The Netgear Arlo Smart Home Security system is a great way to protect your home against burglary and vandalism without having to pay the high monthly fees associated with many home security systems. As an added bonus, you can keep an eye on your children or pets when you are not at home!
Set-Up was a Snap!
The Arlo system comes with a base unit which connects directly to your internet router, via an ethernet cable. The base unit connects up to 5 cameras wirelessly (2 cameras come with the system – additional units may be purchased). These cameras can be placed inside or outside up to 300 feet away from the base unit!
After opening the system, I was able to install the base unit, sync both cameras and get them up and running within 20 minutes. The Arlo app can be found on both Android and Apple stores. Setting up an account is simple and you can choose either a free plan, or an upgraded plan if you want additional storage.
Home Security
The Netgear Arlo Home Security System, is a great stand-alone system. The cameras are small, light-weight, and magnetic. This means you can place them virtually anywhere and switch them around as needed. Primarily, I used the cameras in our front entry way and in our living room.
The app gives you the capability to set rules and a schedule. What does that mean? You can set a schedule to define times when you want the cameras to automatically record whenever there is motion. Additionally, you can set up a notification to be sent to you whenever that motion is detected. Alternatively, you can view the cameras live at any time through the app.
The picture quality is 720p, which is quite clear and at an HD level. However, if you are in an area with limited cell phone reception, the video will be lagged. I found that the lag time on a full speed connection is only about 5 seconds. If you get a notification alerting you of motion, you can quickly log into the app, watch the video and call the authorities if needed.
One of the coolest features of this system is the fact that the cameras are wireless! This means that they can be mounted throughout your house – with no need for an electric outlet! Even though I have been using my system for a month, I have not seen much decrease on the battery life. Another great tool is that the camera is night vision capable – meaning that even if you need to record videos during the evening, you will be able to get high quality resolution.
The Arlo app allows you to take a snapshot or even share your video feed with family and friends! What a great tool this would be for an in-home daycare provider to share with her parents.
Unconventional Uses Galore!
Currently, we have 3 of our 5 children in middle school. Yes, you read that correctly. Three. As in one, two, THREE. Uno, Dos, Tres. As parents, our sanity is questionable and the grey hairs are multiplying! These precious children want their independence. As a parent, it is not always easy to let go of the reins. Allowing them stay at home for short periods by themselves is age appropriate, but none the less worrisome.
The Arlo Home Security System allows me to check in on our children whenever we are away. This gives me a peace of mind, but also gives the kiddos a nudge; “Hey mom can see what we are doing so we better behave!” Okay, maybe part that was wishful thinking!
My father-in-law recently came to visit. He is an electrician and loves to help us on our home improvement projects. On the top of our to do list was to install ceiling fans in each of the upstairs bedrooms. That meant crawling around in the attic to drop electrical wires. My husband did all of the attic work,since my father-in-law has bad knees. My husband took the camera with him, and VIOLA – my father-in-law could see everything that was happening up in the attic. Now, thanks to Arlo thanks to my husband, I have a gorgeous ceiling fan in my bedroom.
But Wait – That’s Not All!
Recently, our neighborhood has experienced some mailbox theft. I was able to put the Arlo system in an area that viewed the mailbox. Although, I did not catch anyone, this is a great way to reduce neighborhood crime!
Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 11.6 x 4.8 inches ; 3.4 pounds
- Batteries 8 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
- 2 HD weatherproof security cameras with night vision
- 1 smart home base station + power adapter
- 4 magnetic mounts
- 1 window decal
- 1 Ethernet cable
Pros:
- See in stunning clarity and sharper details with HD cameras and watch live streamed or recorded videos from your computer, smartphone or tablet using Arlo’s free App
- Patented 100% wire-free design and magnetic mounts let you discreetly place cameras where you want and monitor your home from every possible angle
- Night vision cameras with HD clarity even in the dark
- Motion activated cameras and custom activity alerts provide real-time email or app notifications while home or away
- Indoor/Outdoor weatherproof cameras install easily for DIY security so you can even monitor the exterior of your home
- Share videos with family or friends
- Take snapshot images
Cons:
- Battery operated cameras require battery replacement
- No audio within the camera or the video, loud sounds will not alert the cameras to record
- App features are limited
The Arlo Home 2 Camera Security System can be purchased on Amazon for $349.99 plus free shipping.
A Mom’s Perspective
The Arlo Home Security System is a remarkable alternative to paying high monthly fees for a third party home security system. The Arlo app allows for real time viewing in your home or exterior. The HD cameras give great image quality with minimal lag time.
The wireless cameras are key to being able to capture areas where an outlet may not be accessible. We love being able to check in on our home while we are away, either to check on the kids or to make sure everything is in order. I know that this will be a great tool for us while we are away on vacation this summer.
*I was given an Arlo Home Security System for my honest review of this project. All opinions are my own.
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