Surveillance cameras are an increasingly important product category, even within the consumer market. With the rise of remote work and fluctuations in residential burglaries, many homeowners are seeking security solutions for when they are at work or away from home. This is especially relevant as the vacation season approaches.
The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is a standalone surveillance camera that connects directly to the Arlo app via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a separate hub. It also features an integrated spotlight, reducing the need for additional hardware. However, it lacks local storage for surveillance footage, as there is no internal memory or SD card slot. The Essential requires Arlo’s cloud storage service, which necessitates a subscription (three months are included, with subscriptions starting at SEK 29 per month thereafter). The camera is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, with the spotlight enhancing its functionality in outdoor environments.
The installation process is relatively straightforward, although it can be somewhat time-consuming. Scanning for Arlo devices from a mobile device can take a while, and the camera requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection, which may be considered outdated by some users. The charging mechanism, utilizing a micro-USB connection, also necessitates removing the entire camera, as the battery is not removable. The inclusion of USB-C with fast charging capabilities would have been preferable. A fully charged battery is rated to last up to six months (depending on usage), which is an impressive specification that requires further long-term evaluation.
Once paired with the app, the camera is easy to position, either freestanding or mounted using the included bracket and screws. The app allows users to configure schedules for activation and deactivation, define active zones, and implement geofencing. Geofencing enables the camera to automatically deactivate when authorized devices are nearby and arm when they leave, minimizing the risk of forgetting to activate the system. There is an approximate five-second delay between live events and the camera’s feed, but recording initiates immediately upon motion detection.
The camera’s wide-angle lens (130 degrees) is a significant advantage, providing extensive coverage with minimal distortion, allowing for monitoring of a large area while maintaining facial clarity and detail. The Full HD 1080p resolution is sufficient for most applications. (Arlo also offers the Ultra model in 4K, but it involves a higher cost for cloud storage). The integrated spotlight effectively deters intruders and provides ample illumination in dark conditions. The camera also incorporates a night vision mode, as demonstrated in the images below. However, like many cameras without continuous power, it struggles with pixel movement, rendering monitoring through window panes ineffective. The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera features a built-in alarm siren described as “extremely loud,” but its actual output resembles a muffled fire alarm. While it might disturb an intruder, it is unlikely to have a significant deterrent effect during the day. Users seeking a robust alarm system should consider dedicated alternatives.
Sharing access with other users is relatively straightforward, even across different operating systems (Android and iOS were tested). However, occasional app restarts may be necessary to ensure proper functionality. The Arlo app receives regular updates, but there remains potential for UI and stability enhancements to improve user-friendliness, especially for less technically proficient individuals.
Overall, the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera delivers on its promises at a competitive price point. The subscription fee translates to slightly over SEK 300 per year, which is reasonable considering the security and evidentiary benefits of cloud storage. Homeowners seeking to monitor areas around their property should consider this solution, which provides essential functionality at an affordable cost (approximately SEK 1,500). Some alarm installers also offer Arlo camera integrations for users with more advanced needs and budgets.
In the current climate, where face masks are still prevalent, the Arlo camera can identify individuals before they are aware of its presence.
