Why did I BUY this?! | Product REVIEW | Arlo Essential and XL Security Camera

[@jmp7624]

This is a pretty good review, I wish other reviewers mentioned these issues when I was researching the product before I purchased them. I had bought 6 Pro 4 XL cameras from Costco when they were on sale. I thought it was a great deal being wireless and the 1 year battery life, not needing to purchase the monthly subscription, and being wireless was all key features I loved...until I got the cameras and figured out the truth. My battery life lasted about 2 weeks and I finally had to change everything and basically lower all settings just to get a couple months out of them. I was thinking about ordering the solar charger but I didn't want to stick anymore money into these things. They also say you can record to your own hard drive and it can, but they completely manipulated you on how usable your cameras are without paying for the subscription. As soon as my trial ran out, my cameras basically became useless. It records to a 1tb hard drive but it took me forever to find out where to find the recordings and you don't even get thumbnails of the videos. I refuse to pay a monthly fee after paying this much for cameras when I don't need to have the video backed up in the cloud and the company can raise prices anytime they want. The only thing I actually like about the cameras is the wireless range. My house is solid concrete and the range is great even where some wifi routers can't reach. They also don't tell you that your hub has to be connected to the internet in order for cameras to work, this is horrible because if my ISP goes down, I have no way to access the cameras when they run on their own wifi that shouldn't require internet to function unless you pay for a subscription. My hub is constantly down as well and I spent over a month going back and forth with Arlo support trying to get casting to work on my Shield, Google TV, and Tivos. Their support is HORRIBLE and I finally gave up. I hate these cameras but I'm going to try out home assistant and see if that might bring some life back into them. If not, luckily I bought them from Costco because they told us we can return them anytime. Honestly, Arlo should be sued for false advertising and misleading customers. And the other reviewers should be ashamed of themselves for not giving a review after completely testing the cameras more than a couple days. I wouldn't recommend these to anyone at all.

[@meganbook]

Yes!!!!!! Say it louder!! So many issues and no help. I’m glad I’m not alone. My house is concrete as well and I appreciate that I can get signal, when it decides to work. 🙄 I’m just over fighting them. Looking forward to a new product and company. Thank you for sharing and watching!! 😊

[@thatfrakkingcat9171]

Dang, wish I had found this review sooner. But at least I have my receipt and it’s only been a couple of days since I purchased the Essential. Thanks for your honest review, it’s much appreciated!

[@meganbook]

😳😳😳😳 I am so glad you found me quick enough! I did a follow up with what I use now that you might find helpful. Thank you for watching and commenting!!! 😍😍😍

[@vintayear2945]

I agree , I am having similar issues too . Thanks for sharing what I had in mind too

[@meganbook]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@aeclgor7093]

Really confused by some reviews. Mine last forever but yes I have adjusted all the sensitivity settings. If not a simple bug will set it off. With the settings turned down there are zero issues picking up people deer and bears at times in my property. Batteries last for weekssssssss. As for going off line I have no issues but have awesome internet along with an exterior extender to assist reach all cameras a total of 5 of them. Hope all who have issues find resolution

[@meganbook]

I’m glad you had great results!! 😍 I tried so many things to get these to work. I have great internet as well but to no avail. I was concerned that it wouldn’t start recording early enough when a vehicle or person was coming within range of the property or camera. Even at the highest sensitivity. But again I am glad you had success!! Thank you for watching and commenting! 😊

[@deanbuzzelli1693]

With the Arlo cameras you have to use a static IP address to keep the cameras on line. I really have no issues with the batteries only when the weather too cold i can't see my cameras (-5 F) This is what I have found out.

[@meganbook]

Thank you for your insight! I have no idea how to setup a static IP address but this may help someone out! Thank you for watching and commenting as well! 😊

[@sktocco1]

I have had the Arlo Pro Gen 1 cameras for a few years. Batteries last 2-3 months without needing a charge and I log into them often to check them. I did have a battery go bad and it was not holding a charge. I just purchased their Gen 2 camera's. Have not used them yet so the jury is out if they last equally as long or longer. I have experienced the issue shown in this video with them going offline but not as bad as Megan was mentioning. Typically, when they go offline like that if I restart my Arlo app on my smartphone they come back up. The requirements of needing a subscription to record and access images is disappointing. I do have the Arlo hub with a memory stick on it for it to record onto but I cannot see what is on the memory stick when I am not home. Have to wait until I get home to see what is on it because it's not going to the cloud without the subscription. I won't say I like or dislike Arlo. It has its good points and bad points. I have experience using Ring as well. All the companies seem to have their quirks.

[@meganbook]

I agree all companies have their own set of issues. I am glad you haven't had as many issues as I have. Thank you for taking time to write a great review and for watching! :)

[@bruceposner7751]

Thanks for the review although I wish I had seen it before I bought and installed them. Bought right before making a trip. Battery on cameras that had very little activation have lasted well. Battery on camera facing driveway drained within 2 weeks. This had the solar panel attached. These are 2nd generation. App is annoying when watching a clip, the shadow of the pause button is visible a few seconds during running of the clip blocking clear view of what was captured. From what i have gathered so far, local storage on a hub vs subscription is a hassel to get playback remotely. Also, would not buy again.

[@meganbook]

Thank you for watching and commenting!! I am sorry you didn’t catch it sooner!! I posted an update with what I switched to and so far we love it! 😍

[@Celedge84]

I feel the same way, I feel so scammed, I set up everything paid for the “secure” service 17.99 a month for something that isn’t working, didn’t know Temu made security cameras.

[@westdriva]

I have had no problems with my Arlo essential cameras, batteries last about 6 weeks before i need to charge them, no problem with internet connection had my cameras for 5 years never had to replace batteries have two on a solar panel 99% of the time always 100% on full charge. when overseas can always check my alerts on my phone, reason I purchased them we were burgled 5 years ago lost about $15,000 of mainly electronics musical instruments etc so I'm happy with this product.

[@meganbook]

I’m happy you have had a great experience with the cameras! I unfortunately have not. I’m sorry you lost so much during your burglary. Thank you for watching and commenting!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@leesorenson1680]

I just picked up today so we’ll see but I do have 2 pro4’s and did lose a camera (off line) while I was away overseas and had to wait until I returned to fix. They did replace, my problem was very intermittent so troubleshooting (myself) wifi dropping and then I got 3rd level involved… it took a bit but we gotter there. Replacements been fine and I’ve never had a problem out of the other. I’ll stick with these and see how they go, but they are pretty cheap and I don’t like the fact that they come with such a short cord and NO USB to charge… but it will serve its purpose. Would I recommend these is to be determined but so far I’m happy with my pro4’s. And I do keep them hardwired and the same for these.

[@StevenSantos1701]

Did you try switching your Router from a Mixed Wifi, to separate 2.4ghz and 5ghz. I have Verizon and speed is not the issue, but it was losing connection because it needed to be directly connected to a 2.4ghz. Once I changed the router settings, it's been great and I haven't had a problem since.

[@meganbook]

I did and still had no luck. 🙁 I’m happy with my new set of Wyze cameras. I know some people have great luck with Arlo but it didn’t work out for me. Thanks for the suggestion and for commenting and watching! 🎉🎉🎉

[@ermiratozaj6131]

Thank you .I had the same problems with arlo cameras .Every 2 or 3 days i needed to charge them and if I was not in home the connection was gone sometimes fron one or two or all of them .

[@meganbook]

I’m sorry you experienced this too! I switched to Wyze and don’t have this problem anymore. 😍 Thank you for watching and commenting!!! 🎉

[@Kelso-mt3eh]

Thank you for the review. My problem isn’t with the battery but the fact that I get notifications of movement however they DO NOT show up in my feed and I’m super angry about it as this was the sole purpose of my buying it. I bought it to replace one that I bought 5 years ago that died on me.

[@meganbook]

I am sorry you are having trouble with it! I wanted these to work so bad and it just didn't for me. We had a whole list of issues including like you said missing feed videos. I did post another video of what I found that has been a great replacement with no problems so far. Thank you for watching and commenting! :)

[@tstzoophoojywg7226]

If the system does not meet you need and meet your satisfaction why you will sell it to other, just curious… Thanks for sharing the inf. on this products.

[@meganbook]

We didn’t sell them. They actually went in the trash. I didn’t want anyone else having issues with them and then getting mad at me. Thanks for the question and watching and comments! 🎉🎉

[@Judsonberry]

My only issue with all wifi/wireless cameras is that a jammer can render them ineffective. Wifi jammers are cheap and will knock out all cameras in a neighborhood while a crime is committed. Otherwise, the subscription isn’t that expensive for saving recordings. I have them plugged in fifty feet away from where they are mounted so I don’t have a problem with charging at all. If your goal is to use them for constant surveillance, like having a window to your outside, then I’d suggest something more like Night Owl with its wiring to your monitor and power source. Arlo is ok, but Night Owl does more.

[@meganbook]

Thank you for your insight!! We changed to Wyze but you definitely gave me something to think about!! Thank you for watching and commenting!! 🎉🎉

[@pnkpanther509]

Are these a review for the original Essential (1st gen) or the Essintal 2nd Gen?

[@meganbook]

First generation. They just announced the 2nd generation mid September and we had decided to change brands by that point. Thank you for asking, watching and commenting!! 😊

[@CaptainKseadog1]

Is there a reasonable security cam that you could recommend. Thanks for the review.

[@meganbook]

I actually did a review of my new system. I love them! I found a better security system! Wyze V3 PRODUCT REVIEW kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqWtZ4pvqp5moKM Thanks for watching and commenting!! 🎉🎉

[@Ben-yw8be]

Is this the Essential 2k or Essential HD? The 2k will drain battery faster. Also how are your settings? Are on you Battery Save mode or regular mode?

[@meganbook]

They were essential hd and we had it set to battery saving mode. We even tried to turn it off when we were home and limit the time it was armed, but it seemed like nothing was working. Now that we switched to Wyze we haven’t had any issues. Thank you for watching and commenting!! 🎉🎉

[@5u54]

Hope I have a good experience with these. Purchase and going to get them installed in like 2 days.

[@meganbook]

I hope you do too!! Thank you for watching and commenting!! Let me know how it goes. 🎉🎉🎉

[@chrisharris7958]

By looks? I can get a dummy video camera for $1.25 at Dollar Tree. Looks just like the real thing! I don't need a useless $200 Arlo Essential XL camera for looks. I wish I had checked these out more before I bought them.

[@meganbook]

I felt the same way. 🫣 I’m glad I found the Wyze cameras they are so easy to use and we haven’t had any problems with them. Thank you for watching and commenting. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@MrSkandarani]

Yesterday I started installing my new Arlo Essential Spotlight Wire Free cameras. The first one I got right. The next three don’t want to function. I have issues with pairing them with my Wi-Fi router 2.4 GHz. Any ideas?

[@meganbook]

I don’t. I had a hard time getting them to connect a lot. 🫣 I’m sorry I am not much help. Thank you for watching and commenting!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@MrSkandarani]

@@meganbook Thanks Megan! I appreciated your review, had I seen it a couple of months ago, I would certainly not have opted for Arlo. I was naive and trusted the salesman in the store. There will be hundreds if not thousands who will see your report / review. That’s big damage and risk of spoiling Arlo’s reputation, but maybe they can rise to the occasion and solve these problems. I am in Switzerland and purchased these four Arlo cameras from the electronics & home appliances department of one of our biggest retailers. They don’t have any technical support. Today all these tell you to Google something for replies!!! I must have spent a good 7-8 hours today trying everything. I am struggling to get hold of some Support department at Arlo Europe. Maybe with some luck, I can get hold of Arlo Italy. Or in England. And hopefully they can give me some tips to solve the problem. I have a couple of last ditch options for Monday morning. If I don’t succeed I will be “making some noise”! The strange thing is that the first one, I managed to install successfully, the other three simply don’t want to cooperate! 😂

[@meganbook]

Wishing you the best of luck!! I hope you get it figured out soon!! 😊😊

[@Kris-jk9mq]

Late to the party... But factory reset them first to connect to wifi

[@charlestaricska8652]

Wow- battery life sounds pretty bad. I have the LaView camera's which look pretty similar to theses and I get a few month's of battery life before needing to recharge. Thanks for the review

[@meganbook]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! So far I am loving my replacement. These Arlo ones I definitely tell others to steer clear from! :)

[@t-roy2418]

Wow the battery life is key. I’ll just cancelled my order and stick to my blink for now…at least the batteries last longer from what I’m hearing about these cameras….

[@meganbook]

I think it's a good idea. I definitely don't recommend these. If you don't mind plugging in, I switched to the Wyze and have been beyond happy with them. Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@tonyastokley5165]

Hey maybe since you’ve already invested in them for now maybe you can try to find an after market solar connection I’m not sure if they can do that but some of there cameras do ! Just saying and the beefing up the features and extras they keep adding is there way of making it so they lean towards a higher monthly subscription! But to me what does a contract mean if you can’t get the benefits to me it’s no real difference lol

[@meganbook]

We tried a solar panel, but our property doesn’t get enough sunlight to work properly. 🫣 Thank you for watching, commenting, and the suggestion!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@BATDOYLE]

Are these the 2nd generation models?

[@meganbook]

Yes they are. Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@slimanus8m]

Will you say that the cons stands for the new V2?

[@meganbook]

I had V2 so that is what I can speak to. However, I am much happier at a lower price point with better quality. So take that as what you want. 😊 Thank you for watching and commenting!! 🎉🎉

[@AYALI444]

I bought the Arlo essential XL from Costco and I’m bringing mine back. I just hook them up today and one is not even connecting and the fact that you have to take it all the way off to charge. It is horrible.

[@meganbook]

That was the beginning of all my concerns. I am so sorry you had this experience too! I made the switch to Wyze and even though they are wired, my experience has been tremendously different. Thank you for watching and commenting! I hope you find a system that works best for you!!

[@CathyGirard-d5o]

What is the new system that you are now using?

[@meganbook]

We switched to Wyze. :) It has been fantastic so far! I am going to do an update video soon! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@CathyGirard-d5o]

Thank you! Can’t wait to see the review!

[@sparta2795]

I have a alro camera and I just love all three of them . I strongly recommend this product. Maybe step it up properly.

[@meganbook]

I’m glad you have had success with the Arlo cameras. I played with the setup and adjusted them many times with no success. Thank you for watching and commenting!! 🎉🎉

[@adrianybarra1416]

For real ! my arlos are great and if you have there app even better.. you can log on date- time and boom there’s your person or animal lol😂 yes you gonna pay a monthly subscription but it’s worth it..

[@altkoin]

excellent review

[@meganbook]

Thank you for watching and commenting!! 😊

[@jazz901]

So glad I found your review b4 purchasing. I wanted something I could actually attach to a tree about 8 ft away from my mailbox bcuz of theft. It doesn't sound like this would work at all bcuz it would detect cars driving by and also wildlife and there's no way I'm climbing up the tree every few days to charge the battery. That's laughable. Thx again for your detailed review.

[@meganbook]

Yeah I would not recommend that! I don’t know what to recommend for your situation but I hope you figure out a solution!! Thanks for watching and commenting! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jessicacepeda3506]

They have solar panel to be used with them. I have not used them so not sure

[@meganbook]

The solar panels didn’t work for me. We didn’t have enough sun to charge the battery and it just loss charge. 🫣

[@savingsoul]

I went through 2 of those, now neither works

[@meganbook]

I’m sorry you had a similar experience. 🙁 I switched over to Wyze and have had a great experience so far! Thank you for watching and commenting!! 🎉🎉

[@patriciagibson7604]

What cameras did you decide to get?

[@meganbook]

I went with Wyze v3 they are fantastic! Thanks for watching and commenting!! I did a video on those as well. 🎉🎉🎉

[@America_took_my_zebra_stripes]

Why would you want to hide them? If anything you have better chances of a visible camera deterring a would-be criminal avoiding possible theft and/or damage to your property.

[@meganbook]

This is true! I was thinking aesthetically but you definitely have a good point. Thank you for watching and commenting!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@lynngoacher9268]

This review really surprised me, I’ve been using Arlo for 3 years. I charge my batteries about every 6 months and have never had a problem with them disconnecting from the base station or the Internet. I have no subscription to anything. All videos are stored to my phone. I feel like for the price that I paid for the security system It’s the best on the market.

[@meganbook]

I wish I had the same experience! I couldn't view the videos without the subscription. :( Thank you for sharing your positive experience, watching, and commenting!

[@davek7348]

not sure why your cameras battery are so bad, mine have been going going at 95% battery life after 2 weeks?

[@meganbook]

That’s fantastic!! I wish we had better luck with them. I’m glad you are having success!! Thank you for watching and commenting!! 😊

[@lgaudet5]

My battery will last up to three weeks, they will no longer charge.

[@davek7348]

@@lgaudet5 yeah I returned mine - I refuse to pay a subscription-

[@TsunamiAdventures]

I agree

[@meganbook]

Thank you for watching and commenting! :)

[@crouchingtiger6319]

OK

[@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.

[@meganbook]

Oh my. It amazes me what they can do with things. I switched to a different brand but I am sure that even that can be controlled. Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@Soberman75]

12.99 a month wow.

[@meganbook]

Yes and then it wouldn’t work or work intermittently. That’s why I switched. I posted an update. Thanks for watching and commenting!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@JDMomJAN]

Why not install a proper cctv system? Wireless cameras are a total waste and offer far too many problems to be a genuine security measure.

[@meganbook]

I have thought about doing that at some point. I’m new to security systems so I’m trying to figure it out. 🤣 Thanks for watching and commenting! 🎉🎉

[@notcharles]

no one cares about teh age of your house and lack of ext outlets - we want to know how these work

[@meganbook]

Thank you for the feedback. I will work on being more concise with these type of videos. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@lgaudet5]

These were easy to set up, but after about six months they will not charge. Great cameras, but I wish they had lasted longer than six months, now they're trash. I will not be purchasing more of this brand.

[@meganbook]

This is how we felt. I am sorry you had a similar experience. I posted a follow up to the brand we switched to and LOVE! We have no more issues with our security now that we switched. Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@John-xs8ho]

Yep, just bough these POS Arlo cameras, Essential series and they're going back to Best Buy. Junk. Try scanning the QR code..............does not work! Junk!

[@meganbook]

I’m sorry you got junk too. 🙁 I recommend Wyze. They have been fantastic. Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@GSD1963]

Arlo is a joke

[@meganbook]

I agree. 😬 thanks for watching and commenting!

[@sparta2795]

Love my arlo cameras the night vision is out standing

[@striker44]

Arlo is useless. No to subscription.

[@meganbook]

Agreed. Thank you for watching and commenting!! :)