Pros
- Durable build
- Good video, including night vision
- 2-way audio
- Can be set where there’s no Wi-Fi
- Free cloud storage
- Great mobile app
Cons
- Expensive, especially with monthly fees included
- LTE dependent (does not use Wi-Fi
- A bit too large and visible
Nowadays, wiring security cameras isn’t as popular as it was once. Not now when going wireless is a much more convenient option. But sometimes you have spots in your property where the Wi-Fi isn’t as good. Arlo provides for this situation by offering a security camera that works with 4G LTE instead. In your phone tends to enjoy getting a reliable mobile signal, then that’s great for your Arlo Go.
This means you can place this anywhere in your property where the Wi-Fi signal doesn’t get to. This is great for extensive properties, obviously. If you can’t use a Wi-Fi extender, then this is another option you can use to make sure your entire property is monitored properly.
Arlo Go Key Features
This is a squarish camera that looks like the bulkier big brother of the Arlo Pro. It measures 3.5 x 2.73 x 3 inches, and weighs 11.8 ounces without the battery.
However, your purchase does come with the rechargeable battery. In addition, you get the black outdoor security mount, 3 mounting screws, a power cable with adapter, a SIM card, a quick-start guide, and a window decal.
The overall look is nicely neutral, so you can use this indoors and it won’t clash too much with your interior theme. It does have a touch of a hi-tech vibe, which fits most homes.
The design is simple, which is a relief for most people. A button on top opens the port for the battery. At the back, there’s a port you use to connect a micro-USB cable. In front, there’s another button for syncing the camera with your phone. And that’s that.
Installation and Setup
This works for both indoors and outdoors. It’s actually very portable, which is great when you want to leave it in various different places depending on the circumstances. If you’re using this indoors, you can just put it on a side table or a bookshelf. For outdoor use, screw in the black metal stand to the port under the unit and then to the ceiling or wall. You can then adjust the angle.
You screw this in by hand, which may be a concern. The Arlo Go is big enough to be highly visible, and people can just unscrew the camera and run away with it.
The installation is a simple 3-step process:
- Put in the SIM card at the back.
- Press the sync button at the front.
- Activate the Arlo app on your phone, and you complete the connection.
Open the app, and you can then watch a live stream from the camera. You may also engage in a 2-way conversation, or record a video or snap a photo.
Video Quality
The resolution here is just 720p. That may not be enough for positive ID, especially when the subject is moving fast and it’s dark. Still, while 720p is a bit blurry on a large TV the video should work well enough as seen on your smartphone. Besides, you’re transmitting over 4G and you don’t really want to transmit the video sizes that come with 4K resolution.
The camera itself can do well in the outdoors with its IP65 weather-resistance. That means it’s tightly sealed against dust while even water from a nozzle won’t damage it. It should do well against rain. If you don’t mount it on a wall or ceiling, you can basically carry this anywhere and you won’t need to reinstall and re-setup.
The Arlo App can control a number (or even a variety) of Arlo cameras. You can arm or disarm a camera to activate the motion sensor, or you can schedule it to operate only at certain times.
Geofencing is also an option. this disarms the camera when it detects your smartphone within a certain distance. The camera also does well in determining when it’s dark enough to warrant the use of the infrared night vision. The app is quite intuitive and easy to use.
Track and Zoom
You can’t pan and tilt the camera, though at least it has a wide field of view to work with. You also get 8x digital zoom.
Audio Quality
This offers 2-way audio, which actually proves useful for several situations. You can use this to frighten away animals or even burglars, or talk to pets. If you have visitors, this also works so you can talk to the visitor.
Motion and Sound Detection
This has motion detection, which sends you alerts when it’s activated while it starts recording a video. You can reduce the sensitivity of the motion sensor, which should reduce the number of false alerts.
The camera also has sound sensors, which alerts you when the sound it picks up is loud enough. This may not be very practical outdoors, though at night it can certainly hear car alarms. But it works very well indoors, especially when there’s a noise when the house is supposed to be empty!
Cloud Storage Costs
This is actually free. The basic plan costs you nothing, which is why it’s also called the “no subscription” option. You get 7 days of recordings. You also have a microSD card slot for locally saved video recordings.
However, if you want more, you have to pay. For 30 days of video history, you have to pay about $3 a month per camera, or $10 for up to 10 cameras. You can get up to 60 days of video history for $15 a month, and that’s for up to 20 cameras.
These Arlo Smart Plans also offer advanced services such as advanced AI detection (people, pet, vehicle, or package), custom activity zones, lock screen notifications and e911 emergency call service. What you have to understand is that you only get 15 minutes of free live streaming. After that, you need a data plan to pay for viewing live streams.
Smart Home Compatibility
This works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, along with Stringify and IFTT.
Mobile Apps and Web Portals
The free app works with iOS, Android, and FireOS, and you can use a web browser as well.
Find the apps here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arlo.app&hl=en
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arlo/id1459289784
FAQs
Is there’s really no need for a subscription plan?
Not at first. But then when you use up your 15 minutes of live streaming, you’re done. In practical terms, you do need a data plan.
How much will the data plans cost?
For 15 minutes a month, it’s $5. For 120 minutes, it’s $23 and $33 for 225 minutes.
How long will the battery last before I need to recharge it?
On average, about a month. This assumes you’re using optimized video settings and your camera only records 5 minutes of video a day.
Where are the places where the Arlo Go may be the best options?
These places include parking lots, construction work sites, outdoor trails, docks and boats, and farms.
How does Arlo Go compare with other Netgear security solutions?
You can read real customer reviews for Arlo solutions here.
Verdict
As you can see in the places where you can use the Arlo Go, this camera does have its uses. Its portability means you can bring it anywhere without having to rely on Wi-Fi. As long as you have your LTE signal, you’re good to go.
However, for just home security this can be a rather expensive proposition. It is good, but the cost may be too much for the camera. That’s not even counting the data plan fees. You can use it in places where a regular Wi-Fi camera won’t work. For other places, another camera may be your more cost-effective option.
