I have always been impressed with the Arlo product line. The Arlo Pro HD Home Security System sets a new level of excellence for wireless home security cameras. While the video might be the same as the previous generation, everything else is drastically improved.
Let’s take a closer look at all the improvements.
Software
You can access the Arlo Pro Home Security Camera System with your smartphone or via their web portal. It’s the same app as the other two Arlo camera models and that’s great news. Already have too many home security apps on my phone.
The smartphone apps are well done. You can view multiple cameras from here as well as perform most configuration changes.
There is a motion detection function that allows establishment of a schedule based upon time of day. Motion is detected with the use of Infrared technology (body heat). The software allows establishment of a sensitivity setting of 1 – 100% for sensitivity. Putting it in the middle is typically the best advice but something you need to play with. The Arlo Pro detects motion up to 23 feet away.
The Arlo Pro HD Home Security System is among the tops in free cloud storage. Arlo provides 7 days worth of cloud storage at no charge. Video associated with motion and sound triggered events are uploaded to the cloud for future viewing. Arlo also offers paid upgrades which increase the number of storage days all the way up to 60.
You can also attach a USB card reader to the Arlo Pro base and that will activate local recording in addition to cloud.
Hardware
Similar to previous generations of Arlo wireless cameras, this one also requires a hub. Unlike a traditional standalone device, each camera is a slave to a master router. The master router is wired into your home’s router. According to Arlo, a distance of 300 feet between the router and camera is supported.
Sync the cameras to the base station before use. Do that before putting them into position as this process requires the camera to be within a few feet of the base. Just press a button on the camera and one on the base. The router recognizes the connection request from the camera unit.
These cameras are rated as IP65. That means the Arlo Pro HD is protected against low pressure water jets from all directions, limited ingress permitted. That’s the official meaning of IP65. So it’s ok to attach to the outside of my home.
The Arlo Pro HD Home Security System now uses rechargeable batteries. There’s a battery life indicator within the app. When it’s time to recharge the battery, use the included charger. You can also purchase an additional Arlo Pro Rechargeable Battery as a backup. The batteries can be charged within the camera or using an optional external charger.
The battery life remains at 4-6 months, but it’s dependent upon use. The 4-6 months is based upon 5 minutes of active use daily. Use the camera frequently and the battery life will be less. If the camera is only used on an infrequent basis, you will get a lot more battery life. If you are using this to monitor a vacation home, some careful planning is suggested (I speak from experience).
The Arlo Pro HD Home Security Camera has sound! That’s an improvement from previous Arlo wireless cameras. The Arlo Pro supports a two-way conversation. Sound alerts are also supported. I’m not a big fan of sound alerts on any cameras as it’s rarely a reliable indicator of activity. However, it’s nice to be able to have a conversation with someone that’s in the remote location and that’s what I would use this two-way audio feature for.
The image is very clear. The 720p lens gives a nice clear picture day and night. There are 850 nm LEDs which illuminate up to 25 feet for night use.
The Arlo Pro HD Home Security System now features a siren. That’s fairly unique. I have only seen this before in the Canary Home Security System. It’s activated from the app or can be triggered by motion. Great for scaring an intruder or your significant other.
The cameras are larger and heavier than prior generations of Arlo cameras. You can thank the rechargeable lithium battery for that. The Arlo Pro HD cameras measure 2.3 x 6.9 x 5.0 in and weigh a little more than 11 ounces.
Connectivity
Connectivity refers to the connection of the cameras to the base unit since the base is wired into your home router. The cameras connect to the base unit at 2.4GHz using 802.11n.
Mounts
The Arlo Pro HD Home Security Camera uses a dome shaped magnetic mount with an adhesive backing. The mount is included with the camera purchase. There is also a standard 1/4″ – 20 threaded tripod hole on the back of the camera that can be used with alternative mounts. A variety of universal camera mounts can be used on the these cameras.
Fun and Different
You can add an Arlo Pro camera to an existing Arlo hub. This includes the prior generation. You can also use your older Arlo wireless cameras with the new Arlo Pro HD hub. That’s a great way to expand your capability while preserving your investment in older generation hardware. Nice job Arlo.
Summary
The Arlo Pro HD Home Security System is a big improvement over previous generations of wireless cameras. To date, I would say these are the most refined of what I have seen including other brands of wireless cameras. It’s a good addition to a home or business in need of cameras without wires. I like this one a lot.
Quick Specs:
| Video Quality | Field of View | Cloud Support | SD Support | Night Vision | Mobile/Web App | Alerts | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1280x720 | 130 Degrees | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes/Yes | Yes | Yes |
Manufacturer Link: Arlo