Arlo Video Doorbell Review – Security and What You Must Know About the Video Doorbell System
Arlo Video Doorbell is a leading home security company that produces high-quality wireless video surveillance equipment. Arlo, a relatively new company, makes some great products and has really jumped into the doorbell market.
The Arlo Video Door not only takes some of the features from other companies' other products, a fully comprehensive program, great sound, and video quality, and integrates them into a single doorbell. You can also get the basic doorbell system for free but it is not recommended as there are other doorbell manufacturers making more money than Arlo. Regardless, this doorbell review will take a look at one of their latest products.
What Is the Arlo Video Doorbell?
The Arlo Video Doorbell is a Wi-Fi-enabled smart doorbell with a built-in video camera that allows you to see and communicate with visitors at your doorstep from your smartphone. This security device merges convenience and security, giving you peace of mind whether you're home or away.
Key Features of the Arlo Video Doorbell
The Arlo Video Doorbell is a smart home security device designed to enhance your home's security and provide you with convenient and comprehensive monitoring of your front door area. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, here are the key features of the Arlo Video Doorbell:
HD Video Quality
The Arlo Video Doorbell is equipped with high-definition video capabilities, providing clear and sharp footage of anyone who approaches your front door. This ensures you can easily identify visitors, potential intruders, or package deliveries.
Two-Way Audio
The built-in microphone and speaker enable two-way communication between you and your visitors. You can talk to anyone at your door using your smartphone, even if you're not at home. This is particularly useful for receiving packages, speaking to guests, or even deterring potential thieves.
Motion Detection
The doorbell comes with advanced motion detection sensors that can detect movement near your front door. This includes customizable motion zones, allowing you to define specific areas for monitoring and reducing false alerts triggered by unrelated movement.
Person Detection
The Arlo Video Doorbell is designed to distinguish between people, animals, and other objects. This helps in minimizing unnecessary alerts and focusing your attention on more relevant events.
Remote Access and Notifications
Through the Arlo mobile app, you can remotely access the live video feed from your doorbell camera. The app also sends you instant notifications whenever motion is detected or when someone rings the doorbell. This real-time communication keeps you informed about activities at your front door even when you're away.
Video Recording and Storage
The doorbell typically offers cloud storage options for recorded videos. Depending on your subscription plan, you can store and review footage from recent events. This can be particularly valuable in case of any incidents, as you'll have visual evidence to share with law enforcement or for insurance purposes.
Night Vision
The Arlo Video Doorbell often comes equipped with infrared night vision, allowing it to capture clear footage even in low-light or nighttime conditions. This ensures you have a comprehensive view of your doorstep regardless of the time of day.
Wired or Battery-Powered Options
Depending on your preferences and existing infrastructure, the Arlo Video Doorbell might offer both wired and battery-powered installation options. Wired installation ensures a constant power source, while battery-powered installation can be more flexible and suitable for homes without existing doorbell wiring.
Setting Up the Arlo Video Doorbell
Setting up the Arlo Video Doorbell is designed to be a user-friendly process, ensuring that you can have your security system up and running without extensive technical expertise. The following steps provide a more detailed overview of the setup process:
Arlo App Installation
To begin, make sure you have the Arlo app installed on your smartphone or tablet. This app serves as the central hub for controlling and monitoring your Arlo devices.
Package Contents Review
Open the Arlo Video Doorbell package and inspect the contents. You'll find the doorbell unit itself, along with an array of components to facilitate installation. These components often include mounting hardware, a wire extension kit, screws, anchors, and any necessary tools.
Preparation and Planning
Before you begin installation, it's a good idea to plan where you want to install the doorbell. Choose a location that provides a clear view of your front door and any potential points of interest. Take into consideration the wiring requirements and proximity to a power source if opting for a wired installation.
Wired Installation (Optional)
If you're opting for a wired installation, follow the instructions in the app to ensure you have the appropriate doorbell wiring and transformer in place. These details are crucial for a consistent power supply to the doorbell.
Power off the circuit connected to your existing doorbell and carefully remove it from its mounting.
Mounting and Wiring
With the wiring ready (if applicable), mount the doorbell bracket using the provided screws and anchors. The bracket provides the foundation for attaching the doorbell unit.
If extending wiring, utilize the wire extension kit to connect the doorbell to your existing wiring. This might involve connecting wires and securing them with provided connectors.
Performance and User Experience
In terms of performance, the Arlo Video Doorbell does not disappoint. Its video quality is top-notch, with the HDR feature ensuring that you get consistent quality regardless of lighting conditions. The motion detection is accurate, and the alerts are timely, ensuring you're promptly informed about any activity.
The Arlo app is user-friendly, allowing you to control all the settings from your smartphone. You can watch live video, review past footage, customize alerts, and much more. Despite these advantages, the system requires a subscription to unlock its full potential, which could be a downside for some users.
Arlo Video Doorbell: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Video Quality: The Arlo Video Doorbell boasts exceptional video quality, capturing clear and detailed footage of anyone approaching your front door. This high-definition video ensures that you can easily identify individuals and even read any text on clothing or packages.
- Wide Viewing Angle: With its wide field of view, the Arlo Video Doorbell provides a comprehensive perspective of your doorstep area. This wider angle is particularly advantageous as it minimizes blind spots, giving you a more complete understanding of activities near your door.
- Effective Motion Detection: The doorbell's motion detection capabilities are finely tuned, offering a reliable method of detecting movement around your entryway. Customizable motion zones allow you to define specific areas to monitor, reducing false alerts caused by irrelevant activity like passing cars.
- Night Vision: Equipped with infrared night vision technology, the Arlo Video Doorbell ensures that you can see clearly even in low-light or pitch-dark conditions. This feature is essential for maintaining security at night and during early mornings.
- User-Friendly App: The Arlo mobile app provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing your Video Doorbell. Accessing the live video feed, adjusting settings, and receiving notifications are made simple, allowing you to stay connected and in control no matter where you are.
Cons:
- Subscription Requirement for Full Functionality: To access certain advanced features, such as cloud storage for recorded videos and extended video history, a subscription plan is typically required. While basic functionality may be available without a subscription, opting for a plan can enhance the usefulness of the doorbell as a security tool.
- Requires Hardwired Installation: The Arlo Video Doorbell generally requires a hardwired installation, meaning it needs to be connected to your home's existing doorbell wiring. This might be a limitation for those who prefer battery-powered or wire-free installations, which offer greater flexibility in placement.
Integration with Other Smart Home Devices
The Arlo Video Doorbell offers a notable advantage through its seamless integration with a variety of other smart home devices. This integration extends beyond mere compatibility, enhancing your overall home automation experience. Here's an in-depth look at how the Arlo Video Doorbell interacts with other devices:
Voice Control and Integration
The Arlo Video Doorbell takes advantage of its compatibility with popular voice assistants, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This integration opens up new dimensions of control and convenience. Through voice commands, you can interact with your video doorbell without needing to physically access your smartphone or the Arlo app.
For instance, you can instruct Alexa or Google to display the live feed from your Arlo Video Doorbell on a compatible smart display or smart TV. This means you can quickly assess who's at the door, monitor package deliveries, or check on any activity near your doorstep with a simple verbal command.
Synergy with Existing Arlo Devices
If you're already invested in the Arlo ecosystem and have other Arlo security cameras or devices, the Video Doorbell seamlessly integrates into this environment. This interconnectedness amplifies the effectiveness of your home security setup by creating a unified surveillance network.
By incorporating the Arlo Video Doorbell into your existing Arlo system, you're able to manage all your devices from a single, centralized platform. This means you can conveniently view live feeds, review recorded footage, and adjust settings for your doorbell and other cameras from a cohesive dashboard within the Arlo app. This streamlined control ensures you don't need to navigate between multiple apps or interfaces to stay on top of your home security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Arlo Video Doorbell
1. What is the Arlo Video Doorbell, and how does it work?
The Arlo Video Doorbell is a smart home security device equipped with a video camera that allows you to monitor and communicate with visitors at your front door through your smartphone. It connects to your home Wi-Fi network and sends real-time video feeds and notifications to your mobile device whenever motion is detected or the doorbell is pressed.
2. What are the key features of the Arlo Video Doorbell?
The Arlo Video Doorbell offers HD video quality, two-way audio communication, motion detection, person detection, customizable activity zones, remote access and notifications, night vision, and options for wired or battery-powered installation.
3. Can I use the Arlo Video Doorbell if I don't have existing doorbell wiring?
Yes, the Arlo Video Doorbell often provides both wired and battery-powered installation options. If you don't have existing wiring, you can choose the battery-powered option for greater flexibility in the installation location.
4. How does motion detection work, and can I customize the detection zones?
The Arlo Video Doorbell's motion detection sensors identify movement near your front door. You can customize activity zones, defining specific areas to monitor and reducing false alerts from unrelated movements, such as passing vehicles.
5. Does the Arlo Video Doorbell work at night or in low-light conditions?
Yes, the Arlo Video Doorbell is equipped with infrared night vision, ensuring clear video footage even in low-light or nighttime scenarios.
6. Can I communicate with visitors at my door using the Arlo Video Doorbell?
Absolutely. The built-in microphone and speaker enable two-way audio communication. You can talk to visitors, delivery personnel, or guests using your smartphone, providing convenience and security.
7. Do I need a subscription plan to use the Arlo Video Doorbell?
Basic functionality, including live video viewing and two-way audio, may be available without a subscription. However, to access advanced features like cloud storage for recorded videos and extended video history, a subscription plan is typically required.
8. Can I integrate the Arlo Video Doorbell with other smart home devices?
Yes, the Arlo Video Doorbell can integrate with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It can also seamlessly connect with other Arlo security devices, creating a comprehensive and unified surveillance network.
9. How do I install the Arlo Video Doorbell?
The installation process involves downloading the Arlo app, reviewing the package contents, planning the installation location, and then either following the wired installation instructions or setting up the battery-powered option. The Arlo app provides step-by-step guidance for both installation methods.
10. Can I expand my Arlo system with additional cameras or devices?
Yes, the Arlo Video Doorbell can be part of a larger Arlo ecosystem. You can integrate it with other Arlo security cameras and devices, allowing you to manage and monitor all your devices through a single app.
Final Words
The last feature that we are going to look at in this Arlo video doorbell review is a very useful feature that most wireless models will have, called activity zones. These activity zones are where you tell the Arlo video doorbell system which rooms you want to alert in when the camera sees movement outside your house.
While it might seem like a feature that is unnecessary, it is very handy if you have a pet or two in your home. If you let the camera see that they have entered one particular zone, and you do not activate the alarm, it will notify the appropriate person up the street who will be glad to know that you are safe and sound.