Arlo Essential Series Best Home Security Camera of 2020

Get a clear view of your property, even at night, with the Arlo Essential Series Home Security Cameras. The collection includes the Essential XL Spotlight and Essential Spotlight Camera. Both deliver 1,080 HD quality and show clear footage.

Performance

130-degrees isn’t too wide, so be mindful about where you position the camera. Because of the uptick in battery life, its perfectly fine the position this is in a harder-to-reach spot, but keep in mind the proximity to a strong Wi-Fi signal (if you don’t have a mesh or SmartHub). In order to maximise performance, you need to make a few limiting considerations based on your home, which dents the flexibility somewhat if you want to optimise use.

Features of the all-new Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free include:

• 180° Viewing Angle: Optimized for the front door with a 1:1 aspect ratio so you can see a person from head to toe or a package on the ground
• Direct-to-Mobile Video Call: Calls your phone directly so you never miss a visitor
• Multiple Powering Options: Install without wires using the rechargeable battery¹, or hardwire to existing wiring for continuous charging²
• Motion Detection and Alerts: Receive alerts when motion is detected
• Angle Mount: Easily adjust viewing angle to fully and clearly see visitors
• 2-Way Audio: Hear what matters with clear, noise-cancelling audio
• More Ways to Answer: Quick Reply Messages enable users to play pre-recorded messages for instant response to guests
• Visitor Messaging: Guests can leave you a voice message if you’re unable to answer the door, and you can listen remotely at your convenience
• HD Video with HDR: Capture vivid detail in bright and dark areas with HDR
• Night Vision: See who’s at your door at night, even without a light on
• Weather Resistant: Designed to withstand heat, cold, rain or sun
• Platform Compatibility: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT for easy interaction, automation, and control
• Direct to WiFi: Connects directly to WiFi for simple setup allowing it to function as a standalone home security solution without the need for a separate base station
• Built-In Smart Siren: Trigger your siren automatically or manually from the Arlo app during an event
• Silent Mode: Temporarily disable incoming calls, Arlo Chime melodies, and/or traditional chime rings
• Notifications that Matter: Get alerts when your Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free spots people, vehicles, animals or a package with Arlo Smart via an included three-month trial with rolling 30-day cloud recordings

Battery

As I’ve mentioned above, the Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera is rated for a battery life of 12 months, and that’s the biggest step up from the non-XL version. Whether or not that ambitious goal is achievable by this camera, it will last several months, easily. And as long as you aren’t placing this in a spot that requires too much effort when it comes to having to detach the camera, you’re fine. You simply take it inside and juice it up…or you can just buy a solar panel and not have to worry about a thing.

Verdict & Value

With an improved battery life, the XL makes much more sense than the non-XL version, which was held back by a disappointing battery life. As long as you’re smart with your placement, this is a necessary addition to any existing Arlo set-up or a good entry to the ecosystem. Given its only $279, when the Arlo Pro 3 starts at $419, the XL is a massive value proposition and something which has officially pushed Arlo to top of the crop when it comes to smart security tech.

Price: $279