#The best surveillance system install
If you don't already have an Arlo camera or two in place, you're going to need to install a hub that's wired to your router, so bear that in mind – the cameras all connect to the hub (not to your Wi-Fi), and this can mean there are range issues. For all the more basic smarts, it's great, though. The motion detection is top notch, and the app is a pleasure to use as well (a lot better than the apps you get with some budget security cameras), though if you want to get into its cleverest customisations, there is a bit of a learning curve. There's an integrated smart siren too: if would-be burglars need a little extra encouragement to get off your property, then the spotlight and siren should be able to provide it. One neat feature is the integrated spotlight, which can be turned on manually, or activated automatically when motion is detected.
#The best surveillance system full
Still, what you get for the money is all the usual Arlo traits in terms of the solid build quality, superb camera footage, tons of clever features and a polished app.īuilding on what the Arlo Pro 2 offers, the Arlo Pro 3 offers QHD HDR video, full weatherproofing (so you can stick it outside), an impressive 160-degree viewing angle, and even colour night vision – so your low light shots will be in colour rather than grainy black and white. Though the Arlo Ultra (see below) technically has all the same smarts and more detailed 4K resolution, the Arlo Pro 3 still won our T3 Awards 2020 award for Best Smart Security, because its image quality is still excellent, and it's slightly better value – though its price is still its achilles' heel. You see exactly what we thought of it in our Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera review, and we've got an Arlo Essential vs Arlo Pro 4 head-to-head, to show off how it compares to the upcoming Pro model. The price is notably higher than the Ring above, but it also offers even more flexibility if you pay for its subscription. Important things like battery life are still strong too, and you still use it as part of an Arlo Pro system, so you could start with just this camera and then jump in with both feet later. The Full HD resolution is easily good enough, but it's noticeable that the Arlo 3 offers more detail. The downside compared to the Arlo 3 is that it's lower resolution and doesn't offer the same great HDR recording to balance out views that have both light and dark. The balance of features and price means that this won the Best Smart Security award at the T3 Awards 2021. But it still has all access to the full range of Arlo smarts, including person, package and animal detection, two-way communication, an alarm, colour night vision, and a built-in spotlight. Whereas the Arlo 3 requires a base station and is built around expensive multi-camera setups, this cheaper model is made to be standalone, connecting straight to your Wi-Fi network. And if you decide you want to get serious about security, you can then add a high-end Arlo setup complete with base station, and the Essential will work with it. You get night vision, motion and sound warnings, two-way talk, the ability to ignore pets, and other really useful feature. The best smart security camera for most people is the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera, which offers all the most advanced options of Arlo's excellent camera system, but in an affordable single-camera package. If you're looking for the best and most affordable options, check out our guide to the best cheap security cameras for some excellent devices. In this guide we've considered cameras for all kinds of budget. Some cameras can even be linked to the best smart bulbs and best smart plugs to flash or turn on lights when the camera detects a new arrival. The cameras in this list are also designed to play nice with other smart home devices and systems, which might also include one of the best video doorbells. Setup is simple, and if you go for a battery one you can get many weeks or even months before it's time for a recharge. Improvements in battery technology mean that the best security cameras are incredibly easy to set up: in some cases there's no need for any drilling or wires.