Arlo's latest revamp is at the top end of its smart security camera hierarchy
Arlo is churning out new devices at an incredible rate as of late; the latest duo off the conveyor belt – the Arlo Pro 4 Wire-Free Spotlight Camera and the Arlo Ultra 2 Wire-Free Spotlight Camera – have just hit officialdom.
Natural successors to the popular Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra, but with much longer names, the new pair are available to pre-order now, with shipping expected to begin on 28 October.
Both cameras are, as the name suggests, battery powered, with the San Jose company telling us we can expect up to 6 months of use from a single charge.
Our verdict: Arlo Pro 4 review / Arlo Ultra 2 review
Both of the new top-end Arlo home security cameras also feature a spotlight so, as was the case with their predecessors, they are able to offer up full color night vision footage.
Where they differ, mainly, is that the Pro range continues to feature 2K HDR video quality, with a 160-degree viewing angle; whereas the Ultra 2, like the original Ultra, offers 4K HDR visuals, with a 180-degree viewing angle.
Both of the new security cams are compatible with both Alexa and the Google Assistant but the Ultra 2 trumps it launch partner by also being HomeKit compatible, as well.
Where the Pro 4 (main image, above) does win out is that it can connect directly to your Wi-Fi router – there’s no need to use the Arlo smarthub or base station; an element of the Arlo ecosystem that has, in the past, meant that its cameras have been at the top-end, price-wise, of the market.
If you do have an Arlo system already installed, you can connect the Pro 4 for extra feature, local storage recording, an enhanced camera range and an improved battery life, but it’s not a necessity.
Unlike on the Ultra 2 (pictured above), which does need a smarthub or base station to operate. You’ll get an Arlo smarthub in the box with an Ultra 2 starter pack but you can also just purchase standalone Ultra 2 cameras if you’re simply adding to an existing Arlo system.
The Arlo Pro 4 Wire-Free Spotlight Camera costs $199.99, you can save $50 if you buy a three-pack for $549.99.
That Arlo Ultra 2 Wire-Free Spotlight Camera starer pack we mentioned is $599.99 for two cameras and a smarthub; you can also buy additional cameras for $299.99.
Global prices are still TBC – and pre-orders are open now. Shipping is expected to begin on 28 October.
It’s been a busy couple of months for Arlo – which used to be part of Netgear but went its own way a couple of years ago.
The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell was revealed in September – looking exactly the same, and featuring the same feature set, as the wired Arlo Video Doorbell. That was followed by the launch of the Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera, which boosts battery life to a full year.
Reviews for all the new Arlo devices will be hitting the site soon, so stay tuned.
