eufyCam vs Arlo – Which is best & is the Arlo Ultra or Pro3 worth it over the eufyCam 2 & 2C?

Original Link:https://mightygadget.co.uk/eufycam-vs-arlo/

Posted by James Smythe | Feb 29, 2020 | CCTV, Home Automation, News

Arlo, formerly owned by Netgear has long been the dominant company for wire-free security cameras, I would argue that they are the company responsible for the popularisation of the battery-powered wire-free outdoor surveillance camera.

Since the launch of Arlo, many companies have come along replicating their features, many of them are inferior, plenty of them are more cost-efficient.

In recent years one of the standout competitors has been Eufy, the sub-brand of Anker. Eufy focuses on smart home products and includes some excellent robotic vacuums as well as the range of eufyCam security cameras.

The product range isn’t as extensive as Arlo, but in my opinion, eufyCam comfortably offers enough for them to be a worthy consideration over Arlo.

Table of Contents

Cloud Recording vs Local Recording

The biggest difference between the two brands is how they store data each one has its pros and cons. Cloud recording limits the chances someone can interfere with the local storage if they break in, whereas local storage is free with fewer privacy issues.

All the Arlo cameras offer local storage, but Arlo sneakily walls off certain smart features behind the paid service.

Arlo Smart Premier

With an Arlo Smart Premier subscription, you can record to the Arlo cloud with up to 2K video resolution on 1 camera or 5 cameras. Your clips save to the Arlo library for up to 30 days after recording. If you have more than 5 cameras, you can add a single-camera plan for each additional camera at half the original price.

Arlo Smart Elite

With an Arlo Smart Elite subscription, you can record to the Arlo cloud with up to 4K video resolution on 1 camera or 5 cameras. Your clips save to the Arlo library for 30 days after recording. If you have more than 5 cameras, you can add a single-camera plan for each additional camera at half the original price.

Arlo Free Cloud Recording Options

If you have an Arlo Pro 2, Pro, Go, Wire-Free, Q, Q Plus, or Baby camera, you will continue to have all the benefits that were included with the purchase of your camera. This includes free-rolling 7-day cloud recording, live streaming, 2-way audio, local storage, and activity zones on up to 5 cameras.

eufyCam Local Storage and Cloud options

While the big selling point of eufyCam is the free local storage, they do have a cloud storage option, this is $2.99 per camera per month or $29.99 per year. The premier plan offers upto 10-cameras and is $9.99/$99.99 both have 30-days recording. There is no UK pricing but that matches the Arlo monthly pricing while also offering the ability to add more cameras

Most people will stick with local storage here, all models come with 16GB EMMC. For the most common usage scenario of up to 10 events a day at 30s per video, the 16GB microSD card can store up to 1-year’s worth of video clips for a single camera. Therefore, if your eufy Security system has 2 cameras, a 16GB card could store 6 months of videos.

The older eufyCam E is upgradable via microSD, the new 2nd generation models have a USB port which will allow upgrades in the future.

Arlo Smart Features vs eufyCam smart features

All the features hidden behind the Arlo subscription service

Arlo offers more than just recording and the subscription offers quite a lot of useful advanced monitoring features. It could be argued that Arlo has fenced off valuable smart features forcing you into a paid subscription.

These features include

  • Advanced Object Detection
    • Detect people, vehicles, and more.
  • Package Detection
    • See when they arrive at your door.
  • Cloud Activity Zones
    • Set specific areas to monitor.
  • Intelligent Alerts
    • Take action faster with smart alerts.

The new eufyCam 2 and eufyCam 2C have human detection technology enables the camera to intelligently detect body shape and face pattern. Ensuring you are only alerted when a person, and not a stray cat, approaches.

During my testing of the eufyCam 2C I have found human detection to be highly accurate, and it dramatically reduces the notifications.

eufyCam also has built-in zone control on their models, again helping you reduce unwanted notifications.

What it lacks is package detection and the ability to identify other objects.

Doorbell

Arlo has two doorbells, a video doorbell and an audio doorbell which allows you to talk to people at the door. Currently, the video doorbell is not available in the UK, so we are stuck with the audio version which has so-so reviews on Amazon. It is, however, quite cheap at £76.

With the Arlo Video doorbell, this is a wired option with a max resolution of 1536×1536. Arlo Video Doorbells include 3 months of service, you will then need to pay a monthly fee.

Eufy has a very well-reviewed doorbell but for some reason, it is not available to buy in the UK either. In the US you can buy direct from Eufy for $159.99.

For the Eufy doorbell, you also require existing doorbell wires but won’t work with an existing chime with this you get 2560 x 1920 resolution. It has 4Gb of internal storage which can store up to 30 days of video, assuming you’re recording 30 videos a day and 30 seconds of each video.

Camera Options

eufyCam Wireless Home Security Options – Which is best?

eufyCam E

SALE

eufy Security Wireless Home Security Camera System, eufyCam E 365-Day Battery Life, 1080p HD, IP65 Weatherproof, Night Vision, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, 2-Cam Kit, No Monthly Fee

eufy Security Wireless Home Security Camera System, eufyCam E 365-Day Battery Life, 1080p HD, IP65 Weatherproof, Night Vision, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, 2-Cam Kit, No Monthly Fee

£329.99

Buy on Amazon

  • Price: £259.99
  • Additional cameras £118.99
  • Amazon Reviews: 387 with a rating of 4.6 with 4% 1-star reviews

eufyCam has a much smaller product range there is basically the older eufyCam E which is excellent and has a 365-day battery life per camera but lacks any of the advanced human detection features.

Read my eufyCam E review.

  • Full HD Surveillance: 1080p resolution, combined with our exceptional night vision technology, ensures video is recorded with crystal-clear quality both day and night.
  • 140° wide-angle lens
  • IP65
  • 1-year battery

eufyCam 2

Eufy AK-T88413D2 eufyCam 2 Wireless Home Security Camera System, 365-Day Battery Life, HD 1080p, IP67 Weatherproof, Night Vision, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, 2-Cam Kit, No Monthly Fee

Eufy AK-T88413D2 eufyCam 2 Wireless Home Security Camera System, 365-Day Battery Life, HD 1080p, IP67 Weatherproof, Night Vision, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, 2-Cam Kit, No Monthly Fee

Buy on Amazon

  • Price: £359.99
  • Additional cameras £149
  • Amazon Reviews: 85 with a rating of 4.6 with 0% 1-star reviews

The replacement for that is the new eufyCam 2 which has a lower RRP of the model it replaces and costs £359.99. This also has the 1-year battery adds in human detection and massively upgrades the sensor to a Sony Starvis lens which provides a large improvement to low light recording and depending on how much light there is, it should offer colour night vision recording.

  • 1080p, Sony Starvis sensor
  • 140-degree
  • IP67
  • 1-Year battery

eufyCam 2C

SALE

eufy Security, eufyCam 2C Wireless Home Security Camera System, 180-Day Battery Life, HD 1080p, IP67 Weatherproof, Night Vision, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, 2-Cam Kit, No Monthly Fee

eufy Security, eufyCam 2C Wireless Home Security Camera System, 180-Day Battery Life, HD 1080p, IP67 Weatherproof, Night Vision, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, 2-Cam Kit, No Monthly Fee

£189.99

Buy on Amazon

  • Price: £359.99
  • Additional cameras £149
  • Amazon Reviews: 249 with a rating of 4.6 with 3% 1-star reviews

Read my eufyCam 2C review

Then there is the more affordable eufyCam 2C, these are smaller cameras and reduce the batter life down to 6-months, which is still plenty in my opinion. These lose the theft detection which both other models have, so depending on how accessible your camera is, this feature is worth considering. However, it does have a built-in spotlight and with this enabled you to get proper colour night vision recording (if there is also some other street lighting/ambient light).

  • 1080p
  • 135-degree view
  • IP67
  • 6-months battery
  • Spotlight

eufy Floodlight

eufy Security Floodlight Camera,1080p,Real-Time Response, No Monthly Fees, Secure Local Storage, 2500-Lumen Bright and Adjustable Floodlights, Ready for Any Weather

eufy Security Floodlight Camera,1080p,Real-Time Response, No Monthly Fees, Secure Local Storage, 2500-Lumen Bright and Adjustable Floodlights, Ready for Any Weather

£179.99

Buy on Amazon

  • Price: £359.99
  • Additional cameras £149
  • Amazon Reviews: 16 with a rating of 4.1 and no 1-star reviews

The eufy Floodlight camera is an independent product so there is no need for a base station, it will set you back £179.99 but with a £30 voucher currently available. It requires wiring into your mains because floodlights use a lot of power, but it is one of the cheapest floodlight options available.

Arlo Options – There are lots of them

Arlo surely has an option for everyone, there are 6-different outdoor product ranges currently available, and at some point, they will also release their own floodlight camera which can work on a battery if needed.

Currently Amazon only stock 3 of the main ranges then also sim enabled Arlo Go, plus the is the indoor Q and a baby camera. To try and keep it simple I will list the 2-pack options because that’s how eufy sell there.

Arlo also has a confusing product range, it looks like the Pro is being phased out on Amazon with the HD sitting in its place, but the Arlo website makes no mention of the HD and instead lists the Pro.

Arlo Ultra Smart Home Security Cameras

Arlo Ultra Smart Home Security Cameras | Alarm | Rechargeable | Colour Night Vision | Indoor/Outdoor | 4K UHD | 2-Way Audio | Spotlight | 180 View | 2 Camera Kit | VMS5240

Arlo Ultra Smart Home Security Cameras | Alarm | Rechargeable | Colour Night Vision | Indoor/Outdoor | 4K UHD | 2-Way Audio | Spotlight | 180 View | 2 Camera Kit | VMS5240

£699.00

Buy on Amazon

  • Price: £699.00
  • Additional cameras £329.99
  • Amazon Reviews: 61 reviews with a rating of 3.2 and 32% of 1-star reviews

I didn’t realise this had so many poor reviews when I started writing it. The general consensus is that there are a lot of teething problems with issues of regular disconnections, not what you want from a security camera. When they do work, people find them excellent.

  • 4K and HDR zoom in to see sharp details with Arlo ultra’s 4K and HDR advanced image quality technology
  • Enhanced night vision: See what’s lurking with colour night vision allowing you to see video in colour rather than traditional black and white
  • Integrated spotlight: Light up the night and ward off unwelcome guests using Arlo ultra’s integrated spotlight
  • 2-way audio

Arlo Pro 3 2K (now available in Black)

Arlo Pro3 Smart Home Security Cameras | Alarm | Rechargeable | Colour Night Vision | Indoor/Outdoor | 2K QHD | 2-Way Audio | Spotlight | 2 Camera Kit | VMS4240B - Black Edition

Arlo Pro3 Smart Home Security Cameras | Alarm | Rechargeable | Colour Night Vision | Indoor/Outdoor | 2K QHD | 2-Way Audio | Spotlight | 2 Camera Kit | VMS4240B - Black Edition

£549.99

Buy on Amazon

  • Price: £359.99
  • Additional cameras £149
  • Amazon Reviews: White model has 22 reviews with a rating of 3/5 and 33% 1-star reviews

Not really enough reviews to ascertain what has caused the low ratings. One user states poor battery life, another issue with geofencing. I suspect it could be teething issues similar to the Ultra.

  • 2K video with HDR: Zoom in on objects and see clearer details and colours in 2K HDR
  • Colour night vision: See what’s lurking with colour night vision or black and white
  • Integrated spotlight: Light up the night and ward off unwelcome guests
  • 160 degree view
  • 2-way audio

Arlo Pro2

SALE

Arlo Pro2 Smart Home Security Cameras | Alarm | Rechargeable | Night Vision | Indoor/Outdoor | 1080p | 2-Way Audio | Free Cloud Storage Included | 2 Camera Kit | VMS4230P

Arlo Pro2 Smart Home Security Cameras | Alarm | Rechargeable | Night Vision | Indoor/Outdoor | 1080p | 2-Way Audio | Free Cloud Storage Included | 2 Camera Kit | VMS4230P

£359.99

Buy on Amazon

  • Price: £359.99
  • Additional cameras £149
  • Amazon Reviews: 1566 reviews with a rating of 3.8 and 17% 1-star reviews

Generally, good reviews, the high number of 1-star reviews brings the overall rating down. Battery life and dropouts appear to be a concern.

  • 1080p HD: High-quality video with sharper and brighter details; two-way audio
  • 130-degree view

Arlo Pro

SALE

Arlo Pro Smart Home Security Cameras | Alarm | Rechargeable | Night Vision | Indoor/Outdoor | HD | Audio | Free Cloud Storage Included | 2 Camera Kit | VMS4230

Arlo Pro Smart Home Security Cameras | Alarm | Rechargeable | Night Vision | Indoor/Outdoor | HD | Audio | Free Cloud Storage Included | 2 Camera Kit | VMS4230

£310.99

Buy on Amazon

  • Price: £ 239.00
  • Additional cameras £ 189
  • Amazon Reviews: 1475 with a rating of 3.9 and 13% 1-star reviews

Good reviews but the 1-star review bring it down with complains about the battery

  • HD quality – enjoy sharp 720p live video and save those important moments with free cloud storage
  • 110° degree view

Arlo HD

SALE

Arlo HD Smart Home Security Cameras | Wire-Free | Night Vision | Indoor/Outdoor | HD | Free Cloud Storage Included | 1 Camera Kit | VMS3130

Arlo HD Smart Home Security Cameras | Wire-Free | Night Vision | Indoor/Outdoor | HD | Free Cloud Storage Included | 1 Camera Kit | VMS3130

£130.13

Buy on Amazon

  • Price: £201.69
  • Additional cameras £78.99
  • Amazon Reviews:4,182 ratings with a 3.5 rating and 20% 1-star

With over 4000 reviews this has long been a popular product, but it looks like it is a merged listing because the HD has not been out since 2015. Negative reviews state poor battery and disconnects.

The 2-camera system uses a picture of the older Arlo model, so I am unsure if this is the new HD or not. the 1 and 3-camera kits show the newer model

  • HD quality – enjoy sharp 720p live video and save those important moments with free cloud storage
  • 110° degree view?

Overall Recommendation

I haven’t used most of these cameras so I can only work off specs, price and reviews.

Arlo is the biggest name in the business because their products are excellent. Looking at the specs of all the options the Arlo Pro 3 and Ultra comfortably offer more features than eufyCam but come in at over £200 more when comparing the Arlo Pro 3 2K vs eufyCam 2. Then to get the most of the Arlo you are doing to be forking out £8.99 per month. So over a two year period that £200 price difference becomes £415.76 (£215.76 subscription cost).

I would say both the new eufyCam 2 and 2C sit somewhere between the Arlo Pro2 and Arlo Pro 3 2K. They offer better features than the Pro2 with colour night vision and human detection but can’t quite compete with the features of the Arlo Pro 3.

Personally, I wouldn’t bother looking at the Arlo HD, Pro, or the eufyCam E. I don’t feel that the cheaper Arlo products offer enough features to compete with eufyCam, and while I thought the eufyCam E was superb, my personal opinion is that the 2C is a better product for about the same price.

If money is no concern and you want the best wire-free model, I would have recommended the Arlo Ultra or the Pro3, however, after going through the reviews it is a bit hard to recommend a camera that costs £500 that may then come with all sorts of problems. These are quite new products, and I am sure they will improve with time, so I wouldn’t rule them out as a choice, just approach with caution. I’d also suggest if you are will to spend £500 on cameras you should seriously considering paying someone to install wired POE CCTV cameras and a decent quality NVR. The initial cost will be higher but it will be a far superior solution.

For people wanting a more affordable solution, you can’t fault the eufyCam 2C or the 2 if you need the benefit of a siren. The battery life is superb for both cameras, and the older eufyCam E lived up to the 365-day claim when I had it.

2 Likes

And no mention of the wyzecam here. It doesn’t compete in a number of ways, but on price it absolutely changes the game. You can afford to put up 10 of them for the price of a few of these.

I have some arlo cameras, and they are okay but I don’t love the subscription plans. Feels a bit on the steep side. So I’m on the limited free version.

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Yes, one of the eufy’s biggest advantage is No Monthly Fee.

It will save you quite amount of money from years on.

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@Mengdi Spot on with the most obvious differences with the two company products! With that said it would be nice if eufy would pickup the pace with the software and firmware integrations with HomeKit Secure Video that in itself is what will make the products stand out and a lot more appealing. Also the sooner they get the expanded storage implemented into the USB port as well as allowing the 2K Wired Video doorbell to connect to the home base is a big must for me! It kind os stinks to have separate chimes for each. :v:t3::+1:t3:

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A small secret is that eufyCam 2/2C will support HKSV very very soon.:grinning:

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Yeah that’s what support has told me. I have a good question! I want to beta test the newer software and I’m willing to give feedback on a day to day basses! I know eufy uses TestFlight for this purpose with other willing people!

The secret is out now :wink:

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I had the Arlo Pro3s, two base stations, the 2k indoor camera, and the hardwired 2k doorbell. I originally wanted to go with Eufy after doing a little research and having some Best Buy/Geek Squad consultants recommend the brand. Unfortunately, a family member that is not that tech savvy bought me the Arlo Pro 3 bundle. 2 months later, after several hundred dollars spent on Arlo accessories and subscription, my security system worked less than 50% of the time. I have spent over 12 hours on the phone with Arlo just trying to get the HomeKit integration to work. After threatening to cancel my subscription to Arlo Secure they finally sent me a new base station. I could write a novel about how bad Arlo and their customer support are but let me just say after 24 hours of my new Eufy security system I can already tell that I made the right choice. I Just hope the wait for HomeKit integration on the Eufy cam3’s and base station isn’t too long. Now I have to decide if I sell my Arlo system and pass the problem on to someone else or do the right thing and throw it in the trash where it belongs