Smart Security Camera – Arlo Pro vs Arlo Pro 2

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Arlo Pro vs Arlo Pro2 - what are the differences between these two systems? Which is the best smart home security camera option for you? The netgear arlo line includes both models.

You’ve probably heard, the Netgear Arlo smart home security camera system is revolutionizing the simplicity and capabilities of remotely monitoring your home for security purposes.

The Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 Home Security Camera systems are our recommended choice for DIY (Do-It-Yourself) home camera monitoring.

But, what’s the differences between the two systems?

Arlo Pro 3 Now Available
Before you deep dive into this article – you may want to check out the new Arlo Pro 3 camera. It has better resolution, field of view (FOV), an integrated spotlight, HDR, and much more. And it’s all at an attractive price point.

Arlo Pro 2 - Wireless Home Security Camera System with Siren | Rechargeable, Night vision, Indoor/Outdoor, 1080p, 2-Way Audio, Wall Mount | Cloud Storage Included | 2 camera kit (VMS4230P)

Which is the right system for you? The Arlo Pro or the Arlo Pro 2?

Here we’ll outline the strengths and weaknesses of the Alro Pro and Arlo Pro 2 systems – so that you can make an informed decision on which is the best home security camera system for you.

Already have an Arlo Pro or Arlo Pro 2? Make it better with the best Arlo Pro (and Arlo Pro 2) accessories.

Arlo Pro vs Arlo

The Arlo brand of security camera systems has been around for a few years. Now owned by Netgear – an innovative maker of home and consumer electroncis – they’ve been providing cost efficient and super-simple security camera systems for thousands of homeowners.

The original line of Arlo security cameras were a revolution – 100% wire-free for unlimited installation possibilities, and a gorgeous HD (Hi-Definition) video feed as well.

But, the Arlo product line really hit it’s stride with the introduction of the Arlo Pro line of security cameras and base station.

Why is that?

The Arlo Pro line brought these professional security system features and capabilities into reach of the average home owner – and with a simple setup as well!

The Arlo Pro uses longer lasting, easily rechargeable batteries that are a single unit.

While the Arlo line used four rechargeable CR123A batteries that worked acceptably, the pro line really steps up the game with longer life and easier recharging options.

Who wants to deal with recharging 4 batteries per camera? It’s too much hassle.

Further, the Arlo Pro line gives you the option of hardwiring a power connection if you desire.

Why would you want to do this? Well, if you’ve got a camera indoors (or outdoors) and conveniently located near a power outlet you can avoid the drudgery of recharging batteries entirely – and never risk missing any significant security events.

And while hardwiring the power cable is an option – the cameras still work incredibly well on those new, long-life batteries.

With the Arlo Pro you get the best of both worlds – wired and wireless!

How about image clarity?

Both offer High Definition video (720P) – and night vision.

But the Arlo Pro line shines in two respects – The cameras have a greater field of view at 130 degrees vs 110 degress for the regular Arlo.

That means 18% more coverage per camera – and that means you can do more with the same number of cameras.

The night vision range of 25 feet is the same for both the Arlo and Arlo Pro.

But in Motion Detection the Arlo Pro can detect motion at ranges up to 23 feet vs only 15 feet for the original Arlo.

That’s over 50% better motion detection range.

And finally, the Arlo Pro can tolerate a wider range of weather conditions compared to the original Arlo – it’s good for down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

So in a nutshell – Arlo Pro cameras are significantly better at Motion Detection, are less hassle to maintain, and provide more security for your home.

Here’s another BIG security improvement. The Arlo Pro’s Base Station as a 100 Db siren built in.

Need to scare off an intruder or get someone’s attention? With the original Arlo you are really left to the built-in microphone and speakers – which frankly, aren’t that powerful.

The Arlo Pro base station siren is pretty loud.

It’s not going to rupture any ear drums – but it’s going to give any intruder or unwanted visitor a JOLT.

It’s a hands down WIN for the Arlo Pro, as compared to the original Arlo camera.

But let’s talk now about how the Arlo Pro line compares to the Arlo Pro 2.

Arlo camera login
Once you have your Arlo Pro system setup, you can login at https://my.arlo.com/#/login. From the cloud login you can then configure your system, or review recorded events, and much, much more.

Arlo Pro security camera vs Arlo Pro 2 security camera

Netgear recently launched the Arlo Pro 2 line of security cameras.

The best security camera on the market just keeps getting better and better.

How so?

The most visible difference is a step up to full HD video in 1080P.

This offers a breath-taking video image that is full of clarity and detail (lighting conditions and network performance allowing.)

And it’s also got continuous recording options too – when plugged in.

Because the Arlo line of cameras are meant primarily to be used wirelessly they have to be efficient – they can’t possibly record and transmit video non-stop – you’d have battery life measured in hours instead of weeks or months.

And honestly in most cases you don’t want hours and hours of video of nothing happening.

So the Arlo line of cameras use Motion Detection technology to only record events of interest.

This let’s you find and review any actual activity quickly and efficiently.

But, in some cases you want continuous recording. For example, maybe you need to prove NOTHING happened in some timeframe.

With the Arlo Pro 2 line you can do that – provided the cameras are used indoors and hardwired to power.

When you’ve done that you can record continuously.

The other option you get when indoors and hardwired is advanced motion detection technology – using video analysis techniques, rather than the infrared (IR) light method used by the other Arlo cameras.

This technique gives you more accurate, longer range motion detection. But, it takes more processing power – hence why you need the camera hard wired to power.

Here’s another important advantage of the Arlo Pro 2 cameras. This model can capture the 3 seconds of activity BEFORE motion detection is fully triggered.

This unique feature of the Arlo Pro 2 ensures you get a full picture of the activity.

Introducing the Arlo Ultra

Arlo doesn’t stand still.

They’ve already one-upped the amazing Arlo Pro 2 camera with something newer.

The Arlo Ultra is now the best Arlo security camera.

It’s got a lot of improved features – like jaw dropping 4K video resolution – and much, much more.

Read all about it in our Arlo Ultra camera review.

The Final Verdict

In our opinion, the greater clarify and detail available from the Arlo Pro 2 with it’s full HD 1080P resolution is enough alone to make this our recommendation.

But, honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the Arlo camera line.

They are easy to install, easy to maintain, and provide an amazing feature set that was simply out of reach of the average homeowner until recently.

We use these magnificent cameras in our home and property – and you should too.

You can find some more creative ideas on how to use these cameras in our article on Arlo camera uses.

Photo Credits

  • Netgear Arlo Pro photos and product images are property of Netgear, and provided by Netgear.
  • Other accessory photos are property of the manufacturer.
About the author

Tim

I'm an all around computer junkie, interested in many aspects of programming, operating systems, and enterprise IT technologies. I love Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows and more!