comparison Arlo vs Ring

Arlo Vs. Ring – Popular Security Cameras Compared

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Mathew R Reed
November 10, 2021
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Wireless security cameras have come a long way in a relatively short time.

Today there are hundreds of models from many brands, including some recognizable brands that are go-to options for reliability. The two most prominent bronze, arguably Ring and Arlo.

The two companies provide camera-based home security systems focusing on DIY home security. They have similar business models but differ significantly in their product lineups. This makes it easy to choose between them depending on your needs and preferences.

There are many differences in the features, installation, and pricing of home security systems. Arlo and Ring are both good options for home security systems.

They are renowned for creating some of the best smart home cameras to help you feel safer. Here is a discussion on Arlo vs. Ring to determine the best fit for your security system needs.

We base the comparison on several metrics to see which home security provider is best for my house.

Overview

ring and arlo security cam

Both Ring and Arlo are DIY companies that provide a high level of security without long contracts.

They are the biggest names dominating the home security market right now if you need security cameras and doorbells.

However, while both companies compete in the wireless security camera field, there are distinct differences between product offerings.

Arlo

Arlo was originally a brand of network equipment manufacturer and released their first camera in 2015.

They established themselves in the market and have been releasing new versions of their distinctive cameras. The company has focused on security cameras and has a different approach to market differentiation than Ring.

Ring

Ring launched the wireless video doorbell cameras in 2013. They redesigned the video doorbell camera that proved to be hugely successful.

This product established Ring as an actual player in the market. The brand capitalized on this success with a steady stream of new products by diversifying into security cameras, full home security systems, and smart lighting products.

Range

arlo vs ring range

Range refers to the number of cameras and video doorbells available from Ring and Arlo. Both brands offer plenty of choices, depending on your needs and preference.

Arlo

Arlo has top-of-the-range home security cameras powered by removable rechargeable batteries. The products are weatherproof, meaning you can use them indoors and outdoors.

Most of them require a base station that sits inside your home and connects to the internet. It provides a dedicated Wi-Fi network for the cameras to connect.

The products are an affordable range of full HD cameras that don’t require a base station. The battery-powered security cameras connect through Wi-Fi, making it easy to automate your house.

You get day and night-vision cameras. The floodlight and spotlight security cameras act as a security measure to illuminate when motion is detected while recording footage.

Ring

Ring focuses on video doorbells, with its range of doorbells wider than its line of home security cameras. The brand offers five video doorbells in a 1:1 aspect identical to Arlo’s video doorbells.

Some of the video doorbells are battery-operated or mains powered. They record in color full HD and bring a narrower field of view compared to the cameras. The batteries are in built rather than removable.

Other products include a smart alarm system with motion detection sensors, an optional outdoor siren, floodlight camera, spotlight camera, stick-up cameras, and entry-level cameras.

Installation

installation of arlo and ring

When looking for accessories and hardware needed to install a smart, the manufacturer’s shoot helps you out.

When comparing Arlo and Ring, both systems are simple to install on your own. Arlo and Ring have DIY installation meaning you don’t need a technician for professional installation.

Arlo

When installing any Arlo products by yourself, you will find the process quite easy.

The company allows for a DIY installation across the entire range of the products. Most Arlo products don’t require advanced DIY or professional skills to install

Ring

Some of the Ring products require professional assistance to install. This is because certain products require working with high-voltage electricity that can be dangerous for a DIY.

You may need to work with a professional when installing the product to be on the safe side.

Each of these companies has a simple installation process. They provide all the screws, mounts, and tools to make the installation as painless as possible. However,  Arlo emerges as a winner in the easy installation category.

Professional Monitoring

Comparing these home security systems in terms of professional monitoring enables you to decide on the best home security.  Consider factors such as the number of cameras in need and whether you need them to Central when to

Arlo

Arlo offers an e911 emergency service to alert police to the address registered in your Arlo app. This e011 service from Arlo only calls for help when you need it. This means their specialists don;y alert you if suspicious activity is detected.

Ring

Ring offers 24/7 professional monitoring and self-monitoring.

Ring’s Protect Plus Plan costs $10/month without a contract. The plan comes with all the basics of professional monitoring, including custom motion detection and instant alerts.

Ring is the winner in this category. Their 24/7 professional and self-monitoring gives them an edge over Arlo.

Home Automation

home security integration

Both Ring and Arlo cameras and doorbells integrate with voice assistants. You can use the best smart speakers to communicate with anyone in the camera’s field of view through audio and video capabilities.

Arlo

The Arlo cameras are compatible with popular home automation systems for mobiles and hands-free control.

The cameras work with Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assistant, and IFTTT for easy monitoring. All security cameras and video doorbells integrate with the voice commands.

Ring

Ring provides all smart features such as a spotlight Cam, floodlight Cam, ring doorbell, and smart lighting. The home security equipment buyers with several home automation products and brands, including Yale and Schlage.

Compared to Arlo, Ring only works with Amazon Alexa voice control. This is because Amazon purchased the company in 2018.

Arlo brand is the winner in home automation. They give their customers more smart Home compatibility options compared to Ring.

All home security cameras and video doorbells products integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with some devices offering Apple Homekit integration. The brand is the best choice for you if you look for smart cameras with home automation compatibility choices.

Price

When buying a Home Security System, you must keep in mind your budget. Let’s look at the price of the Arlo and Ring Home Security System to see which is the better option for you.

Arlo

Arlo’s most affordable security camera is the Essential Indoor camera that costs $99. Its outdoor cameras, such as the Arlo essential spotlight camera, are weatherproof and start at $99, while the wired doorbell is priced at $149.99.

The highest camera package costs $799.99  for three of Arlo’s most expensive cameras. The brand offers 2K cloud storage in its premium plan that ranges from $2.99 per month to $9.99 per month. The elite plan ranges from $4.99 to $14.99 per month for up to 5 cameras in 4K coverage.

Ring

Ring’s cameras are slightly more affordable than Arlo’s offering. The Ring indoor camera is the cheapest home security camera costing $59.99. The Ring outdoor security cameras range from $199.00 to $249.00.

If you like cloud storage, the basic plan starts at $3 per month. There is also a Plus Plan that costs $10 per month, including everything in the basic plan plus professional monitoring and extended warranty.

Arlo’s cameras’ cost balances with the cost of Ring’s storage, making this round a tie. These companies offer financing that allows you to spread the cost of equipment over several months or years.

Ring wins the category of cost and value if you’re looking for Total Home Security with entry sensors. The best thing about Ring is that you can purchase a base package and customize it to suit your needs.

Warranty

alexa compatibility arlo

Arlo

Arlo cameras come with a 1-year warranty for their hardware only. If you need to repair your camera, Arlo uses refurbished goods to fix it.

Sometimes the brand offers a three-month trial period to try their cloud storage options risk-free. However, Arlo doesn’t offer any guarantees on their products besides the 1-year warranty.

Ring

Ring also provides a one-year warranty on its camera products. This warranty covers customer satisfaction or products.

However, if you purchase the Ring Protect Plus monthly subscription plan, you get an extended warranty on all Ring products.

This warranty extends to the moment you unsubscribe from the Ring Protect Plan. The company also offers a 30-day trial period on the Ring Protect Plus plan when you buy your first camera or alarm.

The two brands are the same when compared in terms of the warranty. Both brands provide a standard one-year warranty on all their products. They also provide trial periods on their cloud storage services.

Customer support

Customers’ support is critical to virtually everything. The best home security system has a friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible customer support service at all times.

Arlo

Arlo has a helpful support center. The support section of their website provides a ton of various resources. You will find the FAQ resource and video tutorials on everything you want to know.

There is also a live chat option on the website if you have a question. When you type in your question in the chat window, there is a bot that promptly responds to your quest. If the bot can’t answer your question, it transfers you to a live agent.

The chat agents are ready to provide swift and precise answers to your questions. You will get a chat ID number for any future reference if you need it.

Ring

Most people find the customer service for Ring satisfactory. The company offers a comprehensive self-service help center that includes our helpful FAQ section.

You can reach out by live chat, email, or phone to speak with a customer service representative. However, customer service is a mixed bag, with some people feeling the service impersonal.

When Compared to Arlo, Ring’s support is not on a top level. The experience of calling their customer support or using the live chat option is not top-notch. It could do with some improvements.

Compared to the two companies, Arlo offers the quality of customer service better than Ring. The company gets great ratings all around for its customer service.

Final verdict

Arlo vs Ring conclusion

Both Ring and Arlo are two value-packed home security systems that protect your home in two different ways.

They offer a great way to monitor your property when you’re not around. From this review, these brands are effective and easy-to-use home security camera systems.

Ring has a more rounded security offering, thanks to the smart alarm and assisted monitoring service. The company offers the Ring Alarm Kit and indoor and outdoor cameras compared to Arlo that only sells security cameras.

If you’re looking for complete home security, Ring is the safe bet. It is your go-to system if you are looking for door and window sensors and motion detectors. The home automation features and integration are enough to make your home secure.

On the other hand,  Arlo is the best way if you’re looking to outfit your home with sophisticated security cameras. While you won’t have access to entry sensors, the smartphone features and integration, and video doorbell cameras can ward off burglars and package thieves.

Arlo offers more flexibility on where to position cameras using magnetic mounts and battery power. The cameras also offer a high resolution.

The choice between Arlo and Ring can be a tough one. Both of these cameras are reasonably priced and have good warranties. We will choose Ring over Arlo because you have more choices to have your home security system the way you want.

Ring provides an option between 24/7 professional monitoring and DIY or professional installation. It also offers a whole home security system with sensor motion, detection, and other essentials that pair with cameras and video doorbells.

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Mathew R Reed

Mathew R Reed is a professional gun seller who runs a dedicated gun store in the suburbs of Oakland, CA. A hardcore hunting enthusiast since childhood, Reed has ample experience with guns and accessories. He is the founder of ArmorHoldings.com and creates some of the most helpful gun-buying guides and explainers. If not in the gun shop, you can find him on the nearest hiking trail or nearby hunting spot.