Customer Ratings & Reviews

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with this arlo camera. I'll summarize as best as I can so here goes. Positives? its a good value for money. The camera feels solid, resistant to water, easy to install and setup, but there are some issues. It doesn't always detect motion when you have the battery setting set to best battery life or optimized which can be a security risk. Also, when set to optimized, the camera prefers to default to a 10 second recording (though not in all cases) which leads to multiple clips if there's still activity present. If you set the battery setting to best video, it becomes hyper alert and drains the battey alot quicker and constantly sends your phone notifications of activity. You can set activity zones and only set the device to notify on specific types of activities, but all that seems to do is limit said activities from showing in your feed, the camera doesnt actually stop recognizing those activities so the battery still drains. I wish the device was a bit smarter about things. So to get the best from this device, it requires alot of fine tuning which isn't made as easy as it could be in the app, of which has settings/configurations laid all over. There isn't one set place for all the setup and the issue only multiplies if you have several Arlo cameras. Lastly, I had one camera exchanged under warranty because it refused to accept a firmware update, but customer support was promt and easy to work with. I'd still recommend the product, but these concerns are worth considering before your purchase.

Decent little bundle, but only if you can catch it on a sale. Batteries on my 4 cameras do not last 6 months as advertised (I have turned all settings to as low as they can go). I'm lucky to get 2 months out of them. No solar charging so it gets to be a pain as they take awhile to charge. There is a monthly subscription UNLESS you purchase another base that is sold separately and you also have to setup your own hard drive and specifically format it for the recordings (not that that was hard, just fyi). You can also setup port forwarding to access your recordings anywhere you go. Live / recording videos definitely aren't full 1080p. Can't remember exact resolution but was a bit upset when viewing a downloaded clip. Not that great during the night time either even with spotlight on (spotlight is very nice for when you let the animals out). Camera will fog up with changing temps / rain / snow so I spray them with some anti-fog spray. They have updated the app a bit so adding devices to your own base is a LOT easier. Used to be, had a camera disconnect? Well now you get to disconnect all the cameras and base and set it up from scratch. Now it's as simple as selecting the base and the camera you're adding. Mounting is fairly simple and straight forward. Good amount of flexibility to get the right angle. Overall, about average. Nothing to write home about, it's a camera system loaded with features behind a paywall. Basic setup otherwise.

The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera has truly simplified my home security experience and provided unparalleled peace of mind. As someone concerned about the safety of my property and loved ones, this cutting-edge camera exceeded my expectations in every way. The setup process was remarkably straightforward. Within minutes, the camera was connected to my Wi-Fi network and ready to start monitoring. The Arlo app guided me through the entire process, making it user-friendly even for those who aren't tech-savvy. The camera's design is sleek and inconspicuous, blending seamlessly into the surroundings. Its compact size allows for flexible installation options, whether mounted on walls or placed on shelves. The weather-resistant construction ensures it can withstand various weather conditions, further enhancing its reliability. The Essential Spotlight Camera's night vision capabilities are outstanding. With integrated infrared LEDs, it captures clear and detailed footage even in complete darkness, providing 24/7 surveillance coverage. The motion-activated spotlight is an excellent deterrent, illuminating any suspicious activity and alerting potential intruders that they are being monitored. One of the standout features is the 1080p HD video quality. The camera delivers sharp and crisp visuals, allowing me to observe every detail in real-time or review recorded footage. The two-way audio communication also adds an extra layer of security, enabling me to interact with visitors or warn off intruders from the convenience of my smartphone. The Arlo app is a powerhouse, providing seamless access to live feeds, recorded clips, and customizable motion detection settings. I can receive instant notifications on my phone whenever motion is detected, ensuring I'm always aware of any activity around my property. The cloud storage options for recorded footage provide additional peace of mind, safeguarding important data even if the camera itself is compromised. The camera's integration with other smart home devices is another bonus. I can easily connect it to my existing smart home ecosystem, enabling automation and triggering actions based on specific events or schedules. In terms of battery life, the Essential Spotlight Camera delivers impressive performance. With optimized power management, I haven't needed to recharge the battery as frequently as I initially expected, reducing maintenance hassles. Overall, the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is a top-notch security solution that I wholeheartedly recommend. Its simple setup, high-quality video, and robust features have made monitoring my property effortless and stress-free. Whether you're looking to bolster your home security or keep an eye on pets and loved ones, this camera is an invaluable investment that leaves no room for compromise.

Great system for the price you can bet. But needs improvement like any other product. I am going on three years with same cameras no issues except battery life. My hub recently gave out you dont carry in stock no more. Target was the only retailer that had refurbished unit. But beside all things i like this system it works for me.

Pros: * Nearly all of the features and capabilities at a lower cost. * Built-in long-lasting rechargeable battery. * Flexible mounting options. * Great features. * Great video quality and range. * Can connect to WiFi directly or the Arlo Hub for better range/quality. Cons: * Slightly cost-reduced materials. * Non-replaceable battery with Micro-USB charging. * Plastic mounting bracket instead of metal. Review: The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is just as its name implies- the “essentials” for what make Arlo cameras great. It has all of the battery life, the range, the video quality and the smart features as its more expensive big brothers but at a fraction of the price. For comparison, I already own a few Arlo Pro 3 cameras and the hub station that came with them. These cameras are great, but the Arlo Essential is 90% of the features for roughly a third less cost. If you’re considering this camera, you already probably know the benefits of Arlo cameras in general; great connectivity, awesome video quality and a full suite of smart features even if you don’t choose to subscribe to their service; although the service offers even more smart benefits. I’ll compare the Essential to the next similar camera up in their line, the Pro 3. Note that the Pro 2 has similar resolution to the Essential but is missing the spotlight and siren, and only does black & white at night, so the Pro 3 is probably the next step up from the Essential. For the cost savings, the main differences seem to be slightly lower video resolution, a non-replaceable battery and slightly cost-reduced materials. The materials are not a huge deal, at least to me. I can tolerate a visible seam around the case and a plastic mounting bracket versus the Pro 3’s seamless design and metal bracket. The replaceable battery would be handy when the battery no longer holds a charge, but that’s a while down the road. So the main difference is the video resolution. 1080p is still HD and is probably sufficient for most uses. So… unless you need the extra resolution of the Pro 3, this Essential really is a great balance of all the features you want and need at a lower cost. The main aspects that I didn’t like as much as the Pro 3 is that the camera has to be dismounted and plugged in via MicroUSB to charge an estimated twice a year. The Pro 3 has a magnetically-coupled cable or you can leave it installed on the mount and just swap out the battery. The camera was easy to set up with my existing Arlo system and so far has worked reliably well both during the day and at night. I even set up it to integrate with Apple HomeKit with just a few clicks. Overall, the Arlo Essential is a great camera with a robust feature set.

I love this arlo cameras they are durable & they have a great picture. I like how easy they are to set up on the app. The white color They also looks great. Which they would had bring charging cables so you dont have too keep charging them every time the battery is low..y mom is 75 yrs old & shes happy that she can go on the app & navigate thru the app.

Having a fully wireless security camera is great. I have this setup in my RV and not having to fuss with cables gave me a lot more flexibility on mounting locations. It's actually light enough that I was able to mount it with 3M velcro on the side of a cabinet. Set up was quick and easy with app. There are some nice features built into the app such as custom framing and alert zones. The framing function allows you to cut out unwanted portions of the picture and the alert zones allow you to draw a box around areas where you would like special alerts about. This has been a great tool for being able to keep an eye on my doggos while I'm away from the RV. Battery life has been pretty impressive, it's been running for a week now and it's at 86%.

I like these cameras very much. Video quality is very very good and crisp. Easy set up and install. When opening the videos for replay, they tend to buffer quite a bit before loading but could be my slow internet connection…thanks Spectrum. The reason I didn’t give 5 stars is I don’t like the night vision video doesn’t record in color unless the spotlight is turned on. Which means if you want cameras to records video in color, the spotlight will continuously stay on…pretty sure beginning after dusk. But don’t quote me. Aside from that issue, love them. You also can set many many optional features and customizations for cameras individually perform multiple actions different ways. Even automatic settings ie cam1 to record, notify, siren or whatever when leaving house and cam2 can just do nothing. Also set preferences from when arriving back home. Genius.

Really nice HD cameras so far I have these and the pro 4 and I have them around my house these are great if you connect them to a solar panel you can get them on here or online and it keeps them charged but if u do have to charge them u have to take them off and charge the unit itself the pro 4 you just need to swap out batteries but personally for the price you can get these for they are great deal!!!!

It’s good camera, with a high-quality lens that captures sharp images in any lighting conditions. The camera's advanced features allow for easy adjustment of settings to achieve the perfect shot. Additionally, the camera's durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily use. Overall, this camera is a reliable and versatile tool for capturing memorable moments with clarity and precision.

Arlo Essential shines for budget-conscious security. This wireless, weatherproof system boasts 1080p footage, color night vision, and built-in lights, all easily controlled through your phone. While cloud recording needs a subscription and image quality isn't top-notch, it's a bright choice for affordable home protection.

Good cameras, easy to install and charge. 1080p works great only downside is it kills the battery fast!

Decided to upgrade from older version of Arlo cameras. I added 3 Essentials to our Pro 2 system base and it works flawlessly. I chose to add to the base instead of wifi only due to cloud storage and other Arlo offerings. There are both options. We upgraded to the Eero system for our home and there has not been an issue with delays or internet strength to farther cameras. The views are wide and the spotlight is nice. The motion detection is spot on and set up was a breeze. The Essentials Camera does not have magnetic backs and need to be secured with included hardware. I used solar chargers on all Essentials and they work great. Definitely a great option to consider. I waivered between the Essentials and other newer Arlo cameras and am very pleased with these. They catch - on my property - deliveries, animals, cars, nosey neighbors, trees blowing in the wind (I can take this detection off), etc. flawlessly. Overall the Essentials camera has been an excellent decision and it protecting my home when I need it. Definitely a secure feeling for me and my family and livestock.

The cameras are awesome! The options within the settings allow you a lot of control of not only what they record but what n what quality they record also. Their only weakness is the battery time. I’ve had my four cameras for a couple of weeks now and have just begun round two of charging them all again. I’ve tried staggering when they are in the charger so they’re not all out at once but I was hoping for a more set it and forget it type of camera.

Simple to install; operation is user friendly and clear video

Great camera quality! Only thing is I would recommend buying wired cameras! Wireless is a pain to charge every week depending camera options

Love everything about these cameras easy access on our iPhones. Only if the rotated they’d be a 5 star.

4 essentials camera set. Best Buy Set-up for me, really impressed with cameras will buy more. added 1 photo from my computer rest are on my cell phone.

We purchased this system to replace our previous Arlo camera system because we lost several cameras from Hurricane Ian. The video is clear, they are easy to set up. However, because this new system does not use a Hub, the wifi does not reach to the side of our home (outside) where our pool equipment is. The home is built from cinder block and we have high impact windows which does factor in, however, our previous Arlo system with a Hub had no issues reaching the pool equipment. We now have a 4 camera system and are only using 2 outside because the wifi doesn't reach there. Monitoring the pool equipment is important to us but this system doesn't meet that need. (By the way, the Blink system has the same issue) If you are using these within a straight line from your wifi router with windows between, they will work great. Just don't expect them to reach through cinderblock homes.

This has been a great camera, we couldn't see the driveway without it.