ReviewFinder Smart Doorbells

Arlo Essential Wire-Free

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12 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [12]

83
Total expert reviews: 12
  • with a score: 11
  • without a score: 1
Highest score by techguide.com.au
95
Average score based on 12 reviews
83
Lowest score by hardwarezone.com.sg
75

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell is a highly regarded product that offers flexibility in power source options, superior video and audio capabilities, flexible storage options, and durability, making it a highly recommended choice for users who prioritize convenience and high-quality video capture.

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell is a highly regarded product that offers flexibility in power source options, making it suitable for different use cases. It can be connected to existing doorbell wiring for uninterrupted functionality or used with its built-in rechargeable battery for a wire-free installation.

The battery life, lasting up to six months, is impressive compared to other battery-powered doorbells on the market.

The video and audio capabilities of the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Doorbell receive positive reviews. It offers a high video resolution of 1536 x 1536 pixels, providing sharp and detailed footage. The 1:1 aspect ratio and 180-degree field of view offer a wide perspective, allowing users to see more of their surroundings and anyone approaching the door.

The night vision capabilities ensure clear video footage even in low-light or dark conditions.

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free is highly regarded for its superior video quality and audio capabilities. It captures clear and detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to its high-resolution sensor and HDR feature. The doorbell is suitable for users who prioritize sharp and detailed footage, wide field of view, night vision capabilities, and high-quality video capture in various lighting conditions.

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free offers two storage options for recorded footage: cloud storage and local storage. With an Arlo Smart plan subscription, users can access 30 days of video history and enjoy 2K recording. Alternatively, users can opt for local storage by connecting the doorbell to an Arlo Smart Hub with an attached USB storage drive.

This provides a physical backup of videos, giving users control over their video storage without the need for a subscription.

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell is designed to be durable and withstand various weather conditions. It is weather-resistant and certified to handle extreme temperatures, rain, and other harsh weather conditions. Reviewers have mentioned using the doorbell for weeks or months without any issues, suggesting its reliability and durability for everyday use.

Overall, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell is a highly recommended product that offers flexibility in power source options, superior video and audio capabilities, flexible storage options, and durability. It is suitable for users who prioritize convenience, sharp and detailed footage, wide field of view, night vision capabilities, and high-quality video capture in various lighting conditions.

Power source

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell offers the flexibility of connecting to existing wiring or using a built-in rechargeable battery, with a battery life of up to six months.

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell offers two power source options: connecting it to existing doorbell wiring or using the built-in rechargeable battery. If power is available, connecting it to existing wiring ensures a continuous power supply. On the other hand, the built-in battery provides a wire-free installation option.

The battery life of the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Doorbell can vary depending on usage. Arlo claims it can last up to six months on a single charge, but reviewers have reported a range of two to three months with heavy usage. Factors such as frequent activations, motion detection, live view, and the number of notifications received can impact battery life.

Warmer temperatures tend to extend battery life, while colder temperatures may slightly reduce it.

Overall, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Doorbell provides flexibility in power source options, making it suitable for different use cases. It can be connected to existing wiring for a continuous power supply, ideal for users who want uninterrupted functionality. Alternatively, the built-in battery allows for a wire-free installation, making it convenient for those without existing doorbell wiring or who prefer a simpler setup.

The battery life, lasting up to six months, is impressive compared to other battery-powered doorbells on the market.

What are the power source options for the Arlo Essential Wire-Free?

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell offers two power source options. According to various product reviews, you can either connect it to an existing doorbell wiring for a continuous power supply or use the built-in rechargeable battery for a wire-free installation. If there is power available, you can easily connect the doorbell to the existing doorbell wiring. This option ensures a continuous power supply to the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Doorbell. Alternatively, if you don't have existing doorbell wiring or prefer a wire-free installation, you can rely on the built-in rechargeable battery. The battery is designed to last up to six months per charge, according to Arlo's claims. However, in practical use, it may last around two months with frequent notifications, as mentioned in one of the product reviews. Overall, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Doorbell provides flexibility in power source options, allowing you to choose the most suitable method based on your specific needs and preferences.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

If the Arlo Essential Wire-Free is battery-powered, how long do the batteries last?

According to various product reviews, the battery life of the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell can vary depending on usage. Arlo claims that the battery can last up to six months on a single charge. However, multiple reviewers have reported that the actual battery life can range from two to three months with heavy usage, such as frequent activations, motion detection, and live view. It's worth noting that the number of notifications received can also impact battery life. Warmer temperatures are likely to extend the battery life, while colder temperatures may reduce it slightly. Additionally, adjusting various features and settings can help prolong the battery life. Overall, the battery life of the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell can be quite impressive, especially compared to other battery-powered doorbells on the market.
Based on 9 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Video and Audio

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell receives positive reviews for its high-resolution video, wide field of view, night vision capabilities, and superior audio quality.

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell receives positive reviews for its video and audio capabilities. It offers a maximum video resolution of 1536 x 1536 pixels, which is higher than many other security cameras on the market. This resolution provides sharp and detailed footage, allowing users to see objects like doormats and bricks in the path.

The 1:1 aspect ratio of the resolution also provides a wide field of view.

The doorbell offers a generous 180-degree field of view, the largest among video doorbells tested by experts. This wide angle allows users to see more of their surroundings and provides a better view of anyone approaching the door.

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Doorbell also offers night vision capabilities, allowing for clear video footage even in low-light or dark conditions. This ensures that users can monitor their front door and capture any activity or motion during the night.

In terms of video quality, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free receives praise for its clarity and sharpness. The high-resolution sensor captures clear and detailed images, even in the back of the picture. The camera's extra resolution compared to rivals allows for clear and sharp video, especially during the day.

The HDR feature balances out scenes when lighting is uneven, resulting in high-quality video capture, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Overall, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free is highly regarded for its superior video quality and audio capabilities. It is suitable for users who prioritize sharp and detailed footage, wide field of view, night vision capabilities, and high-quality video capture in various lighting conditions.

What is the maximum video resolution offered by the Arlo Essential Wire-Free?

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free offers a maximum video resolution of 1536 x 1536 pixels, as mentioned in the product reviews on Digital Camera World and TechRadar. This resolution is higher than many other security cameras on the market and provides sharp and detailed footage. The unique 1:1 aspect ratio of the resolution also allows for a wide field of view, enabling you to see details such as the doormat and even the bricks in your path, as mentioned in the Digital Camera World review.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the field of view provided by the Arlo Essential Wire-Free?

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell offers a generous 180-degree field of view, according to multiple verified product experts on ReviewFinder. This is the largest viewing angle of any video doorbell tested by the experts, providing a wide perspective of what's happening at your doorstep. For comparison, the previous best doorbell pick, the Nest Hello, offered a 160-degree field of view. The wide angle allows you to see more of your surroundings and provides a better view of anyone approaching your door.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Arlo Essential Wire-Free offer night vision capabilities?

Yes, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Doorbell does offer night vision capabilities. According to the product reviews on Reviewed and TechRadar, it has night vision that allows for clear video footage even in low-light or dark conditions. This feature ensures that you can monitor your front door and capture any activity or motion during the night.
Based on 6 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the video quality in terms of clarity and sharpness provided by the Arlo Essential Wire-Free?

According to multiple product reviews, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free offers excellent video quality in terms of clarity and sharpness. The high-resolution sensor captures footage with clear and detailed images, even into the back of the picture. The camera's extra resolution compared to rivals allows for clear and sharp video, especially during the day. The 1:1 image frame aspect ratio also provides a more useful view for objects closer to the camera, which is ideal for a doorbell. The resolution can go up to 1536 x 1536, resulting in sharp details, including the ability to see objects like the doormat or even bricks in the path. The HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature ensures that even in challenging lighting conditions, such as direct sunlight on the front door, the video quality remains excellent. Overall, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free is praised for its superior video quality compared to many other security cameras and video doorbells.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Arlo Essential Wire-Free offer HDR (High Dynamic Range) video?

Yes, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free does offer HDR (High Dynamic Range) video. According to a product review on Reviewed, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free records HDR video in a 1:1 format, which provides a clear and detailed viewing experience. The HDR feature allows the camera to balance out scenes when lighting is uneven, resulting in high-quality video capture. This is particularly useful for capturing details in both bright and dark areas of the video.
Based on 10 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Storage options

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free offers both cloud and local storage options for recorded footage, allowing users to choose between convenience and physical backup.

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free offers two storage options for recorded footage: cloud storage and local storage. With a subscription to an Arlo Smart plan, users can access 30 days of video history and enjoy 2K recording for a single camera. This allows for convenient access to recorded footage from anywhere using the Arlo app on mobile devices.

Alternatively, users can opt for local storage by connecting the Arlo Essential Wire-Free to an Arlo Smart Hub with an attached USB storage drive. This provides a physical backup of videos, but it's important to note that monitoring these backups from a phone is not possible. Users would need to physically remove the microSD card and view it on another device.

In terms of local storage capacity, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free supports microSD cards of various sizes, allowing users to choose the desired storage capacity. This gives users control over their video storage without the need for an Arlo Smart subscription.

For cloud storage, the specific storage capacity is not mentioned in the available information, but it is stated that video recordings can be securely saved online for up to 30 days with an Arlo Smart subscription. This allows users to go back and view the recordings at a later date on their smartphones or tablets using the Arlo app.

Overall, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free provides flexible storage options for recorded footage, catering to both convenience and physical backup needs. The choice between cloud storage and local storage depends on the user's preferences and specific use cases. Cloud storage offers accessibility and remote access to footage, while local storage provides a physical backup and potential cost savings on subscriptions.

What storage options are available for recorded footage with the Arlo Essential Wire-Free?

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free offers two storage options for recorded footage. 1. Cloud Storage: By subscribing to an Arlo Smart plan, which costs $2.99 per month, you can access 30 days of video history and enjoy 2K recording for a single camera. This means that your recorded footage will be stored securely in the cloud, allowing you to access it from anywhere using the Arlo app on your phone or other devices. 2. Local Storage (with Arlo Smart Hub): If you have an Arlo Smart Hub with an attached USB storage drive, you have the option to store your recorded footage locally. This means that the footage will be saved directly to the USB drive connected to the Smart Hub, providing a physical backup of your videos. It's important to note that if you connect the Arlo Essential Wire-Free to an Arlo hub, you can use the local storage option to record to microSD. However, according to the Pocket-lint review, there is no way to monitor those backups from your phone. You would have to physically remove the microSD card and view it on another device. Ultimately, the choice between cloud storage and local storage depends on your preferences and needs. Cloud storage offers convenience and accessibility, while local storage provides a physical backup and potentially saves on subscription costs.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the local storage capacity for the Arlo Essential Wire-Free?

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Doorbell supports local video storage on a microSD card when connected to an Arlo hub. However, the specific local storage capacity depends on the size of the microSD card you use. You can choose a microSD card with the desired storage capacity, such as 32GB, 64GB, or even higher, to store your recorded videos locally. This allows you to have control over your video storage without the need for an Arlo Smart subscription.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

How much storage capacity is available for cloud storage with the Arlo Essential Wire-Free if cloud storage is available?

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Smart Doorbell offers cloud storage for video recordings. According to the reviews, if you have an Arlo Smart subscription, video recorded by the doorbell will be saved securely online for up to 30 days. This means you can go back and view the recordings at a later date on your smartphone or tablet. However, it's important to note that the specific storage capacity for cloud storage is not mentioned in the available information.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Can the recorded footage be accessed remotely from a mobile device with the Arlo Essential Wire-Free?

Yes, the recorded footage from the Arlo Essential Wire-Free can be accessed remotely from a mobile device. According to the product review on TechRadar, if you have an Arlo Smart subscription, the video recorded by the doorbell will be saved securely online for up to 30 days. This means you can go back and view the footage at a later date on your smartphone or tablet using the Arlo app. The app is user-friendly and allows you to navigate through your Arlo devices, review recorded footage, and launch a live feed from the selected device.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell is a durable and weather-resistant device that can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions, making it reliable for everyday use.

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell is designed to be durable and withstand various weather conditions. It is weather-resistant and certified to handle extreme temperatures, rain, and other harsh weather conditions. While there is no specific information available on its durability, reviewers have mentioned using the doorbell for weeks or months without any issues.

This suggests that the Arlo Essential Wire-Free is built to be reliable and durable for everyday use. Whether it's protecting your home from heat, cold, rain, or sun, this video doorbell is designed to handle the elements and keep your home safe and secure.

What materials are used in the construction of the Arlo Essential Wire-Free?

The specific materials used in the construction of the Arlo Essential Wire-Free are not mentioned in the available information. However, it is mentioned that the doorbell is weather-resistant and certified to withstand various weather conditions like heat, cold, rain, or sun. This suggests that the materials used are durable and suitable for outdoor use.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Arlo Essential Wire-Free designed to withstand extreme weather conditions?

Yes, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. It is weather-resistant and can withstand both hot and cold temperatures, making it suitable for use in various climates. It is also built to be durable and can handle rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions. However, it's important to note that while the doorbell is designed to be weather-resistant, it may not be completely waterproof. According to the product review on livingetc.com, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell is built to handle the elements and keep your home safe and secure.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Arlo Essential Wire-Free perform in terms of durability?

According to the product experts in our database, there is no specific information available on the durability of the Arlo Essential Wire-Free. However, it is worth noting that the device is designed to be weather-resistant, which means it should be able to withstand outdoor conditions. Additionally, some reviewers have mentioned that they have been using the doorbell for several weeks or months without any issues. While we don't have specific durability ratings or tests, it seems that the Arlo Essential Wire-Free is built to be durable and reliable for everyday use.
Based on 8 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Best Alternatives

3 best smart doorbells in the same price range as Arlo Essential Wire-Free

Scroll to see all options. Click on the smart doorbell for more details.
Arlo Essential Wired Lorex LNWDB1 Google Nest Hello
Reviews
In comparison:
Arlo Essential Wired rank #5 out of 44.
Go to rankings
7.3
Good
Reviews
In comparison:
Lorex LNWDB1 rank #14 out of 44.
Go to rankings
5.7
Average
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Google Nest Hello
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Lorex LNWDB1 Smart Doorbell offers reliable power options, high-quality video and audio, local storage, and durability in various weather conditions, making it a suitable choice for users. The Google Nest Hello smart doorbell is highly praised for its video and audio capabilities, offering clear footage, wide field of view, night vision, and reliable communication with visitors, making it one of the best options on the market.
More product details More product details More product details
Smart Doorbells above are offered because they are in the same price range as Arlo Essential Wire-Free. To browse more budget and premium smart doorbells go to our smart doorbell ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all smart doorbells.

Rank Change Price Smart Doorbell
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
Digital Trends
Wirecutter
Reviews.org
Security
Consumer Reports
PCMag
SafeWise
CNET
1
- $140
Google Nest Doorbell (battery)
7
4
1
-
-
-
-
8
1
2
2
- $230
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
3
6
3
-
-
1
-
-
-
3
3
- $87
Google Nest Hello
5
-
-
1
1
3
-
-
-
-
4
+1 $90
Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen
-
-
5
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
Show all rows
Arlo Essential Wire-Free ranks #16 out of 16 in this month's ranking:
Wireless video doorbell with package detection
14 Mar 2024 (1 month ago)
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4 Mar 2024 (2 months ago)
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Highest recommended smart doorbells this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. smart doorbells below are at the top of our ranking this May.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the smart doorbell for more details.
Google Nest Doorbell (battery) Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Google Nest Hello Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen
Reviews
In comparison:
Google Nest Doorbell (battery) rank #1 out of 44. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.3
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 rank #2 out of 44. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.1
Great
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Google Nest Hello
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen
The Google Nest Doorbell (battery) offers flexible power options, good video quality, and durable construction, making it a reliable choice for enhancing home security. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a wired-only doorbell with impressive video and audio capabilities, flexible storage options, and durable construction, making it a recommended choice for users with existing wiring and a desire for detailed footage and remote communication with visitors. The Google Nest Hello smart doorbell is highly praised for its video and audio capabilities, offering clear footage, wide field of view, night vision, and reliable communication with visitors, making it one of the best options on the market.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
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