Arlo Video Doorbell Review: Your Home’s New Guardian?

Imagine upgrading your home’s security with a sleek, compact device that captures sharp 2K HDR footage and offers a 180-degree field of view—sounds impressive, right?

The Arlo Video Doorbell promises easy installation, intelligent alerting, and seamless integration with popular smart platforms, making it more than just a camera.

While it lacks Apple HomeKit support, its clear visuals and flexible power options put it in a class of its own. Curious how it all works together? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Takeaways

• Offers sharp 2K HDR video with wide 180-degree coverage and clear night vision for comprehensive home monitoring.
• Easy 5-15 minute setup via app, supporting wired or Wi-Fi connections, with straightforward installation.
• Compatible with major smart home systems and voice assistants like Alexa, Google, and HomeKit.
• Provides smart alerts with object detection, customizable zones, and footage recordings before motion triggers.
• Delivers solid security features at an affordable price (~$60), making it a reliable, stylish home guardian.

First Impressions and Design

When you see the Arlo Video Doorbell for the first time, its clean and small design catches your eye. It measures about 5.2 inches tall, 1.8 inches wide, and 1.2 inches deep. This size makes it look neat and not bulky.

The front is shiny black, and it’s made with a white cover that can handle outdoor weather. This gives it a modern look that will match many home styles.

The plastic body feels strong and tough, which is good for outdoor use. Its small size makes it easy to put on most doors or walls without taking up too much space.

The build quality makes sure it will last through different weather conditions. From the moment you see it to how it feels to touch, this doorbell shows careful design. It focuses on being simple to install, durable, and stylish, making it a good fit for your home.

Ease of Installation and Setup

Setting up the Arlo Video Doorbell is simple and quick. Even if you’re not a tech expert, you can get it done in about 5 to 15 minutes. The Arlo Secure app helps you step by step.

Here’s how it works:

1. Follow the instructions in the app. It shows you how to wire, mount, and set up the doorbell. There are also videos to make the process easier.
2. Pick how you want to connect it. You can choose wired, which needs a 16V-24V AC chime transformer, or wireless, which connects to your Wi-Fi using the 2.4 GHz band.
3. Scan the QR code on the doorbell with the app. Name your device. Then, finish the setup. Many people find this process simple, even if they need to do some rewiring.

This setup guide makes installing the Arlo Video Doorbell easy and fast.

Video Quality and Night Vision Capabilities

The Arlo Video Doorbell gives clear video and good night vision. Its 2K HDR video shows sharp images with lots of details, even in tricky lighting.

The high resolution—up to 1944×1944 pixels—helps you see everything clearly and recognize faces easily.

At night, infrared LEDs turn on so you can see in the dark up to 25 feet. This keeps your door camera working well all day and night.

The HDR mode makes bright sunlight and shadows look normal.

The camera’s wide 180-degree view covers a big area, but sometimes it causes a slight fisheye look.

Top 3 Alternatives to Arlo Video Doorbell

Smart Features and Home Integration

If you want your doorbell to be smarter, the Arlo Video Doorbell has some cool features. It works easily with common smart home systems.

You can do things like:

1. Use your voice to control the doorbell. It works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. You don’t need to touch anything; just ask.
2. Get smart alerts. The doorbell can tell if it spots a person, a car, a package, or an animal. This means you get alerts only for what matters, and not too many.
3. Connect to other smart devices. You can control and link the doorbell with your smart home setup for better security and convenience.

These features make it easier to stay connected. They help you watch over your home and control everything from one place.

The doorbell makes your home safer and smarter with simple, helpful tools.

Monitoring and Alert Systems

Monitoring how and when your doorbell alerts you is just as important as its ability to detect activity. With the Arlo Video Doorbell, you get a quick notification about 6-10 seconds after motion is sensed or someone presses the doorbell.

You can set up special activity zones. These zones help you focus on important areas, so you don’t get false alerts from pets or passing cars. The smart detection tells if the alert is for a person, a vehicle, a package, or an animal. This way, you only get alerts that matter.

The camera records footage before any activity happens. So, you won’t miss any important moments. When something happens, real-time alerts let you act fast. You can check live video or trigger the built-in alarm.

Cloud storage makes it easy to look at past clips. You can also change the sensitivity of motion detection to match your needs.

Comparing the Arlo Doorbell to Similar Models

When you compare the Arlo Video Doorbell with other models, it stands out with some good features. It shows clear image quality with 2K HDR resolution, so you can see details better. The wide 180-degree view means you can see more outside your door.

Unlike some Ring doorbells, Arlo has smart tools like activity zones and object detection. But keep in mind, some of these features may need a subscription.

You can choose how to install it. It works wired or with a rechargeable battery that lasts about four months on a single charge. It works well with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings.

However, it doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit. Overall, Arlo offers great video quality and useful smart home features at a good price. It makes a solid choice for home security.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Arlo Video Doorbell is a good choice for people who want better home security without spending too much. It has a clear 2K HDR video that covers a wide 180-degree area. This means you can see your porch clearly and watch for visitors easily. It’s simple to install, even if you’re new to tech.

The doorbell is made to handle weather, so it works outside in rain or sunshine.

If you want extra features like cloud storage or smart alerts, a subscription can help. But even without paying, you get basics that work well.

The doorbell works with popular smart home systems like Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. However, it doesn’t support Apple HomeKit.

It costs around $60 during sales, making it an affordable choice. This device gives good value for improving your home security and feeling safe.

FAQs

Is the Arlo Doorbell Worth It?

You’re likely wondering if this doorbell’s worth it; with its great video quality, wide field of view, easy installation, user-friendly app, reliable motion detection, weather resistance, real-time alerts, solid battery life, and device compatibility, it’s a smart choice.

Is There a Monthly Fee for an Arlo Doorbell?

You’ll need a monthly fee for full features like motion detection, app usability, and security, but basic video quality and installation are free. Customer support and pricing plans offer extra peace of mind, even in various weather conditions.

Is the Arlo Doorbell Useless Without a Subscription?

Without a subscription, you’re limited; you can’t access video recording, alert customization, or advanced motion detection. However, your doorbell still offers night vision, weather resilience, app notifications, microphone function, and decent video quality, keeping you connected.

How Do I Stop My Arlo Doorbell From Being Stolen?

You can prevent theft by following security tips like proper installation, camera placement, physical deterrents, alarm integration, and weatherproofing. Use doorbell protection, device signage, neighbor alerts, and strategic positioning for theft prevention and increased belonging in your community effort.

Last update on 2026-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.