Arlo vs Ring Comparison – Which One is Better? [Our VERDICT]

• Both cameras offer DIY installation. This means that you can install the camera on your own without the need for a professional technician. 
• Both Arlo and Ring can be used as indoor or outdoor cameras. So if you plan to put a security camera outdoors, you don’t have to worry about your camera being exposed to harsh weather since it is designed to be durable and high-quality.
• Arlo and Ring can be purchased without the need to commit to long-term contracts. This means you don’t have to worry about missed monthly bills and are free to stop using it anytime.
• Both cameras offer smart home automation options.
• Arlo and Ring are both wireless cameras. You don’t have to worry about additional installation costs.

• Ring comes with environmental sensors, window sensors, and door sensors to protect your whole home. Arlo only sells surveillance cameras.
• Arlo can be paired with SmartThings hub for home automation integration. Ring works best with a Z-wave hub.
• Arlo comes with a lot of camera options while Ring doesn’t.
• You can mount the Arlo camera using magnetic brackets which is easier and more convenient to use. Ring cameras can be mounted by screwing the unit to your wall.

The resolution (quality . . . sort of) and field view are important factors for home security cameras that should never be compromised. Crystal clear footage and images help you capture the details of your home and its surroundings. And, it’s very helpful for the police to identify thieves in case of break-ins. Or at times you just want to know who’s outside your door right on your phone.

Overall, a video resolution of 1080p and at least a 130-degree viewing angle are recommended for general use.  Resolution will be driven by how far away you want to be able to see small details.  The viewing angle will depend on where you plan to mount it and how wide of an area needs to be watched.

Most homeowners prefer to have their security cameras wireless because they’re super easy to install. You can mount the cameras anywhere you want without the need to worry about running wires around your house.

Battery-operated cameras are more portable but may have limited power - so this means you need to monitor the battery levels regularly and replace (or recharge) the batteries when needed. If you don’t like replacing batteries from time to time, then you can consider cameras that come with an AC plug or solar panels (for outdoor installation).  

It’s very important to continue monitoring your home and check out who’s outside even at night. Most high-quality cameras today have infrared night vision so you can see would-be intruders even at nighttime. If you can get a camera with a good sensor that doesn’t need additional LEDs, that’s great.  Otherwise, on camera LEDs provide illumination at night for most models.

Just be warned, if your camera is mounted in a place where spiders can build a web in front of them, they will!  Bugs will be attracted to even the infrared light, and the spiders appreciate the target-rich environment!

Wireless cameras are designed to be low-power so they are not meant to record 24-7. This is where motion sensors come into play - your cameras only start recording when motion is detected. Some cameras even offer zoning features to fine-tune the trigger (so that moving leaves from trees in front of your lawn or passing cars don’t trigger recordings). 

The only disadvantage for most cameras with motion sensors is that it would take some time for the camera to start recording after it has been triggered. For example, the camera will only start video recording two seconds after the motion sensor is triggered. The problem is that you might miss something important during the two-second lapse. If you think this feature is important, then you should consider cameras with the pre-buffered recording (such as Arlo Pro 3).

Another feature worth considering is the audio detection feature. The two-way audio feature allows you to talk to people or visitors outside your door, or even hear their conversations through your phone. You can even set a push notification to your phone whenever audio is detected.

Are you a big fan of home automation? Then it’s recommended to get a security camera compatible with smart home devices. Cameras that feature smart home integrations offer better options to control your devices and optimize your home security system.

Devices that come with an app offer convenience when it comes to accessing cloud recordings, setting hot-spot zones, sharing videos, monitoring your surroundings, communicating with visitors, and many others. The user interface also allows you to do customizations such as sensor sensitivity and timers to meet your preferences. 

Storage plans are another great feature if you want to save recordings in the cloud. Camera manufacturers can have varying options - some offer monthly subscriptions while others have annual storage plans. Choose a plan that works well for you.

In the past, some security cameras have been under the weather due to privacy issues and lack of security controls and policies. Recently, more and more camera companies are including privacy-centric features in the app as well as end-to-end encryption to protect the privacy of homeowners.

With this, make sure to choose a camera provider that includes privacy security as one of their top priorities. Some camera companies offer two-factor authentication, a big plus to prevent data breaches and discourage hackers from accessing your network and online accounts.