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Arlo specializes in a relatively small range of Wi-Fi and battery-powered cameras. These devices are tied to their cloud storage solution and are best for home security.
Reolink has a much broader range of camera models and systems. They are less restrictive on how the cameras can be used and integrated with other systems. It makes them optimal for both consumers and businesses alike.
- Most Reolink cameras are versatile for either businesses or consumers. It's because their devices have ONVIF and RTSP compatibility.
- Arlo products have low levels of interoperability. Hence, their cameras don’t play well with other devices and software.
- Arlo specializes in consumer-grade security cameras with easy-to-install systems and cloud platform access.
- If you don’t subscribe to Arlo’s cloud service recording, you will miss out on the ability to retrieve past footage.
- Reolink offers optional cloud storage. However, the core camera features are not limited if you don’t sign up.
Reolink vs Arlo Security Cameras (2024) at a Glance
Budget Wire Free Bullet Head to Head
Mid-Range Indoor Head to Head
High-End Wire Free Spotlight Head to Head
Mid-Range 4G Bullet Head to Head
Reolink vs Arlo Security Cameras (2024) Overview
Reolink was founded in 2009. Currently, it's owned by the Chinese company Shenzhen Baichuan Security Technology Co., Ltd. They manufacture Wi-Fi and wire-free cameras, along with special-purpose cameras as well. They specialize in NVRs and offer a cloud storage subscription.
Arlo is also owned by a Chinese company called Anker Innovations. Founded in 2014, Arlo deals in a variety of Wi-Fi and battery-powered cameras. They also sell video doorbells.
Budget Wire Free Bullet Head to Head
Key Differences
The Reolink camera can be hardwired via an AC-DC adapter. Also, it has a higher weatherproof rating of IP65. The Arlo camera only claims to be weather-resistant.
The Arlo Essential has more intelligence built in. It can perform object, person, and vehicle detection by itself. It also performs better in the dark since it has an integrated spotlight.
Storage is another important factor that divides the two. Cloud storage is optional for Reolink and includes a MicroSD card slot.
Arlo restricts the ability to review past footage without a cloud subscription. However, if you purchase an Arlo Base station, you can use a USB Flash Drive as local storage.
Key Features in Common
The Reolink Argus Eco and the Arlo Essential are on a level playing field in terms of pricing. On top of that, both devices are limited to a maximum resolution of 1080p.
They are IP-operated Wi-Fi cameras with 2.4GHz data transmissions. They come with rechargeable batteries and you can also set up solar panels.
Reolink Argus Eco and Arlo Essential allow two-way communication. They can also activate alarms using motion detection or manually via the app.
These cameras have a night vision feature with infrared light.
Mid-Range Indoor Head to Head
Key Differences
Reolink E1 Pro is much more affordable with a larger 4MP resolution camera lens. Reolink has a fast 5GHz Wi-Fi as well as longer-range 2.4GHz transmission, unlike the Arlo.
Arlo is an intelligent bullet-type camera with person, vehicle, object, and animal detection features, which the Reolink E1 Pro lacks.
Reolink connects with external devices with RTSP and Peer-to-Peer protocols giving it medium interoperability.
Reolink has a 355° pan and 50° tilt angles making it a PT camera.
Arlo has a cloud subscription that is optional but restricts camera features if not subscribed.
Arlo only has a mobile app while Reolink also has a desktop app that you can use to control the camera features.
Key Features in Common
The E1 Pro Reolink and Essential Indoor Arlo are both standalone Wi-Fi-operated IP cameras that have wired power supplies.
They have a fixed focus lens with no optical zoom features. They do have night vision with the help of infrared light. They do not have integrated spotlights to illuminate in the dark.
They have motion activation recording and also a continuous recording feature (This is tied to the Arlo Secure Cloud plan with a monthly fee - Records to MicroSD card on Reolink E1). Their recordings are compressed down using H.264 protocols to reduce space. Optional cloud storage is provided by both cameras.
They support two-way audio conversation using internal microphones, and speakers. They can also set off sirens and alarms upon motion including sending push notifications to the app.
High-End Wire Free Spotlight Head to Head
Key Differences
The Arlo Ultra 2 has a bigger image sensor, larger resolution of 4K/8MP, and higher intelligence with additional object detection that comes with its larger price tag. It operates with a battery or an AC supply while Reolink has a rechargeable battery, solar panel, and a DC supply option.
Both cameras operate with fast 5GHz Wi-Fi while Reolink can support long-range 2.4GHz Wi-Fi too.
Arlo can continuously record however this is tied to the cloud subscription. Reolink compresses down its recording locally using the H.265 protocol to save space.
Arlo offers a USB flash drive along with a MicroSD card and optional cloud storage. (Both require additional hardware - Base Station or Smart Hub)
Reolink sends out motion alerts through push notifications and email that can be accessed through its mobile or web app
Key Features in Common
Both Reolink Argus 3 Pro and Arlo Ultra 2 are spotlight cameras suitable for both indoors and outdoors. They are Wi-Fi operated with IP connections.
These standalone cameras have night vision with infrared light to see in the dark and spotlights for full-color video.
Motion recording can be activated in both cameras. Recordings can be stored using optional cloud storage. They also have motion detection features.
Neither camera has PTZ controls. They can digitally magnify up to 12x with a fixed focus lens.
The two-way audio conversation is possible using the integrated speaker and microphone combination and the mobile app.
Mid-Range 4G Bullet Head to Head
Key Differences
Reolink is a little cheaper than Arlo with higher 4MP 2560x1440 resolution. It has a DC Power and solar panel option in addition to a battery. This camera also comes with a 2-year warranty.
Arlo can support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and a fast 4G LTE sim connection for fully remote installations.
Arlo has higher intelligence with the addition of object and animal detection. It also has night vision with a full-color video option using an integral spotlight and infrared light.
Cloud storage on Arlo is optional but without it, some camera features are restricted.
Key Features in Common
They both are bullet cameras with 4G LTE Sim connections so a data plan is needed with a provider. These cameras can be used to have two-way communication using an integrated camera microphone and speaker and a camera app.
These standalone cameras are battery-powered and can be placed both indoors and outdoors as they have an IP65 rating.
They have a fixed focus lens with no PTZ controls. They do have infrared light for night vision.
They start recording with motion but they do not support continuous recordings. The recordings can be stored on optional cloud storage or a MicroSD card.
The cameras also have an internal alarm and sirens system activated by motion. Push notifications are sent on the camera app as alerts.
The Reolink vs Arlo Security Cameras (2024) - Verdict
Having reviewed Reolink and Arlo’s offerings from budget cameras to high-end, we hope you now have an appreciation for what sets them apart. Leave a comment below and let us know your experience with Reolink and Arlo cameras.
