Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Generation)

Like Arlo's current video doorbell, the second-generation model has a 180-degree diagonal field of view so you can better see the packaging at your front door. While it's not as feature-packed as the Eufy Dual video doorbell, it's comparable to what you can get with the Nest Doorbell and the Ring Battery Video Doorbell. As with Arlo's previous video doorbells, this model can be wired or battery powered. However, the new Arlo video doorbell will have an integrated siren, which you can activate via the Arlo app, or automatically. And the doorbell works with Arlo's new Security Tag 3, so you can arm and disarm the system by simply tapping the tag on the doorbell. Finally, the video doorbell is offered in two resolutions: a 1080p model costs $79.99, while a 2K model costs $129.99. Both are available for pre-order and should ship in early October.

Arlo Essential Outdoor XL Camera (2nd Generation)

Like Arlo's current XL cameras, the 2nd Generation Essential Outdoor XL Camera offers longer battery life than its non-XL counterparts - in this case you get up to four times the charging time, meaning fewer trips to the charger. Of course, you can also connect any Arlo camera to a solar panel, and all current accessories should work with the new models. The Essential Outdoor XL has a field of view of 130 degrees and a built-in spotlight and siren. It also has color night vision and costs $99.99 for the 1080p version and $149.99 for the 2K resolution model.

Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2nd Generation)

This is the same as the XL model, just with one-quarter the battery life. If you want the 1080p version, it costs $49.99, while the 2K model costs just $99.99. That's pretty significant, putting the camera at a price that's as cheap as some of the best budget security cameras from Blink and Ring. To be fair, Arlo has a more expensive security camera plan than the other services, so it may end up costing you more in the long run. However, few competitors offer 2K camera resolutions.

Arlo Essential Indoor Camera (2nd Generation)

Most of Arlo's cameras are designed for outdoor use, but it does have one indoor camera, which is also getting an upgrade. Like the original, the 2nd generation camera has an automated privacy shield, which you can open and close via the Arlo app. Like the original, it has a 130-degree field of view, night vision, two-way conversations and a built-in siren. However, the price drops dramatically: the original indoor camera sold for $99 and was recently marked down to $59; the 2nd generation model costs $39.99 for the 1080p model and $79.99 for the 2K version.

Arlo Security Camera: Analysis

Arlo isn't doing anything dramatically new with its second-generation doorbell or security cameras. However, it plays a stronger role in the budget security camera market, which is dominated by Blink and Wyze. At the same time, Arlo gives the choice of a cheap camera, or a camera that is slightly more expensive, but still offers a much higher resolution. By lowering the price of its hardware, Arlo is making a more aggressive move into the home security camera market and hopes the cheaper devices will help offset the cost of its subscription; Currently, an annual subscription for unlimited Arlo cameras costs $99 per year, which gets you 30 days of recording, plus animal, package, and person detection. By comparison, Nest's subscription costs $80 per year. Ring's plan also costs $99 per year but can store up to 180 days of video, and Blink's plan (also $99 per year) can save up to 60 days of video. Of its competitors, however, only Arlo works with Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, IFTTT, and HomeKit, making it the most cross-platform among the major security camera companies. That could also make the extra cost worth it.