The Arlo webcams from Netgear continue to hold their position as my favorite web-enabled camera. The new Arlo Q features the ability to record 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, two-way audio, and a slew of features that we loved last year and made them stand out from the pack of smart home cameras on the market.
About Arlo Q
Last year we gave the original Arlo cameras high marks because of the high-quality video and reliable motion sensing. The original Arlo models were also truly wireless, operating on batteries and recording video wirelessly. We found the down side to this is that you have to replace the batteries every few months but Netgear has solved this problem with the Arlo Q, a wall-powered indoor addition to the Arlo camera line. Like the other Arlo cameras, the Q features a high-quality industrial design with a white, unobtrusive housing that won’t be an eyesore.
The Arlo Q doesn’t have batteries. It requires an AC power adapter to be powered, but with an unlimited power source, come additional features that weren’t practical on the battery-powered cameras. This includes higher resolution video, two-way audio, and the ability to record 24 x7. The Arlo Q records audio and 1080p “full HD” video.
You can monitor the cameras live via the Arlo App and also view historical recordings. With the Arlo Q camera, the app can trigger to record videos and send you alerts based on motion and sound.
With an AC power supply, the Arlo Q is an indoor-only web camera, good for monitoring the kitchen (to see what the dog did or figure out who at the last cookie), the TV room to watch your valuables, or be pointed out the window to watch your porch and/or driveway. Like the other Arlo cameras, it is capable of daytime and night-vision recording.
Differences:
- Constant video recording— The Arlo Q can record up 7 days of video and store it for free in Arlo’s cloud
- 2 way audio— Provides the ability to project audio to where the Arlo Q is station to say things like “Hey dog, get off the couch” or “You kids, get off my lawn!”
- Connects directly to WiFi versus the separate Arlo base station that the wireless cameras use
- Records 1080p HD video, versus 720P HD video on the wireless models
Similarities with other Arlo products:
- Night vision
- Monitor and receive alerts with the Arlo App
- 7 days of free cloud storage
Out of the Box Experience
The Arlo Q camera was extremely easy to setup. After downloading the Arlo App for iOS or Android, the app guides you through setting up the Arlo cameras. On the Arlo Q, simply push a sync button on the camera and then the app displays a QR code which the camera reads to learn how to join your home WiFi.
The camera connected to our existing Arlo system and integrated on the first try and without any difficulties.
Which Arlo to choose?
The Arlo Q can record continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you so desire. If you place it inside near a power source, or in a window, it will work indefinitely. If you need to record somewhere where you won’t have easy access to power, like outdoors, then the original Arlo wireless cameras are a great solution. No matter which way you go, both cameras are managed and configured through the Arlo application and take high quality videos.
Arlo Q is currently $219.99 on Amazon.
For a full review of Arlo’s original cameras, visit Leticia’s post: Netgear’s Arlo Smart Home Security Cameras Offer Wireless Operation, Easy Setup & Free Service Plan
I received the Arlo system through my involvement as a Netgear Ambassador. All opinions are my own. Amazon Affiliate links included in this post. Images courtesy of Netgear.
thanks for the review on the arlo i really appreciate it. this is something i will share with my family and friends that are looking for one.
arlo looks like the home security i need in my house . i wander how far it can reach with me having almost two acres i love to know.