Arlo Essential Spotlight Cam vs Eufy Cam 2C vs Reolink Argus 3 - Which WIFI Camera is BETTER?

[@leokimvideo]

My God the Arlo is really bad quality, and there's the stupid subscription fees. Nice to see a review thats actually a HONEST product review and not a suck up ad that you see all over KZbin now.

[@nicholasgordon5967]

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[@jacobyjeremias9585]

@Nicholas Gordon instablaster :)

[@nicholasgordon5967]

@Jacoby Jeremias i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im in the hacking process now. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@nicholasgordon5967]

@Jacoby Jeremias It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you really help me out!

[@jacobyjeremias9585]

@Nicholas Gordon Glad I could help :)

[@boojackson7133]

Top notch review from the pre eminent camera reviewer..hands down the best!!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank You. I appreciate it.

[@silverpig11]

This. is the kind of break down and research I'm interested in. Thank you so much for the time and energy you put into this, it was incredibly informative!

[@iamasmurf1122]

Shut up

[@dankelley9361]

Outstanding video going thru all the options of the cameras. I think the clarity of image makes the Argus 3 a clear winner!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank You.

[@nachhaltig-reparieren]

thanks for the test as usual and clearly the Reolink is the best cam

[@mantiz1967]

That Reolink looks super sharp and clear compared to the others

[@THEG12EG]

Starlight

[@jmbrierley]

they apply a lot of oversharpening. It looks fake.

[@mantiz1967]

J A bit it still looks much cleaner no matter what they do to clean it up

[@THEG12EG]

mantiz1967 it’s has a better sensor and is definitely the best picture

[@LifeHackster]

Reolink are known for better quality all across their camera line. They just need AI and better app...

[@milanjurich1526]

Argus 3 video quality is outstanding compared to the other 2.

[@josej-h1471]

I have reolink Argus and reolink pro and they aren’t good, they freeze alooooooot!!!

[@LifeHackster]

Freezing is caused by setting the quality to clear or 1080p and you don't have an excellent wifi or data signal. Try setting it to fluent. Now, this quality is only for the streaming on your phone. The camera still records motion events in full HD.. just make sure to choose "clear" when you download the footage.

[@esj4373]

@@josej-h1471 don't blame the product, you have bad internet service, try a extender

[@josej-h1471]

@@esj4373 I have a wifi extender!!

[@ngochuybk]

@@josej-h1471 you need mesh wifi mate, Wifi extender is rubbished

[@KouserYangMusic]

For the Eufycam 2C, if your camera is set to motion detection and armed the camera/base station will alarm when motion is detected. If your camera is set to human-only and armed, the camera will record motion at night but only alarm if it detects a person. I think this is a rather smart feature given that human-only detection is more difficult at night. The camera now serves as a home security system if used correctly.

[@LifeHackster]

I haven't tested this.. but I thought it will still trigger the alarm when it detects any motion at night..just like it still sends me notifications.

[@KouserYangMusic]

@@LifeHackster Under Human Only mode it says "all motion will still be recorded and pushed at night time". I believe Eufy does this as a safety measure. However the only requirement to trigger the camera/base station alarm is if the parameters of the camera settings are met, meaning human only is confirmed.

[@losmoore3358]

Hows the battery life on the 2c ? I'm caught between decisions on eufy 2c and Blink outdoor. 2c doesn't have solar.

[@odc2566]

As always, great review. Definitely made my decision to go for the Argus 3. Salamat po 🙌

[@esj4373]

Great Job 👍Reolink is getting my money💵

[@zuhairhlayel]

Awesom video comparison. Reolink Argus 3 video quality unbeatable. Thanks.

[@frankm2385]

I'm suprised any of these cameras can use the term "Spotlight." Great review as always!

[@LifeHackster]

It should be "penlight" cameras :)

[@frankm2385]

@@LifeHackster 😁👍🏼

[@ELEVOPR]

No subscription is the real winner all the time 🤗

[@jahbean6434]

when the camera is $300 I would hope its free

[@ELEVOPR]

@@jahbean6434 You can pay more for the cameras and you still have to pay for Subscription to record. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Frenchyk]

Keep up the great work bro. Any plans on reviewing the new Eufycam 2C Pro?

[@LifeHackster]

I will.. just ordered it... thanks.

[@Hoqmeister]

got the Arlo Essential as it has longer range detection of Humans and higher FPS, day or night. If only it had the crisp video quality of Argus 3 but at least it's still sharper than the 2C which has the softest image quality. Arlo offers 7 days free recordings/uploads, that'll do for me so no subscription required. Recording time after motion detection is up to 300 secs which I believe is much longer than the other two and I noticed cooling off period between recordings/notifications is shorter. Theres a 3-5 sec lag for notifications to arrive even though I have it in a strong wifi signal area. The spotlight on it is no brighter than on a mobile phone. I've had it for 6 days now and the battery is on 94% I estimate it will last only 3 months rather than the claimed 6 months but it's probably because I have it at the highest settings for image quality and detection.

[@sergiopabon1387]

I think the feature that you are talking about is the mode feature . Where the cameras can change its setting base on geofencing, schedule, home mode or away mode.

[@LifeHackster]

Good guess... but you will still need your phone for this features e.g. geofencing.

[@SlooHands711]

Great comparative review !!!! You hit on the exact concerns & products I had in mind. . THX !!!

[@robinsommerhauser4256]

Thank you for this video. Very helpful. We are looking to install cameras on our property.

[@kapaluatime]

Terrific video. Very informative. Thank you!

[@CarlosGomez-tl5cw]

Hello, first thanks for the great review. Am looking how to set up a securty, I like the Eufy, but the warranty for 1 year is a deal breaker, my second choice is the Aerlo, but I don't want a subscription, any suggestions, thanks.

[@pattis584]

Not sure when it was released, but Wasserstein has a (wired) Weatherproof Outdoor Charger Compatible with eufyCam 2C & 2C Pro.

[@BTBSean0]

i have 4 reolinks 1 pt cam and 3 others all attached to solar panels ....bloody great cameras i love mine

[@sethi100]

Which brand and camera models do you suggest that uses a base station and no need to pay for a subscription? I have original Arlo cams and there end of life per Arlo is this July. Thx.

[@markenglert8725]

I have to Eufy-2c cameras both now have solar panels. Sold by Eufy. They keep both batteries top off

[@ganjab2200]

i have the eufy e cams very clear video easy to install and long battery life

[@LifeHackster]

Eufy cam E I think has better compression than the 2 or the 2C.

[@andresvalencia1174]

Arlo Smart’s e911 feature provides access to emergency services local to the camera’s location for quick action in emergency situations.

[@LifeHackster]

True.. if this is the answer for the question I asked, you will still need your smartphone to access this feature.

[@andresvalencia1174]

LifeHackster ok, thanks. 👍

[@geraldharper330]

Nicely done. I have the Arlo, but the Argus 3 is better...

[@MrTolcher]

Argus 3 appears to be a really great camera, if they could work out a way to reduce the false notifications it would be a contender thats hard to beat.

[@Frenchyk]

I hear that it picks up the wind and other things. Is that true?

[@LifeHackster]

I know... they need to work on AI and motion zones on their battery cameras.

[@LifeHackster]

As to false motion notifications/recordings... the toggle switch to reduce it, works but not 100%.

[@erick11nov]

Excellent review like always , tomorrow I will receive the Arlo essential 3cams package, I was wondering if you have a review or if you recommend to protect or camouflage the cameras using skins in order to hide them or protect them from sun ,rain or snow . Thanks again and all the best

[@MortenJensenOfficial]

Very very good review as always!. It look like Argus 3 has the best image quality all-around. But no AI is bad so it will get false alarm from animals and other things. I think no subscription is the way to go when we pay so high prices for a camera. But i still don't understand in 2020 the frame rate and bit rate is so bad. If you ask me bit and frame rate are more importen than resolution. One thing i also think is too bad is the 5-10 seconds delay then you want to see liveview. It needs to bo in 1-2 seconds.

[@Kradle]

Thank u for the honest & concise reviews!

[@alexgrecu4395]

Hi, great reviews , love your videos. Do you know how far from the base the Eufy 2c can be installed at ?

[@LifeHackster]

I’ve tested this with all eufys cameras can I’m able to stream even 70 feet away.

[@alexgrecu4395]

Perfect and thank you so much for the answer

[@HKnK8]

What would you personally recommend between EufyCam2 or Blink outdoor?

[@LifeHackster]

Eufy..

[@joachimcalewaert1746]

How do you mount the different camera's? When you have to recharge you have to remove the camera from is mounting spot. Is this easy?

[@seanbrown8920]

Why does the Eufy motion sensitivity seem to diminish over time? Are these cameras disposable?

[@dr.rockproductions191]

Hi, what is the ideal camera placement? For example, would the spotlight be better placed on a garage, or over the front door? Thank you...

[@shaunoneil3068]

Great informative video! I’ve been looking at the reolink for a while now and I’m curious if turning it on and off is an option when someone is home so you don’t get overloaded with notifications?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, you can turn off the PIR sensor so it will not detect motion.

[@stargate25645]

Reolink has an NVR, so I think that's something to consider as well. I've just had issues with Reolink firmware on their indoor cameras so it makes me hesitate to buy their outdoor ones even though they seem to put Eufy to shame on video quality. Arlo would perhaps be worth the money if they put the AI detection on-camera so we didn't get such a ridiculous notification delay.

[@RealElectech]

It doesn't need an NVR for this model. Recording is local to a microSD.

[@rhodyate]

Hi there, I have just returned the Reolink Argus 3 because I couldn't access the recording its a fault in the camera, I have other Reolink camera models and they fantastic,

[@andrewstrauss7816]

Great stuff!! So if you had to pick one of these outdoor cameras, what one you pick given everything you talked about in your review?

[@Keepedy1313]

LH, thanks for the great review! One question. I have Arlo 2, I have had it for a few years, I saw your video here, and the video is so superior on the Reolink, and I was looking to get Arlo essential, but do you think the Reolink pro 3 is worth switching to are the Reolink pro? And do you know what is the night FPS is on the Reolink? Thanks for your time

[@allenowens2963]

Great video as always!!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank You.

[@shawnballinger2270]

Great video. I'm curious how the Eufy 2c Pro would have stacked up against the Argus, which clearly looks better in your experimentation. Thanks for putting this together!

[@kimonakata2788]

Hello, sorry off the subject but i have a question about the eufy floodlight cam. My walk way is 90 degrees from my front door. Will the sensor/camera unit be able to cover that much of a angle?

[@dylanpires5964]

does the argus 3 have to be connected to wifi to record? if I want to put the camera in a garage that is a block away from my house will it still record and save the videos to an SD inside the camera?

[@LifeHackster]

Setting up, viewing live view and recorded footage, etc, you will need WiFi... but it should continue to record when it detects motion even without wifi.. you just have to reconnect/or get it back to the WiFi area to view the recorded footage or remove the micro SD card.

[@andrewwhitehead1562]

Which would you recommend for low traffic environments

[@ac7384]

What does reolink say battery life is on the 3 Argos. Amd what could someone exspect out of the. Battery ?

[@ak4509]

Thanks for the great review! I have one question LifeHacker... you said in the review that the Eufy camera CAN take clear footage but because of the compression and 15 FPS the video looks low quality. Does the Eufy recorded video quality at the base station also get compressed, or is it just the live footage as it’s being sent to your phone?

[@ac7384]

Also. What eufy camera had better quality video. Especially at night. Cam 2 cam 2 c or the cam e. Amd is there one you def reccomend over the other.

[@MynameisKyle99]

In terms of video, reolink seems king. But man that eufy mic pics up audio so well

[@tomac7]

What are a perfect not solar camera? Best regards

[@LifeHackster]

Wired WiFi cameras? Ring or EZVIZ

[@1982seca1]

Have you tested Night Owl?

[@LifeHackster]

No. I haven’t.

[@1982seca1]

@@LifeHackster will you test them? Wireless thanks

[@veniceblairxo5465]

great vid - very very educational, very reliable!

[@jellyjenn12291]

Reolink makes wired wifi cameras do they work any better than the battery ones, i have 2 of the Argus PTs and they sometimes time out when trying to live view them on the app (or PC) will I have the same issue if I got a wired camera from them?

[@richardcordero1902]

Looking for a good security camera system. My wife REALLY needs to feel Safe. What would you recommend? What are you using?

[@lukethejohnson]

I currently have Argus 2s hooked up to solar panels. Work great in the summer, but in the winter I have to get out the ladder and charge them all the time. Thinking of switching. Do any of these have significantly better battery life? I want to get out the ladder as little as possible, especially in winter.

[@Samzep]

Hi have you got the ai 4k Reolink please tell me i only want to know how the human detection go ?

[@LifeHackster]

I haven't tested it yet.. but will do a review video when I do.

[@IrnMaiden304]

Eufy does offer the solar panel, they might not have had at the time of this video though. Also you can have more then one device / user being notified and have access, a nice thing I think for Mr and Mrs home owner.

[@Jojo-hr8ps]

If I buy like 2-4 Argus 3, do I need subscription? Also how is battery life?

[@thescorpionstrikes]

Perfect. Thanks!

[@abz9304]

Hi would you recommend argus 3 or argus 3 pro for price difference. Asking from Australia mate

[@ronm6585]

Great review, thanks.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for watching!

[@josemiguelsoria-morales6777]

I just bought me the 4 pack of the Arlo Essential Spot light, and the guy from Best Buy told me that it has a 6 month battery lifespan. How true is that?

[@gwarner565]

Not very

[@thereisonlythecave]

Interesting video, thank you. I bought a Ring spotlight wired cam but it takes 45 seconds to activate the camera, and I have to wait for the videos to process. I have a Nighthawk R7000 router, and the signal strength according to device health is RSSI 52-53. Is the reason for the long activating time and long video processing time a weak signal? If so, what kind of internet extender would you suggest? Help!

[@LifeHackster]

52-53 is a decent signal. How about the WiFi or you internet connection on your phone? Sometimes, the Ring app just does that..it takes time to load especially when you answer the notification. Ring needs to improve this feature.

[@brandonbethune4439]

Will a small 20lb dog trigger the riolink argus 3?

[@GGA281080]

nobody?

[@norwegianzound]

Setup to do a 24 time-lapse on the Argus 3. The battery was dead after 6 hours.

[@kvblum2007]

Great video....thank you! I have the Arlo Essential but have not installed yet. But I did test it. It seems pretty good. I have other ARLO cameras and use local usb storage.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks.

[@belliardpatrice6125]

Good job man ! Many thks

[@nikhilprasad6485]

What’s the best Reolink camera for baby monitor? I’m leaning towards Reolink to use my local QNAP Network Attached Storage and avoid monthly cloud fees..At this point, Argus 2 looks good for wireless option. Argus 3 is not available. (I understand this is a general question but like your reviews and holistic analysis so would be great to see your recommendation!)

[@LifeHackster]

For baby monitor.. I will not choose Reolink... all their cameras have bright IR LEDs at night.. You might want to look at Yi dome camera 1080p which also have baby cry detection or the Wyze Cam Pan.. both camera uses a 940 NM IR LEDs which are barely visible at night.

[@losmoore3358]

It's hard to pick out wireless camera which all have faults with them. I like to get most of my hard earned dollars. I hope companies improve on all their products. What do u use and why ?

[@ELEVOPR]

I have the Eufy 2k Door Bell. I'm looking for a Spotlight cam and right now I have the ring Spotlight with solar panel attached, I'm pretty happy with the Spotlight Cam, I just think video needs improvement and No Subscription at all, but ring is a monster and would never go for that, especially since they love to share our videos with Law Enforcement, with or without our consent. Eventually all my Ring devices have to go. Do you know if Eufy will be coming out with a 2k Floodlight? Or 2k Spotlight anytime soon? That would be awesome.

[@Frenchyk]

They just released the Eufycam 2C Pro which is 2k. I'm waiting for him to do a review on it.

[@LifeHackster]

I have a feeling that they will... I am actually going to be interested on this because the 2K quality of their wired cameras (like their 2k indoor cam) is better than their battery 2K cameras...and it is because of the compression that they use on their battery cams (except to the eufy camE which I think has better video quality)..so they might be working on their wired floodlight cam.

[@NnNnN470]

Great video and content first off, thank you for it! I was preparing to buy a Eufy camera after your reviews and doing research of my own until I found out that Eufy is own by a Chinese company called Anker and the software is designed by another Chinese company called Oceanwing. When looking around people are reporting that the Eufy's home base system is frequently sending large amounts of data backs to DNS servers in China. Also there have been numerous successful intrusions into peoples cameras that have been built in China in which people have been able to listen and view other peoples cameras remotely. This makes me worried about privacy issues and possibly security issues. MY question is have you heard or think there are any issues with purchasing and using this Chinese company? The US went to a lot of trouble to remove the Chinese company Huawei and Dahua for this very issue? Sucks because it has everything im looking for and no subscription fee.

[@Honda1k]

How do they know it's sending data I ended up buying two kits just now.

[@gwarner565]

I have 5 eufy cameras and no problem.

[@lahummer5759]

The domestic cameras will have the same issues , any time they want.

[@hhova29]

Has this issue been addressed by eufy?

[@OurFamilyInGermany]

The Argus 3 delivers the best video in this test. But if someone steals it, then I lose all my footage since the memory card is in the camera? That’s a big downfall.

[@brucelawrence123]

This is a little bit out of left field, but i have an Argus 2 and i get delayed notifications (1 to 2 hrs) on my Samsung Galaxy S9+. I have been in touch with Reoling and Samsung and they cant help me, has anyone fixed this problem? My wife has an iphone and the notifications are instant. I have spent days on this and dont tell me it's battery optimization. Any suggestions.

[@kyleharleyanderton]

Is there a way to add storage to the homebase 2?

[@vampireatnight]

Hi for night vision, connection reliability and notification speed, which battery-powered camera would be your best pick? I was considering Blink, Ring and Eufy..

[@LifeHackster]

All of them are pretty good... I'll go with eufy for fast loading up of the app and better overall user experience.

[@1227hummer]

The problem that I have with my Arlo 2 battery operated, 1. battery does not last long, 2. If someone runs by the camera it will send but when it starts recording the person is gone. However I like that I cab film up to 90 seconds.

[@BaronOfHell666]

Integration with Alexa is limited eufy. You can have a video pulled up when a person is detected but you can't make a routine that runs when motion is detected. Unless the camera lets you do both you should state what kind of integration the camera supports. Integration type isn't universal for all cameras with Alexa. So just saying it has Alexa integration isn't enough.

[@AlexRocks24-7]

Wow 😳 Very impressed with the reolink 👌. I have the eufy 2c but reolink is much better.

[@LifeHackster]

Reolink is known for good video quality all across their camera line.

[@bakstabbath]

Great comparisons. That Argus would slay if it had AI.

[@raidercop18]

nice job

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks!

[@Daraghfly]

Thank you

[@Globalflyr]

I realize these are all considered outdoor cameras, but I was wondering how well the motion detection and how good the video quality would be if they were mounted indoors, looking outside through a window? Great review, BTW.

[@LifeHackster]

They are not usable if mounted or placed indoors looking out through a glass window because their PIR motion sensor will not work through glass. The most you can do would be to watch live view.

[@Globalflyr]

Disregard. Just found your other video which addresses my question. Thanks much for your efforts!

[@Globalflyr]

@@LifeHackster Thanks, just found your other video which addresses my question. Great reviews!

[@crisaman73]

Can you review the new D-Link Outdoor Security Spotlight WiFi Camera (DCS-8630LH-US). Thank you!

[@LifeHackster]

I have to check it out. Thanks.

[@losmoore3358]

What's A.I. ?

[@ChrisWilliams-vm1do]

The Argus has excellent video quality. However, I went with Eufy due to HomeKit Secure Video integration.

[@alohajason]

Do they work on 5G? I have a Argus 2 and it was a pain to set up. I had to turn off 5Ghz on my router for the Argus 2 to connect the 2.4Ghz. The solar panel got knocked and I'm trying to reconnect it but this time a 2g extender and it won't connect, though it will see it.

[@boojackson7133]

Reolink is outpacing them by miles with day and night footage

[@wcherron]

I agree except for the audio

[@bullwaves6681]

Do you need subscription for it?

[@jmbrierley]

There is a 2c Pro which should be better.

[@ganjab2200]

price wise i still like the e cams

[@LifeHackster]

I'll be checking it out pretty soon..

[@jacquelinefalkey2473]

I am no longer receiving notifications when a Lifehackster video is posted???? (bell is highlighted)

[@LifeHackster]

I know.. KZbin hasn't been reliable in sending notifications and they also stopped email notifications. Just visit my channel and I at least upload videos 1 to 2 times a week.

[@andresvalencia1174]

Eufy Cam 2C!!!

[@cameraz99]

I've said this before, but I don't want a potential prowler to know that he's being video-recorded, therefore I don't want a spotlight on my camera. And I can't speak for the cameras in this test, but the Motion Zones on my eufyCam E are pretty useless. You have to be almost directly in a straight line of sight with the camera for it to detect you.

[@LifeHackster]

A spotlight cam is a deterrent...For me, I give prowlers a choice... I let them know that they are being recorded and it is their choice if they want to go ahead or go away. This is a pro-active type of security... try to prevent a crime is always better and less hassle. As to your Eufy Cam E's motion zones...please watch my wired vs battery wifi camera comparison.

[@MrTolcher]

Arlo essential can be viewed from a web browser

[@LifeHackster]

Winner..winner..chicken dinner... Congratulations! yes, the Arlos can be access through your computer and not a lot of camera companies do this. Please contact me @ lifehackster.com/contact/ and tell me your email and I'll email you back with a code that you need to put on this comment for verification and I'll be sending you your GC. Thanks.

[@MrTolcher]

@@LifeHackster WOW! this is awesome! thanks so much, i'll contact you now

[@MrTolcher]

@@LifeHackster 0834

[@LifeHackster]

@@MrTolcher - Got it.. will send your GC to your email... thanks.

[@dustinford5273]

I’ve been using the Arlo Essential for 3 weeks now. So far, very impressed with it. Quick alerts and easy setup. What could be better is the activity zones. I would still get alerts from motion outside of the programmed activity zone. But all I did was adjust the camera so the road and sidewalk are not in view. Great product overall.

[@viper_vlad47]

Can someone recommend me a no fee wifi camera

[@kristofthibaud8491]

had Big Trouble syncing the Reolink Argus to WiFi. Had to Send Back.

[@garyfielding8873]

I am really disappointed with my ARLO's for the price. They continually show charging errors, hence my interest in this review

[@Samzep]

Argus 3 best

[@jmbrierley]

if they ever release the argus 3...

[@LifeHackster]

They are taking a long time releasing it.. They said a lot has to do with the pandemic.

[@boboutelama5748]

Arlo has a lot of bugs. Whatever test we are making there, we are only one firmware update away from a major issue with those cameras.