Netgear Arlo Totally Wireless Camera Tested

By: John Scanlan, Published on Feb 22, 2016

Wireless cameras almost always still need a wire for power. Given that, many argue to just used wired cameras anyway.

Recently, IPVM bought and tested Blink, a new entrant offering a totally wireless camera system.

Now, we bought and tested Netgear's Arlo, a product that has been around for many years (previously under Avaak), to see if it would beat Blink. One area Blink had problems with was low light, where it flashed a jarring bright white LED anytime it needed low light video. By contrast, Arlo has integrated IR.

Arlo

We tested Blink against Arlo for:

  • App/Mobile features
  • Day time recording
  • Night time/IR performance
  • Motion Detection
  • Battery Performance
  • Storage Capabilities

******** ******* ****** ****** still **** * **** for *****. ***** ****, many ***** ** **** used ***** ******* ******.

********, **** ****** ********* *****, * *** ******* offering * ******* ******** camera ******.

***, ** ****** *** tested *******'* ****, * product **** *** **** around *** **** ***** (previously **********), ** *** ** it ***** **** *****. One **** ***** *** problems **** *** *** light, ***** ** ******* a ******* ****** ***** LED ******* ** ****** low ***** *****. ** contrast, **** *** ********** IR.

Arlo

** ****** ***** ******* **** ***:

  • ***/****** ********
  • *** **** *********
  • ***** ****/** ***********
  • ****** *********
  • ******* ***********
  • ******* ************

[***************]

Summary **********

*************, **** *** ************ serious *********** ******** ***** in *** *******. ** such, ** *********** ************ it ***** **** ** fixed. ******** **** **** resolve **** ** *** future, **** *** **** advantages (** *****, *** interface, ****** *********, ******* specified).

Key ********

**** *** * *** advantages **** ******** ** Blink:

  • ** ******* ** ***** light: **** **********, **** ******** includes illuminators ******* ** ***** light ***** ** *****. While **** *** **** to ********** *****/****** ***** (up ** **'***'), *****'* white ***** ***** **** its ******** *** ***** it ******* ** * baby *******/***** ***. **** provided ***** *** **** details ** ******* ****** at *****.
  • *** ********* ** ******** to ******:******* ******** * *** interface *** **** ** addition ** *** ****** apps. ***** *** ****** live *****, *****, *** setup **** ******. ***** offers **** ****** ****.
  • ****** *********:**** ****** ***** ** manually ****** ***** **** live ****. ***** ****** motion ********* ****, **** motion ******* ***** **** view ** ****.

*******, ***** *** *** disadvantages ** ****:

  • ********** ***** *******:****'* ***** ******* *** unreliable ****** *** *****, with ******* *****, ****** sent * ***** ***** the ***** ********, *** the ******** ********* ** view **** *****. *****, tech ******* ************ ***** issues **** ***** *** simply **** **** **** working ** ********** ****** capacity, **** ** ***.
  • ******* ********* *****:**** *********** ******** ****** up ** ******* ******* on ****, **** *** able ** ****** ****** at **' ***** ***** was **** ** ****** that, ********* ****** ** far ** **'. 
  • ****** *****: * * ****** **** is ~**% **** ********* than * * ****** Blink (~$*** ** ~$***).

*******

*** **** ******* ******* sells ***~$*** - $*** *** online*** ******** *** ****** and *** **** *******. Up ** ** ******* may ** ***** ** each **** *******. ********** ******* sell ***~$*** ****, **** ********* (** to $**/**) **** ********* in *****-*****. ** ********, *** Blink ******* *** ********** *** *** *** one ****** ***** *** $99 ******. ********** ******* (** to ** *** ***) cost $**. **** ***** *** ********* ** at ******* ****** ****** as **** ** ******** from*****.

****'* ******* **** ******* puts ** ** *** range ** ******* ******** DIY/home *******, ********* $***-***.

******** ********

*** ***** *** **** **** similar ********** **** ******** orientations:

**** ** ******* * physical ******** ** *** Arlo **** **** ****** as **** ** *** associated **** *******: 

 

Cloud ******/*******

****'* **** **** ****** up ** * *******, with 7 **** ** *******. Paid ***** ($**/$**) ***** for **** ******* (** to **) *** ** ** 60 **** ** *******.

  • ***** (****): * *******/* days
  • ******* ($*.**/**): ** *******/** days
  • ***** ($**.**/**): ** *******/** days

******** ** **** ***** providers, ***** ****** *** ******, ****'* ********* ** multiple ******* *** *** price ** **** *****. For *******, *** **** Nest *******, ***** ***** pay $**/***** *** ** days ** ******* ($** initial + $* *** each ********** ******). 

Cloud Stability ******

****** *** *****, ** frequently ******** *** ******* error: "***** *** * problem ************ * ********** to *** ***** ******."

************, ***** ***** **** testing *** **-** *******, and ******* ********* ******** motion ******, ***** **** these ***** **** *** saved ** *** *******. Even ******** ******** ***** (initiated **** *** **** view) **** ******* ** times. ****** **** ********** were **** ****, **** some ******** *** ***** after *** ***** *** already ********. 

** ********* **** ******* about ***** ****** *** they ****** **** ***** servers **** ********** *** they **** ******* ** adding ****, *** **** gave ** *** *** when **** *** **** place.

*** ********* ** **** live ***** ***** ******* turn *********** ** * production ******. ********, **** alerts *** ******* ***** make **** *********** ******* for **** ******** ********.

*******

*** **** ******** ****** claims "*-* ******" ** battery ****, ******** **** four ** ******* *********.  After * **** ** motion ********* ** *** office *** ******* ********* illustration ***** ***** **** charge. ***** ** ** way ** **** *** battery ****** ********** ******* the ****** *** *** the *** *********.

Nighttime *******

** ***** ****'* **' IR ************ ***** ** be ********. ** *** image *****, *** ****** illuminates *** **** **** of *** ****, ***** 25' **** *** ******. The *******, ** ***** 12', ** **** ******* illuminated.

*****'* ***** ***** *** illuminator ******** ***** *** same ********, **** ******** more ********** ** *** edges, ****** **** *** obvious ************ ** * white "*****" ***** *** camera ** ******.

******* ********* ** **** are ***** *** ****, with ***** ******* ** the ******* *** *** chart ******* ** *** same *****.

Detection ***********

****'* *** ****** ********* reliably ******** ******** ** about **' **** *** camera, **** ** ***** alarms ****** *** ****** of *** *******. **** is ************* ******* **** Blink, ***** ******** ******** subjects *** ** ~**' at *** ***********.

***/*** ********* ********

**** ****** * *** interface ** ******** ** mobile ****, **** **** functioning *********** *** ****. ***** may ** ************ **** viewed *** ****** *********, though **** **** ******* drain *** *******' *********.

** **** **** ***** home/DIY *********, ****** ** limited ** * **** of *****, **** ** way ** ***** * specific **** *** ****. Clips *** ** ******** to *** ****'* ****** device ** ***** ** PC ** ***** *** web *********.

** ****** *** *** interface ** **** *****:

*** ****** *** ** very ******* ** *** web ********* ********* *** look/feel *** *************. **** we ****** *** ****** app:

Comments (17)

Vickee Liang

IPVMU Certified | 02/22/16 06:54pm

I have Arlo at home, the battery usually last about 3~4 months, I have not been managed to get it longer than 4 months yet.

Avatar

John Scanlan

IPVM | IPVMU Certified | In reply to Vickee Liang | 02/22/16 07:05pm

Is your camera inside or outside and do you know what your power management setting is set to?

Vickee Liang

IPVMU Certified | 02/22/16 07:14pm

inside of a baby crib, I will say motion is 25% through out the day (less than 6 hours), since baby only stay inside when he sleeps

Bill Glover

02/22/16 07:52pm

I have it at home too. Been fairly happy with it. My outside camera is set at the highest quality. It records about 4 to 5 minutes a day and has about 1/3 battery left after 3 months.

Avatar

John Scanlan

IPVM | IPVMU Certified | In reply to Bill Glover | 02/22/16 08:00pm

Have you noticed a difference in battery life between indoors & outdoors cameras?

Undisclosed #1

02/22/16 07:53pm

Details delivered by both are about the same...

For me, color information helps a lot in identifying/describing someone, especially clothing color.

Bill Glover

02/22/16 08:10pm

Mine are both outside. Thry seemed to act a bit strange in really cold temps (below zero). The video was slow to upload and the notifications were slow. But as you mentioned this could be a cloud issue too and really nothing to do with the weather.

Avatar

John Scanlan

IPVM | IPVMU Certified | In reply to Bill Glover | 02/22/16 08:14pm

Yes, we encountered the same delays indoors. The issues you are having most likely stem from the lack resources (media servers) that Arlo has.

Bill Glover

In reply to John Scanlan | 02/22/16 08:23pm

Another thing I noticed is there is a definite delay in motion detection. There is a 2 to 3 sec lag most times before the camera wakes up and starts to record video. For me it was a trade off versus the ease of installation. I had both cameras up in running in about a half hour.

Avatar

John Scanlan

IPVM | IPVMU Certified | In reply to Bill Glover | 02/22/16 08:31pm

I was able to trigger motion detection and, at a fast pace, avoid being recorded at ~20 ft from the camera crossing the 4 ft wide hallway shown above.

Undisclosed #1

In reply to John Scanlan | 02/23/16 07:11am

Nothing is more frustrating than a motionless motion clip received when your not home.

This wake up delay seems to be an unavoidable consequence of finite battery power.

Average homeowner probably won't realize this is how it works til the first non-event. But then it's a confidence destroyer.

Thanks, but I'll wait for wireless power. ;)

Avatar

Ross Vander Klok

IPVMU Certified | 02/23/16 04:26pm

So basically you folks are saying you have the same issues IPVM points out?

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Ross Vander Klok | 02/23/16 04:55pm

Cloud unreliable. Battery unpredictable. Motion latency unavoidable.

Netgear Arlo Totally Worthless Camera Tested

John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed #1 | 02/23/16 05:19pm

DM the Arlo burglar, see what he says.

Undisclosed #1

In reply to John Honovich | 02/23/16 06:26pm

Tweeted the BurlglArlo:

but I don't think they are 'standing by', probably just 'standing in line', of the the unemployment type.

Hopefully they didn't quit their night job yet...

Bill Glover

In reply to Ross Vander Klok | 02/23/16 05:19pm

Pretty much. I find they do the job fairly well but with some obvious trade offs. The cloud recording for me has been fairly reliable, but definitely has had down time. I've had the cameras outside for about 3 months and have had hundreds of clips and notifications work fine. With that said, anything that is crucial to record you should look elsewhere.

Bill Glover

02/23/16 05:33pm

OMG. That video is pretty funny. I definitely would not use them as the only security layer for my house.

Login to read this IPVM report.
Why do I need to log in?
IPVM conducts unique testing and research funded by member's payments enabling us to offer the most independent, accurate and in-depth information.

Related Reports

Pelco Sarix Pro3 Camera Tested on Oct 16, 2019
Pelco has released their Sarix Professional Series 3 cameras, claiming "more security detail in challenging scenes with excellent low light and...
IPVM Camera Calculator User Manual / Guide on Oct 16, 2019
Learn how to use the IPVM Camera Calculator. The guide below includes instructions, images, gifs, and videos demonstrating and explaining the...
Altronix Claims Tango 'Eliminates Electricians' on Oct 15, 2019
Power supply provider Altronix claims its new Tango power supply 'eliminates the need for an electrician, dedicated conduit and wire runs'. In...
Last Chance - Register Now - October 2019 IP Networking Course on Oct 10, 2019
Last Chance - Register Now - Fall 2019 IP Networking Course. The course starts next week. This is the only networking course designed...
Network Optix NxWitness 4.0 Tested on Oct 10, 2019
Network Optix released Nx Witness 4.0, proclaiming new features like a deep learning analytics metadata SDK, increased H.265 support, and UX...
HID Fingerprint Reader Tested on Oct 09, 2019
HID has released their first access reader to use Lumidigm optical sensors, that touts it 'works with anyone, anytime, anywhere'. We bought and...
Avigilon H5A Analytic Cameras Tested on Oct 07, 2019
Avigilon has released its H5A analytic cameras, claiming to "detect more objects with greater accuracy even in crowded scenes." We tested the...
Hikvision ColorVu is Smart Marketing on Oct 03, 2019
Hikvision ColorVu (see IPVM test results) is smart marketing, a lesson to be learned by competitors and a rising trend. Inside this note, we...
'Bunker Busting' Wireless Access Startup: Sure-Fi Profile on Oct 03, 2019
An access startup is claiming its 'bunker busting' wireless Wiegand radios can punch through 'any obstruction'. We examine their offering,...
Fail Safe vs. Fail Secure Tutorial on Oct 02, 2019
Few terms carry greater importance in access control than 'fail safe' and 'fail secure'. Access control professionals must know how these...

Most Recent Industry Reports

US DoD Comments on Huawei, Hikvision, Dahua Cyber Security Concerns on Oct 16, 2019
A senior DoD official said the US is "concerned" with the cybersecurity of Hikvision, Dahua, and Huawei due to "CCP" (China Communist Party)...
Pelco Sarix Pro3 Camera Tested on Oct 16, 2019
Pelco has released their Sarix Professional Series 3 cameras, claiming "more security detail in challenging scenes with excellent low light and...
IPVM Camera Calculator User Manual / Guide on Oct 16, 2019
Learn how to use the IPVM Camera Calculator. The guide below includes instructions, images, gifs, and videos demonstrating and explaining the...
Altronix Claims Tango 'Eliminates Electricians' on Oct 15, 2019
Power supply provider Altronix claims its new Tango power supply 'eliminates the need for an electrician, dedicated conduit and wire runs'. In...
Pelco CEO Out, Seeking New Industry CEO, New CEO Found on Oct 15, 2019
Just 2 months after Pelco was sold, Pelco's CEO is out, with Pelco bringing in an outside President and searching for a new CEO from the industry,...
Hikvision Dissolves North American Business Unit, Splits Canada and USA on Oct 15, 2019
Hikvision has dissolved its North American Business Unit, splitting up US and Canada operations as the PRC-government owned manufacturer faces...
Camera Focusing Tutorial on Oct 14, 2019
Camera focus is fundamental to quality imaging. Mistakes can significantly reduce details, making cameras less effective. In this guide, we...
"UL Has Blood On Their Hands" Alleges The Interceptor / Keith Jentoft on Oct 14, 2019
"UL has blood on their hands" alleges Keith Jentoft of "The Interceptor Project". We examined The Interceptor in-depth last year, see: The...
Access Control Course Fall 2019 - Last Chance on Oct 14, 2019
Register Now - Fall 2019 Access Control Course. Thursday, October 17th is the last day to register. IPVM offers the most comprehensive access...
Axis HD Analog Encoder Tested on Oct 11, 2019
Two years after declaring "Everything is IP", Axis has released their first HD analog encoder, the P7304, with support for AHD, CVI, TVI, and SD...

What IPVM Is

The world's leading authority on video surveillance, with 200,000+ visits monthly.

  • Articles on cameras, video analytics, VMS, and trends
  • Tests showing actual performance and problems
  • Courses in surveillance, access control, etc
  • Camera Calculator for designing systems

Dedicated To Independence

We're dedicated to staying independent and objective. We're the only industry source to refuse any and all advertisements, sponsorship, and consulting from manufacturers. Why?