Go to Reviews.org AU Edition
Reolink vs. Arlo Cameras Review 2022
We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more.
We've touted Reolink as a budget alternative to Arlo, and during this deep-dive comparison, you'll see how accurate that is. Although Reolink doesn't offer everything that makes Arlo so great, it's got a similar look and feel and some of the same features.
Arlo is the better option if you're wanting more advanced security camera features. But you're going to love Reolink if you're looking to save some money while still getting an excellent camera.
Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/18/2022 12:55 PST)
*For battery-powered models
Reolink vs. Arlo features
We’d say Arlo’s focus is its super customized motion detection, while Reolink offers features scattered across several different categories. Overall, Arlo’s features are more appealing, but we do like the variety Reolink offers.
Reolink and Arlo offer indoor and outdoor cameras. Only a few are exclusively for indoor use, like the Reolink E1 line, and the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera.
Reolink features
Reolink features vary from model to model, but all of its cameras have night vision, event-based video recording, and a resolution of at least 1080p.

The Reolink models in this review don’t require hardwiring. They all work by plug or rechargeable battery. Most reviewers say the batteries need to be charged every few weeks, and we found that to be true. But if keeping a camera charged sounds daunting to you, some Reolink cameras also have a solar power option if you buy compatible solar panels.
Most of the cameras have two-way audio, and some also have lights, sirens, customizable motion zones, or pan-and-tilt functionality. Several of the latest models even use starlight night vision, a technology that allows the cameras to see in lower light.
With all these features, Reolink cameras are excellent watchdogs, but they lack Arlo’s sophisticated approach to alerts.
To learn more, read our Reolink Camera Review.
Arlo features

Like Reolink cameras, Arlo cameras use plugs, rechargeable batteries, or solar panels to operate. But with other features, Arlo cameras are a lot more consistent across the board than Reolink.
All Arlo cameras use either 1080p or 2K/4K with a video subscription. Most Arlo cameras include customized motion zones and advanced object detection. This highly useful feature offers separate detection for people, vehicles, animals, packages, and even the sounds of smoke or CO alarms.
Arlo also offers an emergency 911 service with its multi-camera plans.
There’s a catch, though—none of these features are available without a camera storage plan. While Reolink cameras work the same with or without cloud storage, Arlo depends upon a monthly subscription.
Reolink vs. Arlo pricing
Arlo is far from the most expensive camera brand on the market, but most of its devices are $200+. Reolink, on the other hand, has only a few cameras that cost significantly more than $100.
Reolink monitoring also costs less than Arlo’s.
Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/18/2022 12:55 PST)
Reolink price
We like to see indoor cameras under the $100 price point and outdoor cameras under $200, and Reolink’s prices are right on target for those estimates.
Even with Reolink's more expensive cameras, the Go models stay in that price range excluding the Reolink Go PT Plus. They connect primarily to cellular data, not Wi-Fi, and need their own phone plans to operate.
Data effective as of 08/18/2022. Offers subject to change.
Some Reolink cameras don’t come with USB cords to recharge the batteries, so you’ll have to get those on your own dime, which adds a few dollars to the overall cost.
As we mentioned, some Reolink cameras can use solar panels instead of rechargeable batteries. But you’ll need to buy the solar panels separately too.
Both Reolink and Arlo offer video doorbell options. Reolink offers one video doorbell that comes with 2K HD video and person detection.
Arlo offers two video doorbells. The Arlo Wired Video Doorbell and the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free. You'll pay about $50 more for the wireless option.
Reolink cloud storage subscription
Reolink’s cloud storage plans work out to be cheaper than Arlo’s. The base price gets you storage for up to five cameras, and the $14.99 plan supports up to 20 cameras. For comparison, with Arlo, the $12.99 plan supports only five.
Data effective as of 08/18/2022. Offers subject to change.
And, just as a reminder, you don’t have to get any of these storage plans to fully use your Reolink camera. You’ll have all your camera features without cloud storage. So you can just use an SD card for local storage and call it a day if that’s what you prefer.
Arlo price
Arlo isn’t the most expensive camera brand, but most of its devices cost more than we like to spend.
Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/18/2022 12:55 PST)
Why is Arlo so much more expensive than Reolink? Not only do the cameras have more features, they often come paired with base stations.
You can’t use some of Arlo’s cameras if you buy them without the base station (or don’t already have a compatible model). And that extra hardware adds up fast.
If you’d like more info, we talk at length about Arlo base stations in the Arlo Security Camera Review.
Arlo cloud storage subscription
Arlo’s subscription is slightly more expensive than Reolink’s. But it’s not enormously extravagant, either, especially compared to how much some home security companies charge for video storage.
However, we don’t love that you need a paid subscription to access almost all Arlo features. It seems pretty unfair to charge so much for a camera and then keep charging to use the camera.
Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/18/2022 12:55 PST)
You can choose a no plan option with Arlo, but the only thing you'll get with it is live video streaming and motion notifications. You won't get any other features or cloud storage.
The Secure Plan costs $9.99 for unlimited cameras and comes with most of the features of the Secure Plan Plus, you'll just have to sacrifice that 4K video resolution as you'll only get 2K.
Reolink vs. Arlo home automation
Arlo has far better home automation than Reolink, which covers only the basics.
Reolink home automation
Most Reolink models work with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. That baseline will be more than enough for some people, but it won’t give you much interconnectivity with other household smart devices.
Arlo home automation
Arlo is one of the only camera brands that offers HomeKit compatibility, making it perfect for folks who swear by Apple products.
Arlo also offers Alexa, Google, and SmartThings compatibility, making its cameras compatible with most popular smart speakers. And with the IFTTT compatibility, users can include Arlo cameras in custom smart home chains.
Neither of these camera brands offer direct smart home compatibility. Essentially, that means you can’t control a bunch of smart home devices from your Arlo or Reolink app. You can only access your cameras.
Reolink vs. Arlo installation
We haven't set up every camera from both brands (Reolink has so many!), but those we did test ourselves weren't too difficult to set up.
Both Reolink and Arlo cameras come with all the necessary screws and mounting pieces. And both have fairly intuitive, app-led processes to make the installation experience as painless as possible, without the need for professional assistance.
Recap: Which is better, Reolink or Arlo?
When it comes to Reolink vs. Arlo, we pick Arlo for most users. Let’s break down why.
Features: Arlo is a lot more advanced in its motion detection settings than Reolink. Since detecting intruders, packages, and other objects is one of the main objects of having a security camera, most people will prefer this feature over Reolink’s well-rounded repertoire.
Pricing: Reolink is significantly cheaper than Arlo, both in equipment and cloud subscription plans.
Home automation: Arlo has a lot more smart home compatibility than Reolink, making it a better choice if you want a connected home.
Installation: Installation doesn’t seem overly difficult for either of these two brands.
Arlo is such a big name, and has such good motion detection and home automation, that we feel most people will choose it over Reolink. But if you don’t want to spend the prices Arlo is charging, Reolink is an excellent alternative.
On the other hand, if you don’t like either of these brands that much, check out our Best Security Cameras, Best Cheap Security Cameras, and Best Night Vision Cameras for some other options.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon.com. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Reviews.org utilizes paid Amazon links.
Related Articles



