The Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera is one of the most popular cameras in the Arlo series, while the Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera is a popular choice for those who want a brighter illuminator. If you’re looking for the best value between the Arlo Pro 4 and the more affordable Reolink Argus 3, which one would be the better choice for you?
Arlo pro 4 spotlight camera
The Arlo Pro 4 camera’s physical design is similar to its predecessors in the Arlo series, such as the Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Ultra. It features a small, slim profile and can be placed anywhere with ease due to its wire-free nature and battery-powered operation. When covered with a silicone skin, there are no noticeable differences in appearance or dimensions compared to previous Arlo models.
Arlo Pro 4 vs 5s
A new version of the Arlo Pro 4 camera is now available, known as the Arlo Pro 5s. What are the differences between the Arlo Pro 5s and its predecessor, the Arlo Pro 4? There are a few notable enhancements with the Arlo Pro 5s, including dual-band Wi-Fi instead of single-band Wi-Fi. Additionally, the Arlo Pro 5s features Arlo SecureLink connectivity, which offers a more secure connection during power outages and Wi-Fi outages. Finally, the Arlo Pro 5s has a low-power mode that can extend battery life by up to 30%. Other than these three differences, the specs and features of the Arlo Pro 5s are identical to the Arlo Pro 4.
Connect direct to network
In contrast to previous Arlo series, the Arlo Pro 4 camera can be connected directly to your home Wi-Fi network without the need for a base station. This allows you to purchase the camera at a lower price, without having to invest in a separate base station. This is a significant market breakthrough, considering that Arlo cameras with base stations are typically sold at higher prices than other similar cameras, including more affordable wire-free security cameras flooding the market such as Reolink and Eufy. Another Arlo series camera that doesn’t require a base station is the Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera.
See also head to head arlo vs eufy floodlight camera.
Arlo pro 3 vs arlo pro 4
The Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight cameras have similar specifications and features, except for the physical differences in their white LED illuminators. The Arlo Pro 4 features a spotlight white illuminator with a lower brightness level than the floodlight illuminator found in the Arlo Pro 3. The floodlight illuminator appears physically integrated and is clearly different from the Arlo Pro 4 model.
For a detailed comparison of the specifications and features between these two Arlo Pro cameras, please refer to Table 1 below.
Illuminator
The most noticeable difference between the Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Pro 4 cameras is the type of illuminator they feature. The Arlo Pro 3 is commonly referred to as the “Arlo Floodlight Camera” due to its powerful floodlight illuminator, while the Arlo Pro 4 is part of the spotlight camera series with 2K resolution, and does not require a base station like other previous Arlo wire-free cameras. Both the Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera and Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera can connect directly to your home wireless network and do not require an Arlo base station.
Both the Arlo Pro series cameras respond to motion detection, as do other security cameras in general. However, with an Arlo Secure plan, these cameras support smart features that enable them to distinguish between people, packages, vehicles, and animals, making them smarter at detecting and reducing false alerts. Additionally, you can limit unwanted alerts by customizing the activity zone and defining specific areas for surveillance.
Table 1 Arlo pro 4 vs arlo pro 3 floodlight
| Arlo model | Arlo Pro 4 | Arlo Pro 3 floodlight |
| 1/3” 4MP image sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Video resolution : 4MP (2560 x 1440); 1080p or 720p | Yes | Yes |
| 130 degree diagonal Field of view angle | Yes | Yes |
| 12x digital Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| White lights | Spotlights 42Lux@1M 6500K | Floodlights; 4000K color temperature 2000 ~ 3000 lumens (Outdoor Magnetic Charging Cable required for 3000 lumens) |
| Night vision | High powered Infrared LEDs (850nm) with IR Cut Filter Color night vision with spotlights ON | B/W night vision with 2pcs high powered IR LEDs; Color night vision with floodlight ON |
| Event alerts | Single motion detection; 130 degree horizontal | Smarter object detection: a person, package, vehicle or animal |
| Two way full duplex communication with single microphone with noise and echo cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Power: Rechargeable battery up to 6 months life; AC Adapter 5V 2A / 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz; Optional Arlo solar power | Yes | Yes |
| Wifi connectivity: 802.11b/g/n single band 2.4GHz | Yes | Yes |
| Dimension | 89mm x 52mm x 78.4mm | 218.5mm x 190.5mm x 77.9mm; |
| Weight | 316 g | 650 g |
Now, let’s compare the Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera with the Reolink Argus 3 spotlight camera.
Reolink products are becoming increasingly popular, partly due to the fact that they release products with similar specs and features to well-known and popular products from major vendors, but at more affordable prices. In fact, some of their products are even more feature-rich than their competitors.
Arlo Pro 4 vs Reolink argus 3
One of Reolink’s products that competes with Arlo is the Reolink Argus 3, which we will compare with the Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera here. Table 2 below shows a comparison of the specs and features of Arlo and Reolink wire-free cameras.
If you need a security camera with 2k resolution that is suitable for your needs, then these two camera models can be considered, as both are equipped with a 4MP CMOS image sensor that allows you to record up to a maximum of 2k resolution..
Wire-free camera
Both the Arlo Pro 4 and Reolink Argus 3 are wire-free security cameras that come with a rechargeable battery and connect to your home Wi-Fi network. This allows you to place the camera in any location within range of your home network without the need for a power outlet. Additionally, both cameras offer the option to use solar power for sustainable energy to charge the battery during daylight hours.
With a 4MP CMOS image sensor, both cameras can record up to a maximum of 2k resolution, making them suitable for your security needs.
That’s correct. Reolink Argus 3 has a better wifi connectivity spec compared to Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera as it supports dual-band wifi connectivity, either at 2.4GHz or 5GHz, this is the same as the newer model Arlo Pro 5s.
This means that when connected to a dual-band wifi router that supports legacy wireless N, AC or even the latest wifi-6 technology, the video data can be transmitted more reliably and at a cleaner radio band at 5GHz instead of 2.4GHz which is prone to radio interference. In contrast, Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera only supports single radio band at 2.4GHz.
As we look ahead to the future of wifi technology, we see that wifi 7 is on the horizon and will include the addition of a 6GHz band, similar to the current wifi 6e technology. Some wireless router products with wifi 7 capabilities have already been showcased and are available for preorder, see TP-Link Deco mesh wifi 7 products. It remains to be seen if security camera manufacturers will incorporate the 6GHz band connectivity in their future products, but it’s certainly a possibility to keep an eye on.
Storage
One key difference between Arlo and Reolink is their approach to local memory storage. While Arlo cameras do not have built-in local storage, Reolink Argus 3 allows for the installation of a micro SD card with storage capacity up to 128GB. This means that even without a cloud storage subscription, users can still access and review previously recorded video footage whenever necessary.
To access advanced features such as cloud storage, object detection, and activity zones, users of the Arlo Pro 4 need to subscribe to the Arlo Secure plan. The subscription plan also provides users with access to emergency response services for US-based subscribers. Without a subscription, users will not be able to access cloud storage and will only have access to basic features such as motion detection.
Without subscribing to Arlo Secure Plan, you can still enjoy live streaming up to 4k resolution, receive motion detected alerts, and have two-way audio communications through the Arlo app. However, subscribing to Arlo Secure Plan unlocks a variety of rich features and services including 30-day cloud storage, smart motion detection for person/vehicle/animal, emergency response, activity zone customization, smoke/CO alarm listening, package detection, and more. Additionally, the Eufy floodlight camera also offers local memory storage.
For a detailed comparison of the specifications between Arlo Pro 4 and Reolink Argus 3 wire-free cameras, please refer to the comparison table below.
Table 2 arlo pro 4 spotlight camera vs reolink argus 3
| Wire-free Camera Model | Arlo Pro 4 | Reolink Argus 3 |
| Video resolution | 4MP (2560 x 1440); 1080p or 720p | 4.0MP (2560 x 1440) @15fps |
| Image sensor | 1/3 inch color 4MP image sensor | 1/3 inch 4.0MP CMOS image sensor |
| Zoom | 12x digital Zoom | 16x digital zoom |
| Field of view angle | 160 degree diagonal Field of view angle | 122 degree diagonal |
| White lights | Spotlights 42Lux@1M 6500K | Spotlight: 2pcs/ 2W/ 6500K/ 230 lumens |
| Night vision | High powered Infrared LEDs (850nm) with IR Cut Filter Color night vision with spotlights ON | B/W night vision with LED: 6pcs /14mil /850nm range up to 10m (33ft) ; Color night vision with spotlights ON |
| Audio | Two way audio communication with single microphone with noise and echo cancellation | Two way audio with built-in speaker and microphone |
| Siren | Built-in siren ; triggered automatically by motion detection or manually via from Arlo secure app | Customized audio siren alerts |
| Power | Rechargeable battery up to 6 months life; AC Adapter 5V 2A / 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz; Optional Arlo solar power | 6,000mAh rechargeable battery DC Power: 5V/2A USB power adapter Optional: Reolink solar panel |
| Connectivity | Single band @2.4GHz wireless N (802.11b/g/n) | Dual band @2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ |
| Outdoor protection | Outdoor UV and weather-resistant | IP65 weatherproof |
| Event alerts | Motion detection; With arlo secure plan: person, package, vehicle or animal detection | Person / vehicle detection |
| Smart features | Works with Apple Homekit; Alexa; Ok Google; Smartthings; IFTTT | Works with Alexa and Google assistance |
| Connect to base station | Connect direct to your wifi network | Connect direct to home wifi network |
| Storage | No local memory storage Cloud storage plan with Arlo secure service | Up to 128GB micro SD card; Supports Reolink cloud storage |
| Dimension | 89 mm x 52 mm x 78.4 mm | 121 mm x 90 mm x 56 mm (4.76 x 3.54 x 2.2 in) |
| Weight | 316g; | 330g (11.6 oz) |
| Price (Amazon Jul 2022) | $174.99 | $129.99 |
The Reolink Argus 3 spotlight cameras offer dual-band Wi-Fi and local memory storage at a more affordable price point. This makes them a great option for those who prefer not to pay extra subscription fees for Arlo Secure, as is required with the Arlo Pro 4 spotlight cameras. However, if you’re looking for more advanced features, the Arlo Secure service may be worth considering for Arlo cameras.
To learn more about the Reolink Argus 3 spotlight cameras, including customer reviews and the current price on Amazon, click on the product link below (#ads).
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