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Thanks to its adaptable sensors and hardware, the Arlo Home Security System is simple to install, simple to operate, and increases peace of mind in your house. Its monthly costs are higher than those of other do-it-yourself home security systems, though.
Pros:
- + Easy setup and installation
- + Extremely versatile sensors
- + Well designed keypad
Cons:
- - Expensive monthly professional monitoring
- - Cellular backup costs extra
Top Arlo Home Security System Deals Today
Arlo's Home Security System incorporates all the features you may desire in a do-it-yourself home security system, building on the company's extensive expertise with home security cameras. The integrated all-in-one sensor that can be used to track whether a door or window is open and detect motion or water for possible leaks is what makes Arlo's security system so appealing, in addition to the fact that it installs in a matter of minutes.
When compared to the finest do-it-yourself home security systems, Arlo's system has a lot of advantages, but there are a few drawbacks that may discourage you from using it. I tried the system for a month at my workplace. Now let's get started.
Arlo Home Security System: Pricing & Availability
Arlo offers a $200 home security system that you can get directly from them. The keypad and two of the all-in-one sensors are part of the base kit. You can get the same core kit along with five additional sensors and a yard sign for $300. The security cameras from Arlo, which are consistently among the finest home security cameras we've tested, may be added for an additional $30 per sensor.
Other options include ordering either kit straight from Amazon and having same-day delivery.
The company's subscription service, Arlo Safe & Secure Pro, costs $25 per month with no commitment and offers round-the-clock expert monitoring.
Arlo Home Security System Review: Design & Setup
The package includes Arlo's Keypad Sensor Hub, which functions as a front-mounted motion sensor, inbuilt siren, and smoke and CO alarm detector. All of these features make it a viable substitute for the best smart smoke detectors. It can also be used to monitor the status of your security system.
Two of Arlo's All-in-One Sensors are also included; these sensors can detect up to eight distinct variables and are useful as motion detectors, door and window sensors, water leak detectors, freeze detectors, smoke/CO2 detectors, and light sensors.
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Installing the Arlo Secure app on your iPhone or Android phone is necessary in order to configure the security system. You are guided through the procedure after logging into the app and choosing to add the home security system. In fact, the Keypad Sensor Hub doesn't even have an Ethernet connector, thus it doesn't really need one. Rather, it will use the Wi-Fi network in your house to connect to Arlo's services.
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After it's linked to your network, a brief instruction shows you how to use the keypad, arm and disarm the system with a code, and use the panic button to summon assistance in an emergency.
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The hub must be positioned on a level surface, such a shelf or tabletop. When determining where to install the system, keep in mind that the front of the square housing has a motion sensor on it that can detect motion up to 13 feet away. I placed it on my desk so it could see the whole picture of my workspace.
On top of the hub, there is a typical number pad and buttons to select Standby, Armed Away, or Armed Home modes for the system. There's also a panic button that, depending on your settings, will activate the alarm and make an assistance call. Additionally, there are buttons that, when depressed for two seconds, can call for fire, police, or medical assistance. To utilize the later capabilities, a Professional Monitoring membership is needed. The mode buttons' color coding makes the keys visible from across the room and lighted.
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I used the provided remote to arm and deactivate the Abode Security Kit, but I didn't understand how important a keypad is to the whole home security experience until I began testing the Arlo Home Security System. The keypad is constantly in the same location, so you don't have to worry about losing the remote in addition to having a visible means to confirm the system's present state.
For an additional $80, Arlo offers a cellular and battery backup attachment that can be placed on top of the hub. To use the cellular part, you must have an active membership to professional monitoring.
Once the hub has been installed and configured, you will be asked to configure and integrate the sensors into your system. Choosing where and how to utilize each sensor can be a hassle because there are so many options available, making this step of the setup procedure possibly the most challenging. I decided to install one sensor on the main entrance that leads to my office and one motion sensor mounted on a wall.
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Everything you need for mounting—whether it's an adhesive strip or a screw-mounted mount for a more permanent installation—is included in the package. You are asked how you plan to use the sensor mostly during the setup phase. Choose from Motion Detection, Water Leak Detection, and Open/Close Detection
I think it took me about fifteen minutes total to unpack the system, install the two sensors, and join the hub to my Arlo account.
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You can get a chronological view of your system on the feed page, which notifies you when a window or door was opened and closed or when motion was detected within a room. The feed will only capture and track events that occur in accordance with the present state of the system; it is not an exhaustive account of all activity. For instance, the system won't automatically record when doors are opened or closed or when motion is sensed when it is in standby mode. It does, however, note any variations in the amount of light that a sensor detects.
Having said that, you may alter each mode's behavior by going to the Routines page. In addition to sending push notifications to my phone when each sensor experienced action, I was able to program Standby to record every occurrence.
You may also set automatic tasks using the Routines tab, such as modifying the system's assigned mode according to the time of day and whether you're home.
Compared to Abode's Cue system, which is undoubtedly more sophisticated but also more difficult to use and traverse, I found Arlo's automation workflow to be simpler to grasp and use.
In terms of functionality, the system performed as I had anticipated. The numerous sensors' alerts were precise and came on schedule. The hub's speaker can be heard through my office door along with any bells and the siren, but it isn't powerful enough to be audible across several walls.
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Once more, the keypad's lighted keys are quite bright and a wonderful complement to a home security system. I like that feature in my Ring Alarm Pro system, and Arlo's configuration is the same.
Arlo Home Security System Review: Smart Home Integration
The Arlo Home Security System lacks additional radios and connection choices for managing your smart home appliances, much as Abode's basic security kit. That specifically indicates that it is not Z-Wave or Zigbee compatible. Rather, it depends on Wi-Fi.
On the other hand, you may link your Arlo account to Alexa and Google Assistant. While the latter lets you activate and disarm the system using Alexa, the former doesn't even let you view the status of any sensors or modes.
Arlo Home Security System Review: Subscription Options
The Home Security System does not need you to subscribe to and utilize one of Arlo's subscription plans. It may be used independently, and you can customize the notifications you receive to notify you when the mode or activity changes. On the other hand, none of the more significant functions that are often connected to home security systems will be available to you.
The $25 per month Arlo Safe & Secure Pro package offers round-the-clock expert monitoring. This implies that Arlo will automatically dial for assistance if your alarm goes off. To get assistance, you can also utilize the keypad's shortcuts and panic button. If you have Arlo cameras installed, your subscription will cover them as well. In order to minimize false alarms, Arlo will even be able to use the footage from your cameras to confirm there is an emergency before sending aid.
Compared to Abode's $23 monthly fee and Ring's $20 monthly fee, Arlo's $25 monthly professional monitoring option is more costly. Historically, Arlo's plans have been more costly than those of its competitors despite offering comparable features and capabilities.
Arlo Home Security System Review: The Verdict
Arlo's Home Security System is a feature-rich and simple-to-install home security solution. Given their extensive capabilities, the All-in-One Sensors are reasonably priced and highly adaptable. I've loved using it, and I would absolutely think about using Arlo's system if I weren't currently using Ring's Alarm Pro in my home. In terms of hardware and monthly membership fees, it is more expensive than Abode's Security Kit, but it comes with a more feature-rich system right out of the box, so that may make the difference.