When it comes to the world of completely wireless cameras, the brand most often associated with the category is Arlo, and for good reason. Before the first Arlo smart battery-powered room system, the dream of having a series of rooms that could be installed wirelessly around the house was just that: a dream.

Although the first years of wireless freedom were a bit rough around the edges, Arlo continued to refine its line with improvements in battery life and, of course, with high-quality visual images. The Arlo line has also grown from the original wireless system, with the company having a form factor for all kinds of applications - seven in total starting today.

Launched at the end of 2019, the Arlo Pro 3 is the company's latest prosumer model, which has an amazing amount of features, including 2K resolution with HDR. Last month I tested the two-camera Arlo Pro 3 system and found that it offers all the essentials. Wireless freedom, excellent image quality and accessories such as an integrated spotlight and siren make it stand out, although it comes with a few big catches.

Fully loaded

Arlo Pro 3 wireless security camera system: features

As mentioned earlier, the Arlo Pro 3 wireless security camera system we tested includes two cameras, along with the Arlo SmartHub. Arlo's SmartHub connects to home routers via an included ethernet cable, allowing it to manage wireless cameras in a way that reduces local network traffic. SmartHub can reach cameras up to 300 meters away with a direct viewing line on a 2.4 GHz radio signal. Behind the SmartHub is a single USB port, which allows the hub to work with hard drives for local storage, but after configuration, interactions with the hub will be rare.

Going beyond the real cameras, the 4 megapixels Pro 3 are capable of producing a maximum resolution of 2560x1440 with a field of view of 160 degrees. In addition to 2K, the Pro 3 can stream and record videos in HD 1080p and 720p resolution, and sports infrared LEDs with Cut Filter for black and white night vision. The Pro 3 can also produce color images at night, thanks to an integrated adjustable reflector, which can achieve up to 42 lux of brightness at the highest setting. The spot can be activated manually, while the camera is streaming, or with motion events.

Because the cameras are completely wireless, each is based on a removable and removable lithium polymer battery. The battery capacity is listed as 4800mAh, which says Arlo should last between three to six months with regular use. Batteries can be charged in the camera case via an included magnetic charging cable or, as they are removable, can be set in charging station accessories for added convenience. Charging the battery takes about three and a half hours by cable and about 3 hours with an accessory.

Other hardware highlights include a built-in siren, microphone and two-way audio speaker. Built mainly for the outdoors, the Arlo Pro 3 rooms are weather resistant, able to withstand typical conditions such as wind, rain and snow, with temperatures between -4 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The rooms can be wall-mounted indoors and outdoors, with two options included: one with a magnetic base and one with a more traditional adjustable arm.

Arlo Pro 3 cameras work in combination with the Arlo app, as well as platforms that include Apple HomeKit, Amazon Amazon and Google Assistant. Through the Arlo app, a live stream from the cameras can be called on demand, recorded recordings can be reviewed, and notifications can be set to be delivered directly to your devices when motion is detected. Arlo offers advanced features, such as cloud registration through a subscription service, Arlo Smart, which starts at $ 2.99 per month for a single room. The Arlo Smart Master Plan includes a 30-day video history and supports up to 2K resolution. Arlo includes a three-month trial for the purchased service and, while highly recommended, the rooms can be used without a subscription if you wish (more on that later).

Properly made batteries

Arlo Pro 3 wireless security camera system: What I like

Even with a separate Smart Hub needed to set up, create and operate Arlo Pro 3 cameras it was a relatively painless experience. To sum it all up, connect your Smart Hub to a free ethernet port on your router, add it to your account, and then pair the included cameras, which happens pretty automatically. Although there are a lot of requests to go through the application, I like how everything is covered, complete with useful images.

Since the Pro 3 cameras are my first from Arlo, I was surprised to see the removable batteries, a rarity for the wireless camera category. Sure, extra batteries come at a cost, but I like that Arlo actually offers the option to buy accessories, so there's always one ready. I was also pleasantly surprised by the charging process, in general, with an elegant magnetic cable, which is fixed right in place of a camera.

Sure, extra batteries come at a cost, but I like that Arlo actually offers the option to buy accessories, so there's always one ready.

Of course, with other wireless cameras around my house today, I was thrilled to see how the performance of the Pro 3 system compares. Although it wasn't all roses, the two Arlo Pro 3 cameras installed on opposite sides of my house worked pretty much the same. it was to be expected, each with a signal strong enough to transmit its images on demand. Extracting a live stream via the Arlo app and the Apple Home app took about five seconds on most occasions, with a few random attacks rising between 8 and 10 seconds.

The image quality also met my expectations, although I can't really say whether or not the camera lives up to its 2K claims. When I tested the interior cameras, the image quality was fantastic, with easily discernible details and low noise. The same thing extended to night vision with traditional black-and-white infrared images producing a clear and crisp view in the dark. Turning on the integrated spotlights added a splash of color to the same view, which was great for such a low scenario.

Things were a little different, but once the rooms were installed outdoors. I immediately saw a reduction in quality from both Pro 3 cameras, especially at night, and despite the app indicating that I was watching a 2K stream. This does not mean that the visual images were terrible, they were reduced to a level that matches other cameras we tested, even with reflective light. As with all wireless cameras, performance will vary depending on placement and distance, but for the lengths in which mine are installed, they are definitely good.

expensive +

Arlo Pro 3 wireless security camera system: What I do not like

Despite the premium price tag and the full range of hardware features, the Arlo Pro 3 locks several smart security staples behind a subscription. One of these is cloud storage for recorded records, which is understandable given that storage and servers almost certainly require a certain cost on Arlo's part. The lack of cloud storage is also affected by the ability to attach a hard drive to the Arlo SmartHub, so it's not the biggest offer, but I would have liked to see at least 24 hours of cloud storage for free.

However, what is great is the areas of activity, which require the Arlo Smart service. Without Arlo Smart, Pro 3 owners will receive notifications for everything that happens in the camera's vision, which could go crazy depending on where it is installed. Many of Arlo's competitors, including more affordable options from brands such as eufy, offer completely free areas of activity and image analysis and are processed locally on the device.

This makes Arlo's subscription essentially necessary, which will be hard for some to swallow after taking out about $ 500 for a two-camera system. During my review of Arbo's Video Doorbell just a few months ago, I noticed that the lack of areas as a standard feature was really something to consider. I was I was able to analyze the subscription requirements for my special installation location, so I was fully aware that this will extend to the company's rooms, but I still have to pay for the feature.

While Arlo Pro 3 cameras support the Apple HomeKit, some key features are missing. Yes, you can view a live stream from the Home app, and you can create motion-based automations with it, but that's about it. The built-in spotlight is nowhere to be found, as well as support for HomeKit Secure Video, which is disappointing to say the least. I'd love to see Pro 3 work with my iCloud storage subscription, and I'd definitely love to see it work with Apple's work area features, which come in iOS 14. Sure, HomeKit Secure Video could be added in a future update, but I'm not relying on that, as Arlo seems to want to continue with his own services.

Premium picture, premium price

Arlo Pro 3 wireless security camera system: Bottom line

3.5
of 5

At the end of the day, the Arlo Pro 3 wireless security camera system has all the components of a fantastic security solution that can meet almost anionic needs. Top quality, completely wireless design and high definition visuals, along with accessories such as an integrated spotlight and siren place it at the top of the graphics, at least on paper.

However, the Pro 3 becomes harder to recommend once you consider the price and software features. The expensive cost of entry, plus a subscription fee for areas of activity and cloud storage would make Arlo Pro 3 accessible to many, which is a shame given how good the hardware is. . If you just want a solid camera with great images and can afford the subscription, then go with Pro 3, excellent. If price is an issue, then you will definitely need to look elsewhere.