Arlo at a Glance
What is Arlo?
Arlo offers high-quality, innovative home security systems that are user-friendly and easy to set up. It enables customers to purchase a pre-designed package or put together their own system, and it offers optional 24/7 professional monitoring and other services. Since you can use Arlo’s security hardware and the essential features for free, it’s a good option if you don’t want to pay a monthly subscription. That said, Arlo’s premium packages are very competitively priced, and they include 30 days of cloud storage for your security video footage.
Arlo features
Arlo’s home security systems are reliable and at the forefront of modern technology, and they are backed by a suite of features. For starters, you can access optional 24/7 monitoring with the top-end premium package. You’ll have access to medically trained Live Security Experts at all times, and they’ll respond immediately if there’s an emergency or security issue.
Arlo also has a range of security cameras to choose from, including indoor, outdoor, and wireless models. You can view a live feed at any time via the Arlo Secure app, and you can access 30 days of camera footage with a premium subscription.
I was particularly impressed by Arlo’s all-in-one sensors. These combine eight sensing functions, including motion detection and window/door opening and closing. You can use the Arlo Secure app to configure your sensors.
For those who want to add an extra layer of security to their system, Arlo has a range of electronic doorbells. Wireless and wired models are available, and both include video functionality.
Last but not least, Arlo security systems are compatible with various smart home devices, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.
Is Arlo Safe and Reliable?
Arlo has had issues with poor customer service in the past, and this has led to rather low ratings across the web. However, according to the Better Business Bureau website, it has responded to this and made an effort to clean up its act recently. It currently offers secure, reliable service, and the 30-day money-back guarantee removes much of the risk associated with your purchase.
How Arlo Works
Security Services
Arlo offers a wide range of home security devices that can be managed via the Arlo Secure app. You need to purchase your hardware outright, although there are payment plans available.
Various packages are available through the Arlo website, or you can configure your own custom system. Once you’ve made your order, it will be shipped to your door. Professional installation isn’t required, and you’ll get clear setup instructions.
Monitoring Services
Arlo also offers 24/7 professional monitoring to customers with a Safe and Secure Pro plan. With this, your security system will be monitored at all times by Live Security Experts. They can respond immediately if an emergency occurs, contacting the relevant first responders.
You can also use the one-tap direct dispatch feature to request help from police, fire, or medical responders. False alarms are avoided through video and image verification. This also enables monitoring staff to inform first responders of the severity of the situation.
Mobile readiness
The Arlo Secure mobile app enables you to manage and configure your home security system. You can link your devices to your account, enabling you to set them up as required. You can also use the mobile app to view the status of your system and view live video feeds.
Customers with a monthly subscription can also use the app to view video footage from the past 30 days and request emergency assistance (with the more expensive plans).
How to Get Started With Arlo
Initial consultation
You don’t have to go through any consultation or quote process before purchasing your Arlo home security system. Head to the Arlo website, select the package you require, and follow the checkout process. Your hardware will be delivered to your door within a few days.
Installation and add-ons
Arlo’s home security hardware is easy to install and doesn’t require any special tools or hard wiring. You’ll receive full instructions with your hardware. In short, you’ll need to pair your devices, place your sensors in the desired positions, and install your cameras. However, the exact process will vary according to your system.
Arlo Customer Service
Arlo has quite limited pre-sales service, and the only customer service option is the integrated chatbot. Customers with an active Arlo service plan or free trial can access live agent support.
On the plus side, I found loads of excellent self-help resources in the Arlo support center. These include a range of how-to articles and videos, product manuals, and installation and user guides.
You can also access support resources specific to your products via the Arlo mobile app. There’s a community forum where you can share feedback and ask questions, and there’s an informational blog with a selection of educational and informational articles.
How to Cancel Arlo’s Service
To cancel your Arlo subscription, head to the company website and log into your account. Click the Secure button and head to My Arlo Account. Click the Cancel Subscription button and follow the prompts.
You can continue using your subscription until the end of your current billing period. Any recordings stored in the Arlo Cloud will be deleted within 48 hours of the end of your subscription. I’d recommend downloading any files you want to save before you cancel your account.
Note that you can also change your subscription. Instead of clicking the Cancel Subscription button, head to Change Plan, and follow the prompts.
Is There an Arlo App?
Arlo offers a user-friendly Arlo Secure mobile app that’s available on both iOS and Android. It’s free to download, but you’ll need a premium Arlo Secure plan to access the emergency response, object detection, and video history features.
On the plus side, the free app is still quite powerful, and I found it intuitive and easy to use. You can use it to arm or disarm your system, view the status of your security devices, and configure your system settings.
Arlo Pricing
How Much Does Arlo Cost?
Arlo offers home security hardware and packages that you can purchase outright. Its featured Home Security System package comes in at $299.99 and includes five use-anywhere sensors, a keypad device, and access to the free features of the Arlo mobile app.
You can also build a custom package, and there are various pre-built hardware packages ranging from $179.98 to $999.97. Arlo partners with Affirm, enabling eligible customers to split the payment into monthly installments with low or zero interest.
Arlo's home security hardware can be used for free with the Arlo Secure app. However, you won’t be able to access advanced features like video recording without a paid package. Premium subscriptions range from $4.99 per month for a single camera on the base plan to $24.99 per month for the top-end Safe & Secure Pro package.
Cost Per Month
$4.99 (single camera)
$12.99 (unlimited cameras)
$17.99
$24.99
Video recording storage
30 days
30 days
30 days
Priority customer service
Yes
Yes
Yes
24/7 emergency response
No
Yes
Yes
24/7 professional monitoring
No
No
Yes
Access to the Arlo Safe app
No
No
Yes
Secure
The base-level Arlo Secure plan costs just $4.99 per month to connect a single camera or $12.99 per month for unlimited cameras. This includes up to 4K video recording resolution (depending on the device), 30 days of video recordings, smart interactive notifications, priority support, and more.
The Secure plan is good for anyone who wants to save security camera recordings for later reference, and it’s one of the more affordable options on the market.
Secure Plus
The Secure Plus package is only slightly more expensive than the Secure plan at $17.99 per month for unlimited cameras. It includes everything in the Secure package, along with 24/7 emergency response and critical alerts.
What this means is that you will have one-tap access to emergency services including police and medical responders. You can access this from the Arlo Secure app, and it’s suited to anyone who wants a little extra peace of mind.
Safe & Secure Pro
The top-end Safe & Secure Pro plan includes everything in the previous packages, along with 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular and battery backup for your system (with the appropriate hardware).
It comes in at $24.99 per month, making it a slightly pricier option. However, it also adds access to the Arlo Safe app. This usually costs $4.99 to $9.99 per month, and it includes a range of personal safety features such as access to a trained personal safety expert and crash detection and response.
Optional add-ons
Arlo offers a wide range of accessories and optional add-ons that you can use to customize your home security system. Here are a few of its most notable products.
All-in-one sensors - $29.99 each
Cellular and battery backup - $79.99
Solar panel chargers for cameras - $49.99 to $79.99 each
Battery charging station - $49.99
Wireless and wired video doorbells - From $129.99
Wireless Pro 3 floodlight camera - $249.99
Security cameras - From $99.99
Arlo Alternatives
How Does Arlo Compare to Other Home Security Services?
Price
$4.99 - $24.99 per month
From $28.99 per month
From $31.47 per month
$27.90
Money-back guarantee
30 days
6 months
3 days
60 days
Warranty
One year (applicable products only)
Varies by product
120-day full warranty
One year
24/7 Monitoring
Optional
Yes
Yes
Optional
Security cameras
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Motion sensors
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Automated locks
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Video doorbells
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Smart home integration
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Mobile app
iOS, Android
iOS, Android
iOS, Android
iOS, Android
Arlo vs ADT
ADT offers a range of hardware plus monitoring plans starting at $28.99 per month. There aren’t any upfront costs, but you’ll have to sign a long-term contract. Arlo, on the other hand, is much more affordable.
Its professional monitoring services are optional, and you can use the Arlo Secure app for free if you’re on a tight budget. ADT does have a longer money-back guarantee and the option to purchase an extended warranty, but I’d still recommend Arlo in almost all cases.
Arlo vs Vivint
Vivint is a popular home security company that offers reliable hardware and top-quality emergency monitoring. However, it’s significantly more expensive than Arlo, and you’ll have to sign a long-term contract.
Arlo also has better warranties on its hardware and a longer money-back guarantee, and I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a top-notch security system that’s easy on your budget.
Arlo vs SimpliSafe
Like Arlo, SimpliSafe gives you the ability to purchase your security system outright. Professional monitoring is optional, and it’s similarly priced to Arlo’s most expensive package. Both offer a one-year warranty on most of their products and have a decent money-back guarantee. All things considered, it’s hard to recommend one over the other, so I’d suggest you take a close look at both to see which is best for you.
Bottom Line (Is Arlo Worth It?)
All in all, Arlo stands out as a budget-friendly, reliable home security provider. It offers a range of systems, and you can purchase all hardware upfront without any ongoing costs. You only get 24/7 monitoring with a premium subscription, but you can view live streams from your camera at any time via the Arlo Secure mobile app.
There are also loads of self-help resources, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a one-year warranty on applicable products. Overall, I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a budget-friendly home security system that enables you to purchase your hardware outright.