With Arlo Pro 2 launching in Australia (2 camera pack retails for A$799), many retailers are discounting the original Netgear Arlo Pro. Officeworks is the cheapest at $497 for the two camera pack and I saw limited stock in NSW (i.e. call ahead first). There is also the 1 camera pack (VMC4130) for $350.
JB Hifi has the 2 camera pack on clearance for $579 as well but stock is also declining rapidly as stores start to stock Arlo Pro 2.
do the two cameras connect to the base wirelessly?
Yes - and I find it's range is stronger and more reliable than standard Wifi
The base station is basically a standard WiFi access point/router that's modified to run a separate network just for Arlo. One of its more annoying aspects is that it insists on setting itself to the same channel as your existing 2.4 GHz network, and if you change that to a different channel, the Arlo base station will notice some hours later and just switch itself to the new channel. Netgear have never properly explained what they're trying to achieve with this behaviour, and as expected, some people have reported problems with it degrading their WiFi.
Putting significant distance between your existing router and the Arlo base station is known to eliminate the channel sharing issue, but the trial-and-error involved and having to place the base station in a less convenient location can be a hassle.
Yeah setup a Arlo Pro 2 today and their logic escapes me, might email them, never know they fix it with a firmware upgrade. It's only on the 2.4 which means at the 5.0 is clear.
Hmm.. that could be the reason why I've noticed very poor wifi connection … I've got 6 Arlo Pro's set up around the house with the base station sitting right next to the router!
Looks like I should move it somewhere else …
But the base station needs to be connected via ethernet cable to your router so it can't be that far away (unless you put effort in to run wiring/etc).
For me, I was originally planning to hook it up to one of my Google Wifi pucks around the house but realised the optimal location is next to the router. Fortunately it was able to plug directly into my Telstra Gateway Frontier modem (which connects into the Google wifi puck) and it worked fine.
I haven't noticed degradation in signal yet but then that could be because most of my devices are on 5Ghz anyway.
Plus 1 for evo
Do you need to pay for any subscription of any sort for video recording?
The Basic plan gives past 7 days of recording (no monthly cost).
There are higher plans that keep videos for longer, upto 30 days or 60 days which cost money per month or annual subscription.
These cameras record action only when motion triggered. The free plan offers 7 days of recording. If you need to store longer you might need to pay for their subscription plans
Not many times you would need longer then 7 days
You can just connect a USB hard drive. I’ve had a 500gb connected for 6 months now and still plenty of space left
Thanks. So if the video recording is all done internally not on a cloud, no subscription is requires at all. Is that correct?
Correct. You get 7 days cloud for free and then older videos are automatically kept on the hard drive.
@smalldeadchris: I was looking into this but the catch is you must always have cloud enabled… or at least, when you first set it up.
Do you know how battery perform on continuous recording?
That in only a feature on the Pro 2 when plugged into the power source.
The Differences Between the Models
The Arlo Pro records in 720p while the Arlo Pro 2 records in 1080p resolution.
The Arlo Pro 2 offers continuous recording with a monthly subscription. The Arlo Pro records only when it detects motion and for up to 8 minutes.
The Arlo Pro may miss the first few seconds of recording after motion. The Arlo Pro 2 addresses this issue with “3-second look-back”.
The Arlo Pro 2 can record on motion or in specific zones. The Arlo Pro will only record on motion.
The Arlo Pro battery life is up to six months long. The Arlo Pro 2 battery life is shorter at only three months long.
The Similarities Of Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2
Both cameras work with all of the Arlo base systems. You don’t need to upgrade the base unit to add newer model cameras.
Both the Arlo Pro and the Arlo Pro 2 have two-way communication with speaker and microphone built-in.
Each of the models I am looking at are weather-resistant so you can safely mount them outdoors.
They both have the ability to sound a siren from the base station from motion activation or manual activation.
The Arlo cameras both have night vision capabilities.
USB backup at the base station is available for both models in the event the network goes down.
Seven days of cloud storage is available for free (Unless you opt for the paid continuous recording option of the Arlo Pro 2).
Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras are compatible with all of the smart home systems: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Wink, IFTTT, etc.
Included with each of the units is an outdoor mount, which is advised to use instead of the indoor magnetic mount.
You can schedule (geofencing) to automatically arm the cameras when you leave home.
You can have each of the cameras send you a notification for triggered sound and motion events.
External camera dimensions are identical. You can use the various skins to change the look of either camera.
https://smartrobotichome.com/arlo-pro-vs-arlo-pro-2-differen…
The "3-second look-back" would only be functional when it's powered by USB.
Will find that the Arlo 2 will do it as the battery life is shorter, which means it would use that extra power for the extra features
Thanks!
Awesome system at great price - I highly recommend this!
atleast you can add arlo 2 cameras to a arlo 1 base
Hmm i still got the orignal arlo with 5 cams.. pro 2 seems cool..
My 2 week old Son is named Arlo.
He outputs to the Nappy rather than the Cloud - but does detect motion.
Good luck to him :P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bbq6MeFZ-s&t=3m45s
Though I actually think Arlo's a pretty cool name.
His middle name is Tiberius.
After James T.
Or the famous Roman General.
Hows this compare to the wms2320 at $269? https://www.devicedeal.com.au/NETGEAR-VMS3230-Arlo-HD-Camera…
Older model.
Arlo > Arlo Pro > Arlo Pro 2
(there are other models but those are the ones which look like giant tic tacs; each launched roughly one year apart)
I think Arlo was a great product compared to what was on the market at the time (i.e. full of cheap IP cameras with varying degrees of reliability and quality, and software), but it lacked key features such as a rechargeable battery.
Better summary of comparison: https://www.imore.com/netgear-arlo-pro-2-vs-pro-vs-arlo-secu…
Thanks, much more helpful.
Best deal for two camera, last I saw it was in JB for $560 odd
If you miss out you can get this for approx $507 delivered from amazon usa.
Arlo Pro by NETGEAR Security System with Siren – 2 Rechargeable Wire-Free HD Cameras with Audio, Indoor/Outdoor, Night Vision (VMS4230) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LR8PG6Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_W2IK…
Anyone having wifi connection dropout using Arlo Pro?
Nope - I'd suggest trying using the Positioning mode and seeing at what point it drops out.
I note that the mods have updated this to OUT OF STOCK but Officeworks website still says limited stock available in a few locations I randomly checked (eg Northmead, North Ryde, West Ryde, etc). I haven't called to check for sure but I wouldn't assume it's totally out of stock yet.
How the hell would you be able to recharge these devices if you mount them outside on a high location? I was keen until I thought about this :)
Hmmm… Solar Powered charge… THEY'VE THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING!!! :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am3JuetXe5A
haha
nice. solar
I think that's the point that they aren't necessarily permanent when mounted as they're easily removed - which could be both good or bad (eg easy to steal). That being said as mentioned by others, there are ways to wire them up so they are always charged using solar power but IMO these cameras are best installed in places where you can't mount anything else/install wiring such as in a rental unit or exposed to the elements on a balcony.
OK, I'm confused… Scorptec is selling the Pro 3? And it's not 1080p? I thought the Pro 2 was the latest version?
https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/IP-Cameras/IP-Cameras/67…
That is an Arlo Pro kit with "three" cameras
Thx mate!
Dumb question, assuming you already have 2 Xiaomi cheapos at home which you check using your phone. I am sure this system is better, but for someone not familiar with the tech side of it, what makes this investment better? Cheers
for me, the xiaomi triggers too often, and is not weather proof and you require to plug in the xiaomi camera.
and recently i cant even download the videos that were captured.
check the YouTube review above. sounds tempting.
Does cloud storage mean upload via your internet connection?
This may pose a problem as uploads slows down my internet significantly.
Yes. I think if you have a hard drive plugged in the back then it's fine, but as far as I know there's no way to disable the cloud uploading since that's part of the value proposition.
If you actually have no interest in the cloud storage offering and just want local storage, there are possibly other camera solutions which might be more cost effective.
Thanks for the info jace88.
Are there any cameras that have battery powered like arlo pro?
The appeal of arlo is that I don't have to drill holes and try to wire it around the house.
FYI- wireless1 ebay store have the arlo pro for the same price delivered. and you get an extra 5% off with code and 1% cashback from CR.
what code?
Great kit, love my 3 camera setup.