- Last year, Arlo released its new home security system
and our viewers had a lot to say about the brand
and all of these changes.
If you want a longer, more detailed review,
check the link below
to the one written by our staff writer John Carlson,
because this is not that review.
Instead, I'm keeping it short and sweet, mwah.
This is what Arlo nailed and failed
with its home security system.
Let's get into it.
Arlo lands right in the middle of the pack for pricing.
It's professional monitoring cost 24.99 per month,
which is cheaper than starting prices
from the likes of ADT or Vivint,
but more expensive than SimpliSafe or Ring.
And while the Arlo Secure subscription stays affordable,
its gear has always been pricey, and this is no exception.
A 5- to 7-piece Arlo system can set you back up to $300,
and that's without cellular or battery backup added.
Thankfully, Arlo's Safe and Secure subscription
isn't just professional monitoring.
It also adds access to the Arlo Safe app
for personal and family safety, video verification,
faster emergency response,
and tax on those backup features for emergencies.
Without the secure subscription
you can still use the system and self-monitor,
but it probably won't scare anyone off.
In my tests I broke into my own house
to check on how this system works when it's armed
and I had an entire 60 seconds to grab whatever I wanted
before the panic alarm went off.
But that's all that happened.
I was notified through the Arlo App
but there was no way to call first responders
through Arlo without that subscription.
Basically that $24.99 per month
ends up getting some serious mileage
and compared to the likes of ADT and Vivint,
Arlo requires less of a commitment
without professional installers getting involved.
Arlo's equipment is classically expensive,
but it's also really good equipment
and Arlo nailed it again with this system,
especially the sensors.
Like every DIY home security system,
Arlo includes a couple small sensors
to pair with your system and spread around your home
and they're the real stars of the show.
These talented little devices
can conduct six different functions without a monthly fee.
This includes environmental conditions like temperature,
ambient light, tilt, and direction.
Of the two sensors that came with my system
one went on the front door to watch it open and close,
track motion in my living room, and temperature,
while the other went downstairs
to watch for leaks under my washing machine.
Both were easy to program when I set up the system
and I was able to toggle those extra functions
on and off as needed.
But these sensors don't get all the credit.
Arlo's keypad is also a multitasker
that can sense motion and listen for alarms.
It also allows for multiple programmable pins
for family members and visitors to use.
With those it's an easy way
to ID who's coming in and out of your house.
If I'm honest
these sensors are really the biggest thing
that sets Arlo's Security System apart from the rest.
More functions means less equipment for you to set up
and more ways to protect your home.
Arlo's app has changed a lot
since the dawn of its new system and these updated features.
I wasn't the only one to notice this either.
We saw several comments from viewers
who were disappointed with the layout, changes
and mentioned that the routines feature
was specifically frustrating.
One bone I'd personally like to pick
is the dashboard and devices pages in the app.
They look super similar
and their functions are kind of redundant,
all while there's essential stuff
buried several menus deep into the app.
Basically, it's Arlo's first go at a security system
and it kinda shows.
Hopefully this app will improve
as the system changes and Arlo updates things.
But for now, it's best to start your Arlo experience
by digging deep into the app
and familiarizing yourself with every little button.
So how did Arlo do
with its first attempt at a home security system?
Well, it needs some improvement.
The sensors are a great start.
Their multitasking
reduces the number of pieces in your system
and gives you more out of one tiny product.
This Arlo system is a good starter kit
for anyone interested in a multipurpose
DIY home security system,
but it's not for those who want to self-monitor.
I'm sure you don't want yet another subscription
added to your budget,
but $25 per month gets stretched a lot.
You can check out our full written review
of the Arlo Home Security system on safewise.com.
I've dropped the link to that below.
We've also got reviews on Arlo's cameras
and comparisons with other brands like it.
And if you're an Arlo user
or longtime or new, drop a comment below.
We would love to hear from you.
Thanks for watching and stay safe.