Eufy vs Arlo Comparison — Which Brand Is Better?

2 comments by Joel Manansala

With the rise of smart home devices, security cameras have become more advanced, offering features like color night vision, two-way audio, and cloud storage solutions. Homeowners are now looking for the best security cameras that provide both reliability and convenience.

Two of the biggest names in the industry are Eufy vs Arlo, each providing a comprehensive home security system with distinct advantages. Eufy cameras are widely known for their built-in local storage, affordability, and user-friendly operation, while Arlo cameras focus on premium features, including higher quality video, cloud storage, and smart home integration.

Choosing between both Arlo and Eufy can be challenging since they both offer outdoor cameras, indoor security cameras, video doorbells, and alarm systems. This article will compare Eufy vs Arlo, covering video quality, battery life, storage capacity, smart home integration, and pricing to help you determine the best option for your needs.

Overview of Eufy and Arlo

Eufy: A Budget-Friendly, Subscription-Free Option

Image courtesy of Eufy

Eufy has made a name for itself by offering affordable and reliable home security cameras with an emphasis on built-in local storage. Unlike many brands that require a monthly subscription, Eufy cameras allow users to store footage directly on the device without paying for cloud backup. This makes it a great choice for those who want a new home security system without the added cost of cloud storage solutions.

One of the biggest selling points of Eufy's cameras is their long battery life, with some models lasting up to 365 days on a single charge. This extended battery life makes them ideal for locations where frequent charging is inconvenient. Additionally, Eufy offers solar panel compatibility for continuous power supply, reducing the need for recharging altogether.

The Eufy security app is also highly intuitive, offering easy control over all connected smart home devices. The interface is designed for simplicity, making it easy for users to set up motion detection, view video clips, and adjust privacy settings. The app is compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, allowing for seamless integration into existing smart home ecosystems.

One major advantage of Eufy’s security cameras is their built-in local storage, which provides a secure alternative to cloud storage. Users can save recordings without worrying about monthly subscription fees. Additionally, Eufy customers benefit from advanced security encryption to keep stored footage safe from unauthorized access.

Key Advantages

  • No mandatory subscription – Access full features without recurring monthly fees, making it a cost-effective option.
  • Local storage – Keeps your footage private and accessible without requiring a cloud storage solution.
  • Long battery life – Some models last up to 365 days on a single charge, with solar-powered options available.
  • Smart home integration – Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, enabling hands-free control and seamless home automation
  • Easy installation – Many cameras come with magnetic mounting options, allowing for DIY installation without needing professional installation services.
  • Two-way audio – Enables real-time communication through the Eufy security app, making it ideal for speaking with visitors or deterring intruders.
  • Night vision – Utilizes infrared night vision to provide clear images in low-light conditions.
  • AI-powered motion detection – Minimizes false alerts by accurately identifying people, pets, and moving vehicles.

Arlo: A Premium, Feature-Rich Choice

Image courtesy of Arlo

 

Arlo's cameras are widely regarded for their higher quality video, cloud storage options, and premium features. If you’re looking for a comprehensive home security system, Arlo devices provide an extensive range of options with top-tier smart home integration and advanced functionalities.

Unlike Eufy cameras, most Arlo cameras require a monthly subscription to unlock cloud storage, video history, and emergency response through Arlo Secure. However, this subscription enables access to advanced motion detection, package detection, and enhanced artificial intelligence-powered alerts, making Arlo's cameras ideal for those who prioritize high-end security solutions.

Key Advantages

  • Higher quality video – Supports up to 4K resolution, ensuring crystal-clear footage with greater detail for surveillance.
  • Cloud storage solutions – Up to three months of video history available with an Arlo Secure plan, allowing users to revisit past events conveniently.
  • Professional monitoring – Available for users who prefer 24/7 security monitoring, providing additional peace of mind and immediate emergency dispatch services.
  • Smart home integration – Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, enabling hands-free control and seamless home automation.
  • Advanced features – Includes pet detection, two-way audio, color night vision, and motion-triggered alerts, which help distinguish between relevant movements (such as people and vehicles) and unnecessary triggers (like passing traffic).
  • Wireless convenience – Arlo cameras are designed with easy installation in mind, offering magnetic mounting options for quick setup and relocation.
  • Solar-powered models – Some models support solar panels, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements while ensuring continuous operation.
  • Enhanced security settings – Arlo Secure provides encrypted cloud storage, geofencing capabilities, and customized motion zones for a more tailored home security system.

Product Lineup Comparison

Both Eufy and Arlo offer a diverse range of home security cameras, video doorbells, and alarm systems. Below is a breakdown of their key offerings:

Eufy’s Cameras and Devices

  • EufyCam Series – Offers long battery life (up to 365 days) and excellent video quality.
  • Eufy Video Doorbell – A wireless video doorbell with built-in storage, two-way audio, and easy installation.
  • Eufy Indoor Cams – Affordable indoor solutions with pet detection and night vision.
  • Eufy Outdoor Cameras – Wireless models with solar panels for extended battery life and built-in storage.
  • Smart Locks & Alarm Systems – Complements Eufy’s security cameras for a comprehensive home security system.

Arlo's Cameras and Devices

  • Arlo Ultra – Higher quality video with 4K resolution, color night vision, and cloud storage.
  • Arlo Video Doorbell – Provides package detection, two-way audio, and motion alerts.
  • Arlo Essential Indoor Camera – A budget-friendly indoor option with infrared night vision and cloud storage solutions.
  • Arlo Pro Series – Offers wireless cameras with magnetic mounting options and excellent video quality.
  • Smart Home Security Systems – Includes alarm systems and three-camera security system options.

Feature Comparison

To help you better understand the differences between Eufy and Arlo, here’s a side-by-side comparison of their features:

Feature

Eufy

Arlo

Video Resolution

Up to 2K

Up to 4K

Night Vision

Infrared night vision

Color night vision + Infrared

Battery Life

Up to 365 days per charge

Up to 6 months per charge

Storage Type

Built-in local storage, optional cloud

Cloud storage solutions, optional local storage

Subscription Required?

No mandatory subscription

Yes, for full feature access

Smart Home Integration

Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa

Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa, IFTTT, SmartThings

Motion Detection

AI-powered, pet detection, customizable zones

AI-powered, package detection, customizable zones

Video Doorbells

Eufy Video Doorbell with local storage

Arlo Video Doorbell with cloud storage

Professional Monitoring

Not required (self-monitoring available)

Available through Arlo Secure

Solar Panel Support

Yes, for extended battery life

Yes, for extended battery life

Installation

DIY installation, magnetic mounting options

DIY installation, professional installation available

This comparison chart highlights the key differences between Eufy vs Arlo and helps you decide which home security system best fits your needs.

While both brands offer high-quality security cameras, they cater to different needs depending on user preferences, budget, and desired functionalities.

Video Quality

  • Eufy's cameras provide up to 2K resolution, which is suitable for most home security applications, delivering clear and sharp footage in daylight and nighttime settings.
  • Arlo Ultra stands out with 4K resolution, offering higher quality video with sharper details, zooming capabilities, and improved clarity.
  • Color night vision is a feature that only Arlo cameras offer, providing enhanced visibility at night by capturing more natural colors instead of grayscale images. Eufy’s cameras rely on infrared night vision, which, while effective, lacks color reproduction.
  • Both Eufy and Arlo have HDR (High Dynamic Range) capabilities, which improve visibility in challenging lighting conditions, such as shadows or glare.

Battery Life

  • Eufy’s cameras are renowned for their long battery life, lasting up to 365 days on a single charge. This is an industry-leading feature, making them ideal for users who don’t want frequent recharging.
  • Arlo cameras generally offer six months of battery life, which, while still impressive, requires more frequent charging than Eufy’s models.
  • Both Arlo and Eufy provide solar panel options, allowing users to keep their cameras continuously charged without needing to manually recharge the batteries.
  • Arlo’s higher power consumption is partly due to its higher quality video and advanced features like color night vision and AI-enhanced motion detection.

Storage Capacity and Video Storage

  • Eufy cameras prioritize built-in local storage, meaning users don’t need to pay for a monthly subscription to access recordings.
  • Arlo devices rely on cloud storage solutions, requiring a monthly subscription for full access to recorded videos.
  • Eufy provides up to 16GB of built-in storage, allowing users to store recordings without an internet connection.
  • Arlo Secure plans provide up to three months of video history, allowing users to review past events, but this requires an ongoing subscription.
  • Both brands offer optional expandable storage—Eufy supports external NAS (Network Attached Storage), while some Arlo models allow for microSD cards or USB storage expansion.
  • If privacy is a concern, Eufy’s local storage setup ensures that your recordings remain offline and accessible only to you, whereas Arlo's cloud storage relies on external servers.

Smart Home Integration

  • Both brands are compatible with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa, allowing for hands-free control and seamless automation.
  • Arlo offers wider integration with platforms like IFTTT (If This Then That) and Samsung SmartThings, allowing for more customized smart home setups.
  • Eufy’s cameras work well with Apple HomeKit, making them a great choice for Apple users who want tight integration with iOS devices.
  • Arlo Secure plans include advanced AI-powered detection, which allows users to set up automated responses based on detected events, whereas Eufy relies on built-in AI detection without cloud enhancements.
  • Both Eufy and Arlo cameras support geofencing, enabling them to activate or deactivate based on your location.

Pricing

When choosing between Eufy vs Arlo, pricing is probably the most crucial factor. The total cost of ownership includes the initial hardware cost, storage fees, and optional professional monitoring.

Eufy Pricing

  • Eufy cameras are generally more affordable than Arlo's cameras.
  • Pricing for individual Eufy security cameras ranges from $39.99 to $159.99, depending on the model.
  • Eufy video doorbell kits range from $99.99 to $259.99, depending on whether they include HomeBase storage.
  • No mandatory monthly subscription, as built-in local storage is available.
  • Optional cloud storage plans:
    • Basic Plan: $2.99 per month per camera (30-day storage)
    • Plus Plan: $9.99 per month for up to 10 cameras

Arlo Pricing

  • Arlo cameras are typically more expensive but offer higher quality video and premium features.
  • Individual Arlo security cameras range from $99.99 to $299.99, with Arlo Ultra being the most expensive.
  • Arlo Video Doorbell pricing starts at $79.99 for the base model and $129.99 for the 2K model.
  • Arlo Secure Subscription is required for cloud storage and advanced AI features:
    • Secure Plus: $9.99 per month for a single camera or $19.99 for unlimited cameras (30-day storage, object detection, interactive notifications)
    • Secure Premium: $29.99 per month for unlimited cameras, includes professional monitoring and emergency response features

Which Brand Offers Better Value?

  • Eufy is the better choice for users who want no recurring costs and prefer local storage.
  • Arlo is ideal for those who want premium features, cloud storage, and are willing to pay for subscription-based security enhancements.
  • If you prefer advanced AI features like package detection and emergency response, Arlo Secure provides better value.
  • If you prioritize affordability, long battery life, and self-monitoring, Eufy’s cameras offer an economical and effective solution.

Conclusion

When comparing Eufy vs Arlo, both brands offer excellent video quality, home security systems, and smart home integration. The decision ultimately depends on your specific needs:

  • If free cloud storage, long battery life, and built-in storage are priorities, Eufy’s cameras are a great choice.
  • If you value higher quality video, professional monitoring, and cloud storage, Arlo's cameras provide premium security.

By considering the key differences between Arlo Eufy, you can choose the best security camera system to protect your home effectively.


2 comments


  • Mal Nedwos

    Thank you for this invaluable insight!


  • Geoff Newman

    I have read a lot of articles and comparisons in my life but this one was soaccuraet, precise and to the point.
    Most of the time you walk away more confused than when you started but this was a really good article and left me with confident opinions about what i am looking for.Thank you.


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