And it is! Both of the video doorbell models have some sweet selling points, like an option to go wired or wireless, a 1:1 aspect ratio that lets you see more of your porch, and AI features like package detection. Sign us up. The Arlo Doorbell gives you high-definition video resolution (1080p), two-way audio, night vision, etc. You’ll get a notification when anyone steps on your porch, be it a package thief or friendly visitor. That’s because Arlo makes the image just as tall as it is wide. (Most doorbell cameras are much wider than they are tall, which means you can’t see objects on your porch, like packages.) When we tested it, we found that the Arlo Video Doorbell still lets you see all the way down to the surface of your porch, even with close-up shots. The Arlo Video Doorbell solves this by calling your phone when someone rings your doorbell. That way, you don’t notice a notification 10 minutes later. There’s a downside to this feature, though: you can’t turn it off. And it can get annoying if you don’t want a phone call every time some neighbor kids think it’s time to play Ding-Dong Ditch. It’s so much easier to sort through the notifications on your phone if they have more detail than just “motion.” Arlo’s smart notifications let you see when there’s an alert you actually want to pay attention to, like a person coming to visit, rather than just your neighbor’s cat hanging out on your porch again. That’s not just convenient; it’s also a safety feature. Normally, when you call 9-1-1, your phone calls the nearest 9-1-1 dispatcher to your current location. But if someone’s at your house, then you want the nearest one to your address, even if you’re not physically there. The Arlo emergency calling feature calls the 9-1-1 dispatcher closest to your house no matter where you are. You could be sitting at a cafe in Estonia and still call the right station. The Arlo Wireless Video Doorbell is slightly more expensive at $199.99. You’ll pay a higher price for the wireless option, which is usually always the case. So you’ll have to decide if that is worth it to you. Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell installation steps: For more information on how to install your Wired Arlo Video Doorbell, follow the instructions in the app or check out the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell user manual. Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell installation steps: That’s it! The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is $50 more, but you’re paying for an even easier setup. Features: The Arlo Video Wired and Wireless Doorbell has a bunch of cool features worth bragging about, including a 1:1 aspect ratio, smart alerts, emergency calling, and a built-in siren. This camera has top-notch functionality. Pricing: For what it can do, the Arlo Wired Video Doorbell is quite affordable. (Especially when you compare the price to the Google Nest Hello.) But it’s not the cheapest doorbell cam on the market. The Arlo Wireless Video Doorbell is even more expensive. If you are really on a budget, you can find a cheaper option out there. Home automation: The Arlo Video Doorbell works with Alexa and Google. We’re waiting on an Apple HomeKit integration. Installation: Installation is pretty easy for both models. To connect your Arlo Wired Video Doorbell, you will have to remove your existing doorbell and connect to the wiring. If you’re willing to pay more for the Arlo Wireless Doorbell Camera, the installation is even easier and doesn’t require hardwiring. All-in-all, we’re pretty impressed with Arlo’s contribution to the doorbell camera market. And if you already use other Arlo cameras around your property, then the Arlo Wired and Wireless Video Doorbells will fit right in with your other devices.
