Are you in search of a dependable and user-friendly security camera system for your home or office? Considering renowned brands such as Arlo and Reolink could be beneficial. Familiarizing yourself with these brands may prove useful.
In this comprehensive article, I thoroughly compare and assess the features, capabilities, and performance of 9 Arlo cameras and 31 Reolink security cameras across nine key categories.
With a list of model codes included for reference, you'll have all the information you need to decide which brand best suits your preferences.
So, let the battle of Arlo versus Reolink begin as we determine the ultimate winner in this head-to-head showdown!
The Winners
Arlo and Reolink have a lot in common, such as offering budget-friendly cameras, diverse power options, and no monthly fees.
Best for Plug and Play Security
Best for Comprehensive Security
Best for Plug and Play Security: Arlo
When it comes to having a straightforward security solution, Arlo is my winner.
With its reliance on battery power, Arlo cameras are incredibly easy to install, allowing for flexible and hassle-free placement.
Arlo also excels in terms of smart home integration options, offering a wider range of compatibility with other devices and platforms. Its smart motion detection is consistently reliable, ensuring that you receive accurate and timely alerts for any detected activity.
Additionally, Arlo provides customizable motion detection features, allowing you to fine-tune the camera's settings to suit your specific security needs.
With the inclusion of WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) in its models, Arlo ensures enhanced image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions, and a higher field of view (FOV) for comprehensive coverage.
Best for Comprehensive Security: Reolink
When it comes to a secure and dependable solution, Reolink is my winner.
With both wireless and professional-grade wired devices, Reolink offers a reliable and stable connection, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance coverage.
Reolink also offers diverse storage options, allowing you to customize how you store and access your valuable footage.
Their cameras also excel in interoperability, effortlessly integrating with industry-standard protocols like ONVIF, RTSP, and P2P, providing seamless compatibility with various security systems and devices.
But that's not all – Reolink also offers camera models with optical zoom and motorized lenses that enable precise and adjustable monitoring, capturing even the smallest details with utmost clarity.
They also have advanced PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) models, which empowers you to cover a wide area and track any movement with ease.
Winners per Category
| Category | Winner |
| Power and Data Options | Reolink |
| Storage and Interoperability | Reolink |
| Intelligence | Arlo |
| Audio | Arlo |
| Video Specs | Draw |
| Camera Lens Specs | Reolink |
| Pan-Tilt-Zoom | Reolink |
| Night Vision | Draw |
| Device Quality | Draw |
Overview
Camera Type
Arlo mainly offers spotlight and bullet cameras, while Reolink has a more diverse range, including bullet, turret, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom), PT (pan-tilt), and multi-sensor panoramic cameras.
Power and Data Options
Most Arlo cameras offer wireless data connection and battery power while Reolink's selection includes wireless data and battery-powered cameras, as well as wired data and power models.
Pricing
Both Arlo and Reolink offer budget, mid-range, and high-end camera models. Arlo's prices generally start at $99.99 with the Essential Spotlight Camera, while Reolink's budget-friendly options start as low as $44.99 with the Lumus Spotlight. This makes Reolink a more accessible option for those with a limited budget.
Warranty
Lastly, warranty duration is an essential consideration when buying security cameras. Arlo offers a standard 1-year warranty on all their cameras, while Reolink provides a longer 2-year warranty.
Power & Data Options
In analyzing power and data feeds, I specifically looked at different power, and data transmission options from the Arlo and Reolink camera lineup.
Winner: Reolink
Arlo focuses on wireless power options and data transmission for its models for those who prefer straightforward security solutions, while Reolink provides more flexibility on power and data connections.
Wired vs Wireless
Arlo generally offers battery-operated cameras with the exception of its indoor cameras that run on wired power. Additionally, its Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi, Pro 3, and Essential models also support solar power.
Comparatively, the majority of Reolink models support Power over Ethernet (PoE) and DC power, with some models also providing battery and solar panel support like the Argus series.
Data Transmission Options
Most Arlo cameras support Wi-Fi connectivity, with some models using both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The Arlo lineup also has a variety of wireless options available, including the Arlo Pro 5S 2K and Arlo Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi.
On the other hand, Reolink cameras primarily use PoE for data transmission, which allows for a more reliable connection and fewer signal interference issues compared to Wi-Fi. Several Reolink models, such as the Reolink E1 Zoom and Argus 3 Pro Solar, support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies, offering more flexibility in wireless connectivity.
Additionally, when comparing the indoor-specific models, Arlo has the Essential Indoor camera, which relies on AC power and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for connectivity. Reolink offers the E1 Pro and E1 Zoom, both using DC power and supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies.
Storage & Interoperability
In terms of storage and smart interactions of both brands, I specifically focused on storage capacity, different storage options offered, and interoperability features.
Winner: Reolink
While Arlo is a reliable option for those looking for simple storage solutions and hassle-free integration with its own ecosystem, Reolink's diverse storage options, larger on-board capacity, and extensive interoperability make it a versatile choice that caters to various user preferences, especially those seeking compatibility with non-Reolink products.
Storage Capacity
When it comes to on-board storage capacity, Reolink cameras outshine Arlo. Most Reolink models offer 128GB or 256GB of built-in storage capacity, while Arlo only has the Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi model that comes with 2048 MB on-board storage.
A larger storage capacity is essential for users who want to keep footage for longer periods, enabling them to review past videos when necessary.
Storage Options
Most Arlo models support microSD, Cloud, and USB Flash Drive storage, while few of them, such as the Essential Indoor model, use Wireless Hub and Cloud storage. On the other hand, Reolink offers more storage options for its cameras, including microSD, NVR, FTP, and Cloud.
Interoperability
Almost all Reolink cameras support various protocols such as ONVIF, RTSP, and P2P, making them compatible with third-party software and hardware solutions. This allows users to integrate their Reolink cameras with surveillance systems they might already have in place.
In contrast, Arlo cameras do not mention support for these industry-standard protocols, which may limit their compatibility with other products in the market.
Intelligence
Here, I focused on smart integration functionalities, smart motion detection, and customization of motion zones and sensitivity.
Winner: Arlo
It has a wider range of smart home integration options, more consistent smart motion detection, and customizable motion detection features across models compared to Reolink.
Smart Home Integrations
Arlo cameras generally offer a wider range of integrations with devices such as Alexa, Google Assistant, Amazon Sidewalk, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings, depending on the model.
In comparison, Reolink cameras commonly integrate with Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Google Nest Hub.
Configurable Motion Zones and Sensitivity
Both Arlo and Reolink offer cameras with configurable motion zones, which allow users to outline specific areas where they want the motion to be detected.
The majority of Arlo cameras come equipped with this feature, while most Reolink cameras also have it.
Another aspect of motion detection worth considering is motion sensitivity. All Arlo models and a majority of Reolink models in this research allow users to adjust the sensitivity levels of their motion detection.
Motion Alerts
When it comes to motion alerts, both Arlo and Reolink cameras can send push notifications and email alerts when motion is detected.
Smart Motion Detection
Smart motion detection features like person detection, vehicle detection, and object detection are available in most Arlo camera models. Additionally, some models including the Essential Wireless, Essential Wired, Essential Indoor, and Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi even have animal detection.
Reolink cameras also have smart motion detection features, such as person detection, vehicle detection, and animal detection, depending on the model. A few Reolink models like the RLC-823A 16X, RLC-830A, and RLC-833A have object detection as well.
Audio
With regards to the audio capabilities of Arlo and Reolink, I specifically looked at integrated microphones and speakers, alarms, and sirens.
Winner: Arlo
While both Arlo and Reolink offer security cameras with essential features like audio recording, and two-way audio, Arlo features integrated sirens in all its camera models included in this research compared to Reolink.
Two-way Audio and Integrated Microphones and Speakers
Both Arlo and Reolink offer cameras with integrated microphones, allowing for audio recording along with video.
Two-way audio is another valuable feature that enables you to communicate through the camera with people visiting your property.
In this aspect, all Arlo models have two-way audio with integrated microphones and speakers. However, this feature is not present in RLC-410W, RLC-520A, RLC-820A, RLC-510A, RLC-542WA, RLC-511W, RLC-810A, and RLC-822A models of Reolink.
Integrated Sirens
Integrated sirens or alarms are additional security measures to scare off intruders. While most Reolink models include an integrated siren, all Arlo models in this research come with this feature.
Video Specs
When analyzing the video functionalities of each brand’s camera lineup, I looked at the mode of recording, video coding formats, wide dynamic range, and maximum supported frame rates of footage.
Winner: Draw
Both Arlo and Reolink provide models with continuous and motion-activated recording and efficient video compression formats. While Arlo has WDR capabilities, Reolink has higher frame rates per second for better video quality.
Continuous vs Motion-Activated Recording
Arlo offers continuous recording only in its Ultra 2 and Essential Indoor models, whereas Reolink provides this feature in their RLC-511WA, RLC-523WA, RLC-542WA, and RLC-410W models, among others. Continuous recording is a valuable feature for those looking for round-the-clock monitoring without interruptions.
Both brands offer motion-activated recording, a popular feature that enables the cameras to start recording only when movement is detected.
In Arlo, it is integrated into most models like Pro 5S 2K, Essential Wireless, Essential Wired, Essential Indoor, Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi, and Pro 3.
Reolink offers this feature in a wide range of models, such as Reolink E1 Zoom, Argus Eco, Argus 2E, Argus 3 Pro Solar, Go Plus, Argus 3, Go PT Plus, Argus Pro, and Argus 2.
Video Coding Formats
For video coding formats, Arlo supports either H.264 or H.265 (mainly in Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S 2K) playback, while Reolink commonly supports H.264 in some models (E1 Pro, RLC-410W, RLC-511WA), and H.265 in others (Argus 3 Pro, Duo 4G, RLC-823A, RLC-810A).
This distinction is essential since H.265 offers better video compression, reducing bandwidth and storage requirements without compromising image quality.
WDR
When it comes to Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), which helps balance exposure levels in high-contrast scenes, Arlo models such as Pro 5S 2K, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra 2 utilize Digital WDR/HDR.
Maximum Supported Frame Rates
In terms of maximum supported frame rate, Reolink offers a clearer picture with rates ranging from 15 (Argus Eco, Argus 2E, Argus 3 Pro Solar, Go Plus, Argus 3, Go PT Plus, Argus Pro, Argus 2) to 30 frames per second (FPS) (RLC-511WA, RLC-410W, RLC-523WA, RLC-542WA).
Frame rate impacts the smoothness of the footage, with a higher frame rate providing smoother video quality.
Camera Lens Specs
With regard to the camera and lens specifications of each brand’s lineup, I focused on the field of view, resolution, lens type, and image sensor size.
Winner: Reolink
Both Arlo and Reolink provide models with continuous and motion-activated recording and efficient video compression formats. While Arlo has WDR capabilities, Reolink has higher frame rates per second for better video quality.
Field of View
Arlo cameras generally offer a wider field of view, ranging from 130 degrees to 180 degrees. Reolink cameras, on the other hand, mostly offer narrower fields of view, from 80 degrees up to 150 degrees, with some exceptions. A wider field of view can be helpful for covering larger areas with fewer cameras.
Camera Resolution
Arlo cameras come in HD (1536 x 1536), 2MP (1920×1080), 4MP (2560×1440), and even 4K (3840×2160) resolutions, while Reolink offers cameras in 2MP, 4MP, 5MP, 8MP, and 12MP resolutions. Having higher resolution cameras provide more detailed images, which can be helpful if you need to identify faces or license plates within the footage.
Lens Type
Most Arlo cameras in my research feature fixed focus lenses, meaning the lens does not have the ability to zoom in or out. Reolink, on the other hand, has a mix of fixed focus lenses and motorized lenses, which allow for optical zooming and more flexible viewing options.
Image Sensor Size
Lastly, image sensor size is another important aspect to consider, as it can impact image quality. Arlo cameras mostly feature 1/3″ or 1/2″ image sensors, while Reolink uses a variety of sizes, including 1/3″, 1/2.7″, 1/2.8″, and 1/2.49″ image sensors.
Pan-Tilt-Zoom
In analyzing the pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities of the cameras, I focused on digital and optical zoom, and pan and tilt features and angles.
Winner: Reolink
Reolink offers a variety of models with optical zoom and advanced panning and tilting features for users who prefer more comprehensive monitoring.
Zoom Capabilities
Digital zoom allows you to zoom in on your camera's live or recorded footage, but it may lose some image quality in the process.
Most of the Arlo camera models I analyzed offer a digital zoom feature with a 12x magnification, while the optical zoom feature is not available in these models.
In contrast, many Reolink camera models offer an optical zoom feature, which uses physical lenses to zoom in without losing image quality. The optical zoom magnification varies from 3x to 16x, depending on the camera model.
Pan and Tilt Features
The pan feature allows you to move your camera's view horizontally, while the tilt function lets you move it vertically. This increases the field of view and coverage area for your camera, making it possible to track movement or get different views of your property.
Arlo cameras mostly lack the pan and tilt features. On the other hand, several Reolink camera models offer both pan and tilt features. For example, the Reolink E1 Zoom model has a pan angle of 355 degrees and a tilt angle of 50 degrees.
Advanced PTZ Features
Some Reolink models, such as the RLC-823A 16X, offer more advanced PTZ features like preset points and tracking capabilities.
Presets allow you to save specific camera positions and angles, making it easy to switch between different views without manual adjustments.
The tracking function can detect and follow moving objects, providing enhanced security and monitoring. These advanced PTZ features, however, are not available in the Arlo cameras I analyzed.
Night Vision
Here, I take into consideration various night vision functionalities, infrared distance, and spotlight features of the camera models from Arlo and Reolink.
Winner: Draw
Both brands offer camera models with night vision and spotlight features, with Arlo having these in a majority of their cameras. While Reolink has selected models with longer infrared distance ranges and a higher number of IR LEDs.
Night Vision Functionality
In terms of night vision functionality – which is essential for capturing clear video footage in low-light conditions – both Arlo and Reolink models excel in this aspect.
However, Reolink cameras tend to have a longer infrared distance in total darkness. For instance, the Reolink E1 Zoom provides a 40 feet range, while the RLC-823A 16X model boasts an impressive 262 feet range. On the other hand, Arlo cameras, like the Essential Wireless model, typically go up to 20 to 25 feet.
Infrared Distance
Arlo cameras offer both infrared and full-color night vision via an integrated spotlight, such as the Pro 3 and Ultra 2 cameras. This provides a more detailed and vibrant image compared to traditional infrared night vision. In contrast, Reolink also has models with this dual-functionality, like the RLC-833A and RLC-1224A, though not as widespread.
Spotlight Features
Arlo has a higher number of models offering this feature, like the Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi, which also boasts a powerful 850 lumens output.
In comparison, Reolink has models with spotlight features as well, such as the Argus 3 Pro Solar, but not as abundant. However, some Reolink models can reach as high as 945 lumens in RLC-523WA, which makes them ideal for brightening up a larger area.
Number of IR LEDs
The number of infrared LEDs (IR LEDs) employed in the cameras can vary significantly, depending on the model. To give a clearer image in low-light conditions, more IR LEDs are generally preferred.
For instance, Reolink's RLC-520A uses 18 IR LEDs, whereas Arlo's Pro 3 has only two.
Device Quality
With regard to the device quality, I primarily focused on outdoor camera models offered by both brands, their weather resistance, operating temperatures, materials used, weight, and unique features.
Winner: Reolink
Reolink cameras provide higher IP ratings, and a wider range of operating temperatures, and are generally made with durable materials to withstand varying weather conditions.
Indoor and Outdoor Options
Arlo offers indoor options like the Essential Indoor, but most models are designed for outdoor use with weather-resistant features.
On the other hand, Reolink has a variety of cameras to choose from for both indoor and outdoor use. Models like Reolink E1 Zoom are specifically designed for indoor use, while others such as RLC-823A 16X and Argus Eco are built to withstand outdoor conditions with IP66 and IP65 ratings, respectively.
IP Rating
The weather resistance of each camera is determined by an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. A higher IP rating indicates a better resistance to water and dust, making the camera more suitable for outdoor use.
Arlo cameras, in general, possess a weather-resistant rating, while Reolink cameras have more specific IP ratings that range from IP64 (RLC-520A, Go PT Plus) to IP66 (RLC-823A, RLC-833A).
Operating Temperature
Arlo cameras can generally withstand temperatures as low as -4°F and as high as 113°F. Reolink cameras offer a wider temperature range, usually between 14°F and 131°F, making them suitable for more extreme climates.
Build Material
In terms of build material, both brands offer durable options. Most Arlo cameras do not specify the material used, but they are all considered weather-resistant. On the other hand, many Reolink models feature metal or metal aluminum cases, ensuring more durability and protection.
Weight
Weight plays a role in the portability and ease of installation of a camera. Arlo cameras generally weigh between 113 g and 650 g, while Reolink cameras have a broader weight range, from 185 g (Lumus) to 1800 g (RLC-823A).
This means that Reolink cameras can vary more significantly in size and heft, so you will need to carefully consider your mounting options when selecting a camera.
Camera Models Included in Research
| Arlo | Reolink |
| Pro 5S 2K Essential Wireless Essential Wired Essential Indoor Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi Pro 3 Essential Pro 4 Ultra 2 | Reolink E1 Zoom RLC-823A 16X RLC-830A RLC-1224A RLC-833A Argus Eco Argus 2E Argus 3 Pro Solar Reolink Duo 4G Go Plus Argus 3 RLC-511WA Go PT Plus Argus Pro Argus 2 RLC-410W RLC-520A E1 Pro RLC-820A RLC-510A 2K Pan-Tilt Security Camera with Expansive Field of View Lumus Argus 3 Pro RLC-812A RLC-523WA RLC-542WA RLC-511W RLC-810A RLC-822A RLC-811A RLC-823A |