Verdict

The Arlo Pro 5S is genuinely excellent for indoor security if you're already in the Arlo ecosystem—that battery life is impressive, and the image quality in low light is seriously solid. But here's the thing: if you're envisioning this as your rugged outdoor security solution, we'd say pump the brakes. Between the corroding battery connectors in wet conditions, the flimsier-than-expected mount design, and that subscription paywall for remote access, you might find yourself spending more than you planned. Unless you're specifically after an indoor monitoring system or you're comfortable with ongoing subscription costs, it's worth exploring whether a purpose-built outdoor security camera would actually serve you better.

Top pro:
Exceptional battery life lasting up to six months between charges
Top con:
Battery connectors corrode when exposed to rain due to poor material quality
Get an alert when the price drops or it comes back in stock.

Pros

  • •Exceptional battery life lasting up to six months between charges
  • •Straightforward setup that takes just minutes
  • •Excellent zoom with sharp clarity, plus impressive low-light and night vision performance
  • •Proven reliability over 10+ years of continuous use—some users have had zero issues
  • •Backward compatible with older Arlo hubs, so you won't be forced into a costly ecosystem overhaul
  • •Flexible for any setting—apartments, homes, or farms—and might even help you score an insurance discount
  • •Trusted by Department of Defense reconnaissance professionals
  • •Outstanding customer service when you need support

Cons

  • •Battery connectors corrode when exposed to rain due to poor material quality
  • •Replacement housing bundles force you to buy a new battery too—repairs get expensive fast
  • •Mount design is inadequate and cameras frequently drop and point downward
  • •Remote access to recordings? That's locked behind a paid subscription after the trial expires
  • •Prone to false motion alerts in windy conditions or with unstable mounts
  • •The live feed app can be sluggish, which is frustrating when you need immediate visibility
  • •Despite being marketed as "outdoor," it's really better suited for indoor security
  • •Individual component repairs or upgrades are basically impossible without replacing the whole unit
  • •Only a 90-day warranty with limited support options after that
  • •No microphone or audio recording capabilities
Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money

How we researched this

About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.

Get ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers
Download ShopSavvy AppDownload ShopSavvy App

Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.

Install ShopSavvy Browser ExtensionInstall ShopSavvy Browser Extension

Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.