Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Review - Unboxing, Features, Settings, Installation, Video & Audio

[@rachelsmith6820]

One thing that is never mentioned is with your wifi password. If you are having trouble with setup go back to the wifi password because it will not let you know if you mistyped the password!

[@Freespm27]

Great video bro. Thank you! Lots of love from Houston Texas

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for watching!

[@ShannonGlenda]

Such a thorough demonstration. We'll done!

[@andyward5866]

i just purchased the arlo 1080p so still working the system out so far so good your videos are great very well explained

[@bobthebassman7066]

Thank you 🙏 You do the very best reviews. Much appreciated.

[@carlos10571]

Thank you. Your in-depth review encouraged me to get this.

[@lebambam4347]

Been on the hunt for cameras, and finding your channel has been super helpful. Great thorough testing and review. Thanks!!

[@shehandavy]

Thanks for the great review as always. It's disappointing that Arlo keeps releasing new hardware when their software have so many bugs and issues. I'm an Arlo user for over a year now and I don't remember a time when there wasn't an issue with the app. Given the expensive price tag of the devices and premium subscription fee, users I think are entitled to have a trouble free experience - on the software front as well as hardware.

[@LifeHackster]

I agree..since I reviewed their Arlo Pro 2 a few years back.. there is always something in their app that doesn't work.

[@user-lz6dm5lk9y]

I agree!

[@thetango8017]

The delay times is a "No-go" for me.

[@LifeHackster]

Arlo needs to improve these delays..

[@ethearnos6397]

More like NERF the delays

[@djapes]

May I know that the essential spotlight camera connect arlo smart hub, does it improve the delay problem?

[@JazzyPhay15]

Has anyone found a good camera set up that doesn’t delay and surveillance 24/7?

[@bryce8415]

I need help.i have brand-new and no help is working

[@rocky710921]

Have you told arlo their app is slow with the lag in the live stream? I see lots of people complain but arlo doesn’t do anything, maybe if you tell arlo they will listen and make the app faster

[@andrewmartinez4977]

So in general which wireless camera would you recommend?

[@user-lz6dm5lk9y]

Thank you for a really great review. I have no idea what a lot of the terminology you used means, but I was able to get a good overall idea of how this camera works and the level of quality I can expect. I am seriously thinking of purchasing one now! The only reason I want a security camera is because I believe my landlord has been coming into my apartment whilst I am out. I caught him come into my apartment a couple of months ago whilst I was in bed asleep. He knocked, but I did not answer, and then he used his passkey to come inside my apartment. I was very angry. The more time that passes, the angrier I become. This is an unwarranted, illegal invasion of privacy, and if I can catch him continuing this behaviour, I plan to file a suit to have my lease rescinded so I can get out of here. The man is not altogether rational, and I do not feel comfortable in my own home anymore. Hence the need for a camera.

[@mikeinmass4]

👍 Great video I enjoyed it much I like how your videos are complete you go over all the aspects. Just out of curiosity what do you think is the best camera or camera system that's affordable for the average consumer.

[@yadisanchez4888]

This was a very helpful video thank you outstanding job!

[@NancyStamps]

Without a hub, do you have to subscribe to their cloud? Is there any free footage memory?

[@NoRegrets187]

Dope video my man. Exactly the info I was looking for in order to see if these will be an addition to the Arlo setup I currently have. Appreciate you, brother. ✊🏼

[@CrisTina-jv2po]

I’m looking at buying this camera, so far how is it for you?

[@zapotar2]

great review..brilliant idea to to use markers to demo the license plate detection and night time vision..

[@tweetiebird]

I agree helps you know where to place the camera. I would think it would be better somewhere in-between. It seem 20-25 ft max you could make out the face. I do think it has zoom too

[@talasimu]

Hiya, I've been looking into upgrading Arlo cameras (I inherited a set of original first gen Arlo wireless cameras a year ago), and just wanted to say thank you for this video! This was extremely well made and informative. The distance cones were great, that's been one of my questions with the Arlo essential, and you answered it very well. Thank you!

[@kimhendricks3229]

Awesome review. My only question is about the spot light. Does the spot light come on even in the day? Or just at night? What is the best settings for the spot light use?

[@sukij6126]

It does come on during the day as well as night.

[@tweetiebird]

yes

[@raymondchandler697]

Lag is B-A-D Thank you very much LifeHackster!

[@reillyfamily3491]

My guess is 240 seconds. Great review as always!

[@LifeHackster]

Sorry.. not 240.. next time.

[@NailBedzNSereneDreamz]

It would have been an even better video if u showed me how to install the camera on to my house!!! Lbvs

[@nicehugoboss]

FitHackster 😂🖐❤️! support!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank You. We appreciate it...

[@maribelmontalvo3961]

Loved the video ! Could you let me know what type of lights you have on the shed though ! Lol my husband would love that ! They look bright !

[@Ballin.Wallin]

I was going to buy Arlo because I am looking for a good wireless camera system that has minimal to no monthly cost. I like the ability to activate lights and siren but now I’m worried with the lag if I am not home at the time of an event it’s useless. What would you recommend are the best camera system for my situation? Thanks!

[@melangreathouse2209]

Another Outstanding Review! I think I’m going with Arlo, after all. And I’m going to subscribe to your Fit Hackster channel too!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it...

[@GianniNotaristefano]

Great review. Waiting for the new eufy 2 pro review

[@LifeHackster]

I'll be reviewing it whenever I get a hold of it soon... thanks..

[@user-lz6dm5lk9y]

I do not want this to run constantly. I only want it to run whilst I am out of the house. Can turn it on only at those times and turn it off once I come home and check the recording to see if anyone came into my home??? Thanks!!

[@micklewis3197]

Thanks for the great review. Non replaceable batteries and subscriptions is a deal breaker for me.

[@tweetiebird]

They have batteries you can buy

[@user-lz6dm5lk9y]

Does the non-replaceable battery mean that at some point the battery will die and cannot be charged anymore, so the whole camera becomes worthless??????

[@jennysaiiz]

Thank you for your videos! They are very helpful :) would you do a review on the eufy 2 pro? Still deciding on which wireless camera is the best. Thank you!

[@exciter300]

Great review... For the price, this might work for me...

[@EvertR-sy6ze]

What’s the battery life on the camera? How often does it need to be charged/swapped?

[@geniusliving8606]

Depends on motion alert traffic. I get 3-5months

[@tweetiebird]

I bought the Essential XL which connects directly to WIFI but has a longer battery 12 mo and I believe there is a 2 yr now too. But I found you can buy 30ft long USB plug cords that you can route through the stucco into the garage and plug in or through a window (flat cord) or get the flood light that can be hard wired that already has the bracket and plug for the usb attached for the arlo

[@tenkiajaramillo5566]

We had these for 2 weeks and we had to charge twice already

[@bradylepage]

Love your son’s channel! My guess would be 22 breaks total for the 2 videos. EDIT: I didn’t catch you saying to put it in seconds but that was my fault!.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you... Next time.. ;)

[@katsshibainus3258]

There is a monthly charge for using these cameras? Can you view more than one camera screen at a time?

[@supergoodplr3391]

Can the camera be plugged so I don't have to take it down to recharge all the time?

[@tweetiebird]

Yes, i found 30ft usb cord plug or get the wired flood light with arlo plug too.

[@corgiherd]

Thank you for this informative video. Very thorough!

[@JamR0ck]

I can buy 3 pack arlo for $200.00 or Eufy 2C (2 pack) for $220. Which would you go for?

[@LifeHackster]

I’ll go with the eufy.

[@Rhenexful]

Very informative 👏🏿 thank for sharing 👌🏿

[@pizzadave9812]

Are the notifications better a year later I was thinking about getting these cameras

[@simonandtinawilson2011]

Hi Quick question can you leave the USB cable plugged in and charging permanently so as not to have to bring the camera down to charge. Thanks for the review

[@Gabbs2233]

Great video as usual. Could you please make an video comparing the apps for arlo, eufy and reolink.

[@blasian318]

Great review, I may invest in one now that u mention it

[@greatestcontentofalltime5065]

Hi, do you recommend this camera over the ring stick up camera in all aspects??

[@Fosters723]

Arlo or blink?

[@geosoftgr]

My guess is 250 seconds. good luck with your son's channel

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you... just a bit late on the guess... next time.

[@CosmicRichy]

Loving Arlo’s new approach with the essential series.

[@LifeHackster]

:)

[@sethi100]

Nice review. Only wish this model allowed for magnetic mounting

[@nyfern3385]

Does this camera run throughout the day or it only works motion?

[@Healcraft]

Do they even make security cams that dont use cloud based recording / subscription stuff anymore? Like just connect it to a base station, which has a HDD in it, records, etc, without using internet? (remote locations)

[@LifeHackster]

Definitely..search for NVR or DVR systems...

[@zkintion469]

Thanks for your reviewing! are you interested in review LED Strip Lights?

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks... and LED strip lights doesn't really fit in the theme of this channel..sorry.

[@TheChampionluva]

Hi I’m considering this product but have a major concern ... after charging the cameras, I’d have to climb up and take down the cameras to recharge and then put them back again every 2-3 months?

[@user-lz6dm5lk9y]

I would presume so unless you have it hardwired to the electricity in your house or business.

[@jbiz1234]

Love and appreciate your reviews

[@mele2259]

Hello lifehackster . Great video as always . So those cameras HAVE to have a subscription? They can’t be used with the free 7 day Cloud recording that’s still available on Arlo pro 2 ? Thanks

[@craigk6154]

That is right. It is stated repeatedly on Arlo's website you only get cloud recording with arlo smart and it is not included in the legacy 7 day cloud recording included with the pro 2 and older. You can however use a base station and get local recording which was never really good with the older base station.

[@sirsubliminal]

So I guess even if it is a stand alone camera it counts as a camera adding one extra to your arlo account even ifI only connect to wifi? Asking because I have reached the limit of my current plan and dont want to pay arlo more than I already do each month.

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, it does..

[@SaborLatino21]

FYI: This camera is on sale now for $74.99. I also saw 2 for $139. Mines was very to connect and operate. I’m happy with their product. It is completely wireless. The only draw back is that it doesn’t have a micro sd card, but for $5 a month you can get everything. The motion is great. It tells you if it’s an animal crossing, a vehicle, or a person. Plus other things you can set it the way you want. Good luck.

[@cestgum7672]

Ita $30 at walmart. Black friday event

[@travisglendenning4866]

5 per camera?

[@danielcaballero9349]

@@cestgum7672 loll that’s a different camera

[@irodz4524]

@@cestgum7672yo las compré y no logro conectarlas. Me comuniqué con Arlo y me dijeron q en mi área no funcionan sin una base q venden por separado

[@drawde3838]

I cannot scan the qr code on my arlo essential camera for some reason, is there any other way?

[@oscarjalles8638]

Thank you, very informative. I have a question, for area motion detection, does the camera needs to be plugged as the pro 2?

[@JasCar1967]

Great review….does this camera work with HomeKit?

[@SammyBeltre]

do u need one of the monthly plans to get any motion notifications at all?

[@mlovelly]

quite informative, thank you

[@Tc-fw3sk]

Just got the cameras working. so far the directions included are terrible. Say's to Charge the camera first. OK so how? Where do you plug in the cable? Had to go on KZbin to see how to charge them. That was perfect. Let's see what else I discover along this installation.

[@Delid]

Nothing was said about battery life. Roughly how long between charging? I understand it depends on your settings, sensitivity and recordings but, roughly?

[@ghelhle3601]

does this work with google hub?

[@abrahamm7873]

any update on the delays or it still happens ??

[@robertkenney6002]

Can you keep the free trial or do you eventually have pay

[@javierruiz6792]

I install the cámara $69 plus $49 for the solar and the cámara was on % 71 and in 3 days now it is at 100 % the thing is Arlo is charging 499 per 1 cámara and 1799 and 24 a months for subs. Otherwise the camera will bu unusefall because will only be monitoring the moment without revording any video .

[@TheGeekCook]

Hi, thinks for the review, are you saying that there's no lag on live streaming is you use homekit or google home to view it? the lag is only on the Arlo app?

[@ronm6585]

Thanks. Great review.

[@LifeHackster]

Very welcome

[@besosmar9828]

Heloo, my camera when online, didnt record videos, from whare i can do setrings plz???

[@halldogslogan7968]

I have a townhouse and my garage is about 100ft from the house. Will this camera work considering that distance?

[@atta1798]

Hiw about installation details ..... light bin tip or botton erc etce Etc

[@lcmlcm2460]

Great review thank you

[@ALITTLESILLYXD]

How long does the battery last

[@thecramptons]

Great review

[@user-sr8dr3jd9v]

Show which app to download it is a few to choose from

[@Tsukino101]

I don’t want to get a subscription plan. Can it still record and let me download the footage to my phone if I don’t?

[@alixjow5388]

You do not record a video when you exit the application. What is the solution?

[@user-xz2gv5ly6p]

Took it back to Cosco, they like to sell them, but all the you tube videos can't get you through app that was not working. I have an older I phone, and if you are supposed to have a newer one they should at least let you know !!!

[@nicklangello3401]

Not sure if you can help or not. I have the arlo pro 2 with 2 camera and hub. I then bought 3 essential cameras model Vmc2030. After the free trial online storage and monitoring is there a way to connect them all together to record on the hub or external hard drive. The essentials camera give me an alert but if whatever set it off is nit still there I cant see what did set it off

[@bigjim1488]

Waiting on that eufy pro review!!

[@LifeHackster]

I know.. soon..

[@supermariobroswonder-v7d]

Eufycam forever!

[@you_mad2444]

hey i want mine indoors and when i put it in the window it has a insane light glare and can’t really see outside any suggestions on how i can use it indoors without the glare ??

[@chochanga]

Does arlo offers a free cloud storage service?

[@BillHenderson-li9qd]

Good info

[@Ranses2000]

I have 2 Essential Spotl cameras. But it's making it difficult for me to install them, is it that the cameras don't work with 5G Wi-Fi? and can only be installed with 2.4 G?

[@Stylelss]

If I just want a basic arlo camera that 1. notifys me if someone breaks in that which I can 2. use a two way mic to alert the burglar, would this be the camera to buy? Or do I need the pro or ultra version?

[@CholeyC]

I am looking to replace my arlo 2. Thought of going with Essential XL. But your review pushes me away. Which system should I go for? Pro3,4, Ultra 2, or something else? Thanks!

[@h3xt0r63]

do you have any videos on the Arlo Pro 4 kit? Does that one require the hub?

[@justinx5847]

So dope

[@esj4373]

For me the Reolink argus 2 is still top dog

[@LifeHackster]

Their is one major issue of the Argus 2 which I did a video a while back.. short motion detection distance.. Starting with the Argus Eco and now the Argus 3.. it is better...

[@esj4373]

@@LifeHackster I have no problem with this, maybe you need better wifi

[@LifeHackster]

MajorMomentMedia - No it is not the WiFi, it is the PIR sensor that they placed on it..Reolink knows about this and that is why their new Argus cameras starting from the Eco now has the half dome sensor and not the one that the original Argus and Argus 2 have...

[@esj4373]

@@LifeHackster do u prefer the 3 over the 2 🤔

[@paulmitsuda3383]

Mine did not work or does not work! I did step by step as instructed, for hours, HOURS, damn thing failed to sync up and link up!

[@boojackson7133]

As usual great review. Although im not a fan of arlo products

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you..I know, Arlo needs to step up their game..

[@TheMelaniebarber1]

Can there be an additional Essential Camera added on or can you only have one camera on without a base station?

[@tweetiebird]

I have 3 cameras, each is independent.

[@adam.27839]

The blue light stops blinking when my phone is searching for cameras. It can't pair

[@maxwarp]

Is there a way to view the arlo camera live? I can’t seem to find that option in the app.

[@unionglz]

Yes… go in devices… click which camera you want to watch…. it is explained and shown in his video

[@lorislordan3380]

Ciaoo. Sai dirmi se questa telecamera riesce a leggere i movimenti anche attraverso un vetro? Ti ringrazio. Buon anno. Ciaoo

[@destineelevine2067]

Hi, how do you solve the problem when it searching for camera and can’t find it?

[@richki.24]

I just bought an Arlo and the app I downloaded doesn't have or allow me to change any settings .... I'm not good with this technology stuff

[@pedropenduko6882]

Is this product autovolt ? Can be use on 220V outlet ?

[@gojeffgordon24]

Nice to see them make a camera that doesn’t require an arm or leg. I feel Eufy is really giving them big competition. Would the say the Reolink solar panel change up the Eufy cameras? I feel that is a big the Eufy is missing.

[@LifeHackster]

Eufy will be releasing their "solo" cam which is head to head competition of this camera.. 1080p and stand alone. I will be checking out and making a video about charging options on these cameras very soon and will check out a solar panel that will work with eufy..I really hope that they make their own solar panel...

[@calebwright2849]

There is a company that makes solar panel chargers for all the big name cameras; ring, arlo, nest, etc for half the price of the camera's brand solar charger. For arlo they have a 3 pack for around 90$, wesserstein I beleive is the brand. I think there is a few other brands, honestly you could probably get a cheap one from harbor freight or Wal Mart and rig it up to work but at the price of the wessersteins, I'd say thats the way to go. I plan on getting the 3 pack soon, I just wish it provided enough power for 24/7 recording but it doesn't, at least for arlo. It has to be hard wired to get that but it really isn't necessary I guess but it'd be nice.

[@craigk6154]

Does this camera have the option to activate the advanced powered features like 3 second look back when continuously powered. All the other arlo cameras behave differently weather on ac power vs battery. I tend to think no since it has that stupid downward directed USB plug. I really expected this to use the magnetic connection that the Pro 3 and Ultra use.