When it comes to smart home security cameras, some people only want the best models available. And while there is room for argument about whether or not the Arlo cameras are the best on the market, it goes without saying that they’re at or near the top of the industry.
Arlo’s indoor/outdoor smart security cameras are some of the most popular cameras out there. If mockery is indeed the sincerest form of flattery, then Arlo did something right as many devices followed in their footsteps. Now, however, Arlo has a new player in the game, the Arlo Go. How does it compare with the other cameras in the Arlo family? Let’s take a few minutes and break down how the Arlo Go stacks up against the Arlo Pro.
Installation and Hardware
Both cameras offer easy installation and all the hardware needed to get everything set up and going. You can, however, purchase additional devices if more are needed throughout your home.
Placement
As mentioned, installation for both cameras is quick and easy. Each comes with magnetic mounts and their cordless designs mean you don’t have to worry about a bunch of wires getting in the way. Their magnetic bases give you the ability to adjust the view of the camera quickly if needed. You can also use the wall mount screw set which is included with the device if you have an area you want to mount it that’s not metal.
Even though both the Arlo Pro and the Go have the ability to run on battery power, if you want to plug them into an outlet, you can do so. Arlo does, however, suggest that you insert the battery into the device, that way you’ll have a backup option if you lose power.
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If you do decide to use the power cord, there is one caveat: it’s not weatherproof. So if you want to plug your Arlo Pro or Arlo Go outside, you’ll want to purchase an outdoor power adapter for them. You could also purchase a Solar Panel for the cameras. The Solar Panel is weatherproof and includes a stand and six-foot cable.
However, don’t worry about mounting your smart security camera without the weatherproof cable. The Arlo Pro battery life should give you between four and six months worth of usage, while the Arlo Go will provide roughly two and a half months.
Keep in mind that placing your Arlo Go or Arlo Pro outside will contribute to a shortened battery life. You can use both devices outside without problem since they are rated IP65, however, factors like outdoor movement and extreme hot and cold weather will contribute to loss of battery life. Additionally, having live streaming turned on will also drain the battery quicker than expected.
Base Station
The Arlo Pro requires a base station to function properly. Unlike the cameras themselves, the Arlo Pro base station does require both internet and power to work. While you can use other Arlo base stations with the Arlo Pro, it is recommended that you purchase the base station meant to go with the camera as it provides a sirent along with local storage.
On the other hand, the Arlo Go does not require a base station. All you need to get started with the Go is a SIM card activated on a cellular network.
Packages
After you’ve made the decision as to which base station you want, you can select the package you want for your Arlo smart camera. The Arlo Pro offers packages which offer between one and four cameras. Each of these packages also include a base station. And of course, you can always add more Arlo Pro smart cameras individually if you discover at a later time that you need them.
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As for your Arlo Go, you have two purchasing options. You can either purchase the camera from Netgear and Amazon, or you can go through Verizon. If you decide to go through Amazon, you’ll pick between plans three plans offered by Verizon. Your Arlo Go smart cameras offer a default upload video capacity of 15 minutes, which you get for free. Once you use up those minutes each month, you’ll need a data plan to view video feeds and clips.
Going through Verizon might be an option for you if you already have the company as your wireless provider. Just add the Arlo Go to your current account, much like you would if you were adding a phone. The Arlo Go will cost you an additional $20 a month if you’re already on an unlimited Verizon plan. With shared data, it will cost you $5 each month.
Video and Image Quality
The Arlo Go and Arlo Pro have a video resolution of 720p, so you know you’re getting a good quality image. Both cameras have been updated to provide a 130-degree field of view along with the ability to pan and zoom. Unfortunately, they will not pan-and-tilt like other smart cameras currently on the market.
Both cameras have the ability to zone in on a specific area and zoom in so you can get a close look at what’s going on. In the night, the devices offer 25-feet of high-quality night vision, however, beyond three or four yards it’s hard to distinguish one person from another. On the other hand, with Arlo’s HD quality video feed, you’ll have no problem identifying people up to ten yards away.
The Arlo Pro and the Arlo Go all offer three distinct features that earlier iterations of the Arlo did not offer:
- Sound detection
- Two-way talk gives you the ability to use your smartphone to talk with someone near your Arlo camera
- Simultaneous video and audio streaming
Home Security Enhancements
Arlo added additional security enhancements with its Arlo Pro and Arlo Go smart cameras. The first thing you’ll notice is that these cameras offer sound detection. If a loud sound like crashing or breaking is detected, Arlo will automatically send you a notification. With the sound detection, you can tell your camera to record video when a noise is heard.
Arlo Go and Arlo Pro also offer motion detection. Both devices make use of a PIR motion sensor which you can adjust to the sensitivity level you want. Changing the level helps to cut down on the number of false alarms you receive, although it will not eliminate them completely.
Additionally, the base station meant to work with the Arlo Pro includes a siren. You can either manually set off the alarm through your Arlo mobile application or you can set it up so that it will go off if a loud sound is detected. The alarm is plenty loud enough to scare off would-be home invaders.
Another feature you’ll get with both of these devices is Arlo Smart. This functionality gives your smart camera the ability to recognize individuals. Arlo Smart will also allow you to select which events will notify you. For instance, if you want to be notified if a person is detected in front of your porch, Arlo Smart will do so.
Arlo Smart also offers Rich Notification and Activity Zones. There is a monthly fee associated with Arlo Smart, which runs on a per camera basis. Even though Arlo Smart is new technology, it will work with both your Arlo Pro and your Arlo Go.
Lastly, your Arlo Go makes use of 4G technology, so if you live in an area that doesn’t offer high-speed internet, you can still have the protection and security your home needs.
Customization and Smartphone Application
The Arlo Pro and the Arlo Go have the option to support various modes. These modes determine how the Go and Pro behave. So, if you have your smart camera armed, they’ll be on the lookout for loud sounds or motion. Or if you want them ignored, you can put your camera in unarmed mode.
If you only want to be alerted for sound events but not motion detection, you can set the Arlo Pro and Arlo Go to do so. The same can be done if you’d rather have motion detection alerts but not sound detection. If you want to change modes, you can do so through your mobile app or you can set up your smart camera to change modes based on the location of your device.
The Arlo mobile application is available through both the Android and iOS marketplaces. Or, you can use a web app if you don’t have your smartphone nearby. With these applications, you can view your video history, watch live streams, or change systems settings for your smart cameras.
Also in the application, you can grant access to other users if you are unable to keep an eye on your cameras. The system will provide them with limited access, but they will have the ability to view clips, live streams, and record as needed. Along with providing additional access, you can also set just how much access you want each person to have.
Storage
Of course, you’ll need storage for your video and pictures. Here’s what you can expect in regards to storage with your Arlo Pro and Arlo Go.
Video Storage
Arguably, one of the best features available with both the Arlo Pro and the Arlo Go is the free storage they offer. Arlo offers one week worth of free cloud recording, which can support up to 1GB of recordings. So long as you don’t exceed the 1GB limitation, you can continue to save recordings and clips. If you’re close to the limit, you can always delete old clips to make more room.
If you require additional storage, you can always subscribe to one of the many cloud-based plans that Arlo offers.
Local Storage
However, if you’re not interested in paying for additional cloud storage, you can expand your local storage with the Arlo Pro. The camera offers a USB port which will allow you to plug in a flash drive. This way, your clips are saved automatically even if your internet goes down.
While the Arlo Go does not offer a USB port for expandable memory, it does provide a spot for a microSD card. This way, you can expand your local storage without having a USB stick poking out of your camera. The SD slot will support cards with up to 32GB of space. This is especially nice so that if you happen to lose cellular connectivity, your videos are still saved locally.
Compatibility
If you’re already invested in the Arlo ecosystem, the Arlo Pro and the Arlo Go will both work with existing Arlo devices. This is an especially nice feature since it means you can still control all your cameras within the same mobile application.
Base stations also fall into this compatibility. So whether you already have an Arlo smart doorbell or their smart security lights, your new smart camera will integrate with no issues.
The Arlo Pro can work with third-party components by using If This Then That (IFTTT). With IFTTT, you’ll have the option to integrate your smart camera with other smart home systems to create even more automation within your home.
One such rule you might use, for example, includes smart light bulbs. You can set your lights to come on automatically if your Arlo Pro detects motion. Or, you can tell your Arlo Pro to start recording if your smart sensors detect a door opening or closing while you’re not home.
Additionally, the Arlo Pro is compatible with SmartThings. Also, both the Arlo Pro and the Arlo Go will work with your Google Home and your Amazon Alexa devices.
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Potential Risks
We’ll start this section by stating that Arlo cameras are fantastic security devices are much less likely to be hacked than other smart home security cameras on the market. There is one thing to be aware of, however.
If you decide to upgrade your Arlo cameras or you just decide that you no longer need to use them, be sure to return them to the manufacturer so they can be reset appropriately. It’s possible that if you sell your camera to another individual, they can view your system without your knowledge. There’s the potential that the camera can retail your account information, so do your due diligence before reselling your Arlo Pro or Arlo Go.
Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison chart so you can see similarities and differences between the Arlo Pro and Arlo Go.
|  | Arlo Pro | Arlo Go |
| Resolution | 720p | 720p |
| Night Vision | Illuminates up to 25-feet | Illuminates up to 25-feet |
| Field of View | 130-degrees | 130-degrees |
| Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Motion and Sound Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Bonus Features | No | 4G |
| Wire-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Works With | IFTTT, Echo Show, Echo Spot, Google Assistant, SmartThings | Google Assistant, Echo Show, Echo Spot |
| Weather Resistant | -4 to 113 degrees | -4 to 113 degrees |
| Battery | 2440 mAh | 3660 mAh |
| Activity Zones | With Arlo Smart | With Arlo Smart |
| Local Storage | USB | sdCard (Up to 32GB) |
| Connectivity | Wifi | Cellular 3G or 4G (data plan with activated SIM) |
Conclusion
The Arlo line of smart security cameras are some of the best on the market, and the Arlo Pro and Arlo Go are no exception. Both devices of high-quality 720p resolution for your video clips and streaming videos along with great features like two-way talking and motion and sound detection.
The primary difference between these two smart cameras is whether or not you live in an area that has solid wifi support. If you don’t have a connection that will support live streaming, you might be better off getting an Arlo Go. You’ll have to purchase a data plan so you have connectivity, but you’ll be able to view your videos remotely by doing so.
Otherwise, these two devices go toe-to-toe with one another without many differences. Whether you want the Arlo Pro and its wifi support or the Arlo Go with its 4G capabilities, you’re going to get a high-quality smart security camera that will provide your home an additional layer of security and protection.
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