It may seem surprising to dedicate a review to a doorbell, an item that traditionally performs a single, simple function. However, the Arlo Essential – Video Doorbell Wire-free offers a significantly expanded feature set.
Upon unboxing the device, the initial step is to charge the battery. While charging, the Arlo application can be downloaded, available for both iOS and Android platforms. Once the battery is fully charged, the installation process for the Arlo Essential – Video Doorbell Wire-free is remarkably straightforward, with the application providing comprehensive step-by-step instructions, covering both network connectivity and physical mounting.
Given the absence of a pre-existing doorbell, battery operation was selected for this review. The battery life was observed to deplete by approximately 15 percent per week, suggesting a total lifespan of around six weeks. For users with existing electric doorbells, the Arlo Essential – Video Doorbell Wire-free can be directly connected to the existing power source, eliminating the need for battery recharging. The application provides guidance on ensuring compatibility with the correct mains power.
With the camera surveillance doorbell installed, the testing phase commenced. Pressing the illuminated button triggers an audible chime and sends a notification to the paired smartphone. The user can then engage in two-way communication with the individual at the door, with clear voice transmission via the integrated speaker. This functionality proves especially useful for scenarios such as package deliveries. While a traditional chime can be connected, it is sold separately. Without it, doorbell notifications are solely reliant on the user’s smartphone, meaning that silent mode may result in missed calls.
Beyond its primary function, the Arlo Essential – Video Doorbell Wire-free also records events outside the door, even if the doorbell is not activated, sending alerts to the user’s smartphone. The device can differentiate between general movement and the presence of a person, and the monitored area is customizable to prevent false triggers from, for instance, street traffic.
The camera’s wide-angle lens delivers impressive coverage, coupled with commendable sharpness and resolution. As demonstrated in the image below, the camera performs well in both well-lit and low-light conditions.
Despite its strengths, the Arlo Essential – Video Doorbell Wire-free exhibits certain limitations. Notably, a continuous internet connection is essential for its operation. As the device relies on smartphone notifications for alerts, a loss of connectivity will prevent the user from knowing when someone is at the door. Furthermore, the absence of internal or expandable storage means that any events recorded during a network outage are lost. A further inconvenience is the lack of notifications from the application regarding network disconnections; this issue is only apparent when attempting to access the camera feed.
Accessing recorded video clips requires a subscription to Arlo’s cloud service, which costs approximately 30 SEK per month (a three-month subscription is included with the initial purchase). While the cost is relatively modest, the mandatory nature of this subscription to view recordings is a drawback. This raises the question of why local storage options, as seen on the Arlo Ultra, are not available.
During a recent cold spell, the camera lens was observed to ice over, resulting in a blurred image. While this issue can be quickly resolved, it presents a challenge when the user is away from home.
In conclusion, the Arlo Essential – Video Doorbell Wire-free remains a streamlined and user-friendly product. Despite the aforementioned limitations, its overall performance justifies a recommendation.
