Looking for a reliable and convenient way to keep an eye on your front door? The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell might be the perfect solution for you. This wire-free doorbell offers a range of features designed to enhance your home security and provide peace of mind. In this review, we’ll dive into the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell‘s key features, performance, and user experience.
From its sleek design and easy installation to its high-resolution video quality and two-way audio capabilities, this doorbell has a lot to offer. We’ll explore its strengths and weaknesses, including its compatibility with various smart home ecosystems, mobile app integration, and cloud storage options.
We’ll also delve into the doorbell’s motion detection capabilities, night vision performance, and overall reliability. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell, helping you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your home security needs.
Get ready to learn how this doorbell can transform your front door into a smart and secure entry point. Join us as we put the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell to the test and see if it lives up to the hype.
| Name: | Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
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Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell: A Comprehensive Review
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is a sleek and modern doorbell camera that offers a compelling blend of features and affordability. Its wire-free design makes installation a breeze, while its 1080p HD video quality and two-way audio ensure clear communication with visitors. In this comprehensive review, we delve into its design, setup, performance, features, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right smart doorbell for your needs.
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell boasts a compact and stylish design with a curved, minimalist aesthetic. Its durable construction, featuring a weather-resistant casing, ensures it can withstand the elements, making it suitable for various outdoor environments. The doorbell itself features a single button for visitors to press, along with a built-in motion sensor to trigger recordings.
Setting up the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is a straightforward process. It utilizes a simple plug-and-play system that requires minimal technical expertise. The device connects wirelessly to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to access live feeds and recordings through the Arlo app. The app guides you through the installation process step-by-step, making it user-friendly for even novice users.
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell delivers impressive 1080p HD video quality, providing clear and detailed footage of your visitors. The wide-angle lens captures a broad field of view, ensuring that you can see everything happening at your doorstep. The night vision feature is excellent, enabling you to clearly see activity even in low-light conditions. The two-way audio function is reliable and allows you to communicate with visitors, whether you are at home or away.
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell comes equipped with several handy features, including motion detection and activity alerts. You can customize motion zones to focus on specific areas of interest, reducing unnecessary notifications. The device also supports cloud recording for storing video clips, allowing you to access footage even if your doorbell is offline. Additionally, you can choose to subscribe to Arlo Smart for features such as continuous video recording, object detection, and package delivery alerts.
The Arlo app, available on both iOS and Android devices, is intuitive and easy to navigate. It provides you with live video feeds, recorded footage, motion alerts, and other doorbell settings. You can manage multiple devices from the same app, making it convenient for users with multiple Arlo smart home products. The app is reliable and responsive, allowing you to access doorbell functionality with ease.
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell seamlessly integrates with popular smart home platforms such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This allows you to control your doorbell using voice commands, such as “Show me the front door” or “Talk to the visitor.” You can also set up automation routines, such as having the doorbell alert your smart lights when motion is detected.
Pros:
- Wire-free design for easy installation
- 1080p HD video quality with wide-angle lens
- Excellent night vision for clear visibility in low-light conditions
- Reliable two-way audio for communication with visitors
- Customizable motion zones for targeted alerts
- Cloud recording for secure storage of video clips
- Seamless integration with smart home platforms
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Subscription required for advanced features like continuous recording and object detection
- No built-in chime, requiring a separate chime or relying on smartphone notifications
Price and Value
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is priced competitively compared to other wireless doorbells in its category. Its combination of features, including 1080p HD video quality, two-way audio, and motion detection, makes it a strong value proposition. However, it’s important to note that the Arlo Smart subscription is required to unlock some advanced features, which may increase the overall cost of ownership.
Comparison to Competitors
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell stands out in the competitive doorbell camera market due to its combination of affordability, ease of use, and reliable performance. While it may not offer the same level of advanced features as some premium models, it is an excellent option for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize core functionality and reliability.
Final Verdict
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is a compelling smart doorbell camera that delivers on its core promises. Its wire-free design, 1080p HD video quality, two-way audio, and user-friendly app make it a great choice for homeowners looking for an affordable and reliable security solution. While the subscription requirement for advanced features may be a consideration for some, its overall value and performance make it a strong contender in its category.
Design and Build Quality
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell boasts a sleek and modern design that complements most home aesthetics. Its compact size and rounded edges give it a clean and unobtrusive appearance. The doorbell’s faceplate is made of durable plastic, offering a decent level of weather resistance.
The camera itself is housed in a sturdy metal casing, ensuring its durability against potential bumps and scrapes. This build quality is reassuring, especially considering it’s exposed to the elements. However, the doorbell’s mounting plate feels slightly flimsy and could benefit from a more robust construction.
Overall, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell strikes a good balance between design and durability. Its sleek aesthetic blends well with most homes, and its build quality, while not exceptional, is sufficient for everyday use.
Setup and Installation
Setting up the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is a straightforward process, even for tech novices. You won’t need any professional installation, and the process is primarily handled through the Arlo app.
- Download the Arlo App: Start by downloading the Arlo app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create an Account: Create a new account within the Arlo app, entering your email and password details.
- Connect the Doorbell: Plug the charging cable into the doorbell and a power adapter (not included). The doorbell comes with a 10-foot USB cable, which can be extended with a longer cable if needed.
- Mount the Doorbell: Use the included mounting plate and screws to securely mount the doorbell on your door frame. Choose a location that offers a clear view of your front door.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Use the Arlo app to connect the doorbell to your home’s Wi-Fi network. The app will guide you through the connection process, which involves scanning a QR code on the doorbell.
- Chime Setup (Optional): If you choose to use a chime (sold separately), follow the app instructions to connect the chime to your Wi-Fi network.
- Calibration and Testing: The Arlo app will guide you through a quick calibration process to ensure the doorbell’s field of view is optimal. You can test the doorbell’s functionality by pressing the button and viewing the live feed in the app.
The Arlo app is intuitive and provides clear instructions, making the setup process smooth and easy. You can adjust various settings in the app, such as motion detection sensitivity, notification options, and recording preferences. Overall, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell offers a user-friendly and hassle-free installation experience.
Video Quality and Performance
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell delivers impressive video quality, capturing clear and detailed images even in low-light conditions. The 1080p resolution provides sharp visuals, allowing you to easily identify visitors and see what’s happening at your doorstep. The wide 155-degree field of view ensures that you capture a broad area, minimizing the chances of missing important details.
One notable aspect of the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is its ability to record video in HDR (High Dynamic Range). HDR enhances the video quality, especially in scenes with high contrast, producing more vibrant and realistic colors. The result is a more visually appealing and informative experience.
Performance-wise, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell delivers smooth and responsive video streaming. The doorbell connects to your Wi-Fi network and provides real-time video feed, enabling you to see who’s at your door instantly. The doorbell also boasts a fast response time, ensuring that you don’t miss any important interactions.
While the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell doesn’t offer 24/7 continuous recording, it does feature motion detection. This feature triggers the doorbell to record video whenever movement is detected, capturing any suspicious activity or package deliveries. You can customize the motion detection zones to focus on specific areas, further enhancing the doorbell’s security features. The video recordings are stored in the cloud for easy access and retrieval, allowing you to review past events at any time.
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell also features night vision, enabling you to see clearly in dark conditions. This is particularly useful for monitoring your home during the nighttime hours.
Overall, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell offers excellent video quality and performance, providing clear visuals, fast response times, and reliable motion detection. This combination makes it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to enhance their home security and stay connected with what’s happening at their doorstep.
Features and Functionality
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell boasts an impressive set of features and functionality designed to enhance home security and convenience.
Clear Two-Way Audio: Communicate with visitors directly through the doorbell’s built-in microphone and speaker. The audio quality is crystal clear, allowing you to have conversations with visitors even if you’re not at home.
Motion Detection and Notifications: The doorbell’s motion sensor is highly responsive, detecting movement and sending instant notifications to your smartphone. You can customize motion zones to focus on specific areas of interest, reducing false alerts and ensuring you’re only notified when necessary.
Night Vision: See clearly even in low-light conditions thanks to the integrated infrared night vision. You can keep an eye on your doorstep day and night, providing peace of mind around the clock.
Cloud Recording and Storage: The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell offers cloud storage options, allowing you to record and save footage for later viewing. You can choose from various storage plans depending on your needs and budget.
Live View: Check in on your doorstep at any time with the live view feature. Access a live feed of your front porch directly from the Arlo app, giving you real-time visibility of your home’s entrance.
Smart Features: The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell integrates with other smart home devices and platforms. You can set up automated routines to activate lights, locks, or other devices based on doorbell activity.
Package Detection: The doorbell can intelligently detect packages delivered to your doorstep. You’ll receive a notification when a package arrives, ensuring you don’t miss important deliveries.
Customizable Alert Tones: Choose from a variety of alert tones to personalize your doorbell experience. Select the sound that best suits your preferences and home environment.
Pre-Recorded Messages: Pre-record personalized messages to greet visitors, whether you’re home or away. This feature can deter unwanted visitors or simply provide a friendly welcome to guests.
Built-in Chime: The doorbell comes equipped with a built-in chime, allowing you to hear notifications even when you’re inside. The chime volume can be adjusted to suit your needs.
With its comprehensive suite of features, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell offers a compelling solution for home security, convenience, and peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for a simple way to keep an eye on your home or desire a more advanced smart home integration, this doorbell has something to offer.
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App Experience
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell‘s app experience is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to set up, monitor, and control your doorbell.
The Arlo app, available for both iOS and Android, provides a centralized hub for all your Arlo devices. Setting up the doorbell is a straightforward process, guiding you through connecting it to your Wi-Fi network and pairing it with your account.
Once set up, you can easily access live video feeds, view recordings, adjust settings, and manage notifications. The app interface is well-organized and visually appealing, with clear icons and menus.
One of the standout features of the app is its real-time motion detection. The doorbell’s built-in motion sensor triggers instant notifications to your smartphone, allowing you to see who is at your door even when you’re not home. You can customize motion zones and sensitivity levels to reduce false alerts.
The app also offers two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with visitors from your phone. This is a convenient feature for greeting guests, deterring unwanted visitors, or simply having a conversation with someone at your door.
For added security, the Arlo app allows you to create custom activity zones and receive alerts when motion is detected within those zones. This helps to reduce false alerts and ensure that you only receive notifications for important events.
Overall, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell‘s app provides a smooth and reliable experience, making it easy to manage your security needs from your smartphone. It’s packed with features, including motion detection, two-way audio, and cloud storage, all of which are easily accessible and customizable within the app.
Smart Home Integration
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell seamlessly integrates with various smart home ecosystems, enhancing its functionality and making it a valuable addition to your connected home setup.
SmartThings Integration: Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell integrates with SmartThings, Samsung’s smart home platform. This allows you to control and monitor the doorbell through the SmartThings app, receive notifications on your SmartThings devices, and automate actions based on doorbell events. For example, you can set up a routine to automatically turn on your porch lights when the doorbell is pressed.
Amazon Alexa Integration: You can connect your Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell to Alexa, allowing you to control it with your voice. Ask Alexa to show you the live feed from your doorbell, receive alerts on your Alexa-enabled devices, and even talk to visitors through the doorbell.
Google Assistant Integration: Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell also works with Google Assistant, offering similar functionalities as Alexa. Use voice commands to control the doorbell, receive notifications on your Google Assistant devices, and even view the live feed on a Google Nest Hub.
Other Integrations: While not explicitly mentioned in the product description, Arlo often provides integration with other popular smart home platforms like IFTTT and HomeKit. You can check Arlo’s website for the latest compatibility information.
Key Benefits:
- Remote Access and Control: Manage your doorbell remotely through your smart home ecosystem, allowing you to see who’s at the door even when you’re away from home.
- Automation and Routines: Create automated routines to enhance security and convenience, such as turning on lights when someone rings the doorbell.
- Multi-Platform Support: Access and control your doorbell through various smart home platforms, catering to diverse user preferences.
- Enhanced Security: Integrate the doorbell with other security devices for a holistic home security solution, such as triggering alarms when motion is detected.
With its robust smart home integration capabilities, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell offers a convenient and secure way to manage your front door, seamlessly integrating with your existing smart home setup for a more connected and convenient living experience.
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Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point: Compared to other smart doorbells on the market, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell offers a competitive price, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
- Easy installation: The doorbell is wire-free, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for electrical wiring. You can easily mount it yourself in just a few minutes.
- Clear video quality: The 1080p HD video delivers a crisp and detailed picture, allowing you to clearly see who’s at your door.
- Motion detection and alerts: The doorbell’s motion detection feature triggers notifications on your phone, alerting you whenever someone approaches your door. This helps you stay aware of activity at your home.
- Two-way audio: Communicate with visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to answer questions, greet guests, or deter unwanted visitors.
- Cloud storage options: Arlo offers various cloud storage plans to record and store video footage for later viewing. This allows you to review past events and have a record of activity at your door.
- Night vision: See clearly even in low-light conditions thanks to the doorbell’s built-in night vision capability.
- Weatherproof design: The doorbell is built to withstand the elements, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Cons:
- Limited battery life: While the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell has a rechargeable battery, it may need to be charged more frequently depending on usage, potentially leading to inconvenient downtime.
- No built-in chime: You’ll need to rely on your existing doorbell or purchase a separate Arlo chime for audible notifications.
- Limited storage with free plan: The free cloud storage plan is limited to the most recent 3-5 seconds of video, requiring a paid subscription for longer recordings.
- No facial recognition: While some competitors offer facial recognition features, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell lacks this functionality.
- Limited customization options: The doorbell’s customization options, such as chime tones and notification settings, are somewhat limited compared to more advanced smart doorbells.
Price and Value
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell retails for around $149.99, placing it firmly in the mid-range category for smart doorbells. This price point makes it a competitive option, particularly for those seeking a wire-free solution without breaking the bank.
While the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, its value proposition lies in its core features. The excellent video quality, reliable connectivity, and user-friendly app experience make it a solid choice for homeowners seeking basic smart doorbell functionality.
Compared to other models in its price range, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell stands out with its robust build quality and wire-free design, eliminating the need for professional installation. However, it’s worth noting that some competitors offer more advanced features like 24/7 recording or more detailed motion detection capabilities. Ultimately, the value of the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell comes down to your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and well-built wireless doorbell, this model is an excellent option.
Comparison to Competitors
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell faces stiff competition in the smart doorbell market. Let’s compare it to some of its key rivals:
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Ring Video Doorbell 4: This doorbell is a popular choice for its excellent video quality, reliable motion detection, and comprehensive features. It offers a wider field of view than the Arlo Essential, and its motion detection zone customization provides more precise alerts. However, it requires a subscription for cloud storage and advanced features, while the Arlo Essential offers a limited amount of free cloud storage.
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Nest Doorbell (Battery): The Nest Doorbell (Battery) excels with its sleek design, intuitive app, and excellent video quality. It boasts a wider field of view than the Arlo Essential and a more affordable price point. However, it lacks the Arlo Essential’s built-in siren and lacks support for Alexa and Google Assistant.
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Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K (Battery): The Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Battery) is a strong contender with its impressive 2K resolution, wide field of view, and free local storage. However, it lacks the advanced features found in the Arlo Essential, such as person detection and two-way audio.
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Wyze Video Doorbell Pro: The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro stands out with its affordable price, good video quality, and a robust feature set. It offers a wider field of view than the Arlo Essential and includes features like person detection and continuous recording. However, it lacks the Arlo Essential’s smart home integration and the sleek design.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you value a balance of features, reliability, and ease of use, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is a strong contender. However, if you prioritize advanced features like 2K resolution, continuous recording, or wider field of view, other doorbells may offer a better fit.
Final Verdict
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is a solid option for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich doorbell camera without the hassle of wiring. Its ease of setup, sharp video quality, and useful features like two-way audio and motion detection make it a compelling choice. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option on the market, its overall performance and value make it a worthy contender in the crowded doorbell camera space.
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to keep an eye on your doorstep and communicate with visitors remotely, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is a great place to start. Just be sure to factor in the cost of a subscription for cloud storage and consider whether the extra features of more premium models are worth the additional investment.
In conclusion, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is a solid choice for homeowners looking for a reliable and feature-rich video doorbell without the hassle of wiring. Its sleek design, clear video quality, and user-friendly app make it a great addition to any smart home setup. While the battery life could be better and the motion detection could use some refinement, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell offers a great balance of features and affordability.
The doorbell’s two-way audio allows for real-time communication with visitors, while the motion detection alerts you to activity at your doorstep. The cloud storage subscription is a bit pricey, but it provides peace of mind knowing your recordings are securely stored.
Overall, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is a great value for the money. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich video doorbell that’s easy to install and use, this is a great option to consider.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is right for you depends on your specific needs and budget. However, it is a highly capable and well-rounded device that is sure to impress.
Karim 
Bilal