Arlo Video Doorbell review - Higher quality video on the cheap - Android

At least a half dozen companies are vying for your video doorbell dollars and Arlo is one of them. Similar to Ring, Arlo sells doorbells, indoor and outdoor cameras, lighting, and other smart home accessories to tempt the security-minded shopper. The Arlo Video Doorbell costs a bit less than the competition and has a slightly different feature set, including package detection, 2K/4K video quality, and advanced object detection.

Find out if this option is the right one for you in Android Authority‘s Arlo Video Doorbell review.

Arlo Video Doorbell review: Arlo, is anyone home?

Video doorbells are a window to the outside world that we can view from just about anywhere. These security cameras have become popular with home owners over the last few years as a way to keep tabs on visitors, delivery personnel, and the general activity in the neighborhood.

Arlo, then a subsidiary of Netgear, got its start in security cameras and sold its original product via Amazon and Best Buy back in 2014. Netgear eventually spun Arlo off into its own company as it branched out beyond cameras into smart lighting, video doorbells, and more. Arlo and its video doorbell compete with the likes of August, Eufy, Google, and Ring, to name a few.

Can Arlo’s offering stand out? We have the scoop.

See also: What is a smart home

How hard is the Arlo Video Doorbell to set up?

Similar to the Ring 3 Plus, the Arlo doorbell setup process requires a minimal level of around-the-house knowhow. Arlo suggests you download the app and follow the included tutorial. The tutorial is excellent and covers every single step you’ll need to take.

First, the Arlo doorbell is wired and not powered by a battery. This means your home needs to have a powered doorbell already in place. If you don’t have a wired doorbell, you’ll have to choose another product. Turn off the circuit breaker to your doorbell and install the power kit to the existing doorbell chime. You have to do this in order for the Arlo doorbell to actually ring inside your home. I appreciate the detailed instructions covering this part of the installation process, as dealing with the chime can be a pain. With this step complete, you can move onto the doorbell itself.

Remove the old doorbell and secure the wires. Using an included security pin, you detach the doorbell from the mounting plate. Feed the wires through the plate, screw the plate in place, and then attach the wires to the back of the doorbell. Then simply snap the Arlo up into the mounting plate.

Turn on the circuit breaker and you should be in business.

A couple of things. Arlo provides the mounting hardware, including a wedge, but you have to supply the drill, screwdriver, and other tools needed to complete the installation. Ring, by way of comparison, provides at least some of these things. Also, Arlo protects the doorbell with a special security pin to prevent theft of the doorbell. This pin is proprietary and only one is included. If you lose it, you’re screwed.