Arlo is the better option if you’re wanting more advanced security camera features. But you’re going to love Reolink if you’re looking to save some money while still getting an excellent camera. *For battery-powered models Most of the cameras have two-way audio, and some also have lights, sirens, customizable motion zones, or pan-and-tilt functionality. Several of the latest models even use starlight night vision, a technology that allows the cameras to see in lower light. With all these features, Reolink cameras are excellent watchdogs, but they lack Arlo’s sophisticated approach to alerts. To learn more, read our Reolink Camera Review. All Arlo cameras use either 1080p or 2K/4K with a video subscription. Most Arlo cameras include customized motion zones and advanced object detection. This highly useful feature offers separate detection for people, vehicles, animals, packages, and even the sounds of smoke or CO alarms. Arlo also offers an emergency 911 service with its multi-camera plans. There’s a catch, though—none of these features are available without a camera storage plan. While Reolink cameras work the same with or without cloud storage, Arlo depends upon a monthly subscription. Reolink monitoring also costs less than Arlo’s. Even with Reolink’s more expensive cameras, the Go models stay in that price range excluding the Reolink Go PT Plus. They connect primarily to cellular data, not Wi-Fi, and need their own phone plans to operate. As we mentioned, some Reolink cameras can use solar panels instead of rechargeable batteries. But you’ll need to buy the solar panels separately too. Arlo offers two video doorbells. The Arlo Wired Video Doorbell and the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free. You’ll pay about $50 more for the wireless option. You can’t use some of Arlo’s cameras if you buy them without the base station (or don’t already have a compatible model). And that extra hardware adds up fast. If you’d like more info, we talk at length about Arlo base stations in the Arlo Security Camera Review. However, we don’t love that you need a paid subscription to access almost all Arlo features. It seems pretty unfair to charge so much for a camera and then keep charging to use the camera. The Secure Plan costs $9.99 for unlimited cameras and comes with most of the features of the Secure Plan Plus, you’ll just have to sacrifice that 4K video resolution as you’ll only get 2K. Arlo also offers Alexa, Google, and SmartThings compatibility, making its cameras compatible with most popular smart speakers. And with the IFTTT compatibility, users can include Arlo cameras in custom smart home chains. Neither of these camera brands offer direct smart home compatibility. Essentially, that means you can’t control a bunch of smart home devices from your Arlo or Reolink app. You can only access your cameras. Both Reolink and Arlo cameras come with all the necessary screws and mounting pieces. And both have fairly intuitive, app-led processes to make the installation experience as painless as possible, without the need for professional assistance. Features: Arlo is a lot more advanced in its motion detection settings than Reolink. Since detecting intruders, packages, and other objects is one of the main objects of having a security camera, most people will prefer this feature over Reolink’s well-rounded repertoire. Pricing: Reolink is significantly cheaper than Arlo, both in equipment and cloud subscription plans. Home automation: Arlo has a lot more smart home compatibility than Reolink, making it a better choice if you want a connected home. Installation: Installation doesn’t seem overly difficult for either of these two brands. Arlo is such a big name, and has such good motion detection and home automation, that we feel most people will choose it over Reolink. But if you don’t want to spend the prices Arlo is charging, Reolink is an excellent alternative. On the other hand, if you don’t like either of these brands that much, check out our Best Security Cameras, Best Cheap Security Cameras, and Best Night Vision Cameras for some other options.
