Arlo Essential Wireless Camera 2nd Generation Review

[@borisrenderos5831]

I just installed my old Arlo pro 2 HD camera and a Gen Pro 3 floodlight camera. I am happy with it in how easy it is to setup, connect, options to put in place of system or individual camera, ability to place a USB memory stick to place videos/pictures if I do not open an account for their monitoring. Floodlight is great for its field of view and lights are very strong, also its customization is great. Love that no need to register with accounts like amazon and others is what I want.

[@DrRazkov]

I used to be a heavy arlo user since 2016. I had loads of camera with them, mainly wireless. Arlo, Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Essential etc. There was just too much delay with notifications and slow to stream. I stopped using them and their subscription when I moved houses last year. I now have Ring cameras and one Eufy. Which I find better for video streaming and notifications.

[@billmurphy9921]

Ring cameras are not available in 2K yet, are they?

[@afchicinfla]

I’ve had an Arlo floodlight camera for a couple years and I like it. it sucks on the subscription part but I’ve tried some other real basic cameras and Arlo is definitely been over all the best out of the ones I tried based on my money situation

[@Zendukai]

I have 5 arlo pro and 5 arlo pro2s on 2 different properties, they all have worked fine for years, they are all together doing 500 plus recordings a day to the cloud without issue. There must be different issues with others homes either their internet speed or wifi connection is crap. I watch a lot of internet videos all the while the cams upload videos, some can be 5 minute long too.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Im assuming the cameras are plugged in for power or has solar panels to have 500 recordings a day? Most issues that I have seen are battery life, not detecting and customer service issues.

[@Zendukai]

@@LifeHackster 2 out of 5 at the golf club in the buggy shed have solar, 4 out of 5 at home have solar panels and MUST have a arlo solar panel as they are only arlo pros. I have been documenting for quite a while, logging into the arlo cloud and keeping track of batteries I change. I find that the distance from the camera to the base station makes a difference too. I have made a spreadsheet keeping tabs on the battery life. The ONLY thing I wish I could track is the total minutes recorded, I can count how many recordings but i'm not going to count the seconds and at what state of charge, whether I changed the battery at 20 - 35% versus how many minutes of time recorded. I guess thats a bit silly but I'd keep track of that if it was easy to do. So far since I have started recoding data Golf club cams total records since May 22 is 56,326 Home cams as I have 3 out front lol... 212,981 recordings. God knows what they would be before that. So I haven't had an ounce of problem since Jesus was a lad, a very long time. I bought extra batteries and had them charged ready to change before I spent 100+$ on each solar panel which they have saved me a lot of recharging. To get a real breakdown in my opinion on how long a battery lasts, What the percentage the battery was when changed or charged, How many total minutes of recording, I guess the poor camera trying to upload 5 minutes of 1 recording to the internet would take a bit out of battery. Total recordings. Then how do we find the state of a battery, when it was new to where it is now and the biggy how cold does it get outside. Not sure about the heat, the 2 cams in the buggy shed are near the roof so sometimes during summer they cams report they are too hot. As you see, lots of variables to contend with, just to name a few.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you for sharing your experience, that's very detailed. I know you have reasons why you went with battery powered cameras instead of wired/plug in and not worry about tracking battery life and even the recordings. I know most people will not have the time to do that...but kudos to you. @@Zendukai

[@jeffbrund]

Damn….I didn’t find this vid until I received the Arlo cameras I ordered. I didn’t know there was only a cloud subscription 🤦‍♂️. They suck for doing that. Guess I’m returning them. Btw….love how well you do your vids. You will be my go to guy! 👍

[@tonypphk]

nice demo for video quality, thanks a lot

[@AlexRocks24-7]

You lost me on monthly subscription 😔

[@davidpham6869]

Did you know monthly subscription cost ?

[@351wpny]

12.99 lowest plan a month. Not bad though to keep recordings

[@AlexRocks24-7]

@@351wpny true but all the rest do it for free . Eufy, reolink ,tapo , EZVIZ , Noorio ....... But name a few

[@joshk333]

Eufy has local storage at its Home base. No forced subscription

[@AlexRocks24-7]

@joshk333 thank you. I left Arlo 5 years ago and moved to eufy and super happy. I have 5 of their cameras around my house and their door bell 👌

[@paulmiller1751]

I added this camera to my Arlo pro 2 base station without any hassles and it does not require a monthly subscription. The monthly subscription unlocks additional features that Arlo offers but for standard camera security and recording, you can add any Arlo camera to your existing base station without a monthly subscription.

[@jcarlmark]

The included mounts in my Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera 2K 2nd generation has fixed mounts and cannot be rotated? Any idea why? Is the one I have an old version or an updated cheaper version?

[@jayblaze1958]

Any suggestions on wireless security cameras for large homes?

[@ivankorth4458]

I have 5 Arlo cameras , I’ve had good luck and easy use but one of my first cameras purchased 3 yrs ago did die recently

[@shanese-lb3il]

I seen you review the wyze and roku now this. Wich one do you recommend the wyze? Seems cheepest 14 a year or something? Never thought i would need cameras but these bad ass kids bext door. Trying to go to store and get cameras easy set up and not expensive. I recently have two bb hiles in my kids bedroom window and cops wont do anything so i kind need to get something up

[@steviecoleman9260]

Also I had to upgrade to a mesh wifi system because the camera kept dropping off my network.

[@lifewith3kidzzz]

Can you use this indoor?

[@Emezepe3]

I see it’s on sale, is this good outdoor camera?

[@fadedxrealities]

Just got it. I love it

[@isaacstanley8453]

would you go with these or the blink outdoor 4? both have bundle deals for good savings (4 arlo cams 200, 5 blink outdoors for 230) eutsy seems to be on top only iffu get the modem with it< but i wouldnt feel the savings until after year 2-3.

[@Down_Time_Productions]

I had Google Nest cameras and it was almost impossible to connect to the cameras. I just upgraded to Arlo, and all of the cameras function flawlessly.

[@eduardos.r.94]

In my application, the second generation cameras do not appear, what can I do?

[@eduardos.r.94]

I have the same problem and I haven't found a solution.

[@marcosmaia7211]

@@eduardos.r.94 parece que as cameras sa 2 geração, não funcionam fora dos EUA,. estou no Brasil com o mesmo problema.

[@Dts-r6y]

Have they gotten any better with the latency problems and the Slow loading app

[@GiosueMannino]

no

[@Mason-fk5bq]

It's just as good or better than Eufy, Wyze, and Ring in regards to latency and loading. They each have pros and cons but Arlo is solid and consistent quality. $150 a year subscription is alot for a few but when you get 10+ cameras its well worth the price. Also, you don't even need a subscription if you have base station. The only problem with base station is the recordings don't include thumbnails and smart notifications of the detected movement. If you only use base station, you have to actually click on each recording to see whether it was an animal, vehicle, human, package, etc. If you have high traffic area, I would recommend subscription with smart notifications. If you place cameras in low traffic areas, I would the say the base station without subscription would be fine.

[@lewisgustav3563]

wondering if this is able to be used with a PC? the Essential Spotlight was able to be used on a PC. does this use the same application(same MyArlo/Web Portal) as the Essential Spotlights did(which didn't require a smart phone or tablet)?

[@BathSaltedRacoon]

Just installed one overseas and it works marvelously ❤ there is a 2.5 second delay from the actual feed but that’s okay since I wanted a security camera and not an intercom type thing

[@zuhairhlayel]

I will never ever think of Arlo again. I may think of several brands even to replace part of my Ring’s cameras. 💐🌹👍🌷💐

[@benhaze1010]

Same here. Owning a Ring doorbell and several cams before their attempt to force me into monthly fees I will definitely look somewhere else when Ring decides to obsolete my hardware. I am already starting switching to Eufy...

[@dontump2286]

@@benhaze1010 Eufy is lowkey or even highkey the best out there. They have 4k, PTZ, built in solar, multiple flood light options, on camera storage or homebase storage for free or cloud storage for cheaper than arlo. They also have smart things like doorbells, door locks, walkway lights, vaccuums, package dropbox, the list goes on and on and on with eufy and they even have better app interface than arlo. When ARLO started charging monthly for their basic service they went downhill. Eufy makes better products and its always free unless you want to pay. Arlo is trash shit ass cuss word garbage!

[@dontump2286]

Also, when you get the arlo homebase so you can have free storage they take away smart notifications and automatically increase the monthly charge of your basic plan. predatory pricing arlo is trash!

[@westcoastkhmer]

@@benhaze1010 eufy 1080p max on cloud though :(

[@Handguardsandhandlebars]

Hello does this cameras still record if the Internet shuts off or it lose his connection.

[@edelmanV]

Help, not can install My camera arlo essential Outdoor in My app of phone

[@MrTemplefugate]

Is a subscription required or only for cloud feature? Also can you store video locally on SD and get notifications without a sib?

[@VioletRene]

This cam does not take SD card

[@SarahMcGhee-lm6rw]

When you receive a notification of any activity does it just take pictures as the notifications or does it show a recording of the activity? I recently bought another brand and its just pictures of the activity not a recording.

[@wsthong]

Can the spotlight be turned off for motion detection

[@lewisgustav3563]

can this/its app be used with a PC? I don't have a tablet or smart phone.

[@tohrurikku]

I had a Blink and it would only catch people who stop, and often by the time it turns on people already picked the lock and walked in, or are in the process of walking in. I often got a video of noting new, and I would be wondering why the camera was set off. It seems like this one is not much better. Have you found any that is more quick to turn on?

[@fernandoa8241]

How do you charge it bro ? Not the same charger as the 1st Generation

[@spicydragonroll88-wd2jl]

USB C

[@g.a.5]

Great video. Thanks.

[@kilabeez0]

Arlo’s website says this is compatible with my VMB4500 base station from my Pro 2 system. One of these cameras is for sale locally for $40 and I was thinking of adding it to my system since my Pro 2’s are the last generation not requiring a subscription. I guess I’ll do some more research to make sure.

[@eduardos.r.94]

The second generation cameras do not appear in my application, what can I do? Can someone help me, I haven't been able to use my cameras for 5 months.

[@dianareal7478]

Same problem

[@oforiatta4019]

Same problem here

[@marcosmaia7211]

same problem

[@robertoghinato5754]

1 major tip... You should test also motion detection range and speed at lowlight/ night condition walking towards the camera. anyway like always top review delivered!

[@LifeHackster]

Why are you making my work harder? LOL..anyways, I usually don't do it because in theory, detection should be the same because the PIR sensor detects heat movement..so daytime or at night shouldn't affect that.. The only thing is their AI detection which normally will need a better light for it to distinguish if the motion detected is a person, animal etc. I might do just a separate video on this testing battery vs wired setups. Thanks.

[@whitesnow392]

How do you remove them to charge ?

[@whitebluechips6706]

Why aren’t I getting any 2nd gen options?

[@dianareal7478]

Me neither

[@oforiatta4019]

Me too

[@rickmccl71]

@1:48 I'm pretty sure it is because variable frame rate is a thing

[@acejacks00]

Which has the quickest boot time in app these days? Ring?

[@artieartya]

Sidenote, unrelated, my ring, spotlight camera connected to my solar panel, shows, solar status connected signal strength, good, but the batteries keep draining and not charging very weird. Just started happening after owning it over a year and I have two batteries in there.

[@LifeHackster]

Just double check the connection of the solar panel and also make sure it panel itself is clean.

[@vitusthemad3043]

My arlo ring camera was great for a while..I bought three more and they worked for a year .but now...I do not get notifications no matter what I do.

[@tototita413]

how many times a month you need to recharge it

[@somejackball]

i've pretty good luck with all my Arlos, accept one issue.. i like to be alerted on everything, Cars included. so my issue is, if a vehicle is going pretty fast, say 35 and over, my cameras won't record, doesn't detect anything. or sometimes my cameras start recording too late, and just barely get the rear bumper of a car recorded b4 it's gone out of frame. what setting do i need to tinker with to fix this problem? thanks

[@spicydragonroll88-wd2jl]

Motion sensor and add a bionic outdoor flood light

[@techtalkgeek]

So, it doesn't have the micro SD card for local recording huh? I think I missed something.

[@610479703]

I just had installed the Arlo Essential and I don’t get notification at all!

[@TheFreeman4955]

Wife got the Essential spotlights for xmass. 1st camera lasted 5 months. Wouldn't connect or be able to view. 2nd camera lasted 8 months and wouldn't charge or turn on. $160 down the tubes. Plus I paid the $10 a month for only one camera.

[@mrlilbasco1]

How can u turn off camera individually

[@321bluesky6]

I spent over $500 for Arlo's cameras. Stopped working shortly beyond 1 month return window. Arlo stopped providing telephone support unless you pay to subscribe. When I eventually found their tech support by phone, Arlo asked me to pay $100 for trouble shooting. I asked why I have to pay while the device is still in warranty, they hanged up on me. The device [garbage] is sitting in my garage. Arlo is the most shameless and irresponsive security company. Do not trust their ads. Stay away from Arlo while you can.

[@sjessia14]

How do I change the time.. It's 3 hours slow

[@imiloa.]

In the settings on the app

[@Charles-nk3ep]

What’s the best camera ?

[@ronm6585]

Thanks L.H

[@LifeHackster]

@ronm6585...Thanks for watching!

[@steviecoleman9260]

I've been using the first generation these cameras for about 5 years now, I can admit they have gotten better but it took almost 5 years for them to finally get dialed in. The first couple of years these cameras would pick up anything that walked by which is fine,but when it picks up every car that goes by even though you only want to be notified of people it's like WTF. What really pisses me off I was supposed to get grandfathered in for the 9.99 a month for 5 cameras, but no instead I didn't get that offer so the price went from 120 a year to 150 and that is 1 of the reasons, why I am in the process of upgrading my camera system., GOOD BYE ARLO definitely not worth the money in my opinion.

[@LifeHackster]

Also, if you have their older cameras, it will not be supported soon. Thanks for watching!

[@BigGuyBigMind]

@@LifeHacksteris this the 2k ones I just bought it from Best Buy. I bought solar panels but have a neighbor putting nails in my tire. I need a camera with sensitive alerts and constant recording.

[@sunnysider6350]

Apparently they have gone to a cloud subscription option only which is now $7.99/month for a single camera. 2nd gen does not have option to use base station. I'm going to Tapo tC420s to replace Arlo.

[@DaDemonFox75]

I've very had a problem with arlo. Been using them for years

[@shanejones5885]

No Arlo doorbell cams suck...PERIOD. They take way to long to load, they are cumbersome to navigate. If someone was breaking into your home and you didn't have their subscription, they could 100% be in your home before the camera loads. Just fyi. We've tested it.

[@Jmp64-ns8zl]

Above average hardware, no doubt. But, the subscription requirement is a deal breaker. The plans are just not cost effective for most people. And without, they are just live camera feeds. No local saving option, and no AI tweaking. So you can expect a countless irrelevant notifications. It's a shame, they are decent products.

[@anthonybranch2126]

I have Arlo Cameras o use to like them now I hate their service

[@83ecb]

I just bought this on Black Friday for $24. I don’t like it, the live feed is delayed. I’ve done what others have suggested, but the issue is still there. Oh well.

[@morskasvinja2049]

Subscription why pay for that modt caneras u view via wifi saved on memory cards no way im paying subscription

[@FLOODOFSINS]

What product is better than this

[@John-xs8ho]

I just purchased the Arlo Essential 2nd Gen cameras and the stupid things won't scan the QR code. I've exhausted the trouble shooting list and nothing. I'm taking these POS cameras back to Best Buy. Steer clear of Arlo. Horrible!

[@jamesbitting9530]

Dude I literally see nothing saying none of that on my app when trying to connect this POs to Bluetooth

[@j2323j]

Damn this is a good video

[@obelisk9999]

It doesn't give me the option to connect to my base station . What the hell.. I think that is a very important point y you never mentioned.

[@LifeHackster]

Well, if you watch my video and not skip it.... -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/eauxnGNoitSikJYsi=fu2MOX15lCyoE9UK&t=123

[@dannylira11]

That video quality was terrible. That plus subscription required equals hard pass!

[@LifeHackster]

@dannylira11...Thanks for watching!

[@PlymouthVT]

Arlo cameras were already a pain in the ass to set up now with the new "Experience" software up grade there almost impossible to set up. Do not buy Arlo they are an awful company. Im sorry I bought this junk.

[@mart322]

Bought three Arlo essential cameras and all three died after a year... junk! My older non-Essential cameras are still going.

[@st6375]

Warning Never Purchase any security from Arlo! "If you see the file 'metadata', it means Arlo has data points on our cameras. In other words, they can see we're using the USB, so they purposely corrupt a file rendering all recordings lost." someone warned after the fact... Can't give to police if they 'write protect it' when you plug in Your USB that you purchased. You’re paying for a paperweight unless you pay for their subscription and it does not perform as 'advertised' - I Warned You.

[@dvxAznxvb]

the worst subscription model i have ever seen; has no smarts and delay is horrible because everything is server side; only can have one person logged int eh account and no further homekit support they keep offering 50-70% off on plans because they know its overpriced and its a horrible service you end up paying for the hardware in subscription fees alone in a year which is disgusting and it pretty much makes these ewaste cause they arent transparent about it; theres so much of these essentials bloating up the used market that no one can tell them apart and its stigmatizing to their other products

[@LifeHackster]

@dvxAznxvb...Thanks for watching!

[@Thythunderbird]

Can u answer my question sir

[@LifeHackster]

What is your question?

[@EugenBrinzoiu]

Definitely I don’t like them. Abysmal video quality and very, very poor customer service.

[@Arlo1-i7n]

My name is arlo

[@nikimethadonefreeiam1800]

I've got 2 cameras need to resetup..can I use a new email or same as years ago when I used it to run off neighbor invaders who both payed karma and now off the earth plane. I feel for the one who stold my keys,they will have bad karma too.Dont mess with a child of Source/Creator. Ty I liked it when used only I had a tough time getting it started cuz wasn't hip on tech. Ty

[@boojackson7133]

That's a piece a crap

[@JohnDoe-xg4yr]

Arlo is crap. No customer service. Don't buy.

[@arsoul50]

Three words to sum up Arlo with my past experience: Slow, buggy, and expensive.

[@LifeHackster]

@arsoul50...Thanks for watching!

[@DrRazkov]

Agreed with your experience. I initially went with them in 2016 because they were one of the few that did completely wireless back then, even though the video quality wasn’t great.

[@datapro007]

Buy a Reolink and be done with it.

[@lisagadour]

So stupid you have to keep charging until you get sick of charging

[@DoyleCoslan-u1d]

Murl Dale

[@SG-bb8pq]

NAH.

[@edoardobarzano978]

Never gonna pay their subscription.

[@kevinpitzer]

I had there failed Essential camera ....garbage

[@noreplay4756]

Tu as caché le code QR du caméra avec ton doigt tu es menteur menteur

[@noreplay4756]

Tu es un menteur