Home security cameras have come a long way in the past few years, from robust artificial intelligence-enabled cameras that can pan and tilt with built-in 3000-lumen floodlights, to budget cameras designed with one function in mind, and so many in between.
The entry device in the Arlo lineup is the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera. I've spent the better part of two months with it and am ready to let you know if it's a good idea.
The new Essential Indoor camera was launched in March of 2021. The Arlo Essential indoor camera is currently on sale for $80 at a number of retailers. White and black are the camera's colors.
There are today's best Arlo Essential indoor camera deals.
I've used a number of excellent security cameras, from budget options like the Wyze Cam V2 to more feature-rich cameras like theEZ VIZ C6 2K+. The bare minimum was what I was expecting from Arlo's offering. From the moment I opened the box, I knew this camera was going to be great.
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The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera isn't supposed to be the most advanced camera available, but Arlo also didn't skimp on quality.
There are some things in the box, such as a wall mount kit and a camera. I set up my account while I installed the Arlo app.
I followed the setup instructions from the app after plugging in the camera. It's relatively easy to add the camera. It was time to change the settings.
| Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.0 x 1.9 x 4.5 inches (52 x 49 x 113.19 mm) |
| Weight | 4.32 ounces (122 grams) |
| Connectivity | 2.4 Wi-Fi |
| Storage | Arlo Secure cloud storage |
| Two-way communication | ✔️ |
| Speaker | ✔️ |
| Camera | 1080p |
| Viewing area | 133°, with 12x digital zoom |
| Night vision | Black and White via High powered Infrared LED (850nm) with IR Cut Filter |
| Smart features | Image based motion detection |
| Weatherproof | 🚫 |
| Wireless | 🚫 |
The essential indoor camera can be used with the app. You will need to pay for a subscription to access the more advanced options. There are single camera plans available.
All your cameras are on the app's home page. The device settings for the Essential Indoor camera give you an option to turn the device off, as well as check the wi-fi network it's connected to and the time zone.
There is a motion detection test. If you want the camera to pick up the motion you want it to, you need to adjust the sliders. Some of the camera's functions can be checked out in the device utilities section.
Motion settings let you adjust where the camera records from, as well as some tuning options for the video quality and if you want Night Vision to be enabled or not.
The activity zones are where the camera will watch. Should it detect motion in your area, you will only receive a notification.
The microphone and speaker settings are located in the audio settings section. You can have a two-way conversation with someone on the other side of the video feed if the camera has a speaker and microphone.
There are options for tuning when the camera is armed or not. The day of the week and time of day can be used to build a schedule for each camera. Adding in the option to use your phone as a proximity sensor will allow you to create a geographic fence.
Setting up the geofence feature means that even if your schedule for the camera is set to have it disarmed and you leave your home, it will enable the camera until you come home.
Emergency response is one of the benefits that you get with the subscription. This feature allows you to give police, firefighters, or other emergency services information about your home, pets, and other things.
The option to call a friend is available. It's possible to add up to three contacts for the app.
If you see something on your camera and need help, you can call a friend and use the emergency response setup. There is a bright red button at the top of the home page that you can use to quickly get help.
You can use the camera from the home page of the app to see the live view. You can see recorded events by tapping on the Library at the bottom.
The image quality is not great, but the camera gives a clear enough image that you can see what is happening. When viewing a live feed, you have the option to take a photo, begin recording, or speak.
The privacy shield is one of my favorite features of the camera. The camera lens can't see anything because of the cover. The microphone is also disabled when it's enabled. It's very easy to see if the camera is looking.
I'm a big fan of this camera but there are some things I don't like about it. The camera should be able to operate on both the 5 GHz and the 2.4 GHz frequencies. I am aware that 2.4 GHz has been used for a long time on internet of things devices. I would have liked that option because 5 GHz is great for cameras.
The lack of local storage on the camera is the main complaint. I wouldn't know anything if my internet is down and I have a camera.
The reliance on the cloud means a constant cost because you will always need the Arlo secure subscription.
It can be frustrating to have to pay to use something you already paid for. Considering the price of the camera.
It's not that bad for a single camera, but when you've paid $80 for the camera, or more if not on sale, the lack of local storage is hard to swallow.
There are a lot of excellent security cameras with local storage that come in with the same features for less. It all works well, but it doesn't make the upfront and continued cost any better.
There are a lot of security camera options that are cheaper than the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera. The first thing that comes to mind is the blink mini
The camera has the same video quality, motion detection, and other features. It costs less than half the price of the camera on Amazon. You can get a Blink Add-on Sync Module for local storage for up to ten cameras for only $35 on Amazon if you subscribe to the cloud service.
The Wyze cam V3 is another camera that should be considered. We found many similarities between the Wyze cam V3 and the blink mini, which makes the Wyze cam V3 an excellent alternative to the essential indoor camera.
Wyze's option has a few tricks up its sleeves that the more expensive Arlo camera doesn't. Color night vision, local storage, and the ability to work indoors or out are some of the things that come to mind.
The option for a cloud subscription with Wyze cam Plus is similar to the ones offered by the cameras. Motion and sound detection can be used to alert you when the camera sees something.
Both of the camera options do not offer the automatic privacy shield that Arlo's camera does. The unique features of the camera are compelling.
If you do, you should purchase this.
If you buy this, you should not.
If you can swallow the upfront cost of the camera, it is an excellent option. If you want to watch what the camera recorded, you'll need to pay at least $2.99 a month.
Privacy shields are great for knowing the camera can't see or hear you. You can use the automatic arm and disarm feature based on where you are.
I've been using the camera in my office for a while now and really like it. Even though my office is far from the clean and fancy room many of my peers enjoy, the peace of mind knowing the camera will be activated should someone break in is great.
Thanks to the privacy shield, I am not on camera when I work. If I make a trip into town, the camera will arm itself even if the schedule says it shouldn't be on, thanks togeofencing.
I would like the camera to be less expensive and offer local storage support. The camera quality is pretty good, and the features that come with it, are likely to stay in my office for a long time.
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