Arlo Pro vs Arlo Pro 2

Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 are HD security cameras (high definition security cameras). The unique feature about both is that they are wireless.

Comparison Based On Features 

This will help you pick the best camera based on your needs and preferences.

The Lifespan Of The Batteries

Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 are wireless and therefore use rechargeable batteries. The Arlo Pro 2 has a battery with a lifespan of 3 months. This is lower than you would think. Well, the Arlo Pro 2 camera has a very high resolution of 1080p and therefore uses much battery power.

Arlo Pro batteries can last for up to 6 months. Again, the resolution could be the reason for this longer battery life. The camera has a resolution power of 720p.

Therefore, the Arlo Pro batteries will last longer than the Arlo Pro 2 mainly due to the contrasting resolutions. 

Resolution

This is an important feature. When purchasing a camera, this is one of the prime factors to consider.

Videos and images captured in 1080p HD are very clear. You want clearer images and this is why purchasing Arlo Pro 2 might be the best option for you.

The 720p resolution power of Arlo Pro is not a bad resolution since the images are fairly clear. However, the images might be clear but not as clear as the images captured by a 1080p resolution camera.  You will barely notice the difference between images captured in 1080p resolution and 720p resolution. 1080p resolution is however, necessary if you keen on clearer images.

The Night Vision Technology

The Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 models are built with night vision technology. You can view images at night. However, you might need some lighting like some distant street light. This will make the images brighter than when there is no light in the background at all. This is because images are not captured without lighting.

Arlo Pro 2 has a higher resolution than Arlo Pro, therefore the Arlo Pro 2 has brighter images when using the night vision than Arlo Pro. However, both cameras support the night vision feature.

The Geofencing Technology

Geofencing is a technology that uses an app and RFID, GPS, and WIFI to trigger an action when a physical body enters a virtual boundary that is set within a geofence (geographical location).

Both of these cameras have this feature. You can use the mobile app and enable the feature.

Some users have it that the feature may not function all the time, sometimes you may not be within the set radius (within the geographical location). Therefore, the feature may  not be flexible.

You can try using the feature on either of the cameras and see the outcome.

The CVR Mode

CVR means Continuous Video Recording. Just as the name suggests, the feature allows the camera to continuously record videos within and around it. Instead of sleep mode, this feature allows your camera to capture images even when there is no audio or motion sensed.

The CVR mode is only available in the Arlo Pro 2 cameras and not the Arlo Pro cameras. When there is no motion or audio sensed by the camera, the Arlo Pro will go to sleep mode until it senses audio or movement. This is the case for Arlo Pro 2 whenever the CVR Mode is not activated.

Whenever you activate the CMR mode, you will have to connect the camera to an AC power source since the batteries will be continuously functioning.

However, for this feature to function, you have to subscribe to this service. You, therefore, have to pay for the service monthly. Additionally, you will have to subscribe to a cloud package so that all the videos and images are stored here since the cameras will be active 24/7.

Moreover, you cannot download all the videos, you have to view them on the cloud. 

This feature is limited to people who are comfortable with a monthly subscription.

You can look up the post How To View Arlo Camera On PC if that is what works for you.

Look Back Feature

Arlo Pro 2 is built with a three-second look-back feature that allows the camera to revert to the same scene after recording a video. This is a unique feature since your camera will delay capturing scenes/actions. You can capture different videos of the same scene every 3 seconds. You can as well capture videos of two scenes alternatively since the camera reverts after 3 seconds.

However, for you to use this feature on your Arlo Pro 2 camera, you need to use AC power. 

This feature is not supported by Arlo Pro. Therefore, when using Arlo Pro, expect to miss some captions since the camera will resume capturing the scene after some time.

Features Common In Both Arlo Pro And Arlo Pro 2

  1. Both cameras can be mounted outside since they are weather-resistant.
  2. Both cameras have night vision technology.
  3. Both cameras have a free 7-day cloud storage package.
  4. You can connect both cameras to other devices such as Google Home, Wink, and Amazon Alexa.
  5. Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras support geofencing technology.
  6. Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras support two-way communication with a speaker and built-in microphone.
  7. For both cameras, there is a USB backup at the base station.
  8. Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras can work with Arlo Base systems.

Difference Between Arlo Pro And Arlo Pro 2 Cameras

  1. The Arlo Pro 2 has the CVR mode hence continuous recording. However, the feature functions with a monthly subscription. Arlo Pro on the other hand does not support the CVR mode.
  2. Arlo Pro only records on motion whereas Arlo Pro 2 either when on motion or specific scenes/areas.
  3. The Arlo Pro 2 has the three-second look back feature which enables the camera to revert after 3 seconds and record the scenes. Arlo Pro, on the other hand, does not have this feature and may take time before reverting to capture the scenes.
  4. Arlo Pro battery has a lifespan of 6 months while Arlo has a battery with a lifespan of 3 months.

Earlier I wrote a post Ultimate Guide to Arlo Q, Arlo GO Video Cameras that might interest you.

Finally, once you have decided which camera will meet your needs and purchased one, you will be interested in How to Set up Arlo and Personalize Your System.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Power Over Ethernet On These Cameras?

Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras do not support the Power over Ethernet option. The Ethernet cable is exclusively for WIFI connection on these two cameras. The cameras are wireless and hence have rechargeable batteries and do not support the Power on Ethernet feature. You can use an AC power connection.

Does Arlo Pro 2 Work With Arlo Pro Base Station?

Yes. All Arlo Pro cameras work with the Arlo Pro Base station. If you have an Arlo Base station, then you can connect any of your Arlo Camera to it. Even the latest Arlo cameras can connect to Arlo Base.

What Are Activity Zones?

These are zones that your camera focuses on once a motion is detected within their boundaries. When there is no motion in this area, the siren will not be activated nor will the camera focus on this area?

Can You Set Activity Zones On Arlo Pro camera?

Unlike Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro does not support the activity zone setting. You cannot control the area it monitors/where the camera focuses. The Passive Infrared Sensor of this camera covers the front part of the lens. Whenever a motion is sensed on the PIR focus point, the camera starts recording.

Otherwise, you cannot set it to record specific zones.

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