topic Re: Have Arlo Pro since 2017 and works fine but considering upgrading the cameras any suggestions in Arlo Pro

Have Arlo Pro since 2017 and works fine but considering upgrading the cameras any suggestions

hateweek — Tue, 10 May 2022 18:14:44 GMT

Have Arlo Pro since 2017 and works fine but considering upgrading the cameras any suggestions

Re: Have Arlo Pro since 2017 and works fine but considering upgrading the cameras any suggestions

StephenB — Tue, 10 May 2022 20:09:30 GMT

@hateweek wrote:

Have Arlo Pro since 2017 and works fine but considering upgrading the cameras any suggestions

FIrst, all the newer cameras (starting with the Ultra in 2018) require a subscription to get cloud storage. No free 7-day cloud storage with any of the new models.

Mainline options are

Arlo Essential - fully sealed 1080p camera (battery not user replacable). The basic version has similar battery life to the Pro, XL version has a much larger battery than your Pro. One practical drawback is that you cannot reboot the camera by removing/reinserting the battery.
Arlo Pro 4 - 2K camera with a replacable battery (not the same battery as the Pro). Similarly, the basic version has similar battery life to your pro, the XL is much larger.
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight - similar to the Pro 4, but has a full floodlight instead of a spotlight. Only comes with the XL size battery. One drawback is that you need to use the integrated mount - there are no mounting screws.
Arlo Ultra 2 - 4K camera that requires a base. While I haven't seen an XL version for sale, the XL upgrade kit can be used with the camera.

Most of these models (except for the Ultra) can connect either to a compatible base or directly to your home wifi. Arlo SmartHub and Base Station Compatibility

My general advice is to start by looking at the Pro 4. You can downgrade to Essential or upgrade to Ultra if you need different features. Though the Pro 3 floodlight is worth a look if you are covering a larger space, and have a good spot to mount it.

Re: Have Arlo Pro since 2017 and works fine but considering upgrading the cameras any suggestions

hateweek — Wed, 18 May 2022 17:31:24 GMT

Just wanted to follow up with a little more information to see if it would change your answer

I have Smart Elite subscription that supports the 15 cameras I have now and have great coverage over my entire property. So is there an updated model you would recommend I review?

Re: Have Arlo Pro since 2017 and works fine but considering upgrading the cameras any suggestions

StephenB — Wed, 18 May 2022 19:23:13 GMT

@hateweek wrote:

Just wanted to follow up with a little more information to see if it would change your answer

I have Smart Elite subscription that supports the 15 cameras I have now and have great coverage over my entire property. So is there an updated model you would recommend I review?

Arlo Secure Plus might be a cheaper plan if you are adding cameras, since it includes unlimited 4K cameras. It's similar to Elite.

As far as outdoor camera models go, there is nothing I'd change. I'd still start by looking at the Pro 4, and then think about moving up to the Ultra 2 (which would require upgrading the base). If some of your cameras are indoors, you could take a look at the Essential Indoor. Also, you could consider the video doorbells

Depending on where your cameras are placed, you might already have enough resolution. So I'd be thinking also about improving battery life by upgrading some cameras to one of the XL models.

BTW, accessories (chargers, cables, solar panels, magnetic mounts) for the Pro /Pro 2 cameras generally won't be compatible with the new ones.