Arlo Essential vs Pro 4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Why Do I Recommend The Arlo Pro 4? 

• The Arlo Pro 4 has 2K resolution with HDR for sharper video quality and clearer detail in both bright and dark areas, while the Arlo Essential has 1080p resolution without HDR support.
• Arlo Pro 4 features a 160° field of view for covering a wider area and reducing blind spots around your property, whereas the Arlo Essential uses a narrower 130° field of view.
• It comes with a removable rechargeable battery for quick swaps and less downtime during charging, while the Arlo Essential has a built-in battery that requires taking the whole camera offline for recharging.
• The Arlo Pro 4 supports magnetic charging for easier and faster recharging without fiddling with ports, whereas the Arlo Essential uses a micro-USB port.
• Arlo Pro 4 has auto-zoom and motion tracking to follow moving objects for better situational awareness, while the Arlo Essential has standard motion detection without tracking capability.
• It includes a more refined magnetic mount for easier repositioning and flexible installation, whereas the Arlo Essential relies on a fixed locking mount with less adjustment freedom.
• The Arlo Pro 4 features longer battery life of up to six months for reduced charging frequency, compared to the Arlo Essential’s shorter four-month average battery life.
• Arlo Pro 4 has higher build quality with a premium design that blends seamlessly into modern homes for both aesthetics and durability, while the Arlo Essential comes with a simpler design and less refined finish.

Maybe the Arlo Essential price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Arlo Pro 4. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

What Common Both Can Do?

• Direct Wi-Fi (no hub): oth cameras connect directly to your Wi-Fi network without requiring a separate base station, making setup and management simpler and more streamlined.
• Weatherproof design: Both are built to withstand outdoor conditions—rain, heat, and cold—so you can install them outside without needing extra protective housing.
• Two-way audio: Each includes a built-in microphone and speaker, enabling you to communicate bidirectionally via the app—useful for interacting with anyone on-site or scaring off intruders.
• Color night vision: At night, both cameras can provide color video (rather than grayscale), improving visibility and making it easier to distinguish details like clothing or license plates.
• Integrated spotlight: Spotlight-equipped versions of both cameras include a built-in light to illuminate the area, enhancing nighttime footage and acting as a deterrent.
• Built-in siren: ach model (spotlight versions) can emit a loud alarm tone either automatically (triggered) or manually via the app, helping deter unwanted activity.
• Digital zoom (up to 12×): Both offer up to 12× zoom, allowing you to magnify areas of interest in recorded or live video—with some clarity tradeoff, given it’s digital.
• Motion detection: They detect movement and trigger alerts or recording—enabling you to monitor activity and receive notifications when anything moves within their field of view.
• Use of Arlo Secure plans: Both support Arlo’s cloud-based service, where a monthly subscription unlocks features like cloud video storage, smart notifications, and extended playback.
• Smart alerts (people/animals): With an active Arlo Secure plan, both cameras can differentiate between people, animals, and packages, minimizing irrelevant alerts and making notifications smarter.
• App control via Arlo app: ou manage both cameras through the same Arlo mobile app—view live video, adjust settings, play back clips, and control features like siren or spotlight.
• Smart home integration: Both integrate with platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit (sometimes requiring a hub), making them compatible with voice control and automation.
• Wireless, battery-powered: They run on internal rechargeable batteries—no wiring or power cables needed—offering flexible placement and simple installations.
• Similar physical aesthetic: Both sport a design with a black camera front set within a white enclosure, sharing a modern, clean look that fits well with most home exteriors.
• Compact, mountable form: Each camera is small, lightweight, and mountable—making it easy to place them on walls, ceilings, or in various outdoor spots discreetly.