Arlo Pro 4 vs. Arlo Ultra 2 Review 2022

The Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra 2 have fairly similar features, but the Ultra ii is fancier (and more expensive)

Mindy Woodall

Managing Editor, Home Security & Smart Abode

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The Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Ultra 2 are both smart outdoor security cameras, but the Pro iv is a slightly less fancy version of the Ultra 2. These two cameras have very similar features, just the Arlo Ultra two has slightly more than features to offer than the Arlo Pro 4.

That said, the Arlo Ultra ii does toll a lot more for the upgrades and nosotros don't remember you need to pay the college cost for the Ultra two when the Pro 4 would piece of work just fine. Despite its minorly downgraded specs, the Pro 4 actually has some benefits over the Ultra 2—and you can become it for cheaper.

Arlo Pro 4

Pros

  • No hub required

  • Longer bombardment life than the Ultra 2

  • Cheaper than the Ultra 2

Arlo Ultra 2

Pros

  • 4K resolution

  • Wireless installation

  • Local storage option

  • Dual mic for better sound

Cons

  • Shorter battery life than the Pro 4

  • Pricey

Arlo Pro four vs. Arlo Ultra 2: Toll

The winner: Arlo Pro 4 is substantially cheaper than the Ultra 2

The Arlo Pro 4 costs less than the Arlo Ultra 2 by like ... a lot. You'll pay three hundred dollars less for a single Arlo Pro four camera than you would for the standard two-camera kit you get with the Arlo Ultra ii.

You can purchase a single Arlo Ultra 2 security photographic camera, only information technology still costs almost $100 more than the Arlo Pro four photographic camera, and y'all tin't employ the Ultra 2 without an Arlo SmartHub. (The Arlo Pro iv doesn't need a hub.)

Arlo Pro 4 vs. Arlo Ultra ii price comparison

Amazon.com List Prices as of 6/2/2021 11:08 PST. Full disclaimer

Arlo Pro 4 pricing

The Arlo Pro four is however kind of a pricey cam at almost $200 for a single outdoor security photographic camera. Just Arlo packs a lot of features into the Pro four, and we think the toll is fair for what you get.

Arlo Pro 4 camera kit pricing

Amazon.com List Prices as of half-dozen/2/2021 11:08 PST.

We also like that the Arlo Pro 4 doesn't require an Arlo SmartHub. Previous models of the Arlo Pro security cameras, including the Arlo Pro two and Arlo Pro three, required the SmartHub to piece of work, only the Arlo Pro 4 lets you skip it.

You can nevertheless use the Arlo SmartHub with your Pro 4 camera if y'all want to. And the SmartHub has some perks, namely local storage. You tin shop video recordings and footage locally on the SmartHub without relying on Arlo's cloud storage service.

3 Arlo Pro 4 cameras in a row

Because most of Arlo's other security cameras require the SmartHub, you commonly accept to buy them in multi-camera kits. The fact that you lot tin buy a single Arlo Pro 4 camera without a hub saves yous some coin over previous Arlo Pro editions (and over the Arlo Ultra ii).

Arlo Ultra ii pricing

Unlike the Arlo Pro four, the Arlo Ultra two requires an Arlo SmartHub to piece of work. If y'all already have a SmartHub, then y'all tin can connect an add-on Ultra 2 photographic camera to your existing hub. Simply if you don't have a hub, and so you'll need to purchase the Arlo Ultra 2 as part of a two-camera kit.

Arlo Ultra 2 kit cost comparison

Amazon.com Listing Prices (as of 6/2/2021 11:08 PST)

Nosotros know information technology'due south weird that Arlo doesn't sell the Ultra two every bit part of a one-camera kit, but that'southward how it rolls. If you desire merely one security camera, you lot tin cheat the system and purchase an add-on photographic camera and a SmartHub separately. That method can potentially save y'all virtually $100 over buying the two-camera kit. It's just kind of a hassle.

Arlo Ultra 2 camera

Keep in mind that Arlo makes a few dissimilar models of hubs. If you want to purchase a hub and Ultra two camera separately, double-bank check that the SmartHub yous're looking at is uniform with the Arlo Ultra ii. Arlo releases new versions of its cameras what feels like one time a year. And the one-time stuff doesn't e'er work with the new models.

Proceed in mind that Arlo makes a few different models of hubs. If you want to buy a hub and Ultra ii camera separately, double-bank check that the SmartHub you're looking at is compatible with the Arlo Ultra 2. Arlo releases new versions of its cameras what feels like once a year. And the erstwhile stuff doesn't ever piece of work with the new models.

Arlo Smart subscription plans

Whether you go the Arlo Pro four or the Arlo Ultra 2, you're going to want to sign up for an Arlo Smart subscription programme. You don't have to, only without an Arlo Smart plan, the cameras aren't worth it.

Arlo Smart subscription plan comparing

Plan Arlo Smart Premier Arlo Smart Aristocracy
Price for unmarried photographic camera

$two.99

/mo

$4.99

/mo

Price for upward to 5 cameras

$9.99

/mo

$14.99

/mo

Max resolution 2K 4K*
Cloud storage 30 days 30 days
Smart alerts People, packages, vehicles, animals People, packages, vehicles, animals
Customizable activity zones Yes Yes
Emergency call service Yes Yep
Learn more than

Data effective as of half dozen/2/21. Offers subject to alter.

* 4K resolution is available on Arlo Ultra Pro ii but not on Arlo Pro 4.

You lot need an Arlo Smart Plan to get full 2K resolution (with the Arlo Pro 4) or total 4K resolution (with the Arlo Ultra two). An Arlo Smart plan likewise grants yous admission to Arlo's AI technology, which tells your security cameras the difference between a car driving down the street, a package on your porch, and the neighborhood cat.

We can't emphasize plenty how nifty smart alerts are. Almost move-detector security cameras tin't tell the difference between your spouse and a squirrel. Just Arlo security cameras can tell you lot correct in the notification whether they see a person, package, vehicle, or animal. It'southward awesome.

Arlo Pro 4 vs. Arlo Ultra ii: Features

The Arlo Ultra 2 technically has better features, but yous sacrifice internet bandwidth and battery life

The Arlo Ultra 2 technically has better features than the Arlo Pro 4, but it'south not a huge divergence. The Ultra 2 records in higher resolution (4K vs. 2K), and has a wider field of view, only honestly, that'south about it. The biggest difference is definitely the Ultra two's fancy 4K resolution, which puts the clear in "crystal articulate."

Arlo Pro four vs. Arlo Ultra two features

Photographic camera Arlo Pro 4 Arlo Ultra 2
Resolution 2K with HDR 4K with HDR
Digital zoom 12x digital zoom 12x digital zoom
Field of view 160º 180º
Operating temperature -4º to 110º F (-20º to 45º C) -4º to 110º F (-20º to 45º C)
Night vision Color night vision (with spotlight) Color night vision (with spotlight)
Power source Battery-powered Battery-powered
Requires SmartHub No Yes
Move detection Yes Yes
Built-in spotlight Yes Yes
Built-in siren Yeah Yes
Automobile track and zoom Yep Yeah
Two-way audio with noise cancellation Yes Yeah
Customizable move zones Yes Yes
Learn more

Data effective as of 6/2/21. Offers subject to change.

Nosotros tested the Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Ultra adjacent, and while the 4K resolution is fun, information technology's not necessary.

The Ultra two doesn't take amazingly amend video than the Arlo Pro 4, and the 4K resolution puts a bigger burden on both your internet connectedness and the camera'south battery. Our Arlo Pro Ultra ii battery died twice in one month while the Arlo Pro 4 was withal going potent.

Arlo Pro 4 vs. Arlo Ultra 2: User experience

The winner: Arlo Pro four. These cameras piece of work virtually the aforementioned, but the Pro four has a longer battery life

The user experience with these two cameras is similar. With the Ultra 2, yous take to install the Arlo SmartHub offset and then sync the cameras with information technology.

With the Arlo Pro 4, you get to skip the hub installation. But otherwise, these security cameras are nearly the aforementioned. They utilize the same Arlo app, they take the same setting options, and they transport the same types of alerts.

Arlo Ultra 2 on a fence

The Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Ultra 2 also both have built-in spotlights and built-in sirens. The spotlights are useful because they turn on automatically when the camera detects motion.

The calorie-free makes information technology easier to see when y'all're walking through your chiliad, and information technology helps the camera record improve quality footage at dark. Both the Pro four and the Ultra 2 accept standard night vision, but the built-in spotlight lets the cameras tape in color instead of the usual black-and-white night vision quality.

Arlo Pro four vs. Arlo Ultra 2: Customer service

Both these cameras have the aforementioned client support from Arlo

Because both of these cameras are from Arlo, they take exactly the aforementioned customer back up resources. Arlo has an online support and noesis base that tin can answer questions, help you lot troubleshoot issues, and tell you how to adjust your camera settings.

If y'all need a real person, you can reach out to Arlo over the phone, through live chat, or by posting in Arlo's community forums. You can besides submit a example if you take an issue that's covered past Arlo's one-yr warranty.

Arlo client service telephone number: 1-408-638-3750

We love that Arlo has so many ways to admission support resources, but some customers still don't seem to have great experiences with the company. Arlo has a measly 1.3 stars on Trustpilot, albeit with less than 200 customer reviews.one Most of the negative reviews seem to focus on Arlo cameras' build quality and battery life.

Arlo Pro 4 vs. Arlo Ultra 2: Epitomize

The Arlo Ultra two technically has better features than the Pro 4, only nosotros don't think they're worth paying the Ultra two'southward college price. The Arlo Pro 4 works about exactly the same every bit the Ultra 2, and it doesn't require a SmartHub.

  • Price: Arlo Pro 4. The Arlo Pro 4 costs a lot less than the Arlo Ultra 2, and you get near the same features.
  • Features and installation: Tie. The Arlo Ultra 2 has slightly meliorate features, just the 4K resolution takes upwardly more internet bandwidth and strains the battery.
  • User feel: Arlo Pro 4. These security cameras piece of work almost exactly the aforementioned, merely the Arlo Pro 4 doesn't need a hub and its battery lasts longer.
  • Customer service: Necktie. These are both Arlo cameras, then they're backed upwardly past the verbal same support resources.

Want to bank check out an even cheaper Arlo security photographic camera? Read our Arlo Essential Review.

Arlo Pro iv vs. Arlo Ultra 2 camera comparison

Amazon.com List Prices equally of six/2/2021 xi:08 PST.

* Local storage available with optional SmartHub.

Methodology

We assess 5 different criteria to gauge home security cameras:

  • Cost
  • Equipment
  • Home automation
  • Cameras
  • Client service

Nosotros tested the Arlo Ultra ii and the Arlo Pro 4 cameras side by side for over a month before writing this review. We assessed features, video quality, battery life, and net speeds while using these cameras to find out if the Ultra ii is ultimately worth the higher cost or non.

Arlo Pro 4 vs. Arlo Ultra 2 cameras: FAQ

Does the Arlo Ultra 2 require a hub?

Yeah, the Arlo Ultra ii requires an Arlo SmartHub to work. The SmartHub connects to your internet network and so the Ultra ii cameras sync with the SmartHub. The Arlo SmartHub also enables local storage. You can insert a microSD bill of fare into the SmartHub to shop video footage outside of the deject.

Does the Arlo Pro 4 crave a hub?

No, the Arlo Pro 4 doesn't need an Arlo SmartHub. Information technology's the start Arlo Pro photographic camera that doesn't require a hub to work.

You can employ an Arlo SmartHub with the Arlo Pro 4 camera if you want admission to local storage, but you don't need i.

Does the Arlo Ultra 2 or Arlo Pro 4 accept a better bombardment life?

The bombardment life depends on a few different factors including how ofttimes motion is detected, the number of times the microphones and speakers are used, and how often the siren or spotlight is needed.

The Arlo Ultra 2 technically has better features, only the 4K resolution uses more cyberspace bandwidth and strains the bombardment. The Arlo Pro 4 works almost exactly the same, simply it doesn't need a hub and its battery lasts a lot longer.

Practice Arlo cameras require a subscription?

No, you lot don't technically demand a subscription to use Arlo cameras. Merely without an Arlo Smart subscription, Arlo cameras aren't worth the cost. Y'all need a subscription programme if you desire access to Arlo cameras' best features, including 2K or 4K resolution, cloud storage, and smart alerts.

Do Arlo cameras have local storage?

Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra cameras accept local storage through the Arlo SmartHub. You tin can insert a microSD card into the SmartHub to enable local storage.

Do Arlo cameras record 24/7?

Some Arlo cameras tin tape 24/7, including the Arlo Pro iv and the Arlo Ultra 2. But y'all have to subscribe to a different monthly plan than the regular Arlo Smart subscription before yous tin can enable 24/7 recording.

Arlo's Continuous Video Recording (CVR) plan costs $9.99 per month for 14 days' worth of recording or $19.99 per month for thirty days' worth of recording.

Sources

i. Trustpilot, "Arlo." Accessed June 2, 2021.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon.com. This content is provided "as is" and is subject area to change or removal at whatever time. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any cost and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Reviews.org utilizes paid Amazon links.

Mindy Woodall

Written by

Mindy Woodall

Mindy has been writing nigh technology for vii years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps runway of the latest robot gadgets. Mindy attended the University of Utah and her work has been featured on the likes of Parents.com, Digital Care, Hostfully, and more.

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