Arlo Camera(s)

An additional camera costs $159.99. Weighing in at 0.25 lbs, the camera is 2.5×1.6×2.8 inches (HxWxD) big. It is small, stylish, glossy-white, oval-shaped and comes with a flat bottom base that makes placing it on a flat surface a breeze. We installed our cameras inside the house and played a treasure-hunting game with our kid. He found it hard to spot the two cameras that were scattered about. The fact that the cameras are wireless makes changing their position every now and then fun and easy and even helpful as those who might spot them—potential thieves—won't know where the cameras are after you've moved them.


This kit also includes mounts with a magnetic ball, each, which allows for the cameras to be placed onto a wall or a tree, for instance. The magnetic ball allows you to turn the camera by 360 degrees, although the camera can also be stolen once spotted since it is only attached (bracket) to the mount via its magnetic ball; place yours high or out of sight in an attempt to keep them safe. You may also purchase another adjustable mount (VMA1000 for $19.99) and screw the camera onto it instead.


Each camera has motion sensors and is IP65 waterproof. At the front are twelve infrared LEDs, and the SYNC button can be found on top. There is no microphone or speaker on the camera, so there is no way to record sound or to communicate, which is a pity since many cameras available on the market today are equipped with a microphone and a speaker to allow for a two-way communication. We would like to see the Arlo kits integrate such a system as well.

These cameras produce a curved image for a larger field of vision. The displayed image has a high definition (HD) resolution you can increase to 1280×720p in a H.264 format, along with a 130 degrees field of vision. We also have 850nm LEDs that illuminate everything at up to 25 feet and IR cut off-filtering capabilities that result in a bright, clear, and crisp image at night. The camera's motion sensor also detects movement at up to approximately 15 feet, and its sensitivity can be adjusted to your needs. Its 100% setting will even have a small breeze that tips flowers over slightly trigger the email-alert function and a recording. Yet you will have to move your hands around in front of the camera to trigger the sensor if it is set to 1%.


There is no port for a power source on the camera, which makes Netgear's included lithium batteries the only option. Every camera uses four CR123a (3V) batteries. Netgear states these batteries to approximately last six month at roughly four minutes of daily use so long as some rather energy savvy settings are used. Use its advanced video setting and these batteries will most likely last four months. With a price of $5 (on average) for each battery, such would amount to $120 annually. But you may also use rechargeable batteries in order to reduce the amount of money spent per year. What matters here is a battery's mAh rating since a higher mAh will result in longer run times based on how much current is drawn. Note that rechargeable batteries might not last as long as non-rechargeable ones because of the reduced voltage they produce. Rechargeables might produce inaccurate power readings with these cameras.


The cameras are water- and weatherproof as they can withstand tough conditions of cold (down to 14 F) and heat (up to 122 F), which, as has already been mentioned, makes them suitable candidates for the outdoors. Each camera has a battery status bar should you want to figure out how much juice a battery has left. The problem here is that the status bar will lie by stating a battery to almost be dead if its surroundings are extremely cold. Netgear is aware of this problem and is said to be working on a solution. The cameras also come with a standard female ¼ adapter if you want to mount them to a tripod.

Base Station

The base is white, its dimensions are 6.5×8.5×2.25 inches (HxWxD), and it weighs in at around 0.25 lbs. It uses Wi-Fi 802.11n at 2.4 GHz and is equipped with a LAN port and two USB 2.0 ports. On it are also a Power button and a Reset switch, along with the SYNC button and power jack in the rear. On its front are several LED-specific status indicators for Power, Internet, Camera, Smart Home, and USB. Netgear says the Smart Home and USB LEDs to be reserved for future use, as compatibility with other smart-home standards is introduced.


Netgear Arlo is also a member of the AllSeen Alliance. The AllSeen Alliance has made it its purpose to make Internet of Everything real. Internet of Everything is an open-source project that currently counts a total of 50 members. The AllSeen Alliance wants to drive connectivity with smart homes and cars, all while focusing on the security among different devices, systems, and services and the people they serve it to on demand.