The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera works without a subscription, but signing up for one does give you extra features. Even without a subscription, you can live stream, get basic notifications, and manually record. But for things like event-based cloud storage, advanced object detection (like spotting people or vehicles), activity zones, and emergency response integration, youāll need to subscribe to Arlo's Smart Plans.
The manufacturer says the camera has a rechargeable battery that can last up to six months on one charge, but our research shows that might not always be the case. The actual battery life can vary based on how you use it, the connectivity, and the environment. For example, in colder weather or with heavy use, the battery might drain faster. Some people found it lasted only a few days with a lot of motion or spotlight activity, while others got a few weeks to a couple of months out of it with more moderate use.
To charge the camera, you have to take it down and plug it in with the included USB cable, which can be a hassle if itās mounted in a tricky spot. People have mentioned that the non-removable battery is a bit of a downside since you have to take the whole camera down to charge it, which means it won't be recording during that time.
If you find this an issue, there's an optional solar panel from Arlo that can keep it charged without needing to take it down.
Though the camera is easy to set up and has good video quality, some people have had trouble with the battery life and needing to recharge often, which can be a bit inconvenient. Depending on what you need, you might want to get the solar panel accessory or look into another Arlo model that has a swappable battery.
All in all, the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera offers a solid range of features, especially if you pair it with the right accessories and a subscription plan.
Where to Buy
Considering the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera (2-Pack)?
Here's our "TLDR" Review
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More Answers
If you're still curious about the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera (2-Pack), here are some other answers you might find interesting:
What is the video quality like on the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera?
The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera records in 1080p, offering solid video quality for home security. You'll get clear and detailed footage both during the day and at night. One standout feature is its color night vision, which helps you see important details even in low light.
Plus, it has two-way audio and an integrated spotlight that adds to its security features. The manufacturer describes these as creating a comprehensive security solution right from the get-go.
Just a heads-up though, to get the full experience, you'll need an Arlo Secure subscription. Our research indicates this is essential for accessing advanced features like recorded video viewing, activity zones, and enhanced motion alerts.
Without the subscription, you're limited to live footage and basic notifications, which can cramp the camera's overall effectiveness.
Most people find the 1080p video quality meets their home security needs, appreciating the clarity in both daytime and nighttime footage. But whether you'll get the most out of this camera depends on whether you're okay with the subscription fees.
If you prefer no ongoing costs, you might want to look into other options that give you more features out of the box.
Setting up the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is pretty straightforward based on what we found. The manufacturer designed it to be user-friendly so you won't need to call in a pro.
Here's a simple guide to get you through it:
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Download the Arlo App: Grab the Arlo app from the App Store or Google Play. Itāll walk you through the process step-by-step.
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Create an Account or Sign In: Set up an account if you don't have one already. Otherwise, just log in.
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Add New Device: In the app, tap 'Add New Device' and select the Essential Spotlight Camera.
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Connect to Wi-Fi: Follow the on-screen steps to hook the camera up to your Wi-Fi. Just remember it needs a 2.4GHz network, not a 5GHz one.
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Mount the Camera: Once it's connected, use the provided mounting gear to place the camera where you want it. It's designed to be flexible, so you can get the angle just right.
Usually, this whole setup takes around 10-15 minutes. Some folks mentioned they had minor issues like needing to reboot their router or moving the camera closer to the Wi-Fi, but nothing too major. Most people find the setup to be smooth.
Quick tip: The camera also has a two-way audio feature, but a few users noted that the audio can be a bit quiet, so you might need to speak close to your phoneās mic.
Also, sometimes the Wi-Fi connection can mess with the audio quality.
So, overall, it seems like you can get the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera up and running without much hassle. There might be a few bumps, but according to our research, the majority find it pretty easy.
The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera works without a subscription, but signing up for one does give you extra features. Even without a subscription, you can live stream, get basic notifications, and manually record. But for things like event-based cloud storage, advanced object detection (like spotting people or vehicles), activity zones, and emergency response integration, youāll need to subscribe to Arlo's Smart Plans.
The manufacturer says the camera has a rechargeable battery that can last up to six months on one charge, but our research shows that might not always be the case. The actual battery life can vary based on how you use it, the connectivity, and the environment. For example, in colder weather or with heavy use, the battery might drain faster. Some people found it lasted only a few days with a lot of motion or spotlight activity, while others got a few weeks to a couple of months out of it with more moderate use.
To charge the camera, you have to take it down and plug it in with the included USB cable, which can be a hassle if itās mounted in a tricky spot. People have mentioned that the non-removable battery is a bit of a downside since you have to take the whole camera down to charge it, which means it won't be recording during that time.
If you find this an issue, there's an optional solar panel from Arlo that can keep it charged without needing to take it down.
Though the camera is easy to set up and has good video quality, some people have had trouble with the battery life and needing to recharge often, which can be a bit inconvenient. Depending on what you need, you might want to get the solar panel accessory or look into another Arlo model that has a swappable battery.
All in all, the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera offers a solid range of features, especially if you pair it with the right accessories and a subscription plan.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera (2-Pack) doesn't quite fit your needs, here are some other options to consider:
Nest Cam (Battery)
The Nest Cam operates wirelessly without needing a hub, seamlessly integrating into your smart home setup. Beyond standard features, it offers intelligent alerts and boasts a sleek, modern design, making it a compelling alternative to the Arlo Essential for those who value both aesthetics and functionality.
Reolink Argus 3 Pro
The Reolink Argus 3 Pro supports local storage options and boasts features like 2K video and color night vision, all without requiring a subscription. It's a more cost-effective solution for folks seeking comprehensive home security without hidden fees.
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