Arlo is a security system which is built, managed, and monitored by the person you should have control over your home security: You. Their cameras, floodlights, and doorbells are all easily installed and put to use. But, if you want to go for a full home security system with support, they have that too. Let’s look at the features that make this system a great gift (or investment) for those you want to keep safe. We’ll also look at whether it is useful and affordable for parents.

The central security feature of Arlo is the cameras, both indoor and outdoor, and that hasn’t changed since we reviewed them in 2018. What has changed is the scope of protection offered. Where once you’d need to point your camera exactly where you want it to look, the 2025 lineup has advanced features which allow you to pan, tilt, and zoom in 360-degree coverage along with optional features.

Note: Significant changes from our previous review include: Cameras tend to have power cords instead of batteries, and they no longer require a central hub connected to your router, being able to connect directly to your wifi through the app.

The Essential Pan Tilt cameras come in both indoor (table-mounted) and outdoor (wall mounted) versions, meaning you can put your cameras wherever you need them. Want to check on your house/baby/pet sitter? It’s on your phone. Camera not pointed at the ideal angle? Just swipe on your phone until the camera is looking where you want it to. In addition to real-time control, the camera can detect motion, and follow it automatically. This means that if you get an alert, you’re looking at the movement as soon as you open the app, and if you don’t open the app, it’ll still be recorded for you to review later.

If you want to be able to quickly change views, you can program your camera through your app. Simply point the camera at the desired location, save it, and name it whatever you like. This is super useful for keeping an eye on the kids, the yard, the door, and the dog—useful for busy parents.

Because the cameras have both microphones and speakers, you have access to 2-way audio. If someone knocks at the door, you can talk to them in real time through your camera, ensuring you always know what is going on at home, even if you’re on vacation. You can also use a camera to do double-duty as a baby monitor, allowing you to see and hear your baby, while keeping an eye on the yard outside, or the hallway.

Ease of Use

Perhaps my favorite feature of the Arlo cameras  I was able to test was how easy it was to use them. I only needed to plug in the camera, scan a QR code inside the box, and let the app set up the rest. (I already had the app installed for my older devices, but it’s on Google Play and the iTunes store.)  Setting up specific cameras with locations and a routine took minutes. Playing with advanced security features took longer, mostly because I played with them a great deal. There are so many ways to customize your system that it is worth the extra time to make it just right for your home, schedule, and family. 

The Arlo ecosystem can be enhanced with their monthly subscription to Arlo Secure for $9.99/month. For less than the cost of a streaming service, you get access to advanced features such as identifying any of the following, and alerting you to their presence:

You can also enable alerts for specific emergency sounds, such as:

For both the visual and audio alerts, you will be notified along with a description of the captured content. This means you can quickly scan for repeated or ordinary behaviors, such as “A black cat jumps on a table, with a bookshelf in the background.” This way, you don’t have to watch every second of every alert, and can choose whether to ignore the video or investigate.

You can also create custom alerts, where the camera (using Arlo Secure) can tell you if specific events occur. If you’re trying to train a pet to stop chewing on the furniture, you can have Arlo update you when the dog approaches that piece of furniture, allowing you to use real-time voice commands with your pet, even from work or while on errands. I just caution you to not accidentally train your pet to trigger the camera. If a pet learns that behavior will mean you talk to them through the camera, you may get flooded with alerts from your anxious fur baby.

The Arlo line often has sales and discounts, and outfitting your entire property can be done with a minimal number of cameras thanks to the pan, tilt, and zoom features. If you want to keep costs low, it can be less than $50 USD to get started. If you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage, you can get more cameras, flood lights, or even a monitoring system which includes sensors, control panel, and live support for just $219.99 USD.

Long term, the largest cost comes in the form of the Arlo Secure service. At $10 a month, it does add up over time. Thankfully, it’s cheaper than many streaming services, and there’s no contract needed, so you can have it when it really matters, and turn it off when you’re going to be home a lot. For example, I don’t get as much use out of cameras when I’m working from home for extended periods, but when I’m travelling or working in-situ more often, I can turn Arlo Secure on quickly and easily, and know that my home is safe while I’m away.

The Arlo security product lineup has a lot of options. You can get effective security for as little as a one-time purchase of $39.99 to get started. If you want advanced features, try them out for the first month, using the trial period. If you decide you want Arlo Secure long term, just sign up for the subscription. If you know you’re going to need more coverage, you can go to Arlo’s website to build you own security system, and they’ll discount your overall purchase when you hit certain thresholds.

Arlo provides excellent tools to protect your home both easily and affordably with both indoor and outdoor devices. You can choose every feature you keep active, and the number of devices you want around. Live monitoring is always available, and with the subscription service, you can get advanced features to help you know exactly what is happening at home at all times.

Source: geekdad.com