloud Storage Costs

With every purchase of the Arlo Q, you’ll also get the generous basic cloud storage package of the brand. This comes with a gigabyte of storage space that will last for 7 days and can be shared by up to 5 cameras. It’s significantly more than what other brands provide, so lots of people are won over by this feature.

If you need more cloud storage or you want a continuous recording, Arlo has various packages available. Their prices vary depending on the amount of cloud storage you want, as well as the number of cameras and the subscription’s duration.

Smart Home Compatibility

The Arlo Q works with the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. So if you’re already using the said systems, you can easily integrate your Q cameras into your smart home network.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

Both the mobile app and web portal of the Arlo Q are equipped with a straightforward and organized layout. They’re also nearly identical, making them very easy to navigate and use even when you need to switch between the two every so often.

However, as mentioned above, programming motion and sound detection settings can be a bit tedious. The web portal has an instructional video for this task, however, so you can refer to that to avoid any confusion.

It’s also important to note that the smartphone app and web portal come with a single-user interface. This means that if someone else logs into the network while you’re logged in, you’ll be automatically kicked out of your session.

FAQs

What is the difference between Arlo Q and Arlo Q Plus?

There are a few major differences between the Arlo Q and Arlo Q Plus, mostly because the latter is an upgraded version of the former. Some of the features that set them apart include the following:

• The Q Plus has a memory card slot for storage while the Q doesn’t.
• You can set up the Q Plus in a wired network with the help of its built-in Power of Ethernet (PoE) adapter.
• The bugs in the Arlo Q were fixed in the Q Plus.

Does Arlo Q need base station?

No, the Arlo Q doesn’t need a base station as it’s capable of connecting to a wi-fi router on its own.

Can Arlo Q be used outside?

No. The Arlo Q is not waterproof so it’s not recommended to be used outdoors. There are also no official accessories that will let you use the Arlo Q in such an application. Doing so will also void the product’s warranty.

Can Arlo Q detect motion through glass?

It might seem like a good idea to just point the Arlo Q outside while behind a glass window since it’s not waterproof but note that doing so will limit its capabilities. The glass will significantly inhibit its motion and sound sensors so it might not work as intended if you’re putting it behind glass.

Conclusion

If you’re after a home surveillance product that won’t be too much of a hassle for you to use without the need to sacrifice video quality, features, and performance, investing in the Arlo Q would be a good idea. With its well-rounded features, it can already meet your needs.

It’s not packed with lots of bells and whistles that more sophisticated systems offer but it will already meet your basic needs. And for some people, that’s already enough to satisfy their monitoring requirements.

When you buy the Arlo Pro, you get the camera and the hub it needs to work. With 1 camera, this is the VMS4130 package. It normally retails for about $250 but nowadays the prices have dropped to below $200. The VMS4630 package with the 6 cameras is supposed to cost $950, but some sellers are offering it for about $710.

Just bear in mind that the discount may mean you don’t get some of the usual freebies, such as the wall mount or the charging cable. However, you can get packages with these accessories, or even packages that includes the smart doorbell.

Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page—this is different from the Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Pro 3. Still, it’s an outdoor security camera that’s completely wireless. It works with an app so you can control it from your smartphone while you watch the videos.

Arlo Pro Key Features

Design

This camera looks nice enough, and it’s not too big either measuring 2.8 x 1.9 x 3.1 inches. It only weighs 4.8 ounces. It wouldn’t look too out of place if you put it indoors with its housing. Your purchase also comes with the hub (base station), which measures 2.3 x 6.9 x 5 inches.

If you get the discounted package, there’s no wall mount. But then again you can buy that separately (for about $20). You also get the rechargeable battery, power adapter and power cable for the camera, ethernet cable, quick start guide, and window decal. It does have a magnet in the housing to let you attach it to a metal surface, or you can just place it on a table or bookshelf.

You can power the camera with the rechargeable battery, which should last for a few months before needing a recharge. However, you can also buy an outdoor power adapter for your Arlo Pro for about $25, which charges your camera at all times.

Setup

The installation for this system is actually quite easy. If this is the first time you got an Arlo, you first need to get the Arlo app and then make your account. Then plug in the base station and connect it to an open port on your home router.

The power and internet LEDs will turn green, after which you tap the button marked “Add Device”. Select “Base Station” from the menu, and your hub will be recognized right away. Give it a name, then switch to the next screen so you can sync the cameras with the hub. Put the camera right near the hub, press the Sync button on top of the hub, and press the sync button on the camera.

This leads to the blinking of a blue LED light on the camera, which tells you that you’ve paired your camera. Do the same process for the other cameras. Afterwards, place the cameras within 300 feet of the base station.

Now it’s time for the app. This has lots of features, with plenty of status reading and settings. You can adjust the settings for motion detection and video, watch clips, and get a live feed. You can also grant access to family and friends.

Video Quality

Here you’re still limited to 720p resolution. For some, that’s clear enough since they’re watching the videos on a small smartphone screen. However, if you do watch these videos on a large TV you certainly will notice that it’s not as clear as 1080p (and not to mention the 4K resolution in some cameras.

The night vision is actually terrific compared to other IR videos from other cameras. These black and white videos offer a nice contrast so you can actually still recognize some people up to a range of 25 feet.

Track and Zoom

This lets you pan and zoom to certain areas to get a clearer view. You also get a 130-degree field of view, compared to other cameras that are limited to just 95 degrees.

Audio Quality

This comes with 2-way audio. This helps if you have this right on your gate and you can converse with a visitor. You can also shoo people or animals away. In fact, this even comes with a loud siren that can alert your neighbors and panic would-be burglars. At more than 100 decibels, this siren can wake up people all around.

Motion and Sound Detection

This has motion detection but no sound detection. You can adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor to minimize the false alerts. Whenever it’s activated, it records videos and sends you an email and push notifications.

Cloud Storage Costs

Technically, you don’t have to pay for cloud storage. You can keep videos of the last 7 days for free. You even have a microSD slot that lets you save up to 32Gb worth of videos. However, you can pay extra starting at $3 per month per camera to get a 30-day history. You also enjoy 30 days of cloud storage if you choose to pay $10 a month for your system of up to 10 cameras. For $15 a month, you get 60 days of video history for up to 20 cameras.

What’s probably more important here is that you can get the full list of features and services if you get one of these plans. These include the Advanced AI detection, which can differentiate between persons, pets, packages, and vehicles. So, you can minimize the false alarms by adjusting the settings to send you an alarm if a person and not a dog approaches the camera.

You also get custom activity zones, which can send you an alert when something enters or leaves a certain area you’ve defined. You can also receive lock screen notifications. You may even get the e911 emergency call service to get the cops right to your home when there’s an intruder.

Smart Home Compatibility

This works with lots of other smart home systems. These include Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. It’s also compatible with Samsung SmartThings, Stringify and IFTTT.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

The app gives you immediate alerts while you’re also able to watch live streams and previous recordings. You can use different modes (including scheduled arm and disarm) and share access to the Arlo camera activity.

FAQs

How do I use this with other smart devices?

You can set it to alarm or to start recording if a certain door or window is opened. If your Arlo Pro motion detector senses movement, it can also activate your smart home lights.

Why is there a lag when I hit the Live button?

That’s because the camera is idle until motion is detected or if you request a live feed. So it needs some time to start, though the lag is only 3 seconds.

Where is it best placed?

As is, it’s probably best to put it indoors. While it certainly works outdoors, you need to find a way to secure it so that it won’t get stolen easily. For that you’ll need the wall mount, which costs extra.

How good is the audio?

The videos can include the audio when the camera starts recording. The sound is very clear, so much so that you can hear twigs snapping when someone steps on them.

Verdict

There’s no doubt that from the looks of it the Arlo Pro is a terrific camera. Sure, the 720p resolution isn’t quite as HD as some may want it to be, but for smartphone videos and live feeds it’s clear enough. The night vision clarity is also great.

What’s just annoying is the need to pay a monthly fee for the full range of features. If the Arlo Pro can give you advanced AI detection and custom activity zones without the monthly fee, it would be just about ideal.

(Read real customer reviews here.)

Price isn’t always an indicator of quality but in some cases, it’s really best to invest in what you’re getting if you want the best results. This is why even with very cheap options available, the high-end home security camera market continues to flourish. Arlo Pro 2 is a solid proof of this as it continues to provide great features and performance that is worth every penny.

Hailed by many experts as one of the best in class picks, the Arlo Pro 2 may come at a premium price but its wide range of features make it well worth the splurge. From its free cloud backup deal to its waterproof construction and excellent versatility, it certainly makes a solid case in being one of the finest smart home security systems in the market today.

A Closer Look at the Arlo Pro 2: Detailed Review

Design and Features

As an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the Arlo Pro 2 is one of Netgear’s answers to the current trend of offering smaller and more heavy-duty cameras for home security. It’s meant to be modern, easy to set up, and simple to work with in order to appeal to the general public.

To complete its modern design, however, it should also blend in well in a contemporary home. This explains why it has a sleek and minimalist design, making sure that it won’t look out of place in most homes. Being a new iteration of a reprised line, however, it wasn’t completely redesigned to look very different from the first generation of Arlo Pros.

The Arlo Pro 2 is best characterized as a combination of a base station and egg-shaped cameras. The base is a simple white rectangular device that looks like a regular router with just the brand name and indicator lights and illustrated labels on its face. It’s meant to be connected to your router and sit next to it, too.

The cameras are also primarily white-colored with a black face. From the back, it somehow looks like an egg but with its elongated side and black paneling on the lens side, it certainly looks like a modern camera. The bases are flat so they can assume a free-standing position on top of a flat surface like a counter or bookshelf. Angling them can be limited, however, in such a position, so if you need the cameras to face an angle, you will need to attach them on the metal mounts included in the package.

Under the camera, you’ll find a small speaker and microphone that enable the 2-way audio capability of the Arlo Pro 2.

Setup and usage

One of the most enticing things about the Arlo Pro 2 is the fact that there are 2 ways to set it up. You can set it up on an app on your smartphone or through the product’s website. This gives you the flexibility and convenience in installing your home security network.

Setting up the hardware pieces is also very simple to do. As mentioned above, the base station only really needs to be connected to your router and plugged in. Once set up, you just need to power on the cameras then press on one of the top buttons on the cameras to sync them with the base. Wait until the light on the base turns green and you’re all set. You can then place your cameras wherever you wish to place them.

As mentioned above, if you need to position the cameras at an angle, you can use the metal mounts included in the package. They will require a more permanent installation, however, so they might require more work than the other pieces in this system.

It should also be noted that some routers are not compatible with the base, so you might want to check first which ones will work with this kit. With the wrong router, your set up might not work at all.

Video Quality

Arlo Pro 2’s 1080p video quality is a good enhancement from the original Arlo Pro’s 720p. It’s a good match for the 130-degree angle that the cameras capture, providing the right resolution without image distortion or lagging.

Its night vision is crisp and with good contrast and light distribution. However, when viewed on a large screen, it can get pixelated and there are some issues in the fine details.

The clip lengths of the Arlo Pro 2 is also notable. It can save clips up to 5 minutes long and downloading them only takes a few seconds. There’s also no ‘cool down’ time for its recording, ensuring that everything will be captured when its motion and audio sensors are triggered.

The ‘look-back’ feature is also a nice addition to this product as it saves the footage from 3 seconds before the sensor was triggered. As a result, you can get a more complete picture of what’s happening when your security system was set off. This mode is only available when the camera is plugged in, however.

Audio Quality

For a surveillance camera, the audio of the Arlo Pro 2 is quite decent. While it’s a bit soft when played back in recordings, it’s clear and loud when picking up audio in real-time. It can, however, become intermittent and some words can be dropped from time to time. The camera’s speaker is also quite loud, so whatever audio you wish to transmit to it can be heard rather clearly.

Track and Zoom

To help you hone in on the details of your footage, you can zoom in up to 8x in the smartphone app. With its 1080p resolution, the picture will stay clear despite the zooming in. It also helps in keeping a good definition when tracking motion. It only slightly falters in night vision as the footage can get a bit pixelated in the said mode.

Motion and Sound Detection

The default mode of the Arlo Pro 2 is to start recording when it detects sound or movements within its Activity Zones. It will also automatically send you notifications on your phone or via email. You can disarm or schedule the sensors so you don’t have to be bombarded with notifications when you’re at home.

Should you wish to record footage continuously, you can also do so by subscribing to the CVR plan. Rates depend on the number of cameras and the duration of the plan.

Cloud Storage Costs

Another edge that the Arlo Pro 2 has over its competition is its 7-day cloud storage which is the basic offering from Netgear. Other brands only offer 24-hour packages, so this is already a generous offer. It also proves to be more than enough as downloading clips is very easy. There’s also a USB port on the base station which will allow you to save the videos without a fuss.

Should you wish to purchase more cloud storage, however, the prices are rather competitive. As mentioned above, they depend on the number of cameras and the duration of the plan that you wish to subscribe for.

Smart Home Compatibility

Further proving its convenience is Arlo Pro 2’s compatibility with various smart home networks. It plays nicely with the Apple Homekit, Amazon’s Alexa, Stringify, IFTTT, and the Google Assistant.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

The back-end controls for the Arlo Pro 2 is also very user-friendly. Both the mobile app and web portal have the same design so you don’t have to make adjustments when you switch between the two. However, you can’t use both applications at the same time. One will log you out of the other once they detect that you’re logged in both.

FAQs

What is the difference between the Arlo Pro and Pro 2?

While these two items look a lot alike except for the smaller black front panel in the Pro 2, there are quite a few significant differences between the two. As mentioned above, the Pro 2 is a total enhancement of the original Pro, so you can expect for the newer model to offer more advanced features and better performance in general.

Can you mix Arlo Pro and Pro 2 cameras?

Yes. If you already have an Arlo Pro kit, you can just add some Arlo Pro 2 cameras to the network and they’ll all work with each other. Arlo offers full back compatibility to its base stations making mixing and matching Arlo cameras possible.

Is there a monthly fee for Arlo?

Yes, like other home security systems, you can also subscribe to an expanded cloud storage plan with the Arlo Pro 2. It’s not required to use the system, however.

Will Arlo work without Internet?

Arlo can work without an internet connection if you only want it to record clips. However, you will not be able to access them through the app or the web portal. You can still download them using the USB port, however. With how cumbersome the process is, it tends to defeat the purpose of opting for this home security system.

Conclusion

After getting to know the Arlo Pro 2, it’s a lot easier to see why it received lots of praises and commendations from users and experts alike. It’s easy to set up and is loaded with excellent features that it ticks all the boxes in what a home or business owner looks for in a DIY surveillance system. So despite its rather hefty price tag, it’s still considered as a worthy splurge.

Nowadays, wiring security cameras isn’t as popular as it was once. Not now when going wireless is a much more convenient option. But sometimes you have spots in your property where the Wi-Fi isn’t as good. Arlo provides for this situation by offering a security camera that works with 4G LTE instead. In your phone tends to enjoy getting a reliable mobile signal, then that’s great for your Arlo Go.

This means you can place this anywhere in your property where the Wi-Fi signal doesn’t get to. This is great for extensive properties, obviously. If you can’t use a Wi-Fi extender, then this is another option you can use to make sure your entire property is monitored properly.

Arlo Go Key Features

This is a squarish camera that looks like the bulkier big brother of the Arlo Pro. It measures 3.5 x 2.73 x 3 inches, and weighs 11.8 ounces without the battery.

However, your purchase does come with the rechargeable battery. In addition, you get the black outdoor security mount, 3 mounting screws, a power cable with adapter, a SIM card, a quick-start guide, and a window decal.

The overall look is nicely neutral, so you can use this indoors and it won’t clash too much with your interior theme. It does have a touch of a hi-tech vibe, which fits most homes.

The design is simple, which is a relief for most people. A button on top opens the port for the battery. At the back, there’s a port you use to connect a micro-USB cable. In front, there’s another button for syncing the camera with your phone. And that’s that.

Installation and Setup

This works for both indoors and outdoors. It’s actually very portable, which is great when you want to leave it in various different places depending on the circumstances. If you’re using this indoors, you can just put it on a side table or a bookshelf. For outdoor use, screw in the black metal stand to the port under the unit and then to the ceiling or wall. You can then adjust the angle.

You screw this in by hand, which may be a concern. The Arlo Go is big enough to be highly visible, and people can just unscrew the camera and run away with it.

The installation is a simple 3-step process:

1. Put in the SIM card at the back.
2. Press the sync button at the front.
3. Activate the Arlo app on your phone, and you complete the connection.

Open the app, and you can then watch a live stream from the camera. You may also engage in a 2-way conversation, or record a video or snap a photo.

Video Quality

The resolution here is just 720p. That may not be enough for positive ID, especially when the subject is moving fast and it’s dark. Still, while 720p is a bit blurry on a large TV the video should work well enough as seen on your smartphone. Besides, you’re transmitting over 4G and you don’t really want to transmit the video sizes that come with 4K resolution.

The camera itself can do well in the outdoors with its IP65 weather-resistance. That means it’s tightly sealed against dust while even water from a nozzle won’t damage it. It should do well against rain. If you don’t mount it on a wall or ceiling, you can basically carry this anywhere and you won’t need to reinstall and re-setup.

The Arlo App can control a number (or even a variety) of Arlo cameras. You can arm or disarm a camera to activate the motion sensor, or you can schedule it to operate only at certain times.

Geofencing is also an option. this disarms the camera when it detects your smartphone within a certain distance. The camera also does well in determining when it’s dark enough to warrant the use of the infrared night vision. The app is quite intuitive and easy to use.

Track and Zoom

You can’t pan and tilt the camera, though at least it has a wide field of view to work with. You also get 8x digital zoom.

Audio Quality

This offers 2-way audio, which actually proves useful for several situations. You can use this to frighten away animals or even burglars, or talk to pets. If you have visitors, this also works so you can talk to the visitor.

Motion and Sound Detection

This has motion detection, which sends you alerts when it’s activated while it starts recording a video. You can reduce the sensitivity of the motion sensor, which should reduce the number of false alerts.

The camera also has sound sensors, which alerts you when the sound it picks up is loud enough. This may not be very practical outdoors, though at night it can certainly hear car alarms. But it works very well indoors, especially when there’s a noise when the house is supposed to be empty!

Cloud Storage Costs

This is actually free. The basic plan costs you nothing, which is why it’s also called the “no subscription” option. You get 7 days of recordings. You also have a microSD card slot for locally saved video recordings.

However, if you want more, you have to pay. For 30 days of video history, you have to pay about $3 a month per camera, or $10 for up to 10 cameras. You can get up to 60 days of video history for $15 a month, and that’s for up to 20 cameras.

These Arlo Smart Plans also offer advanced services such as advanced AI detection (people, pet, vehicle, or package), custom activity zones, lock screen notifications and e911 emergency call service. What you have to understand is that you only get 15 minutes of free live streaming. After that, you need a data plan to pay for viewing live streams.

Smart Home Compatibility

This works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, along with Stringify and IFTT.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

The free app works with iOS, Android, and FireOS, and you can use a web browser as well.

Find the apps here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arlo.app&hl=en
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arlo/id1459289784 

FAQs

Is there’s really no need for a subscription plan?

Not at first. But then when you use up your 15 minutes of live streaming, you’re done. In practical terms, you do need a data plan.

How much will the data plans cost?

For 15 minutes a month, it’s $5. For 120 minutes, it’s $23 and $33 for 225 minutes.

How long will the battery last before I need to recharge it?

On average, about a month. This assumes you’re using optimized video settings and your camera only records 5 minutes of video a day.

Where are the places where the Arlo Go may be the best options?

These places include parking lots, construction work sites, outdoor trails, docks and boats, and farms.

How does Arlo Go compare with other Netgear security solutions?

You can read real customer reviews for Arlo solutions here.

Verdict

As you can see in the places where you can use the Arlo Go, this camera does have its uses. Its portability means you can bring it anywhere without having to rely on Wi-Fi. As long as you have your LTE signal, you’re good to go.

However, for just home security this can be a rather expensive proposition. It is good, but the cost may be too much for the camera. That’s not even counting the data plan fees. You can use it in places where a regular Wi-Fi camera won’t work. For other places, another camera may be your more cost-effective option.