Arlo Safe vs. Arlo Secure: What’s The Difference?

Home security has come a long way in recent years, thanks to the advent of smart technology. Arlo, a well-known name in the world of home security, offers a range of products and services designed to keep your home safe. Two of their popular subscription plans, Arlo Safe and Arlo Secure, are often a subject of confusion for potential customers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key differences between Arlo Safe vs Arlo Secure, helping you make an informed decision to enhance the security of your home.

Arlo: A Leader in Smart Home Security

Before delving into the specifics of Arlo Safe and Arlo Secure, it’s essential to understand what Arlo brings to the table in terms of smart home security.

Arlo is a brand that specializes in home security cameras and related products. Their products are known for their high-quality video, ease of use, and a wide range of features designed to help homeowners protect their properties. The primary product line includes wire-free and wired cameras, doorbell cameras, and smart floodlight cameras. Arlo devices offer features like motion detection, night vision, two-way audio, and even 4K video quality, making them a top choice for those looking to bolster their home security.

But beyond the hardware, Arlo also provides cloud-based services that extend the functionality and usefulness of their devices. These services are known as Arlo Smart and come in two main flavors: Arlo Safe and Arlo Secure. Each service tier offers distinct benefits and features tailored to different security needs.

Arlo Safe: Basics and Benefits

Arlo Safe is the more basic of the two subscription plans. It’s designed for those who want essential cloud-based features without any frills. Let’s dive into the details of Arlo Safe:

1. Video Cloud Storage

One of the primary benefits of Arlo Safe is video cloud storage. This feature allows you to store and access your recorded video footage in the cloud for up to 30 days. In case of any security incidents, this stored video can be invaluable for investigations, insurance claims, or simply reviewing past events.

2. Enhanced Security Alerts

Arlo Safe subscribers receive enhanced security alerts. These alerts are more refined than the basic notifications that non-subscribers receive. You’ll get notified when your camera detects people, vehicles, animals, or packages, allowing you to differentiate between different types of motion events.

3. Package Detection

The package detection feature is particularly useful for homeowners who frequently receive deliveries. With Arlo Safe, your cameras will notify you specifically when a package is detected on your doorstep. This way, you won’t miss any important deliveries, and you’ll be alerted as soon as a package arrives.

4. Unlimited Cameras

Arlo Safe supports an unlimited number of cameras on a single subscription plan. This is great news for homeowners with extensive camera setups who want all their devices to benefit from the Arlo Safe features without any restrictions.

5. 24/7 Continuous Recording

For users who desire uninterrupted monitoring, Arlo Safe also offers the option of 24/7 continuous recording. This means your camera will record around the clock, ensuring that you have a comprehensive record of all activities in and around your property. This feature is particularly useful if you want to maintain surveillance even when there isn’t any motion detected.

6. E911 Emergency Call Service

Arlo Safe includes the E911 emergency call service, which lets you contact local emergency services directly from the Arlo app. In case of an emergency, this feature can save valuable time and be a crucial tool in ensuring your safety and security.

7. Smart Home Integration

Arlo Safe is compatible with a range of smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This integration enables you to control and monitor your Arlo devices using voice commands and through your preferred smart home platform.

Arlo Secure: Advanced Security Features

Arlo Secure is the more comprehensive and advanced subscription plan, offering a wide array of features that go beyond the basics provided by Arlo Safe. Let’s delve into the details of Arlo Secure:

1. All Arlo Safe Features

Arlo Secure includes all the features of Arlo Safe, which means you get video cloud storage, enhanced security alerts, package detection, unlimited cameras, 24/7 continuous recording, and the E911 emergency call service.

2. AI Object Detection

The standout feature of Arlo Secure is AI object detection. This advanced technology allows your cameras to differentiate between specific objects, such as animals, vehicles, and people, with even greater accuracy. This level of precision minimizes false alarms and ensures you’re only notified about events that genuinely matter to your security.

3. Rich Notifications

Arlo Secure provides richer notifications, including images of the event that triggered the alert. This way, you can quickly assess the situation and decide whether immediate action is needed, all without opening the Arlo app.

4. Emergency Response Service

This feature is especially valuable for homeowners seeking peace of mind. With Arlo Secure, you gain access to Arlo’s emergency response service. In the event of an alarm trigger, Arlo’s security team will proactively contact you and, if necessary, dispatch emergency services to your location. It’s like having your personal security team at your disposal 24/7.

5. Advanced Object Detection Zones

Arlo Secure offers more advanced object detection zones, allowing you to precisely define the areas you want your cameras to monitor. This customization minimizes false alerts and ensures you’re notified only about relevant activity in the specified zones.

6. Custom Modes

Custom modes enable you to create personalized settings for your cameras. You can configure different modes for various scenarios, like when you’re home, away, or on vacation. For example, you might want your cameras to be less sensitive when you’re at home, but more vigilant when you’re away. Arlo Secure lets you tailor these settings to your specific preferences.

7. Unlimited Support

With Arlo Secure, you have access to unlimited support from Arlo’s customer service team. This can be incredibly beneficial if you encounter any technical issues or have questions about optimizing your security setup.

Making the Choice: Arlo Safe or Arlo Secure?

Now that we’ve covered the key features and differences between Arlo Safe and Arlo Secure, you might be wondering which plan is right for you. The choice largely depends on your specific security needs and budget. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

1. Budget

Arlo Safe is more budget-friendly compared to Arlo Secure. If you’re looking to save on subscription costs, Arlo Safe may be the better choice. However, if you value the additional features provided by Arlo Secure, it might be worth the extra investment.

2. Home Security Needs

Evaluate the level of security your home requires. If you have a relatively simple setup and don’t need advanced features like AI object detection, Arlo Safe may suffice. On the other hand, if you have a larger property or specific security concerns, Arlo Secure’s advanced features may be more suitable.

3. Customization

Consider how much control and customization you want over your security system. If you want to tailor your security settings to specific scenarios and receive more advanced alerts, Arlo Secure is the way to go.

4. Peace of Mind

If peace of mind and a proactive security approach are essential to you, Arlo Secure’s emergency response service can be a significant advantage. It provides an added layer of protection and assistance in case of emergencies.

5. Existing Arlo Devices

If you already have Arlo devices and are upgrading to a subscription plan, the number of cameras you own may also influence your choice. Arlo Secure’s support for unlimited cameras without restrictions can be advantageous in such cases.

Conclusion

Arlo’s home security offerings, Arlo Safe and Arlo Secure, provide a wide range of features to enhance the protection of your property. While Arlo Safe offers essential cloud-based services and is budget-friendly, Arlo Secure goes a step further with advanced features like AI object detection, emergency response service, and customization options. Your choice between the two should be based on your specific security needs, budget, and desire for advanced features and peace of mind. Ultimately, both plans are designed to make your home security smarter and more effective, helping you keep your loved ones and belongings safe in an increasingly connected world.