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When it comes to security cameras, two popular names in the market are Lorex and Arlo.
Both brands offer a range of products, but what sets them apart? Lorex has been around for over 30 years and offers a wider range of products including NVR, DVR, PoE Cameras, and more. They cater to both DIYers and installers, with financing options available.
On the other hand, Arlo was founded more recently and specializes in consumer-grade Wi-Fi cameras with a cloud platform. However, customers will need to pay a monthly fee for continuous recording.
Lorex vs Arlo at a Glance
High-End Wi-Fi Bullet Camera Head to Head
Mid-Range Battery Powered Camera Head to Head
Video Doorbell Head to Head
Floodlight Camera Head to Head
Indoor Camera Head to Head
Lorex vs Arlo Overview
Both Lorex and Arlo differ significantly in their product range, customer focus, and cloud platform offerings. Lorex was founded in 1991 and offers a wider range of products including NVR, DVR, PoE cameras, Wi-Fi cameras, and video doorbells. On the other hand, Arlo was founded in 2014 and primarily offers Wi-Fi and wire-free cameras, floodlight cameras, and video doorbells.
Lorex targets both businesses and consumers, whereas Arlo primarily targets the consumer market.
In terms of cloud platform, Lorex has an optional cloud offering named Lorex Cloud with a starting subscription cost of $3.49/month. Arlo has two cloud offerings that are much more central to their offering: Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus with starting subscription costs of $2.99/month and $14.99/month respectively. The cloud subscription features of Lorex include cloud storage, while Arlo offers cloud storage, smart/AI notifications, and advanced app features.
Lorex is known for offering financing options and has a good reputation among prosumers and installers, while Arlo is known for its easy DIY installations and advanced features such as zoom and track.
High-End Wi-Fi Bullet Camera Head to Head
Both the Lorex 2MP Bullet and Arlo 2MP Bullet are IP cameras and have the same resolution of 2MP and a 1080P / HD resolution of 1920x1080. They both have a fixed focus lens and provide decent night vision functionality with infrared and full-color night vision options. Additionally, both cameras are equipped with motion activated recording and a spotlight.
While both cameras share many similarities, there are some key differences between them. The Lorex camera operates using DC power, while the Arlo camera operates using a battery or solar panel, giving it more versatility and flexibility when installing at the cost of continuous recording. In terms of data transmission, the Lorex camera supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, while the Arlo camera supports both 2.4GHz WiFi and 4G LTE. This gives the Arlo camera a greater range of connectivity options, making it ideal for remote or hard-to-reach locations.
In terms of storage options, both cameras have the option to store data on a microSD card or in the cloud. However, while the Lorex camera does not require a cloud subscription, the Arlo camera requires an optional cloud subscription to access all of its features. This means that some features of the Arlo camera may be limited if a cloud subscription is not purchased.
Both cameras offer smart motion detection features, such as person and vehicle detection, but the Arlo camera offers additional object and animal detection capabilities. Additionally, the Arlo camera has a wider range of smart integrations, including Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, Echo Show, Fire TV, Google Nest Hub, and IFTTT.
In terms of apps, both cameras are compatible with both Android and iOS. They both also have integrated microphones, two-way audio, integrated sirens/alarms, and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Key Differences
Key Features in Common
Mid-Range Battery Powered Camera Head to Head
The Lorex 2MP Bullet and the Arlo 4MP Spotlight share many similarities such as wireless data and battery power, fixed focus lens, integrated microphone, two-way audio, and spotlight, just to name a few.
When it comes to differences, the Arlo 4MP Spotlight Security Camera has a higher resolution of 4MP (2560x1440) compared to the Lorex 2MP (1080P). The Arlo camera also has a wider range of storage options, including microSD, cloud, and USB flash drive which might suit consumers, while the Lorex offers NVR which is better for prosumers.
In terms of smart motion detection features, the Arlo has a more comprehensive system that includes person detection, vehicle detection, and object detection. On the other hand, the Lorex only has person detection. Additionally, the Arlo camera is weather-resistant with an IP66 rating, while the Lorex has an IP65 rating.
Another significant difference between the two cameras is their smart integrations. The Arlo camera integrates with several smart home systems, including Alexa, Google Assistant, Amazon Sidewalk, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT, while the Lorex camera does not. However, the Lorex camera does not limit its features with a cloud subscription, while the Arlo camera does.
Key Differences
Key Features in Common
Video Doorbell Head to Head
The Lorex 2K Video Doorbell and the Arlo HD Video Doorbell both have similar features such as two-way audio, integrated siren/alarm, night vision functionality and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Both cameras offer wireless data transmission through 2.4GHz WiFi.
However, there are some key differences between the two models. The Lorex camera offers a higher resolution of 2K with a wider field of view, while the Arlo camera only offers HD resolution. The Lorex camera has more storage options, including microSD and NVR, while the Arlo camera offers microSD, cloud, and USB flash drive.
The Arlo camera also offers a wider range of smart integrations, with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings compared to Lorex's Alexa, Google Assistant, and Fire TV support. The Lorex camera does not have a cloud subscription, which means that camera features are not limited, while the Arlo camera requires a cloud subscription for full access to all features.
Key Differences
Key Features in Common
Floodlight Camera Head to Head
The Lorex 2MP Floodlight Security Camera and the Arlo 4MP Floodlight Security Camera have similar features, including wireless data and wired power, IP65 rating, integrated microphone for two-way audio, integrated siren/alarm, fixed focus lens, night vision functionality, and motion-activated recordings. However, there are some differences between these two cameras that might make one more suitable for your specific needs over the other.
One of the main differences between these two cameras is the price as the Lorex 2MP Floodlight Security Camera comes in a bit cheaper than the Arlo 4MP Floodlight. Also, you don't need to pay for a cloud subscription.
Another difference is the camera's power source. The Lorex camera is powered by AC power, while the Arlo camera has the option of battery, AC power, or solar panel. This makes the Arlo camera more versatile in terms of where it can be placed.
When it comes to resolution, the Arlo 4MP Floodlight Security Camera wins by a landslide with its 4MP resolution of 2560x1440. The Lorex camera, on the other hand, has a 2MP resolution of 1080P/HD 1920x1080. If you're looking for a camera with higher image quality, the Arlo camera is a better choice.
Storage options are also different between these two cameras. The Lorex camera has storage options of microSD and a wireless hub, while the Arlo camera has storage options of microSD, cloud, and a USB flash drive. This gives the Arlo camera a slight edge with more options for storing their footage.
When it comes to smart motion detection features, the Arlo camera has an advantage with its person, vehicle, and object detection capabilities. The Lorex camera only has person detection. Both cameras integrate with popular virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, but the Arlo camera also integrates with Amazon Sidewalk, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, and IFTTT.
Lastly, it's worth noting that the features of the Arlo camera may be limited without a cloud subscription, whereas the features of the Lorex camera are not limited by this.
Key Differences
Key Features in Common
Indoor Camera Head to Head
The Lorex 2K Freestanding Camera and the Arlo 2MP Bullet Camera are both designed to help you monitor your home or business. They have several features in common, such as person detection, two-way audio with an integrated microphone and siren/alarm, fixed focus lens, and night vision functionality. They also support popular smart home integrations like Alexa and Google Assistant, and they offer apps for both Android and iOS devices.
However, there are also key differences that set these two cameras apart. The Lorex 2K camera boasts a higher resolution of 2K, or 2560x1920, compared to the 2MP 1080P resolution of the Arlo camera.
Another difference is the smart motion detection features. While both cameras have person detection, the Arlo camera also includes detection for vehicles, objects, and animals. The Lorex camera doesn't offer these advanced options, making it less accurate. However, it's worth noting that the features of the Arlo camera are limited without a cloud subscription, while the Lorex camera does not have this restriction.
Key Differences
Key Features in Common
The Lorex vs Arlo Verdict
In conclusion, both Lorex and Arlo offers a range of high-quality security cameras with various features to suit different needs and preferences. Whether it be for indoor or outdoor use, wired or wireless, both brands provide cameras with night vision, two-way audio, and smart integrations.
Ultimately, the choice between Lorex and Arlo comes down to your specific requirements and budget.
