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Technically, comparing Reolink vs Arlo is just like the popular idiom of apples to oranges. It’s a pretty unfair comparison as one is a home automation company while the other is a versatile provider. In this article, though, we’re going to focus on which of the brands has the best battery-powered wireless security camera. They both have the selection, which means you should include them on the list, particularly when monitoring areas inaccessible to wired power.
Key Takeaway:
Also known as wire-free, a battery-powered wireless security camera system usually operate by a battery and transmit data via WiFi. As such, it requires no cables, which equates to no hassle of installation.
Reolink vs Arlo: An Overview on the Brands
Reolink
The Reolink is one of the few brands that you can turn to if you need a quality and budget-friendly security camera system. They dedicate to making video surveillance accessible to everyone, including homeowners and businesses. Hence, the reason they focus on low price-point.
As a multifaceted brand, Reolink provides a wide range of security camera systems, not limited to PoE IP, standalone cams, and multi-channel kits. They create both wired and wireless devices that you can use indoors and or outdoor.
Most of the Reolink security cameras are DIY and have a plug and play setup. Thus, you can carry out the installation all by yourself without hiring any professional labor.
Arlo
Meanwhile, Arlo technologies are one of the leading providers on the market of internet-connected cameras. The brand used to be a product line by Netgear Inc. until late 2018 when it separated and began operating as an independent business.
Just like the mother company, Arlo focuses on ensuring you have the smartest home in the neighborhood. For that, the brand invests hugely on the state of the art technology, bringing you devices that intelligently work together for a better, enjoyable experience.
Similarly, Arlo security cameras are simple, plug-and-play models that you can set up within a few minutes. They all transmit data wirelessly via your home Wi-Fi network. So, you must have an internet connection to enjoy all the amazing features integrated into the camera.
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Comparing Reolink vs Arlo Battery-powered Wireless Security camera system
Despite their different principles, Reolink and Arlo do share plenty under the battery-powered security cameras. The following is a quick summary of the similarities and differences between the two brands.
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Available Cameras
If we didn’t know about their histories, we certainly can conclude that these two brands are competing for the wire-free title. Reolink has eight sub-categories of the battery-powered security cameras, which include Reolink Go and Reolink Go PT that use a 4G mobile network. Thus you can mount in areas with no access to power and WiFi, yet still enjoy live viewing anytime anywhere.
On their end, Arlo has five battery-powered security cameras, excluding the original Arlo which is no longer in production. Amongst the five is the Arlo Go, which transmits footage via 4G LTE wireless connection. So, you can as well use in the woods where there’s no WiFi.
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Video Quality
For this one, Arlo no doubt is the winner. The brand currently has the Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra that has 2k super-HD and 4K Ultra-HD resolution respectively. Hence, delivers videos that are rich in clarity and important details, in which case you can zoom without drastically reducing the quality.
Of course, Reolink also has 2K Super-HD and 4K Ultra-HD security camera systems, but these are under the NVR system Kits. For the lineup of battery-powered wireless cameras, however, you can only get a 1080p Full HD video quality.
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Night Vision
Neither Reolink nor Arlo rests when you sleep. The security cameras from both sides feature an excellent night vision that auto-switches when darkness crawls in. With several Arlo models, the maker integrated a super-bright spotlight that lights up when there are movements in the proximity. So, you can get black and white or colored footage at night.
Similarly, Reolink has Argus 3 that has a built-in spotlight and multiple selections with the famous starlight night vision. Thus, provides footages with enhanced details and color in low-lighted environments.
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Field Of View
Simply, the field of vision is the area of coverage that a security camera can see within a scene. The feature is usually measured in degrees angle, whereby 80° is wide and up to 180° super-wide. Basically, the higher the angle the better as it allows you to monitor a large area with minimal or no blind spots.
Still, Arlo technologies is the clear winner here as they have two super-wide-angle cameras- Pro 3 and Ultra models.
Reolink is not any worse as they have all wide-angle cameras, with the Argus lineup rated at 130°. That’s not all. The brand has the Reolink Go PT and Reolink Keen, both of which has pan & tilt function. Thus, allowing you to expand the original field of view so that you can cover more ground.
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Features And Tech
A good security camera system is not just about streaming the footage but having the latest functions as well. For instance, the PIR motion sensor, available with Arlo and Reolink, has more accurate results than the software-based motion detection. This is so as the sensor uses heat energy to detect the movements of the object, thereby providing lesser false triggers.
Another common feature with the two brands is an audio recording, two-way talk, and active deterrence with a spotlight and siren.
Unlike Reolink, however, Arlo does support advanced detection of people, animals, vehicles, and cars. The functions, however, are not free to use. You need to have an active subscription to the Arlo Smart Premier or Elite cloud plan.
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Smart Home Integration
As a home automation brand, Arlo provides homeowners with a smart ecosystem that you can sync with other home automation systems. The various security cameras from the brand can connect with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Apple HomeKit. Hence, enabling hands-free control.
Several Reolink CCTV systems do support Alexa and Google Assistant devices as well. So, the section is another tie, except that Reolink doesn’t support IFTTT and Apple HomeKit yet.
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Storage Options
With Reolink, you don’t need an internet connection to use their battery-powered security cameras. Each device comes with a built-in slot that you can insert up to 64GB microSD card and enjoy simple local storage. The brand also offers cloud services that save motion-activated video recordings and provide the advantage of remote playback anytime, from anywhere.
The basic Reolink cloud plan is free to use, in which case you can enjoy up to 7-day video history of one camera. If that’s is not enough, you can subscribe to a renewable plan, which starts at $3.49/ month for a 30-day video history of up to 5 cameras.
This is pretty cheap than Arlo smart plan, whereby five cameras cost $9.99/ month for a 30-day video history. The brand, though, offers up to 7-day free cloud recording for the older camera models, plus it supports local recording with a USB or microSD card. So, you can as well have a backup copy for when the internet connection is down.
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Power
Both Reolink and Arlo have both battery-powered and plugged in security cameras. However, our focus is on the latter, in which case we’ve been trying to discern which should wind up on your property.
If it’s Reolink, a model like the Argus 2 uses a rechargeable battery that’s rated to last 4-6 months. Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera also has similar battery life. So, there’s no difference in that.
More on that, by the way, the two manufacturers provide the option to recharge the batteries by plugging into AC power. But you can also connect with a solar panel to offer a non-stop power supply and uncut transmission.
Installation And Setup
Although we are speaking of wire-free security cameras, Reolink devices are pretty easier to install. Reolink Go, Argus 2, Argus Eco, and the rest function as a standalone. The cameras don’t require a base station to communicate and enable the transmission of data as most Arlo products do. Thus, they are relatively quick to set up.
Nonetheless, not all Arlo security cameras now need the exclusive Smart Hub to function. A good example is the latest Arlo Essential Spotlight camera, which can focus as a standalone if you need it to. The base station, however, is a crucial add-on for the ecosystem as it can assist in extending the battery life and Wi-Fi range.
As for the mobile app, both Reolink and Arlo wireless cameras require one for reviewing the clips, changing settings, and get motion alerts. The brands do have a pretty good one, which has a four-star rating on the App Store. However, you’ll see the usual complaints about issues after an upgrade, but the two companies have been good at fixing bugs.
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Pricing
Without a doubt, Reolink is the clear winner when it comes to the price point. Not just for the cloud services, but the hardware as well. The brand provides budget-friendly cameras, with models like the Reolink Keen, Argus Eco, and Argus 2 costing below $100.
So true, Arlo Technologies has not yet slimmed down their price tag. Their hardware and cloud services are still relatively expensive, with the Arlo Essential having the most affordable budget of around $130. The Arlo Ultra that’s rated at 4K video quality has a price range of $180.00-$580, which definitely is not cheap.
Luckily, Arlo provides this camera with a free one-year Smart Premier plan to start you off. In which case you get to enjoy the advanced A.I. features and save at least $180.
Reolink vs Arlo: The 4 Best Battery-Powered Wireless Security Cameras
Reolink Argus PT Wireless Security camera System
- 100% Wire-Free and Solar Powered: Argus PT runs on 2.4/5 GHz WiFi and stays fully-charged with...
- Tilt & Pan and Stunning Night Vision: Argus PT can turn its head 355° horizontally and 140°...
This is one of the best options you can consider if you have a large property that you need to monitor. It takes the form of a PTZ design that allows the head to turn 355° horizontally and 140° vertically. Hence, covering more ground, with minimal blind spots.
The security camera has a 2MP starlight CMOS image sensor that captures bright and crisp videos at all times of the day. It has a highly sensitive PIR motion sensor that captures movements from hot bodies such as people and cars.
Thanks to the built-in high-capacity battery, you can mount the security camera at any position, in any location. It transmits footage via 2.4GHz WiFi and also has a built-in MicroSD card to store footage when the internet is d own.
Pros:
- It has a solid and durable construction
- Delivers sharp and bright 1080p Full HD images
- Compatible with the Reolink Solar panel
- Comes with a 7-day free cloud storage
- Effortless to set up and operate
- It supports Alexa and Google Assistant.
Cons:
- It doesn’t support 24/7 continuous recording
- Doesn’t work with 5GH Wi-Fi.
Reolink Argus 2 Outdoor Security camera System
- Starlight Night Vision: With a starlight CMOS sensor, 1080p Full HD high resolution presents up to...
- Free Rolling 7-day Cloud Storage: Event videos are securely uploaded to SD card or Reolink cloud via...
Despite the friendly budget, the Argus 2 can be very helpful at your home or business store. It’s specifically for the outdoors, but you can still use it to monitor inside the warehouse or garage.
The security camera features a well-made construction that can survive even the heaviest downpour and winter. It also has a 2MP starlight CMOS sensor that captures bright and vivid 1080p HD footages, along with a spectacular night vision.
With a wider field of vision, the device offers broader coverage, allowing you to monitor a large area of your compound. It has a preinstalled rechargeable battery and comes with a Reolink solar panel to ensure uncut monitoring.
The camera enables you to live-stream footage via the wifi connection and has a built-in slot for a microSD card. So, you can still be able to store data even there’s no internet connection.
Pros:
- It’s effortless to set up
- Features non-stop power supply
- Supports colored night vision
- Records video with audio
- Allows 2-way audio
- It pushes instant motion alerts with lesser false triggers.
Cons:
- Similarly, it doesn’t support 24/7 continuous video recording.
Arlo Pro 2 Wireless Home Security Camera System
- 100 percent wire free: Free of power cords and wiring hassles
- 1080p HD high quality video with sharper and brighter details
This is another great selection that you can consider to monitor your property. It’s 100% wire-free, courtesy of its rechargeable battery and the use of a WiFi connection to transmit footages.
The security camera has an excellent 2MP image sensor that produces high-quality 1080p Full HD videos. It has a built-in microphone and speaker under its hood. So, you get to enjoy footage with audio, as well as the two-way talk function that you can operate directly from your smartphone.
The security camera uses a wide-angle PIR sensor that makes sure no burglar or raccoon steps on your compound without you noticing. And in the event of a burglar, there’s a built-in siren that you can remotely trigger to ward off the perpetrators.
Pros:
- It has a solid, IP65 weatherproof design
- Records crisp HD videos and audio
- Supports 3-second look-back function
- Has free 7-day cloud storage
- It supports hands-free control with Alexa devices
Cons:
- It’s relatively expensive
- Sometimes it can have software issues
Arlo Pro 3 Wire-Free Security Camera System
- Zoom in to see sharp details - See and record video in 2K with HDR for a clearer, undistorted...
- See colorful at night - See features like faces or license plates in full color, even at night, with...
As an upgrade of the Arlo Pro 2, this piece can surely be worthwhile if you need higher image resolution. It features a 4MP sensor, which delivers 2K video quality that you can even zoom without lowering the important details.
The security camera has an inbuilt spotlight that plays as an active deterrence, as well as lighting to enhance night vision. It houses a high-capacity battery that you can connect with the Arlo solar panel charger to enable uncut monitoring.
The manufacturer provides the camera pack with a 3-month trial of the Arlo smart cloud plan. So, you can use advanced features like object detection and also playback videos from anywhere, anytime.
Pros:
- It has a wider field of view to cover a larger scene
- Has a superior 2k sensor and HDR function
- Supports color and black & white night vision
- Straightforward to setup
- Can help deter crime
- It works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Cons:
- It’s pretty expensive
- Poor battery life in cold weather.
Reolink or Arlo: Which Should You Choose?
Truthfully, both Arlo and Reolink are amazing brands to turn to when you need to add a third HD eye on your property. They both have stunning lines of security cameras, ranging from solid outdoor models to stylish selections that can fit indoors without interfering with your room’s beauty.
Nonetheless, Reolink is a better option if you’re on a tight budget and need a good system that you could use. The brand’s wire-free security cameras come with integrated local storage and a free 7-day cloud plan. So, you can never lack important video history when you need it.
But if you would like a wire-free CCTV system that has higher image resolution, Arlo has 2k and 4K Ultra-HD models. The brand is also a few steps ahead when it comes to tech use. Hence, can be a better option if unique, cool features are your thing.
