Should I choose Arlo Go or Go 2?

[laurenp954]

Hi! I'm trying to decide which camera is right for my situation, the Go or Go 2. I've read everything I can find, watched multiple videos, but still don't have a clear answer. Live chat isn't available for non-subscribers, unfortunately.

The camera will be placed at our front gate, 1/2 mile from the house, so wi-fi is not an option. The main purpose would be to view visitors in real-time. I have some questions:

1. If I understand correctly, both cameras offer live viewing, even if you don't have a monthly mobile subscription. Is that correct?

2. I read somewhere that the Arlo Go includes a rolling 7-day cloud recording of video without a mobile subscription, but the Go 2 hasn't mentioned this feature. Do they both offer this?

3. If I did want a mobile subscription to record video to the cloud, it seems like only the Arlo Go can connect via the Arlo mobile service, and the Arlo Go 2 must use a major carrier such as Verizon or T-mobile. Is that correct? 

Thank you!

Lauren

[MemaS]

Hi, I was wondering the same.  I already have Arlo Pro 2 but want to supplement.  I was able to chat with an agent.  This is the info I received:

AGENT (Arlo Webstore team): Thanks for providing all the information that I needed. I understand that you need assistance regarding the Arlo Go if it includes the 7-day Cloud recording, am I correct?

USER: No, I am trying to decide between the Arlo Go and the Arlo Go 2.  The Arlo Go includes a rolling 7-day cloud recording of video without a mobile subscription, the Go 2 hasn't mentioned this feature. Do they both offer this?

 If I want a mobile subscription, the Go can connect via the Arlo mobile service, the Go 2 must use a major carrier?

AGENT (Arlo Webstore team): Both cameras need a mobile subscription.

AGENT (Arlo Webstore team): The 7-day free cloud recording is for the camera to record if there is a motion.

USER: That is not through Arlo?  Which carriers and how does that work?  

AGENT (Arlo Webstore team): Mobile service providers are Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular

AGENT (Arlo Webstore team): The cloud recordings is through Arlo.

USER: Do you sign up through Arlo or contact the service providers directly?

AGENT (Arlo Webstore team): You will need to purchase the Arlo Go or Go 2 to your selected mobile service provider or from our authorized resellers.

USER: Can I purchase the cameras from your site and then go to the service provider for the mobile service or is everything done through the mobile service?

AGENT (Arlo Webstore team): Yes. Let me check if Arlo Go or Go 2 is available on our website.

USER: Thank you

AGENT (Arlo Webstore team): You are most welcome! Arlo Go is not available. Only Arlo Go 2. Here is the link https://www.arlo.com/en-us/cameras/go/arlo-go-2-cameras.html

USER: Thank you

AGENT (Arlo Webstore team): For Arlo Go 2 you can select if it will be connected through LTE or wifi.

USER: After purchase I go to the service provider’s site to purchase a plan?

AGENT (Arlo Webstore team): Yes.

USER: Thank you, have a good day.

[laurenp954]

Thanks, although I'm even more confused now lol. So, only the Go 2 is available to purchase right now. If I read the chat correctly, it sounds like 7 day cloud recording is available for that model, and does not require a mobile subscription. The mobile subscription would be if I wanted features such as notifications or more recording space. Does that sound right? (Basically, I'm trying to understand if I'll have to pay a monthly fee if I don't need the extra features. )

[MemaS]

It was confusing LOL I kept trying to ask questions that would make things clearer. I was told both cameras need the mobile subscription.  The cloud is only free for 7 days.  "The 7-day free cloud recording is for the camera to record if there is a motion. " was what I was told. After that there will be some sort of fee.  As I understand to truly be wire free and wi-fi free the Go 2 is the way to go and must have some type of subscription.  I saw plans that were very basic for $6.99 month up to 34.99 month.  With my Arlo Pro 2, I pay $11 a month, I have solar panels on them to keep the batteries charged.  However, if my internet goes down, the cameras do not work.

[laurenp954]

OK, I think I seriously misunderstood a key part. I thought I saw that it was a rolling 7 days of recordings, but I think it's actually a 7 day free trial of recordings, and after that you get nothing.
I wish there was a way to speak with a salesperson to answer questions, but unfortunately it seems like there's nothing to help potential buyers, other than this community.

[MemaS]

If you go to this site you can click on the individual service providers logos.  That will bring you to their site and you should be able to get more information that way.    

https://www.arlo.com/en-us/cameras/go/arlo-go-2-cameras.html

[StephenB]

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@laurenp954 wrote:
Thanks, although I'm even more confused now lol. So, only the Go 2 is available to purchase right now. If I read the chat correctly, it sounds like 7 day cloud recording is available for that model, and does not require a mobile subscription. 

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No, the Go 2 will require both an Arlo subscription to get cloud recording and a mobile data plan from the carrier.

The camera will come with a 90-day trial, during which you will get all the subscription features (including 30 days of cloud storage).