If you’re looking for a smart home security system, or maybe you already have a few elements of a system and want to expand it, you’re probably looking at the Arlo and Ring systems. Both are well-known, popular, and easy-to-use DIY systems that are also affordable. But is one better than the other? We’ve taken a deep dive into both systems to see how they differ and compare. If you think you want some security without investing in a new system, you can read about how to turn your old smartphone into a security camera.
Resolution and night video
Arlo sells camcorders in HD and higher 4K resolutions, while Ringo’s line is limited to HD cameras and doorbells. If you’re looking for the absolute highest resolution video (that could potentially be used as evidence), you should probably stick with the Arlo camera, and the Arlo Ultra 2 in particular.
Both companies also offer color night vision on select cameras and doorbells.
This category goes to Arlo for higher resolution solutions.
Components
As noted, Arlo offers higher-quality 4K cameras, plus a line of inexpensive cameras (called the Essentials) and a reflector camera. They also offer wired and wireless doorbell cameras.
However, Ring probably has the biggest smart home and security range of them all, with its video cameras, spotlight cameras, security alarm kits, video doorbells, solar panels for its cameras, smoke and CO detectors, panic buttons, window detectors, glass break sensors, plus smart patio lighting. Phew!
If you’re looking for a comprehensive security system that goes beyond simple video surveillance, Ring is probably your choice here, as with the Ring system it’s even possible to have multiple cameras around the house that start recording when an external motion sensor is triggered.
This category belongs to Ringo because of its versatile line of security products.
Monthly fees and what you get
Manufacturers are turning more and more to subscriptions these days. Both the Arlo and Ring systems require a subscription to get full access to their features, such as cloud recording.
Arlo charges $2.99 per camera per month for HD storage or $9.99 for unlimited cameras. For that price, you can store up to 30 days of footage and be able to determine what triggered the motion detector (animal, person, vehicle). Arlo also offers a $14.99 per month unlimited camera plan that stores 4K video and has 24/7 emergency response.
Ring’s Protect program costs $3 per camera per month (or $30 per year) or $10 for unlimited cameras ($100 per year), and it also offers 60 days of cloud storage and has a People Only mode that will ignore events caused by animals and vehicles. You’ll also get lifetime anti-theft protection, the ability to save or share videos, and notifications. The Ring “Plus”/Unlimited plan also gives you extended warranties on all devices and gives you the option of professional monitoring for Ring Alarm.
This category is a tie.
Easy to use
Ring leads the way in the ease-of-use category, if only because there are so many different options that you’ll be able to build a system to suit your specific needs. Combine that with the popularity of the Ring system and it becomes an easy choice.
Choosing a system like Ring that’s a bit more popular also means you’ll have an easier time finding answers to your questions. Having set up literally dozens of Ring devices, I can attest that they are quick and easy to set up and install.
Applications and monitoring
Both the Arlo and Ring systems come with a smartphone app that you can use to view and review recordings in the cloud. Personally, I’ve had much more experience with Ring’s app, so I can say that it’s easy to use, easy to navigate, easy to view and download recordings, and easy to change settings.
Ring also has a Neighbors feature, which alerts you to events within five miles of your property. This feature is currently only available in the US; Canadian users are still waiting for the feature to roll out.
The Arlo app provides notifications when animated videos are displayed on your phone’s lock screen. You can also use the app to watch 30 days of videos. Plus, you can specify activity zones, so you can only be alerted to important areas, while object detection lets you know if it’s a person, car, package, or animal.
This category is also a giveaway.
Integration with other smart home systems
Sometimes choosing smart home components comes down to compatibility. When it comes to digital assistants, there’s Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri.
Arlo can be personalized with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, and while it can be connected to HomeKit, it’s not a simple process. Similarly, the Ring can be integrated with HomeKit, but some additional steps and components may be required.
The Ring is owned by Amazon, so it’s no surprise that it’s designed to be compatible with Alexa devices, and it works quite well with Alexa. For example, if someone rings your video doorbell, the video content will automatically appear on your Echo Show. The ring, however, is less compatible with Google Home. You can receive notifications from Ring that motion has been detected and video has been recorded, but you won’t be able to view them on your Google Nest Hub.
This category belongs to Arlo because it offers greater compatibility in the smart home ecosystem.
Is there a better camera than the Arlo?
Better It’s a pretty subjective term. Arlo is known for its high-quality cameras and some of the highest resolution security cameras on the market today. Other cameras with great reviews and high consumer ratings include the Ring, the Google Nest Cam, and the Wyze. If you’re basing your choice solely on resolution, then Arlo might be up there with the best. But if you want to start or expand an entire home security system with continued use, Ring is a better option.
Does Ring own Arlo?
Bottom line: No. Arlo was previously owned by Netgear, a company known for its networking and connectivity solutions. In 2018, Netgear spun off the company into Arlo Technologies.
As mentioned, Amazon acquired Ring in 2018.
Bottom line: Both Arlo and Ring offer excellent quality home doorbell and surveillance cameras. Both have comparable ongoing costs and provide cloud storage. Ring offers more options for a home security system by having a variety of sensors and detectors.
If you’re looking for a simple point-and-view camera, any will work fine, but if you’re looking for a whole-home system that can expand as your needs change, we recommend the Ring system.
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn