Reolink vs Arlo (2021): Top-Rated Indoor And Outdoor Security Cameras

For many households, security cameras offer an invaluable benefit — peace of mind. But they aren’t just excellent deterrents to criminals. Home surveillance cameras are also useful in monitoring your family, especially children, and pets. Reolink and Arlo are just two of the most popular camera-based home security systems today.

Both carry a diverse catalog of devices — from indoor cameras to 4K outdoor devices. Reolink’s cameras are typically less expensive than Arlo’s, although both provide reliable coverage. So which model should you get? Below, we’ve selected three of their best cameras to see which are the best extra pair of eyes and ears.

Reolink vs Arlo Security Cameras Comparison Chart

What’s The Difference

Reolink and Arlo offer quality security cameras with reliable coverage that fit most price ranges.

Reolink and Arlo both offer affordable and reliable wired and wireless security cameras. These devices are typically equipped with motion sensors and work in tandem with companion apps. Despite their price tags, Reolink and Arlo cameras deliver high-resolution images and videos. Across their catalog, you’ll find models that boast HD, 2K, or even 4K capabilities. Homeowners can get Reolink and Arlo cameras individually or as part of a bundle. They’re also compatible with a range of accessories, including cables, batteries, chargers, and solar panels.

Reolink, however, has a broader lineup of devices compared to Arlo. Their catalog includes battery-powered cameras, as well as Wi-Fi and ethernet-connected models. Appearance-wise, they’re much more varied, too. Arlo’s cameras tend to follow the same design DNA. While it does give the brand a uniform look, some models are hard to distinguish from one another. Fortunately, Arlo makes up for this surface-level complaint with a distinct edge over Reolink — motion detection. On Arlo, this key feature is more stable.

Reolink vs Arlo Indoor Cameras

Get the Reolink E1 Pro if you need wider room coverage and on-device storage. Opt for the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera for more privacy.

Aside from deterring burglars, indoor cameras are a great way to monitor your family while you’re at work. The Reolink E1 Pro, for instance, is a compact model loaded with smart features. Its 4MP camera also records HD videos up to 2560×1440. In contrast, the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera offers a max resolution of 1080p. While it loses in display resolution, Arlo’s home-friendly device reassuringly comes with an automated privacy cover.

Both Reolink and Arlo cameras are equipped with motion detection and two-way audio. Each device comes with its own IR LED, too, for night vision support. Reolink’s E1 Pro has an advantage when it comes to coverage, thanks to its pan/tilt features. Arlo’s indoor camera, on the other hand, edges Reolink with its 12x digital zoom functionality. Whichever model you choose, you’ll find both are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Users should keep in mind, however, that these cameras are not battery-operated. Since they use main power, placement may be limited.

Reolink vs Arlo Spotlight Cameras

Arlo’s Essential Spotlight Cameras offer better motion alerts while Reolink’s Argus 3 has the edge in the night vision range.

When night falls, security cameras with integrated spotlights are a better option. Reolink’s Argus 3 is arguably its best outdoor camera with this feature. Apart from its Starlight CMOS sensor, the Argus 3 is equipped with two 6500K spotlights. This translates to high-quality color night vision up to 33 feet away. Even if you opt for the black and white night mode, you still get the same range thanks to 6 infrared LEDs. The Argus 3 boasts two-way audio and a built-in siren. Reolink’s luminous outdoor camera also records 1080p video and supports up to 6x digital zoom.

Meanwhile, the Essential Spotlight Security Camera is one of Arlo’s top-rated devices. The direct-to-Wi-Fi device records 1080p video and offers up to 12x digital zoom. The Essential also features a fixed lens with a 130° FOV. In low light conditions, Arlo’s camera uses dual 850 nm LEDs to illuminate an area of focus up to 25 feet away. While it’s shorter than Reolink’s range, it’s more than sufficient to identify unique details even at night. The Arlo Spotlight camera also comes with two-way audio with noise and echo-canceling.

Both Reolink and Arlo spotlight cameras support Alexa and Google compatibility. Since they are wire-free models, both come with long-lasting rechargeable batteries. Users can also hook them up to solar charging panels for added convenience.

Reolink vs Arlo 4K Outdoor Cameras

The Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera is a more feature-packed 4K camera than the Reolink RLC-820A.

If you want to monitor your home in high-definition, there is nothing quite like a 4K outdoor security camera. For those on a budget, the Reolink RLC-820A is a solid option. For those with deep pockets, the Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera is one of the best. Both devices come with two-way audio, night vision mode, and microSD card support. Arlo’s audio features are better than Reolink’s, thanks to a dual microphone array with noise cancellation. Reolink, however, has the edge when it comes to night vision range.

Reolink and Arlo’s devices are similarly equipped with an 8MP camera. On the Reolink RLC-820A, 3840×2160 is your default video resolution. The Ultra 2, on the other hand, offers video modes in 4K, 2K, 1080p, and 720p. It also comes with auto-track and zoom as well as HDR. In terms of connectivity, Reolink’s 4K camera has the edge, thanks to Ethernet connectivity. With the Arlo Ultra 2, you’re limited to a Wi-Fi connection. Still, Ultra 2 is a wireless camera so you get a more flexible installation. The Reolink RLC-820A, on the other hand, relies on POE or main power.

Despite these differences, both offer a comparable set of features, including motion detection for people and vehicles. These 4K cameras are compatible with Google Assistant, too, although Arlo also works with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. With a subscription service, however, Arlo’s Ultra 2 is the superior camera.

Verdict

Reolink and Arlo are great options for security cameras. Reolink’s E1 Pro is our pick for indoor cameras, while Arlo’s Ultra 2 is the best 4K outdoor camera to get.

Security systems are fast becoming a staple at home — from smart video doorbells to HD surveillance cameras. If you’re looking for the latter, Reolink and Arlo both do not disappoint. Among their devices reviewed, however, there are some clear standouts. For an indoor camera, the Reolink E1 Pro is a compelling purchase, thanks to its HD video recording. The device also boasts pan/tilt motions that offer wider coverage than Arlo’s Essential Indoor Camera.

If you’re installing an outdoor camera, look no further than the Arlo Ultra 2. The wireless device is a little more expensive than Reolink’s RLC-820A, but you do get more features. Arlo’s Ultra 2 has impressive video recording quality, two-way audio, and night vision mode. And with a subscription service, it’s arguably one of the best security cameras in the market today.

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