NETGEAR’s recent wireless camera product, the Arlo Pro 2, has been making waves in the surveillance camera world ever since it was launched in 2017. It is notable that Arlo has established itself as a name for its reliable range of surveillance camera systems over the years. The second-generation Arlo camera comes with better video resolution, motion detection, and easier installation.

While Arlo cameras are known for being the world’s first 100% wire-free, weatherproof security cameras, the Arlo Pro 2 prizes itself amongst the rest for its customisable features that makes it ideal for different households and organisations to personalize the Arlo Pro 2 to suit each unique needs.

Design, Packaging, and Installation

Inconspicuous and discreet in design, the Arlo Pro 2 spots an all-over white finish that is ideal for continuous video detection. The starter kit’s packaging comes with two Arlo Pro 2 security cameras and a base station. Users will have to sign up for a free account on Arlo Smart – which comes with the Basic plan – and an upgrade to a Premier or Elite plan has additional benefits. For instance, each account can connect up to five cameras for the free user, but a plan upgrade enables users to connect up to 15 cameras with a single account.

Users should note that the Arlo app is required to install the cameras as Arlo Pro 2 cameras currently cannot be installed via Arlo’s website. I highly recommend downloading the Arlo app anyway as the mobile app makes it more convenient to access the camera’s functions remotely.

With Arlo Smart, users will be able to allow these features to be activated on their cameras: Package Detection, Animal Detection, Person Detection and Vehicle Detection. These features will enable the user to receive real-time notifications and updates for a productive surveillance experience.

Environmental Versatility

The Arlo Pro 2 can be used both indoors and outdoors and can be operated whilst plugged in or wire-free. This allows the Arlo Pro 2 to be rather portable, although I would advise users to secure the device with screws if you would be using the Arlo Pro 2 over a prolonged period of time at a specific location. The adhesive given in the packaging would not be sufficient, as the Arlo Pro 2 has fallen once from its adhesive during the review test of this product.

Besides that, the Arlo Pro 2 can be positioned just about anywhere – rain or shine – to help you keep a vigilant eye on the home or business environment. If you are using the Arlo Pro 2 extensively for outdoor surveillance, you may want to consider purchasing the Arlo Solar Panel to minimise having to charge your batteries manually.

Added Security and Privacy

Equipped with the Arlo system that is ubiquitous across all Arlo devices, the Arlo Pro 2 is designed to maintain the highest level of security to keep videos private and secure in the cloud.

Some of these measures include AES encryption – the same encryption method that financial institutions use to safeguard user data. The AES-128 bit encryption and Transport Layer Security (TLS) ensure that your Arlo camera videos are secure to and from the Arlo camera and base station.

In addition, Arlo has also incorporated various security measures, such as strict password requirements, account authentication over a secure HTTPS connection, and limiting login attempts to five, which helps to prevent unauthorised logins and eavesdropping.

Built-In Alarm & Storage

The Arlo Pro 2 includes many functions that enable its users to keep track of the environment whilst at work or play. For instance, the Activity Zones function allows users to highlight areas in the camera’s view where they wish to receive motion and sound alerts. This way, parents, for example, will know when their children are about to enter or leave the house.

The security camera’s two-way audio also enables users to maintain communication via their smartphones. If parents have caught their kids who are about to commit a dangerous act, they can simply warn them via the function on the Arlo mobile app.

The built-in alarm is not only useful for deterring intruders, but it can also be used to alert neighbours if parents notice that their children require urgent help. Users can also utilise the scheduling and geo-fencing function to start recording only during their working hours and to prevent receiving notifications while they are within the cameras’ premises as well.

With Arlo Pro 2’s cloud storage which offers up to seven days’ worth of free video recording, users would also have no worries when it comes to reviewing their surveillance videos. Alternatively, users may also back-up the video recordings onto an external device by connecting the security cameras via its USB port.

Conclusion

The Arlo Pro 2 is yet another great addition to Arlo’s offerings of surveillance cameras. The external USB storage option helps to alleviate any issues concerning video storage – a common problem faced by surveillance camera owners. The real-time notifications via the intuitive and user-friendly Arlo app also help the user to interact easily and obtain the required information, without the need for technical understanding of the camera’s functions.

On the downside, the Arlo Pro 2’s camera sensitivity works as a double-edged sword: while it helps in identifying and notifying users of any activity caught in view, the cameras’ high sensitivity also results in spam notifications over every slight movement caught on camera.

To that, I would suggest that you turn off your phone or app notifications during bedtime. You may also want to ensure that your camera is actually not being wrong about the movements at home…

The starter kit for the Arlo Pro 2 comes with two cameras and a base station for S$899. For more information on the Arlo Pro 2, visit https://www.arlo.com/asia/products/arlo-pro-2/default.aspx

Photos by Soloman Soh of the DANAMIC team