Arlo offers different types of cameras to (theoretically) help you keep an eye on your property. The Company’s products include outdoor, indoor and doorbell cameras, among others. On paper, they may seem like just what you’re looking for if you’re looking for a practical and reasonably priced security camera system. However, before investing in any of these products, you should familiarize yourself with common issues and complaints about Arlo cameras.
It is also worth noting that security cameras are not the only way to keep a property secure. While a robust camera system is worth considering, don’t overlook other steps you can take to protect your home, office, or similar location. It’s also important to think about what type of security you need and how your camera fits into it. Remember, when shopping for security cameras for your property, you’re more likely to get truly comprehensive protection if you research your options first.
Users complain that Arlo cameras often don’t do their job properly
In communities like Reddit’s r/arlo subreddit, users are discussing a variety of bugs that can all be summarized as follows: Arlo cameras are simply unreliable. According to users, when they have networks or systems with multiple Arlo cameras, it is almost guaranteed that at least one of them will have a problem.
Sometimes this means a user can’t view the footage because a camera didn’t turn on when it was supposed to, preventing it from capturing the footage in the first place. Or, if a camera captures video, the footage may lag by a few seconds, which can be frustrating. Image quality can also be very hit or miss.
However, in the name of fairness, it is important to understand that not all users of these discussions share these complaints. Some point out that while there seems to be an abundance of unhappy customers in the r/arlo subreddit, this may be because people inclined to post in such communities are more likely to have problems. These complaints shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand, but they also don’t necessarily mean you should treat them as representative of all Arlo customer experiences.
Arlo cameras have some inherent limitations that need to be considered
Arlo cameras are relatively flexible in some ways. For example, many are battery powered. This means a homeowner can place them in different locations throughout their property without having to install a hardwired installation.
On the other hand, this also means that it is necessary to keep an Arlo camera’s battery charged. Allowing the battery charge to drop below 25% may interfere with streaming video. For what it’s worth, a user on the r/arlo subreddit also states that anyone who wants true 4K quality from their footage should expect their device’s battery to last a maximum of 5 days. Professional reviews indicate that the battery will actually last three to six months before it begins to degrade significantly, but that’s still a short lifespan. So keeping a camera battery charged can become a regular source of frustration.
Minimal battery charge can also prevent a camera from maintaining a consistent Wi-Fi connection. This brings up another limitation of Arlo cameras: they must be installed within range of their Wi-Fi network to work properly. Although cameras technically offer the flexibility of being wireless, this feature can significantly restrict where an owner can place them. This may be one of the reasons why a user on the r/arlo subreddit insists that cameras are only really useful for small apartments and properties. For more information on these types of issues, look at the differences between wired and wireless security cameras.
Arlo cameras may not be particularly durable or long-lasting
On the Arlo Community Support forum, several users say their cameras start having problems starting around two or three years old. Again, these complaints aren’t universal, but they are common enough to be worth considering when looking at security camera options. In general, Arlo cameras are known for not lasting as long as those from other brands, which means they may not be a wise financial investment.
In the various Reddit threads cited above, many users explain that they stayed loyal to the brand for as long as they did, mainly due to the sunk cost fallacy: essentially, they didn’t want to accept that they had spent a lot of money on devices and subscription fees only to realize that their money would have been better spent on a different security solution.
The design and durability of Arlo cameras also tend to prioritize convenience and a relatively affordable price. Aside from high-end models, they aren’t necessarily built to withstand harsh conditions, and anything outside of normal weather conditions can interfere with their performance.
A general review of customer complaints and professional reviews indicates that Arlo cameras can be a good choice for monitoring a small property, keeping an eye on pets or farm animals, and other similar tasks. As such, they may be perfectly acceptable for your needs. Or, you may think you should find something more reliable, especially if you own a large property. If you’re still considering your options, at least make sure you know which specific security camera models to avoid.
