Terrible performance

[Diamondprincess]

While Arlo's security cameras are marketed as a convenient, wire-free solution for home surveillance, my experience indicates significant shortcomings that compromise their effectiveness. The core issues lie in two critical areas: severely underwhelming battery performance and a persistent, frustrating delay in accessing the live feed. For a security product, these are not just minor inconveniences—they are fundamental flaws that undermine the very purpose of having a camera system. I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this product to anyone seeking reliable and responsive home security.
Detailed Analysis:
Battery Life (Fails to meet expectations)
One of the primary selling points of Arlo cameras is their wire-free, battery-powered design. However, the reality of the battery life is a stark contrast to the advertised claims. Instead of the several months of life promised, the batteries in my cameras consistently required charging far more frequently, often lasting only a matter of weeks, or even days, in high-traffic areas. This creates a cycle of constant maintenance that is both inconvenient and impractical. A security system should be a "set it and forget it" solution, not a demanding chore that leaves your property vulnerable while cameras are offline for charging. The poor battery performance is not only a major hassle but also a significant security risk.
Live View Access (Unreliable and unresponsive)
A crucial function of a security camera is the ability to instantly view a live feed to check on your property or respond to an alert. Unfortunately, the Arlo system's live view access is consistently unreliable. When attempting to quickly access a camera feed, the app often fails to connect, resulting in a blank screen or a lengthy loading delay. This lag makes the system useless for capturing and responding to real-time events. By the time the video feed finally loads, the person or event you were trying to see has already passed. This defeats the entire purpose of having a security camera for immediate visual verification.

[ShayneS]

Hi @Diamondprincess 

Thank you for your feedback regarding camera battery life and live streaming performance. Live streaming and battery life can go hand in hand, if a camera is out of range or experiencing interference, especially in high-traffic areas, it can deplete the battery more quickly.

In less than 48 hrs one of your devices had 282 recordings processed. Today was 47 with an average duration of 20 seconds. This will cause a larger than normal battery depletion. Have you tried lowering the Motion detection setting or adjusting the angle of the device(s). I see two of the three devices are 55% & 100%. 

You can find more info here:

Battery Life
Arlo cameras vary by model. For example, the Arlo Ultra Security Camera 4K (3rd Gen) has an average battery life of 6 months, while the Ultra XL 4K can last up to 12 months under average use. Battery life depends on recording frequency, video quality, environmental factors, and features like spotlight or floodlight usage. Cold temperatures, weak Wi-Fi or cellular connections, and high-motion areas can reduce battery performance. For more details, see Arlo’s battery life guide.

Live Streaming
For the Arlo Ultra cameras, live streaming may be affected by signal strength, interference, or extended streaming sessions. To optimize performance:

• Avoid streaming continuously for more than 30 minutes; press play to resume if needed.
• Ensure cameras are within range (up to 300 feet / 90 meters) of the SmartHub, Base Station, or Wi-Fi router, and minimize obstacles or interference.
• Use a strong local Wi-Fi network and maintain internet speeds that meet Arlo’s minimum requirements.
• Keep devices and the Arlo Secure App updated, and restart cameras or mobile devices as necessary.
• High-resolution 4K streaming on Ultra cameras can also contribute to faster battery drain, especially in busy or high-motion areas. Detailed troubleshooting guidance is available here: Arlo Camera Live Streaming Support

In less than 48 hrs one of your devices had 282 recordings processed. Today was 47 with an average duration of 20 seconds. This Additionally, can provide more details regarding the troubleshooting steps you have tried so far so I can better assist you.