Arlo Pro Security System Review

Are you looking for a simple, low-cost way to improve the security around your home?

Do you wish that there was a way to quickly and easily check in on your home security system from your smartphone, or to receive smartphone alerts whenever an intruder comes near your front door?

The Arlo Pro by NETGEAR Security System with Siren is a wireless camera security system that gives a solution to these wants.

It’s weatherproof, allowing it to be placed indoors or outdoors as your needs require, and its wireless system with a long-lasting rechargeable battery add to the convenience of this device, though in some cases it works poorly in windy conditions.

Operated through the Arlo Pro app, you can check in on the cameras at any time through its live streaming feature, or receive alerts when its sound or motion sensors are triggered.

Additionally, Arlo Pro comes with a free seven-day rolling cloud backup of video feeds, saving costs over time.

Still wondering whether the Arlo Pro is the best security system for your needs? Here we lay out the details, both positive and negative, so you can make the best decision for yourself.

Arlo Pro Security System: The Details

Specs

• Product Dimensions: 1 x 1.9 x 2.8 inches
• Product Weight: 3 pounds (6.5 pounds shipping)
• Product Type: Camera security system
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa? Yes; this device can be controlled via voice through select Alexa devices. Also works with IFTTT and SmartThings.

How Does it Work

This smart security system comes with all of the tools you need to create a viable home security and surveillance system.

When it arrives, the Arlo Pro includes:

• 5 Wire-free HD cameras
• 5 Rechargeable batteries
• 1 Camera power adapter
• 1 Camera power cable
• 1 Base station with a built-in siren
• 1 Ethernet cable
• 5 Wall mounts
• 3 Wall mount screw sets
• 1 Outdoor Security Mount
• 1 Quick start guide
• 2 Window Decals

Talk about a package, right?

This ensures you won’t be running out to buy more accessories just to install your cameras, and it provides a few extras that help your new devices blend well with your home – rather than being an eyesore.

The cameras are easy to set up, without any cords or wiring hassles, though expert installation is an option available through Amazon if outside help is preferred.

Placed inside or outside, the weather-resistant covering on the cameras keeps it safe and functional, and the power adapter and cable necessary for recharging the rechargeable batteries are included and simple to use.

Arlo Pro is operable through the Arlo app, which can be operated through mobile devices as well as Amazon Alexa.

Through the app, users can set up motion and sound-activated alerts. These alerts can trigger a 100+ decibel siren to scare away intruders.

Users can also use the app to live stream the camera’s viewing area at any time, with a 130-degree angle lens for full-range viewing and night vision features to allow seeing through the camera even in the dark.

The included two-way audio feature on this device allows you to listen in on whoever has approached your house and even talk back through your smartphone.

Even when you can’t watch the video feed live, Arlo Pro keeps you safe.

The security system also comes with free cloud storage – and the basic package keeps a rolling seven days of motion- and audio-triggered recordings for free.

The plan never expires and is included with every Arlo Pro camera, for up to five cameras per account.

NETGEAR: The Brand

Since 1996, NETGEAR as a company has striven to turn ideas into innovative products, with networking as their main tool; their products connect people and devices to power businesses and improve lives.

NETGEAR takes pride in creating devices that are easy to use and which leverage the newest, fastest-working technology, creating the smartest and most efficient homes.

Their products range from devices that allow you to stream movie nights and devices that keep your home safe and secure through video monitoring.

NETGEAR offers networking, storage, and security solutions to businesses while maintaining lower costs and less complexity than the average big-IT service provider.

They also prioritize customer happiness and paying attention to the details that matter most to those who use their products, striving to deliver custom and cost-effective solutions to customer problems.

Arlo Pro Security System Review

The Positives

Good Image Quality Shows Who is Coming and Going

Put simply, these cameras do what they ought to do. They deliver a quality video feed to your mobile device, allowing you to tell anytime, anywhere, who is walking up to or around your home.

When you’re at home, it becomes an easy way to tell when a visitor has arrived, so you can be ready at the door for them.

When you’re away, it helps you warn away unwelcome intruders with the night vision and siren features.

Long-Lasting Battery Life

One user, in particular, reported that they installed an Arlo Pro camera in late summer and didn’t have to recharge the battery until the end of December!

Though battery life can vary depending on how often the camera features are triggered, overall, they last a long, satisfying amount of time.

This is definitely a perk if your cameras are placed somewhere far from a power outlet, as you won’t have to haul the battery packs inside to recharge on the regular.

Professional Look Is Sure to Impress

You know what they say – perception is everything.

Not only do these cameras provide vital security feeds, they also have a modern, professional look to them that on its own can deter would-be home intruders.

They say intimidation is the first step in preventing burglary, so it’s nice that this device is meant to keep your home safe overall – not just back you up once the worst has happened.

What’s even better is that this is all wire-free. No fumbling over cords or trying to keep a reel of wires contained with this system.

Weatherproof

Whether it’s rain, snow, sleet or hail, the Arlo Pro Security System shouldn’t fail.

If the winter hits with extreme temperatures or the summer is humid, you won’t have to worry about your security system thanks to its weatherproof design.

Rest assured knowing that your cameras will withstand the elements while continuing to provide clear, quality picture.

Great Picture Quality

Some similar cameras and security systems boast about the ability to provide a live view, though often times, these views are grainy, blurry, and provide no added information.

That’s not the case with the Arlo Pro. Customers have found the video quality to be excellent, even on the ‘lower quality’ battery saving mode.

This way, you won’t have to worry about your live view failing to tell you just who exactly is on your property.

When night falls, the Arlo Pro security system uses night vision which doesn’t skimp on quality either. While it may be less sharp than the daytime, you’ll still be able to see everything that’s happening.

Not only that, but the sound quality is great too! What’s the point of having two-way audio if you can’t hear and speak to each other?

Customers have reported they have no issues speaking through the security system, and things are as clear as if you were speaking on the phone – no worries here.

Easy to Install and Use

Yeah, all these features are great, but will you be fumbling and huffing just to put it all together? Nope!

Netgear makes it so easy to install their Arlo Pro security system that some customers have been able to install it in just minutes. Even grandma and grandpa can do it!

The most you’ll need is some screws, a screwdriver, and maybe a drill to get this system installed, but it also comes with a mounting plate to help you along.

Once the system is up and ready to go, using it is just as simple. The app is intuitive and easy to navigate making it easy to access the system, camera and create specific settings so you’re not left fumbling about.

Here’s a video showing what the Arlo Pro Security System looks like out of the box.

The Negative

Works Poorly on Slow Internet Connections

The Arlo Pro security system requires a high-speed internet connection, recommending a minimum 1 Mbps upstream.

Users whose internet connections are prone to lagging find that this lag impedes the effectiveness of the Arlo Pro cameras.

This can result in the camera not beginning to record until after the person it picked up with its motion sensors is already walking away from the house, or not uploading any video to the cloud at all.

False Alarms and Low Image Quality Due to Wind

Though users of this smart security system, on the whole, appreciate its motion-activated alerts, some have found that the Arlo Pro cameras might be too sensitive in some regards.

In some cases, these cameras send alerts for wind moving the branches on the trees in the yard, leading to an inconvenient amount of false alarms.

Also, when it’s windy, some users have found that the image quality is much lower than it is on calm days, with hard to view pixelated images.

Overall Verdict

We would recommend the Arlo Pro by Netgear Security System to anyone with a low budget who is looking for a camera security system that is easy to install.

With its free cloud backup feature, the Arlo Pro is a cost-effective solution over time.

However, users in windy areas and with poor internet connection might find that a different security system would better fit their needs.

Where to Buy the Arlo Pro Security System

As we’ve mentioned, Netgear isn’t new to the scene of technology, providing innovative smart solutions for a variety of situations, the Arlo Pro Security System is just one example.

Tech enthusiasts and experts have been keeping an eye on this product, causing it to rise in overall popularity. For these reasons, it won’t be too hard to find this security system both in-store and online.

To start your search, check out the following online retailers.

• Best Buy (from $719)
• Wal Mart (from $809)

But of course, you can also find this product on Amazon.

That’s it for our Arlo Pro Security System review. Are you curious to try it out?