$180 – $280
2K HDR wireless security camera with 160° FOV, spotlight, siren. Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit (via hub).
Need longer battery life
Up to 30% longer battery life than Pro 4 on same usage patterns
Want best Arlo color quality
12-bit sensor captures more color data than Pro 4s 10-bit sensor
Using Arlo home security system
SecureLink pairs with Arlo hub for extended range and power/internet outage protection
Have 5GHz WiFi network
Dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz + 5GHz) provides faster, more reliable connection than Pro 4
Already own Arlo Pro 4
Incremental upgrade - 5GHz and SecureLink may not justify $80 price difference
Avoiding subscription fees
Same subscription requirements as Pro 4 for AI detection and cloud storage
Need rock-solid reliability
Early firmware has issues - some units less reliable than older Pro 4
Budget is primary concern
$280 per camera - Arlo Essential XL 2K offers similar features for less
Cameras go offline weekly and miss obvious motion events that Pro 4 catches
Arlo CommunitySevere battery drain - some units die in 3 days despite low activity
Arlo CommunityNight vision IR clicks on/off continuously, draining battery and causing flickering
Arlo CommunityFrame rate choppy/jerky compared to Pro 4 - unpleasant viewing experience
Arlo CommunityLess reliable than Pro 4 - misses events, takes snapshots instead of videos
commonCause: Firmware maturity issues with newer hardware
Battery drains in days instead of months
commonCause: Night vision cycling bug and possible hardware defects
Geofencing not working reliably
commonCause: App/firmware bugs with location services
Video display glitches - left side appears on right
rareCause: Hardware or firmware encoding bug
Expecting immediate 5GHz connection
Initial setup still requires 2.4GHz proximity, then can switch to 5GHz
Tip: Start setup near router on 2.4GHz, camera will auto-negotiate to 5GHz when optimal
Not updating firmware immediately after setup
Early firmware versions have more reliability issues
Tip: Check for firmware updates in app immediately after camera is online
Installing without SecureLink hub for security system
Miss out on extended range and outage protection benefits
Tip: If using Arlo security system, pair via SecureLink for best performance
AI detection, cloud video storage, activity zones, remote access without hub
Local recording via SmartHub USB, SecureLink maintains operation during outages
Video footage, motion metadata, 5GHz network data, geofencing location
Same Arlo cloud concerns as Pro 4. SecureLink adds security but still cloud-dependent for advanced features.
Tested with up to 15 devices
5GHz support allows more cameras without 2.4GHz congestion. SecureLink extends range beyond WiFi. 12-bit color uses more storage than Pro 4.
Early firmware less stable than mature Pro 4 firmware. Battery life claims may not match real-world with current firmware.
Arlo Pro 4
If: Want proven reliability over new features
Arlo Essential XL 2K
If: Budget conscious but want 2K Arlo
Eufy SoloCam S40
If: Want no subscription at all
Building new Arlo system with SecureLink hub
SecureLink integration provides best range and outage protection for security system
Have congested 2.4GHz network
5GHz support can provide more reliable connection in crowded IoT environments
Already have working Pro 4 cameras
Incremental upgrade - Pro 4 firmware is more mature and reliable currently
Want subscription-free security
Same subscription requirements as Pro 4 - consider Eufy for no-fee option
Known firmware issue with night vision cycling. Check for firmware updates. Some units may need replacement.
Source: Arlo CommunitySame as Pro 4 - not required for local storage, but Arlo Secure needed for cloud storage and AI detection.
Source: Arlo SupportProprietary protocol for direct hub connection. Provides extended range beyond WiFi and keeps cameras running during internet outages.
Source: Arlo SupportCurrently no - early firmware has more issues. Pro 4 is more mature. Wait for firmware updates if reliability is critical.
Source: Arlo Community5GHz WiFi support, SecureLink for hub connection, 12-bit color sensor, 30% longer battery. Otherwise identical features.
Source: Arlo FAQ