Arlo Pro 4 Camera Review

Arlo’s all about features, even in its more basic cameras. And the Pro 4 is no exception. We’d argue that advanced object detection is what makes Arlo Arlo. But you can’t get advanced object detection without a paid storage plan, which is annoying.

Arlo Pro 4 features:

• 2K video quality
• 160° field of view
• Color night vision
• Advanced object detection (person, vehicle, package)
• Motion detection
• Customizable motion zones
• Sound detection
• Zoom
• Two-way audio
• Spotlight
• Siren
• Magnetic mount
• Arlo solar panel compatibility
• Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT compatibility
• Local storage with base station/SmartHub (though hub is not required)
• Water-resistant

Interestingly, the only advantage that the Pro 4 offers over the Pro 3 is the lack of hub requirement.

But if the thought of a more easily removable camera makes you nervous, you can also purchase a screw base. One reviewer said the Arlo Pro 4 can even be mounted to a standard tripod, which is neat (though we're not sure how it would come in handy).^¹

If you’re looking for the most bargain cameras out there, typically, we wouldn’t recommend Arlo. But because you can buy the Arlo Pro 4 in a one-pack without a hub, its cost aligns more with that of other similar cameras.

However, the storage and full feature costs do jack up the price by a pretty penny.

If you want to take advantage of the Arlo Pro 4’s hublessness, you’ll need cloud storage. And for cloud storage, you need to pay.

Arlo's subscription plans aren't out-of-your-mind expensive, but the dollar signs can add up—especially since you’ll need to pay for Safe & Secure Pro if you want your camera to record all the time.

But, sadly, a paid plan is your only option if you don’t want to go through the hassle of local storage. The local feature requires buying a hub and an SD card or USB drive, then manually downloading the video footage every time you want to look at an event.

Also, even if you used local storage, you’d still have to pay the cloud storage price to access your object detection features. The motion and sound detection come with the camera, but the package, people, and vehicle detection all rely on the storage subscription.

Luckily, the Arlo Pro 4 comes with a three-month trial. And hey, at least you don’t have to pay for the more expensive Arlo Secure Plus Plan unless you want 4K resolution.

With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings compatibility, your Arlo Pro 4 will work with just about any major smart home hub. That’ll make it easy to integrate the camera into most smart homes.

And even if you’re not using Amazon, Google, Apple, or Samsung at your place, you can still connect your camera to smart home device chains using IFTTT.

We typically like to see some Zigbee or Z-Wave compatibility, too, so that the camera can connect directly to other devices. In that regard, Arlo is lacking. But you can still create quite a solid smart home without those closer connections.

The Arlo app is nothing to sneer at. It’s got high ratings on both Google Play and the Apple Store, and it’s pretty intuitive if not innovative. Most users seem to like it just fine.

You don’t need any previous experience with Arlo or home security cameras to set up this device. Still, you’ll definitely find it easier if you’ve used similar products before.

Arlo Pro 4 installation steps:

• Plug in the Arlo Pro 4 to charge.
• Download the Arlo app.
• Create or log in to your Arlo account.
• Select Add New Device.
• Select Cameras.
• Select Pro.
• Select Pro 4.
• Follow the app instructions to complete setup and connect to your home Wi-Fi.
• Mount the camera if desired.

If this procedure sounds daunting to you, get a tech-savvy friend or acquaintance to help. Again, this camera has an estimated six-month battery life, so you shouldn’t have to change the batteries very often.

We’re loving the no-hub feature, but other than that, the Pro 4 is about the same as the Pro 3. 

If you don’t own a hub and would have to buy one, then go for the Arlo Pro 4.

• Features: The Arlo Pro 4 has all the features of its predecessor, such as colored night vision, a spotlight, and a siren.
• Pricing: You don’t have to buy an Arlo SmartHub with the Pro 4, which brings costs down, but you still need a subscription for video storage and detection features.
• Home automation: This camera has all the leading smart home hub integrations, though it doesn’t have Zigbee or Z-Wave.
• Installation: The DIY setup isn’t very complicated, although you do have to mount the camera.

If the Arlo Pro line isn't quite meeting the mark for you, you might like the Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Essential, or Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight as an alternative. Or, if you’d prefer to eschew Arlo altogether, you could try a different camera brand, like a Blink or Eufy cam. Or see how Arlo and Blink compare one-to-one.

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