Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

# Things I like ########## Setup (9.5) Setup was very easy. If you know how to install an app on your phone, you can set up these cameras. I was up and running with two cameras in less than 10 minutes. I’ve read that other camera systems have complex setup procedures. This is not the case with the Arlo. Ease of Use (9.0) I love the fact that within minutes of opening the box, I had a cloud based security camera system up and running. I was able to put the cameras anywhere in my house, connect AC power, and view streaming video on my phone and on my computer. Video quality (8.5) One of the reasons why I didn’t buy the original Arlo Pro is that people complained about the video quality. With the Arlo Pro 2, I believe the 1080p video quality is pretty good. I do wish, however, that a higher resolution Arlo camera was available, even if the higher resolution required local storage. Software (9.0): The mobile app and the website are both very easy to use and navigate. With other camera systems, I’ve read that the companion apps were subpar. I don’t think people will have any complaints with the Arlo app. Cloud Recording (9.0): The free 7-day cloud recording plan is awesome. I think the $99/year 30-day plan is reasonable. I’m even ok with the cost of the continuous recording plan. No long term contract is required which is also awesome. # Things I didn’t like ########## Expensive. While I accept that a quality security camera system won’t cost under $100 (like many systems on Amazon), I can’t help but feel that this unit costs too much. Perhaps the counter argument would be that the free 7-day cloud recording mitigates the cost over time. I wish there was a button on the main page of the app and website that allowed you to toggle all cameras on and off. An even better option would be to define camera groups that can be toggled on and off. You will still experience delayed recording unless your cameras are plugged into a power outlet. I wish the Arlo had better support for local recording. I’d like the ability to couple the free 7-day cloud recording plan with a local, continuous recording solution. I’d also like NAS support and the ability to host my own app locally. Branded accessories are overpriced. # Other Stuff ########## Night vision works, although I seem to get a better picture on one of the two cameras. I’ll post an update after doing some more tests. I haven’t tested the audio yet. I’ll post an update soon. # Bottom Line ########## I really like the Arlo Pro 2 system so far. I like the free cloud recording, easy setup, easy to use app, and video quality. It’s expensive, but if you can make do with the free cloud recording and USB storage backup, perhaps the cost is mitigated over time. The cloud storage will come in handy should a burglar attempt to steal or destroy your locally stored video. The increased video quality and the elimination of the delayed recording (when AC powered) makes the Arlo Pro 2 a better option than the original Arlo Pro. I think this is one of the best wireless consumer camera systems available. However, I still deducted one star. I want to see the local storage options improved upon. For instance, I’d like to see NAS support, an app I can host on a local server, continuous local recording, etc. I also want a higher resolution camera, even if the high-res videos can only be saved locally. I’ll post an update to the review after I’ve tested the system a little more. So far so good. # Tips ########## If the power cord is getting in the way of your mount, consider using the camera upside down, then correct the image by rotating it in your camera’s video settings. If you only need one camera, consider buying an Arlo Pro 2 camera and the old base unit separately.