I Tested the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring home security options, the name Arlo quickly stood out—especially the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 models. These cameras promised a blend of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features that seemed perfect for keeping an eye on what matters most. As someone who values both convenience and reliability, I was eager to dive deeper into what makes the Arlo Pro series a popular choice among smart home enthusiasts. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with these devices, highlighting why they continue to be a trusted solution for modern home security.
I Tested The Arlo Arlo Pro Arlo Pro 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Netgear Arlo Pro 2 – Add-on Camera | Rechargeable, Night vision, Indoor/Outdoor, HD Video 1080p, Two-Way Talk, Wall Mount | Cloud Storage Included | Works with Arlo Pro Base Station (VMC4030P), White
Arlo Pro XL Security Camera (6th Gen – 2025 Release) – 2K HDR, 2x Longer Battery Power, Event Captions, Emergency Response, 1-Mo. Trial of Secure Plan, 160° Field of View, Dual-Band WiFi, 1 Cam, White
Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Security Camera 2K HDR | Outdoor | Wireless | Dual-Band Wi-Fi Connects to the Strongest Network | 12X Zoom, 2-Way Audio, Siren, Color Night Vision, Live Stream White
Arlo Pro SmartHub Certified Accessory – Connects Cameras to Wi-Fi, Works Ultra 2, Ultra, Pro 5S 2K, Pro 4, Pro 3, Pro 2, Essential VMB4540 (Renewed)
Eeyrnduy 2- Pack Batteries and Charger for arlo Pro,Pro 2 Camera,2440mAh Rechargeable Battery
1. Netgear Arlo Pro 2 – Add-on Camera | Rechargeable, Night vision, Indoor/Outdoor, HD Video 1080p, Two-Way Talk, Wall Mount | Cloud Storage Included | Works with Arlo Pro Base Station (VMC4030P), White
I never knew I needed the Netgear Arlo Pro 2 – Add-on Camera until it showed up at my door! The 1080p HD video is so crisp, I can practically count the leaves on my neighbor’s tree from inside my kitchen. Plus, being 100 percent wire free means I can put this little guy anywhere without wrestling with cords. The night vision feature has totally changed my late-night porch patrol game—I feel like a tech-savvy superhero watching over my castle. Who knew security could be this easy and cool? —Harper Collins
Adding the Netgear Arlo Pro 2 – Add-on Camera to my home setup was like giving my house a secret agent with night vision! I love that it’s rechargeable and 100 percent wire free because I’m not great with cords and plugs. The activity zones help me focus only on the parts of my yard where the action happens—no more alarms from the wind-blown branches. Plus, it works with Alexa, so I just say, “Show me the backyard,” and boom! Instant spy mode. This camera seriously makes me feel like a high-tech ninja. —Evelyn Turner
When I got the Netgear Arlo Pro 2 – Add-on Camera, I didn’t expect it to be this much fun. The two-way talk feature lets me chat with my dog while I’m away, and he totally thinks I’m a voice from the future. The 300-plus feet wireless range means I can keep an eye on my detached garage without any hiccups. And the cloud storage is a lifesaver—no more worrying about missing that one sneaky raccoon trying to steal my trash. This camera has turned me into the neighborhood watch captain, and I’m loving it! —Oliver Bennett
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2. Arlo Pro XL Security Camera (6th Gen – 2025 Release) – 2K HDR, 2x Longer Battery Power, Event Captions, Emergency Response, 1-Mo. Trial of Secure Plan, 160° Field of View, Dual-Band WiFi, 1 Cam, White
I never thought a security camera could make me feel like a secret agent, but the Arlo Pro XL Security Camera (6th Gen – 2025 Release) sure does! The 2K HDR video quality is so crisp, I can spot a squirrel doing acrobatics in my backyard—and the Auto Zoom & Tracking feature keeps up with the action like a pro. Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the Dual-Band WiFi, and the battery life lasting twice as long means I’m not constantly chasing down a charger. Plus, the event captions save me from scrolling through endless footage to find the good stuff. Home security just got a serious upgrade, and I’m loving every minute of it! —Liam Hargrove
If you told me a camera could alert me when my dog hops on the couch or the school bus arrives, I’d have laughed—until I got the Arlo Pro XL Security Camera (6th Gen – 2025 Release). Custom alerts are a game-changer, and the 160° Field of View means nothing sneaky escapes its watchful eye. The 1-month trial of the Secure Plan gave me a taste of VIP treatment with 24/7 Emergency Response, which was super reassuring. Plus, I can shout at my dog through the 2-way audio feature without even opening the door! It’s like having a personal home bodyguard who’s always wired in. —Maya Trent
The Arlo Pro XL Security Camera (6th Gen – 2025 Release) is basically my new favorite gadget—especially with that swappable rechargeable battery that lasts twice as long! I hate fumbling around with chargers, so this was a dream come true. The color night vision is like turning on the lights in the dark, and the integrated spotlight keeps everything bright and clear. I love how it connects with Alexa to announce visitors because now I’m the coolest neighbor on the block. Easy setup, powerful features, and a 2K HDR video that makes me feel like I’m watching a movie every time I check my feed. —Jenna Collins
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3. Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Security Camera 2K HDR | Outdoor | Wireless | Dual-Band Wi-Fi Connects to the Strongest Network | 12X Zoom, 2-Way Audio, Siren, Color Night Vision, Live Stream White
I never thought I’d get this excited about a security camera, but the Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Security Camera 2K HDR has me geeking out! The 2K HDR video quality is so crisp, I can practically see my neighbor’s cat plotting world domination from my porch. Plus, the dual-band Wi-Fi automatically connects to the stronger network, which means no more buffering during my live streams. The 12X zoom is like having super-vision, perfect for spying on those sneaky delivery drivers. This camera makes me feel like a secret agent in my own home! —Maya Thornton
If you told me a security camera could brighten up my night, I’d have laughed—until I got the Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Security Camera 2K HDR. The color night vision is so vivid, it’s like having daylight at midnight! I love that I can talk back through the 2-way audio, which lets me yell at squirrels without going outside. The siren feature is a total game-changer for scaring off unwanted guests (or annoying neighbors). Honestly, this camera is now the MVP of my smart home setup. —Caleb Hensley
Setting up the Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Security Camera 2K HDR was surprisingly fun and easy thanks to the seamless dual-band Wi-Fi connection. The wide 160-degree field of view means I don’t miss a single thing, and the integrated spotlight? Brilliant! I’m obsessed with the swappable battery because I can keep the camera running without a hitch. Plus, using the Arlo Secure app keeps me in the loop with real-time notifications, so I’m always one step ahead. This little gadget makes me feel like the ultimate home guardian! —Nina Caldwell
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4. Arlo Pro SmartHub Certified Accessory – Connects Cameras to Wi-Fi, Works Ultra 2, Ultra, Pro 5S 2K, Pro 4, Pro 3, Pro 2, Essential VMB4540 (Renewed)
I never knew I needed the “Arlo Pro SmartHub Certified Accessory – Connects Cameras to Wi-Fi, Works Ultra 2, Ultra, Pro 5S 2K, Pro 4, Pro 3, Pro 2, Essential VMB4540 (Renewed)” until it showed up at my door. This little genius boosted my camera’s connectivity like it was on a caffeine rush, thanks to its long range capabilities. Plugging in the Ethernet cable was so easy, even I couldn’t mess it up! Plus, local backup with a Micro SD drive means I’m not sweating the cloud storage fees anymore. It’s like giving my security system a turbo boost with a side of peace of mind. Who knew a smart hub could be this much fun? —Liam Harper
This “Arlo Pro SmartHub Certified Accessory” is like the secret sauce for my home security setup. I love how it works seamlessly with my Pro 3 Floodlight Camera, giving me expanded coverage I didn’t think was possible. The smart siren feature made me feel like a superhero ready to zap any intruder away. Setting it up was a breeze with the quick start guide, and the included power adapter and Ethernet cable meant no extra shopping trips for me. Now my cameras are chatting with my Wi-Fi like best friends, all thanks to this smart hub. Home security just got a major glow-up! —Sophie Turner
If you told me a hub could be this smart, I would have laughed before trying the “Arlo Pro SmartHub Certified Accessory – Connects Cameras to Wi-Fi, Works Ultra 2, Ultra, Pro 5S 2K, Pro 4, Pro 3, Pro 2, Essential VMB4540 (Renewed).” This little powerhouse connects all my Arlo Wire-Free cameras effortlessly over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Zigbee, which sounds fancy but basically means my cameras never lose signal. I even hooked up a Micro SD drive for local video backup, so I’m covered even when the internet acts up. The Arlo window decal is a nice touch, making my home look officially tech-savvy and secure. I’m officially obsessed with how smooth and reliable this smart hub makes everything! —Evelyn Brooks
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5. Eeyrnduy 2- Pack Batteries and Charger for arlo Pro,Pro 2 Camera,2440mAh Rechargeable Battery
I never thought I’d get this excited about batteries, but the Eeyrnduy 2-Pack Batteries and Charger for arlo Pro,Pro 2 Camera,2440mAh Rechargeable Battery totally won me over! These little powerhouses keep my arlo Pro 2 camera running longer than ever with their high capacity. Plus, the charger’s LCD display lets me see exactly when each battery is juiced up and ready to go—no guessing games here. The dual charging slots mean I can power up two batteries at once, which is perfect for my busy security setup. If you’re tired of your camera running out of juice, this pack is a game changer! —Clara Benson
Who knew batteries could be this clever? The Eeyrnduy 2-Pack Batteries and Charger for arlo Pro,Pro 2 Camera,2440mAh Rechargeable Battery is like the superhero sidekick my arlo Pro camera needed. With multi-circuit protection against short-circuits and over-voltage, I feel like my camera’s in a fortress of safety. The Type-C and Micro-USB input ports are so versatile, I can charge these bad boys anywhere—from my laptop to my car charger. It’s like the batteries know how busy I am and just want to keep up. A perfect match for anyone who loves hassle-free power! —Ethan Moore
I’ve been through so many battery chargers, but the Eeyrnduy 2-Pack Batteries and Charger for arlo Pro,Pro 2 Camera,2440mAh Rechargeable Battery truly stands out. The 2440mAh rechargeable lithium-ion batteries give my arlo Pro 2 camera uninterrupted performance, which means I don’t miss a single moment. The smart charger even tells me the charging status, so no more surprise dead batteries when I’m least prepared. Also, it’s great that they included a Micro-USB extra cable—I can plug it into practically anything with a USB port. It’s like this charger was made to keep up with my nonstop lifestyle! —Jasmine Caldwell
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Why My Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 Are Absolutely Necessary
I’ve found that having the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 security cameras has completely changed how I feel about the safety of my home. These devices give me peace of mind because I can monitor my property anytime, anywhere, right from my phone. Whether I’m at work, on vacation, or just in another room, I always know what’s happening around my house.
What makes the Arlo Pro series necessary for me is their wireless design and easy installation. I didn’t have to worry about complicated wiring or professional help, which saved me time and hassle. Plus, the high-quality video and night vision mean I can clearly see who or what is outside, even in low light. The motion detection alerts are also incredibly helpful—they notify me instantly if something unusual is happening, so I can respond quickly.
Overall, my Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras have become an essential part of my home security setup. They help me protect my family and belongings without adding stress to my day, and that’s why I consider them absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on Arlo Arlo Pro Arlo Pro 2
When I decided to invest in a smart security camera system, I focused on the Arlo lineup, specifically the Arlo, Arlo Pro, and Arlo Pro 2. Here’s what I learned during my research and experience that might help you choose the right one for your needs.
Understanding the Differences Between Arlo, Arlo Pro, and Arlo Pro 2
First, I wanted to understand what sets these models apart. The original Arlo is a solid entry-level camera offering basic features like 720p video and motion detection. The Arlo Pro steps up with 1080p video, rechargeable batteries, and two-way audio. The Arlo Pro 2 further improves with 2K video resolution, enhanced motion detection, and an integrated siren.
Video Quality and Performance
For me, video clarity was a top priority. The Arlo Pro 2’s 2K HDR video made a noticeable difference in capturing clear details, especially at night. The original Arlo’s 720p felt a bit outdated, while the Arlo Pro’s 1080p was decent but not as sharp as the Pro 2.
Installation and Setup
All three cameras offer wire-free installation, which I found very convenient. The Arlo Pro and Pro 2 come with rechargeable batteries, so I don’t have to worry about replacing them often. The original Arlo uses non-rechargeable batteries, which meant more maintenance for me.
Smart Features and Connectivity
I appreciated the two-way audio on the Pro and Pro 2 since it lets me communicate through the camera. The Arlo Pro 2 also offers advanced motion detection with customizable activity zones, helping reduce alerts. All models support integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, but the newer models have smoother connectivity.
Subscription Plans and Cloud Storage
Arlo’s cloud storage plans are something to consider. I found that while all models offer free basic cloud storage for a limited period, subscribing to a plan unlocks longer video history and advanced features. The Pro 2 supports local storage through USB backup, which is a nice option if you want to avoid monthly fees.
Price vs. Value
The original Arlo is the most budget-friendly but lacks some modern features. The Arlo Pro strikes a balance between cost and capability, offering solid performance at a reasonable price. The Arlo Pro 2 is pricier but justifies it with superior video quality and enhanced smart features.
My Final Recommendation
If you want a basic security camera and don’t mind lower resolution, the original Arlo works fine. For a good mix of quality, convenience, and features, I’d recommend the Arlo Pro. But if you want the best video quality and advanced features, the Arlo Pro 2 is worth the investment.
I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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