Customer Ratings & Reviews

I’m very happy with this camera! The video quality is clear both day and night, and the setup was super easy. The app works smoothly, and I can check live footage anytime. Battery life is impressive, and the motion detection is accurate. Highly recommend for anyone looking for reliable home security.

The Arlo camera works perfectly. The video quality is very clear, even at night, and the app is easy to use. Setup took just a few minutes. I feel much safer now watching my home from anywhere.

If you have ever used Arlo products, you may be familiar with their fleet of cameras and other home smart devices. This is their second generation Wireless Security camera and Arlo made a few improvements for this camera as well as gave it a very good battery life, therefore XL lettering in the name. As you are aware, battery life is essential when you install a wireless camera outside, as you need to plan carefully its installation location for you to easily access it when it needs recharging (it can be tricky as you also need to make sure a stranger cannot just take it off easily as well). With its extended battery life, Arlo is promising 6 months of usage, however I would say the length of the battery life maybe decreased somewhat if you subscribe to one of the plans Arlo offers as it opens a number of feature packed options. Since I have been using Arlo products for a while now, their Ecosystem is pretty easy to navigate and their apps are well polished. Installation of the camera is easy for any user and the app pretty much walks you through each step. I have an area near our carport where I like to monitor all packages and mail that is being delivered and decided to use the camera in an area where I could always see what is happening. The field of view is wide enough (130 degrees) and video quality (1080p) is perfect in my use-case scenario. The camera also can withstand rigid temperatures and is weather-proof for rain and snow. However if you are in Alaska or Arizona, I would look for another product as this Arlo may not be a good fit for your outside temps. I have not subscribed to any of the services Arlo offers as my usage of this camera is simple, however I would check into their offerings and see what suits you better, Arlo gives you a 30 day trial. I like the build and its design, the night color vision is also working great and the camera will send notifications promptly. I have not had any false notifications bother me which I am thankful. You get about of 25 feet of distance which is viewable during the night time. There is also a Spotlight available which is a nice addition in my opinion. Light sensor, Motion sensor, Sound sensor - all work as advertised. One thing I wish Arlo offered as an accessory for this camera would be a solar panel to continuously charge it. It has been a good smart home addition to my home in the Arlo family and I hope for new improvements and updates to be pushed via firmware updates.

My opinion on the Arlo Surveillance Camera — it’s super reliable, easy to set up, and delivers clear, high-quality footage. I love that I can check everything right from my phone anytime, anywhere. Perfect for keeping an eye on things with peace of mind.

I like it a lot. In general, I enjoy all the brand's products. The only detail is that sometimes it stops recording out of nowhere. Although I don't know if it's really a problem with the product or my internet

Our household has been an Arlo household for about 2 years now and it's been okay. We started with a doorbell and it has worked well. I chose the Essential XL camera because for cameras we use another brand that has been dependable and does not require a subscription to watch videos. I am trying the Essential XL to add to my Arlo system. So far it is great simply for the sake of set up. It took about 3-4 minutes from unboxing to streaming video to get it all going. That is a positive outlook if the set up was that easy. If you're new to outdoor cameras this one is for you because of the setup help video that comes with the setup steps. You've got a guide to walk you through how to mount it. Some stand out features that you'll enjoy are: 2K picture, Color video, night vision, motion detection, alerts, and apparently long lasting battery. Some of my favorite features that cameras have these days are the 2-way audio which helps to communicate with my mail couriers. The other is the clever integrated siren which helps to deter suspicious people from your porch. I set mine up for when I am away for long periods of time. Once I can verify who is at my door I can disarm it. The only pitfall for me is that you need a subscription to be able to see your video history. Other brands allow you to insert a memory card to retain video. So if you're okay with a subscription you'll love the Arlo but you can only see recent videos and not go back in your timeline to review videos. Otherwise and overall, this is a great camera with amazing video and picture quality. The audio is crisp and loud which is what you want when your camera is mounted up high on your porch. I love that the video quality is even clear during rain storms. I've had other cameras where the picture gets distorted but the Arlo Essential XL performs really well! A great addition to the family Arlo system.

This product is great! I love the ease of installation. That took me like 5 minutes with a drill. Two minutes with the arlo app to get it up and running. The video quality is great for its price range.

Arlo cameras truly are great! I bought one through TMobile 2 years ago that was able to be used on a cellular network which includes of course a monthly fee. When I saw this Arlo Essential WiFi camera I was very excited to try it out. I knew when I was choosing this camera that it did not have an SD slot for local storage so you will need the cloud service with this camera. Out of the box, it comes about 70% charged which is enough to go through the setup process. That only takes a few minutes to get connected to your WiFi and set up for the free trial cloud subscription through Arlo. I currently pay $7.99 for one single camera but once I add this second camera on, it appears it’ll be right around $17.99 a month. That $17.99 a month would cover unlimited cameras moving forward though. Without this subscription, unfortunately you will only receive live motion alerts and footage from a live feed but you cannot save the videos. We installed our Arlos at our permanent campsite and since we need the ability to save footage in the event of anything happening, we must have that subscription. The video quality, both day and night is great. I’ve had my camera up for about a week now. I installed it at almost 100% battery and currently I’m only down to 89%. I love the rechargeable battery feature. This makes it 100% wireless/cordless and easy to move around. The camera is installed approximately 60 feet and up slightly in a tree from my WiFi hub and I have had zero problems connecting! It offers 2 way audio which is so nice. At night you are able to choose night mode video capturing, or capturing with a spotlight that will come on upon motion detection. Overall, I’m a huge Arlo fan. Their price points are great. I feel like their products are great. My camera that is cellular is almost 3 years old at this point and has been outside under a covered hood 24/7 except for charging and is still doing wonderful.

This 3rd Gen Arlo Essential XL outdoor camera, like other Arlo products, is solidly built and maintains the clean, familiar design the brand is known for. It comes well-packaged and is extremely easy to set up. Inside the box, you’ll find two quick setup guides. The first step is to scan the QR code, which directs you to your device’s App Store to download the Arlo app. Once installed, simply create a username and follow the on-screen instructions to begin setup. The camera includes a USB-C cable and mounting screws for a simple DIY installation. Since it isn’t fully charged out of the box, I recommend fully charging it before mounting. The app makes the Wi-Fi setup process seamless, it took me about six minutes to name the camera’s location and get everything connected. Once online, I was immediately impressed by the 2K video quality, and even more so by the night vision performance. The pictures I included in this review show just how sharp the footage is. Battery life has also been excellent; after about a week of use, the battery had only dropped by around 6%, with minimal adjustments made. This camera is also compatible with the Arlo Home Security System for even greater integration. It includes a built-in spotlight that is a great deterrent for intruders or animals, and it also has the ability for two-way talk that can be accessed remotely through the phone. There’s also a siren feature you can activate in emergencies, which adds another layer of protection. Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with this camera, it is well constructed with excellent video quality, reliable performance, smart features, and outstanding battery life make this an easy 5-star product. In the box you get the camera, USB charging cable, installation kit and quick guide.

The Arlo Essential XL 1 Wireless 2K Security Camera is the newest addition to Arlo’s premium lineup of outdoor surveillance devices. Designed for simplicity and performance, this camera offers high-resolution security with effortless setup. What’s in the Box: Upon opening the package, you’ll be greeted with a “Welcome to Arlo!” card featuring a QR code. Scan it with your mobile device to download and install the Arlo Secure App. Inside the box, you’ll find: The camera, wrapped in a protective plastic sleeve A USB-C to USB-A braided charging cable housed in a cardboard holder A wall mount plate and screw set tucked beneath the cable Be sure to remove all components from their packaging before proceeding. Charging & Powering On: Connect the USB-C cable to the camera and charge it fully before first use. Once charged, disconnect the cable and power on the device by pressing and holding the button on top of the camera for three seconds—look for a blinking blue light to confirm it’s active. App Setup & Mounting: Open the Arlo Secure App and follow the prompts to connect your camera. Once paired, the app will guide you through a step-by-step video tutorial on how to mount the camera using the included wall plate and screws. Final Thoughts: The Arlo Essential XL 1 Wireless 2K Camera delivers excellent performance with a user-friendly setup process. Whether you're new to smart home security or upgrading your system, this camera makes installation a breeze. Pros: Crisp 2K video resolution Extended battery life Easy app-based setup Durable outdoor design Secure wireless connectivity Cons: No Local Storage Subscription Required for Full Features Limited Smart Home Integration No Official IP Rating

I am coming into this from a point of frustration. That frustration comes from all the other manufacturers of wireless cameras that I have had and currently have. If you name the major players today, I am sure I have 3 of the top ones. This brings me to Arlo. I specifically picked the single Arlo XL ( 3rd Gen) because I have never had an Arlo. I had heard some pretty good things about their doorbell cameras, so I gave it a shot. The $70 price point with features such as 2K Wide 120degree viewing, clear color night vision, 4x battery life, audio, siren and lights, seemed like a good deal. Setup was simple. At first, I tried it outside to test motion capture. While I found the motion capture was excellent, it seems to be more sensitive than my other current cameras. It also boasts an integrated spotlight. While this is a great feature, it is not one that I want to use. We have so many deer that roam through our front, back and driveway, Having the spotlight come on is not necessarily a great thing. If I can capture the video, then I am good. I did find that to get this option not to be enabled, was a bit cumbersome, as was the siren. While that is also a great feature if you need it, it still made me a bit nervous that I was unsure about it going off. I need to delve into the individual profiles more to be more assured. My sweet spot on testing/installing this was to put this in my garage, at the back of the garage facing out. The reason for this was I had some contractors coming to work here and when it’s raining, they do most of their prep/cutting work in the garage. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust them, I just wanted to be careful and protective of the family. I was very happy with the detection capabilities of Arlo. It not only detected when the garage was opened, it identified that a car had pulled up I the driveway. It also clearly identified when a person was identified in the garage. This is exactly what I wanted. Another great feature that makes Arlo stand out is the Dual band Wi-Fi capability. This allows Arlo to connect to the strongest band available and not have to worry about ensuring that the older slower band is available to attach to. Don’t underestimate this feature, it’s a big deal for those who know. You can also sign up for the “Arlo Security Plan” which is a paid plan which provides more AI based intelligence, including more detailed capture summaries, the ability to customize detection's and also Fire Detection's which is a very unique feature which I have not seen on any of my other devices. The Arlo so far is a great contender, I am impressed. App user interface will improve. It’s good but could use some ‘smoothing” to make it more intuitive but I am sure they will improve it over time. I am considering growing my Arlo portfolio and replacing some of my other “frustrating” units. While I can’t give it five stars, it’s a solid 4.4 and I would recommend it to others.

I already have 2 older generation Arlo cameras that I've been more than happy with. It's been a couple years since I've added a product to the family, and setup is easier than I remember. Once I charged up the camera and pushed the to button, the app automatically sensed the camera and took me through the setup process, including wifi connection. Once I had it connected to the app, I had to mount the camera. It comes with a little plate that you screw into where you want the camera, and the camera has a connecter that just slides onto the plate. A very easy and simple installation process. After charging, the whole set up and camera installation maybe took me 10 minutes. It helps that I already have experience with Arlo products, but any body can make this work. The picture quality is excellent. The motion sensor picks up most movements, and it has a light that comes on at night time when movement is detected. The app makes it easy to customize how you see your video feeds, what kind of movements you want to get alerts for, and the ability to mute notifications. It also works with Alexa so I can check the camera on my Echo Show. Cloud storage comes with a monthly subscription, but it's worth it for an archive of your security footage. This camera is simple to use and setup, and does everything you need a security camera to do. Highly Recommend!

I recently made the switch to Arlo after 8 years with another popular security camera system and so far I'm impressed. My hesitation has always been battery life because I prefer to have my cameras plugged in - for obvious reasons. I picked up the Essential XL to keep an eye on the interior of my garage and the battery life does not disappoint. PROs: 1) Battery Life - After one week in my garage, the Arlo Essential XL is sitting at 93% charge. This means the XL should last around 3 months before needing to be charged. 2) Motion Sensing - Arlo has some of the best motion sensing I've seen for a battery powered camera. In the past, a battery powered camera meant the camera might not detect motion or detect it too late which renders the video almost useless - but not with this camera. The XL has caught every motion event and has retained a respectable amount of battery in the process. 3) Install - I had the Essential XL camera installed in less than 10 minutes after I made sure it was fully charged. I added it to the app and installed the mount with 4 screws - that's literally all it takes. 4) Custom Events - Custom Events are the main reason I switched over to the Arlo system. I was able to mount the XL camera inside my garage and create a Custom Event to alert me when my garage door was left open. My kids are always in and out of my garage - this is a great way to remind me to close it so the door isn't wide open all night. Don't sleep on this feature. CONs: 1) Battery - Having a battery is one of the major cons. It's great that the battery should last 3 months, but now I will have to pull it off the mount, charge it, and then put it back up. Make sure you install this where you can reach it without a latter or plan on climbing it at least 4 times a year to charge it. 2) Hardwired Battery - Other Arlo batteries are removable but this one is not. I would look into a solar panel if you plan to mount this outside and out of reach. FINAL THOUGHTS: I'm excited to have swapped my cameras over to Arlo but the limits of battery powered cameras still exist. Aside from battery limitations, the 2K picture quality is more than enough for my needs and the Arlo app is more robust than others I've used. The Arlo Essential XL has been rock-solid so far and I look forward to it tipping me off every time my garage door is left open.

I had some Arlo cameras and gear couple years ago. It was ok, wasn't stellar or bad in anyway, but just acceptable for doing the job that it did. I didn't go back to Arlo for some time and now that I did, wow what a difference. Installation, very fast and intuitive. Follow instructions on an app, that was it. It'll update the product and walk you through some major features. The physical installation is easy, just a couple screws and if you're not sure the app also has instructions and videos online. Done. For the actual product itself, I really enjoyed it. The magnet base and unit is very strong. You can mount and orient without worry the magnet will become loose. The angle is a little limited, so make sure you check your orientation before putting in the screws. It's designed for outdoors and I've had it out in the sun and rain in this california weather for a few weeks without a problem. The lens remain very clear through the weather. The picture quality is really nice. I didn't think I'd notice much difference but yes it is better than the previous model. The colors are still a bit saturated but its slightly more accurate. The wide angle does cause some distortion at the edges, but you get to see alot more. The resolution is as advertised, and the frame rate looks clean and able to catch fast moving objects, like our neighborhood cat running around. The software is a little clunky, quite saturated with features. I think that's the weakness as well as the strength of Arlo. It's feels like feature rich relative to some other systems, so the options and settings presented to you can feel a little overwhelming, but it's easy to learn and once you get used to it it's not too bad. Although you can use this without a subscription, most systems now have a subscription that has some form of AI. The features are pretty interesting, different zones, describing the scenes, recognizing faces, etc. I wouldn't say it's a make or break deal, but certainly is hard to go back without a subscription. Overall, would buy again, and would recommend. Tight package, fleshed out system, improved camera

I have owned other Arlo security camera systems in the past and was very pleased with them, so I had positive expectations with this new model. It performed as I expected it to and I liked how they have made some improvements with this new model. Pros: - The app is user-friendly and easy to navigate. I already had it installed on my phone as I have another Arlo camera in my home that is currently in use. It was incredibly easy to add this device to the app and then begin a needed firmware update. I had the camera up and running within 10 minutes. The app is loaded with lots of features to fine-tune your needs. - While some security camera systems require a separate base station to connect your camera(s), this camera connects via Wi-Fi directly to your router. I love that I don't have to have extra devices hooked up to my router. You'll just need to make sure that wherever you place your camera, it is within range of your router. - This model is larger than previous cameras that I have used, presumably to house the larger battery that allows for you to go longer periods of time between recharging. Depending on the settings that you use (how long to record, how often to trigger motion detection), battery life can last months. - The package comes with the camera, a charging cable, and simple mounting instructions. You can screw the mount into any wooden surface, or use the included anchors to mount into drywall for indoor use. - This model uses USB-C for charging, which helps it charge quicker than older models. - The video quality was excellent and I am very pleased with the range of vision that is provided. The night vision was particularly good. - The 2-way audio feature allows you to speak with anyone on the other end through the app. You could have a conversation with your kids, or kindly ask a solicitor to leave your porch. - A built in alarm allows you to scare off any unwanted guests. Cons: - While you can pull up video in real time on your phone from anywhere, you can't access recorded video clips without a paid subscription. But you will get a free trial upon activation to see if you like the features. This camera provides an affordable and easy way to keep tabs on your home, either indoor or outdoors. I'm a big fan.

Arlo - Essential XL 1-Camera Wireless 2K Security Camera (3rd Gen). If you’ve owned Arlo security cameras, you take for granted that they are excellent performers with lots of features. Whether you are new to the Arlo family of not, setup is fast, with creating or adding to your account being the first task. Arlo’s app takes control of connecting your camera to your Wi-Fi and you are able to view the captured images, in real time. This simple setup procedure doesn’t announce the comprehensive array of features that this camera presents in the mostly intuitive app. What isn’t immediately obvious is explained nicely in the Tour and detailed instructions or the videos on the Arlo web site. What you will also uncover as you explore the app is how Arlo has created a complete security system to which you can subscribe. SETUP: Before you do anything, it makes sense to charge your camera while you set up the app. The camera is not very big, but it feels heavy in your hand. I’m betting that weight is the long-life battery. The mounting stem is a permanent part of the camera. It slides onto a small plastic clip which is screwed onto your chosen mounting surface. I am a bit concerned by the seemingly small plastic clip held by two small screws which is responsible for supporting the weight of a camera extended out horizontally. My recharging ritual has me removing the camera to bring it to my inside charging location, which means I’ll be testing that plastic piece during those, albeit infrequent, recharging sessions. I’m uneasy, but time will tell. You can establish zones.You can control motion detection sensitivity, recording length and the siren behavior. There are quick access MODES (Arming Home and Away or Disarm) and you can set schedules for your collection of Arlo cameras. Arlo has several subscription plans that turns your camera into a sophisticated security recording device. Actually, it’s the only recording method available. The basic plans add a 60 day video history, event or intrusion recognition, and even audio detection. The services are extensive, and I haven’t fully touched on them here. Advanced protection adds professional monitoring, contacting emergency services and a lengthier list of perks and support services. PERFORMANCE and SUMMARY: The images are detailed, bright and colorful, but you do have some control in the settings over the video, audio, and spotlight. These controls are not subtle, and fine-tuning the image is a bit awkward. In any event, the resulting images are useful and cameras also serve as a deterrent. This Long-Life Battery Essential XL-1 requires less effort on my part but is more likely to be ready for a security event. Whether you want to have a monitoring camera for your entrance, the kids or pets in the back yard, or create an elaborate security system for protecting family and valuables, the Arlo is a reassuring approach to getting it done reliably.

Arlo home security system is a solid system that requires subscription to make the most out of it. The camera can be installed indoor or outdoor and it has battery capacity that can last for months. The camera records very high-quality video that is sharp and bright. User can access the video through subscription that includes cloud storage. Every time there’s an event happening, user will get notification to his phone. The camera supports two-way communication and functions well even at night. The camera features an LED light that is capable of effectively illuminating a small backyard. The iOS app provides ample of features, and it is easy to use. A user can begin building a camera system with a single front yard camera. Again, subscription is needed to access footage on the cloud from multiple cameras. Like: Durable, outdoor ready design Solid camera system with long lasting battery Great video quality even at night time Two-way communication system Great app Don’t like: Subscription required for optimal feature use.

This review is of the Arlo Essential XL 1-Camera Wireless 2K Security Camera (3rd Gen) with 4x Longer Battery Life. Obviously by the title description, what makes this Arlo camera different from all the others is its extra large battery capacity. Arlo states that battery life lasts up to 4 times longer than their standard camera battery. It’s the perfect choice for cameras that need to be mounted in more secure areas where access might be a challenge and thus inconvenient to take down for charging. It is well-suited for both indoor and outdoor use. The extra-long battery life might also come in handy for wireless cameras that see frequent use and extend the time between charges. Arlo also sells a compatible solar panel that connects to the Essential XL to virtually eliminate the need for manual charging altogether. If you are familiar with Arlo cameras, the first thing you will notice immediately is how big it is right out of the box. Due to its size, the mount appears to be permanently attached to the back of the camera, using a swivel-ball mount that attaches to a plastic clip that attaches by screw into a wall or ceiling, or standalone. Other apparent features are a spotlight to light up areas for night viewing and security reasons. It also uses the standard USB-C charging port that is weather-sealed by a soft rubber hinged flap on the bottom of the camera. Setup is simple and straight-forward, by either scanning the QR code on the box with your smartphone, or if you already have the Arlo app installed, just add the device directly from the device options in the app itself. The app comes with a full trial version to test out all the many security features that Arlo offers with a subscription. The Essential XL does not require an Arlo hub, unlike their 4K cameras…just connect to your home Wi-Fi and you’re in business. Some of the security features include setting up activity zones with notifications, subject identification, video recording based on motion or time, and even person and vehicle identification. Its 2K (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution provides sharp and detailed surveillance video and its generous field of view sees a fixed 130 degrees in all directions. The app also allows access sharing to all your Arlo cameras with family and friends. Their minimal yet attractive design makes them perfect for indoor use as well and fit in seamlessly with all décor. I have a long history using Arlo security cameras both indoors and out and even in harsh outdoor conditions, the cameras have operated flawlessly. When choosing home security cameras, I can confidently recommend Arlo.

Unboxing - This review is for a single Arlo- Essential XL 2K Security camera. This camera is solid and a little larger and heavier than the Essential cameras. The major difference is the XL has a longer battery life and the light is much brighter when motion is detected. The camera comes with the hardware needed to install outdoors but does not come with a power adapter. Set up was very easy. The box and manual comes with a QR code that you can scan after downloading the app. After downloading the app it was easy to set up each camera. The app walked you through every step from connecting to Bluetooth and renaming the camera to add the location. I set this camera in a place that was harder to reach (higher up) so I don’t have to take it down often to recharge. These cameras have a built in rechargeable battery just plug in to charge. The camera came 70% charged but I charged it overnight to get 100% before installing. After 6 days from set up it had a lot of activity with my dogs playing and deer motion and it still had 95% charge left. This is amazing I was concerned with how often I would have to charge this camera. I do plan on purchasing a solar panel so I didn’t have to worry about keeping track of batter level. You have to adjust the setting in order to optimize the battery life. As for clarity in day and night it’s not as clear as I was hoping it to be considering its 2K resolution. Will need to play with the settings to try and optimize the clarity. The reason for the 4 stars was because of the lag time (~4 to 5 seconds) from the time motion was detected to when it would activate the camera to start capturing. You can run the camera without a plan but it will not save events. You do get a 30 day trial to test the app out if you want to purchase. The plan will cover unlimited number of connected cameras. Overall, if you are looking for home security camera with longer battery life, 2K and easy to set up the Arlo - Essential XL camera would be a good option at this price point as well. Very easy to set up, the app is also user friendly but will take a little getting used to if you are familiar with the other home security apps.

Security is huge for me! There is nothing like the peace of mind that cameras give and Arlo has done a great job with their cameras. I have been using Arlo cameras since 2020 and have 12 of them. I had some cheap cameras when I got started but the set up, tech support, camera reliability and video quality was terrible… DON’T waste money on junk and that’s how I discovered Arlo! Arlo is quality out of the box. They are built well and my older Arlo cameras have withstood the coldest Midwest winters and the hottest summer days. To be fair …when the heat is maxed I have had one or two go offline when the temp goes above their operating parameters but that is extremely rare. They say 113 degrees Fahrenheit and and -4 degrees, I’d say that's accurate but once they warm up…back online. What I like about the newest 3rd gen Essential XL is the huge battery. They say 4 times longer than before and I can attest to that.. I have the essential XL 2nd gen as well and I go months without charging !!! 3rd Gen XL is gonna be even better! I did not even need to buy the solar charger for that one! With the huge battery comes the inevitable weight issue though. If you have metal soffits that you plan to mount the XL on …make sure it is braced well and can hold it steady during a storm. The XL will give you a tremendously long battery life but it is heavy. I have opted to wall mount this camera due to the weight. A basic Arlo Essential with a solar panel might be better for soffits that are kind of flimsy. Mounting is super easy and it and they give you drywall anchors which is nice. Once mounted you can pivot the camera to angle where you need it. I love the fact that there are NO WIRES! Install and connect to the app and your off and running! The Arlo Essential XL 3rd gen and all the Arlos I own have rock Solid WiFi… they don’t drop off…ever. The operation through the app is so intuitive. The app is really helpful and I am looking at it multiple times a day. I love that with Arlo Intelligence, I know when a “vehicle”, “person” or “Animal” is getting picked up. I can set the sensitivity of the alerts to trigger a capture and then check it out it out immediately in my feed in the arlo app! I can also set the area of the view that will trigger an alert which is nice if you have a tree always blowing around that you want to cut out of the alert area. I also like the routines feature… when I leave in the morning for work the camera goes to away automatically! Having cameras is one thing but I can’t watch them all the time… Arlo Intelligence does that for me and lets me know! I also love the spotlight feature…I can set it to come on and stay on when it detects motion at night or blink. I like the blinking…I want people to know I have an invisible shield around my house and …I SEE THEM! Love it. The night time color is also very good and important to ID cars and suspects. Arlo also work flawlessly with my Google home hubs… I can say “show me the front yard” and boom I can see the camera while I am brushing my teeth before bed. With the app I can twoway communicate and sound an alarm if I needed to…but I have never actually done that…I have an alarm system for that but it’s nice to have. The app allows me to arm the cameras for home and away so if I am home the cameras won’t alert when I walk through the house or outside the house but If I am away… anyone moving in or around my house will get recorded… And recorded in amazing quality day or night in color!!! The Essential XL 3rd gen has 130 degree view and 2K video quality and it looks great on my phone or tv! I do have a subscription plan to maximize the recording features of 60 days and smart person and packages ect. I don’t think you get that functionality with out a plan but you do not have to have a plan to use the cameras. I have the unlimited camera plan and I feel it is very reasonable and well worth the money. Overall, I love the Essential XL 3rd gen video quality, easy set up, day and night color, solar panels if you need them but probably wont with such a huge battery with the XL. The app and how functional it is…. It’s a complete eye on the house and family when I am not around = Peace of mind!