REVIEW – Netgear Arlo Smart Home Security System

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The product(s) featured in this post was provided to me free of cost as a Netgear Ambassador. This post has not been monetarily compensated. Please note that, as always, any personal opinions reflected in this post are my own.

Going back a couple of years someone broke into my car and stole my GPS unit. Less than two years ago a total stranger walked onto our property to my son’s bedroom window and started an inappropriate conversation. My son came and told me and we called the police. Ever since that day I have been wary. The feeling worsened when my neighbor saw someone try to break into their van a few months ago. The desire to stay safe and know what’s going on around my home has gotten stronger over the years. Finally this month I met Arlo, who can do help me deal with all of it and let me feel a bit safer.

Arlo is Arlo Smart Home, a security system from the folks at Netgear. Yes, that Netgear. You know, the tech people. I sold tons of their products when I was in computer sales. I have always considered the products that this brand makes to be reputable and user-friendly. As it turns out, Arlo is no exception.

The Arlo system starts at $199.99, complete. For that price you receive:

• Arlo Security System with 1 HD Camera (VMS3130)
• (1) HD, 100% wire-free, indoor/outdoor camera with night vision
• (1) Smart home base station with power adapter
• (1) Ethernet cable
• (2) Magnetic camera mounts
• (2) Mounting screws
• (4) Batteries
• (1) Quick start guide
• (1) Window decal

Now that’s the base system. There are three others, and the main difference between all of them is the number of cameras that they come with. The system supports up to four cameras.

I received the system with two cameras, which retails for $349.99.

The Arlo Smart Home system only takes about 15 minutes to set up. Installation is super easy! The box comes with everything you will need. First you plug the Arlo router into your home router and sync the cameras with the Arlo router.

The second step is to prepare the cameras for installation. The cameras require four lithium CR123 photo batteries (included) to operate. The batteries have an average life of 4-6 months. There is a battery monitor in the dashboard that lets you know when the battery is running low.

The third step is to download the Arlo app.

The fourth and final step is to install the Arlo cameras, which can be placed on a table or shelf or hung on a wall. That’s it! There are no wired required at all, except for the power able for the Arlo router and the ethernet cable that connects that to your home router. No cables are required to install the cameras. No power supply is required for the cameras. Installation is truly effortless!

Once your system is up and running you can see what’s going on in your Arlo dashboard, accessible either in the Arlo app or on your desktop. Besides being able to check in real-time, this is also where any recorded events are stored.

The events that are recorded are as a result of motion being detected. Alternatively, Arlo can be configured to record on a schedule of your choosing.

I set ours to notify me when motion has been detected. The screenshots below were taken from my Arlo Smart Home online dashboard, and they show some of the events that cause the motion detector to go off.

Going clockwise starting in the upper left there’s a car in front of the driveway and my Dad checking out one of the cameras, me getting into my truck, the school bus, the mailman, the UPS truck, cars across the street at night, and the garbage truck.

You can see all of the same info in the Arlo app on your phone.

Arlo uses an HD video system with a 300 foot range line of sight. The system can be used indoors or outdoors, or a combination of both. We installed ours outdoors and the night vision (which illuminates up to 25 feet) has helped keep us informed and feeling secure. The cameras have a 110 degree field of view.

Here’s a brief video from the initial announcement of Arlo’s release.

I love, love, love Arlo and recommend the system highly. I feel far more secure since we installed Arlo. We love it so much that we want to get an additional camera, so our whole home and lot will be covered.

How would Arlo Smart Home be most useful to you?

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Arlo Smart Home website – Arlo Smart Home on Facebook – Arlo Smart Home on Twitter