The safety and the security of your home are important, so it is essential to find a home security system that has all of the features that you need and falls within a reasonable budget.
Maybe you want the most up-to-date smart home device to protect your family, or perhaps, you will want a wireless security camera system that has most of the bells and whistles but is a bit more affordable.
In this guide, we are going to examine two home security camera systems. The Arlo Pro and the Arlo Pro 2 will go head-to-head, and only one will come out on top.
Let the battle of Arlo Pro vs Arlo Pro 2 begin so that we can find the best system to protect your home.
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Arlo Pro vs Arlo Pro 2: Which Should You Buy?
So, when it comes to the Arlo Pro and the Arlo Pro 2, which one is the best? Well, since the Arlo Pro 2 is simply a next-generation model of the Arlo Pro, it is designed to fix some of the issues that were notable in the previous version.
If you have the budget to get the Arlo Pro 2, it performs the best out of the two models.
It has a higher resolution, more features, and it can record at all times. However, if you are working within a budget, the Arlo Pro will still get the job done.
High definition recordings are not needed in many homes, and the Arlo Pro is still a great option when it comes to security. However, since we need to choose a winner, the Arlo Pro 2 comes out on top.
Arlo Pro vs Arlo Pro 2: Review
The Arlo Pro is a surveillance camera system that is designed to help keep your home secure.
Even though it is the older model of the two that we are comparing, it still has the features to stand on its own, and it is a more budget-friendly option that will still get the job done.
Let’s break it down by feature.
Resolution
The resolution of the Arlo Pro is 720 p, which is adequate for most images that you will need to view on your security system.
However, this is not the optimal resolution for video, so the image will lose a bit of clarity, especially during playback.
Continuous Video Recording
This Arlo model does not offer continuous video recording (CVR). It records in eight-minute bursts as the camera functions.
For most homes, this is an adequate amount of recording, especially since it starts recording when any sound or motion is detected.
Motion Monitoring
The Arlo Pro has a motion-activated system that activates when there is motion in the camera’s view.
The main issue with this is that even though you can zoom the camera to a specific point, you cannot control or change the actual area that is recorded.
In addition, sometimes when motion is triggered, the video recording will have a slight delay, which causes you to miss what triggered the recording.
Battery Life
Ideally, the battery in an Arlo Pro will last for about six months, especially since sleep mode will be activated until a motion or a sound is detected.
As the next generation, the Arlo Pro 2 has quite a few upgrades when it is compared to the Arlo Pro, but are these new features worth considering? Are the added features worth the steeper price point of this device? Let’s take a look.
Resolution
The resolution of the Arlo Pro 2 has been upgraded to 1080p, which is a more high-definition option that will give you every detail that you need on your footage.
This higher definition and brightness will also be seen when the camera utilizes night vision, which is when many break-ins and security breaches occur.
Continuous Video Recording
CVR is an option with the Arlo Pro 2, but there are quite a few requirements to run it.
To start, you will need to have an Arlo Smart Plan to use the functionality, and some people may prefer not to have another monthly expense.
In addition, the cameras that use this functionality must be plugged into an AC power supply, which means that the unit is no longer wireless, and you will only be able to place the cameras in locations where they can be plugged in.
Motion Monitoring
This is also a security system where the camera activates with movement, but with this model, you can decide which area you want to have monitored by setting activity zones.
Anything outside of the zone will not trigger a recording, and there is also a functionality that allows you to jump back three seconds so that you can see exactly what triggered the recording.
Battery Life
These batteries will most likely only last for a period of about three months because higher resolution and continuous monitoring will drain more power from the battery.
Pros:
- It has clear images and sound quality.
- You can back up videos on a USB.
- These are wireless and waterproof.
- The system is easy to install.
- Seven days of cloud storage are included.
- Recordings can be watched remotely.
Cons:
- The batteries die quicker in high traffic areas.
- There is no way to record at all times.
- You must manually record while you are live streaming.
- Recordings are limited to two minutes.
Pros:
- It is easy to install.
- The visuals and the audio are very clear.
- You can communicate through the cameras.
- The range of this camera is exceptional.
- The phone app makes it easy to interact with the cameras.
- This device is very customizable.
Cons:
- It is difficult to see details with night vision.
- There is an added fee for CVR to work.
- The batteries do not last that long, especially if you are using CVR.
- Live view lags a bit.
Security Camera Comparison
Feature | Arlo Pro | Arlo Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
Image |  |  |
Price | ||
Resolution | 720p | 1080p |
Night Vision | 850 nm LEDs | 850 nm LEDs |
Motion Detectors | Yes | Yes |
Storage | Cloud and Local | Cloud and Local |
Three-Second Look Back | No | Yes |
Smart Home Integration | Yes | Yes |
Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2: Let’s take a look at some of the Similarities and Differences
Similarities
- Both are water resistant devices.
- Both give you seven days of free cloud recordings as well as the local backup.
- Both have rechargeable batteries
- Both send notifications to you when motion is detected.
- Both work with a user-friendly app and smart devices.
- Both are easy to set up.
- Both have a 130-degree viewing angle.
- Both offer live streaming through smartphones and tablets.
Differences
- The resolution of the Arlo Pro 2 is 1080p, while the Arlo Pro is only 720p.
- The battery of the Arlo Pro will last twice as long as the Arlo Pro2.
- The Arlo Pro 2 has the ability to record continuously, the ability to record specific zones, and the ability to look back.
- To run these features, the Arlo Pro 2 must be plugged in, so it is not completely wireless.
[su_note note_color=”#e8ebfa” text_color=”#1d1d1d” radius=”9″] Related – Arlo vs Arlo Pro: Review and Comparison for Best Battery Powered Security Camera [/su_note]
Final Thoughts
In the battle of Arlo Pro vs Arlo Pro 2, the Arlo Pro 2 is the winner.
The better resolution is the main draw of the Arlo Pro 2, but the added features like being able to record continuously and record specific activity zones give it a far better level of overall performance that the Arlo Pro.
If you are looking for a top-of-the-line hidden surveillance camera and security system, then the Arlo Pro 2 is the way to go.
