The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Generation largely delivers on its promise of an affordable, feature-rich indoor security solution, offering significant upgrades over its predecessor, particularly in video quality and smart home integration, making it a strong contender for those seeking reliable indoor monitoring without breaking the bank.

It excels in delivering clear 2K HDR video, enhanced night vision, and local storage options, positioning it as a compelling choice for homeowners and renters alike.

However, prospective buyers should weigh its strengths against the subscription requirements for advanced features and the overall Arlo ecosystem commitment.

Here’s a quick look at how the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Generation stacks up against some of its closest competitors: Screencast O Matic Review

Feature	Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen	Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen	Google Nest Cam wired	Wyze Cam v4	Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt	TP-Link Tapo C210	Blink Mini 2
Resolution	2K HDR	1080p HD	1080p HD	2K Color Night Vision	2K	2K 3MP	1080p HD
Field of View	130°	140°	135°	110°	360° Pan, 96° Tilt	360° Pan, 114° Tilt	143°
Night Vision	Color	Infrared	Infrared	Color	Infrared	Infrared	Color
Local Storage	Yes MicroSD	No	No Google Photos optional	Yes MicroSD	Yes MicroSD	Yes MicroSD	No Requires Sync Module
Subscription	Arlo Secure Cloud	Ring Protect Cloud	Nest Aware Cloud	Cam Plus Cloud	Optional Cloud, Local Free	Tapo Care Cloud Optional	Blink Plus Cloud
Smart Home	Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT	Alexa	Google Home	Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT	Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit	Alexa, Google Home	Alexa
Privacy Shutter	Manual	No	No	No	Yes via app	No	No

Table of Contents

Design and Build Quality: A Familiar Yet Refined Aesthetic

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Generation retains the signature Arlo design language – sleek, minimalist, and unobtrusive, making it easy to blend into most home décors.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2nd Gen doesn’t dramatically alter its physical form factor, maintaining a compact and sphere-like body that sits on a stable base.

This design choice is deliberate, allowing for flexible placement on shelves, desks, or even wall mounting.

The build quality feels solid, utilizing durable plastics that suggest longevity. Canon Rf 200 800Mm F63 9 Is Usm Review

Dimensions and Footprint

The camera’s physical dimensions are thoughtfully designed to ensure it doesn’t become an eyesore.

It’s small enough to be discreet, yet substantial enough to feel well-built.

Compact Size: Roughly 4.5 inches tall and 2 inches wide, making it highly versatile for placement.
Lightweight: Easy to move and reposition as needed.
Stable Base: The integrated base provides good stability, reducing the risk of accidental tipping.

Privacy Shutter: A Key Differentiator

One of the most talked-about features of the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera, and a significant reason many opt for it, is its integrated privacy shutter. This isn’t just a software toggle.

It’s a physical, motorized shutter that covers the lens and disables the microphone, providing an unparalleled level of privacy assurance.

Physical Barrier: When activated, a physical flap slides over the camera lens, visually confirming that the camera cannot record.
Microphone Disablement: Simultaneously, the microphone is turned off, ensuring no audio can be picked up.
Convenient Activation: The shutter can be manually opened/closed via a physical button on the camera or remotely through the Arlo app, offering flexibility.
Scheduled Privacy: Users can schedule the shutter to open or close based on specific times or when the system is armed/disarmed, ideal for maintaining privacy when home and securing the area when away.
Peace of Mind: For many, this feature is a non-negotiable, offering a level of trust that purely software-based privacy modes can’t match. It addresses common concerns about indoor cameras potentially being compromised.

Video Quality: Stepping Up to 2K HDR

The most significant upgrade in the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Generation is undoubtedly its video capabilities. Hellofresh Meal Delivery Service Review

Moving from 1080p HD to 2K HDR is a substantial leap, providing clearer, more detailed, and more color-accurate footage, both day and night.

2K HDR Resolution

Enhanced Detail: The 2K resolution 2560 x 1440 pixels captures significantly more detail than standard 1080p cameras. This means clearer facial recognition, better identification of objects, and improved overall scene clarity.
High Dynamic Range HDR: HDR technology balances bright and dark areas within the same frame, preventing blown-out highlights and crushed shadows. This is particularly useful in rooms with strong backlighting from windows or varying light conditions, ensuring that crucial details aren’t lost.
Zoom Capability: The higher resolution allows for more effective digital zooming without excessive pixelation, enabling users to digitally zoom in on specific areas of interest in the live feed or recorded footage for closer inspection.

Color Night Vision

Gone are the days of grainy, black-and-white night vision.

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen boasts color night vision, a feature typically found on more premium outdoor cameras.

Improved Clarity in Low Light: By utilizing ambient light and advanced image processing, the camera can render colors in low-light conditions, providing a much more informative and natural view of what’s happening.
Enhanced Identification: Seeing colors in night vision greatly aids in identifying intruders, pets, or specific objects, rather than just silhouettes.
Traditional Infrared Backup: While it excels in color night vision, it also retains traditional infrared IR LEDs for true darkness, ensuring that even in absolute pitch black, you’ll still get a clear, albeit black-and-white, image.

Field of View FoV

The 130-degree diagonal field of view is wide enough to cover most standard rooms, offering a good balance between coverage and minimizing fish-eye distortion.

Wide Coverage: A 130-degree FoV allows the camera to monitor a significant portion of a room from a single vantage point.
Placement Flexibility: This wide angle reduces the need for multiple cameras in smaller to medium-sized rooms.
Digital Pan and Tilt: While it’s a fixed-lens camera without mechanical pan/tilt, the high resolution allows for effective digital pan and tilt within the captured frame during live viewing or playback.

Audio Capabilities: Two-Way Talk and Noise Cancellation

Effective two-way audio is crucial for an indoor camera, allowing users to communicate with people or pets in the room, or even deter unwanted visitors. Irobot Roomba J9 Plus Review

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen delivers on this front with clear audio transmission and reception.

Two-Way Audio

Clear Communication: The integrated speaker and microphone allow for seamless two-way conversations. You can speak to your kids, comfort your pet, or even address a delivery person if the camera is near an entry point.
Full-Duplex Support: Some advanced security cameras offer full-duplex audio, meaning both parties can speak and hear simultaneously, much like a phone call. While Arlo’s implementation is generally robust, it typically operates closer to a push-to-talk system for optimal clarity.
Volume Adjustment: The volume of the camera’s speaker can be adjusted through the Arlo app, ensuring your voice is heard clearly.

Noise Cancellation

Reduced Background Noise: Arlo incorporates noise cancellation technology to filter out common background sounds like air conditioning hums, fan noise, or street traffic, focusing on the human voice for clearer communication.
Improved Clarity: This feature significantly improves the intelligibility of conversations, both for the person speaking into the app and the person near the camera.
Effective Monitoring: For monitoring purposes, noise cancellation helps to isolate relevant sounds, making it easier to identify specific audio cues like a pet whimpering or an alarm sounding, rather than just ambient noise.

Smart Features and AI Detection: Beyond Basic Motion

Arlo’s strength lies in its ecosystem of smart features and AI-powered detection, though it’s important to note that many of the most advanced capabilities require an Arlo Secure subscription.

Motion and Sound Detection

Configurable Zones: Users can define specific “activity zones” within the camera’s field of view. This ensures that the camera only triggers alerts for motion within those zones, reducing false alarms from, say, a pet walking by a window or a tree swaying outside.
Adjustable Sensitivity: Motion sensitivity can be fine-tuned to prevent over-triggering or under-triggering, allowing users to find the perfect balance for their environment.
Sound Detection: The camera also listens for unusual sounds. Users can set alerts for specific noises, such as glass breaking or a smoke alarm going off, adding an extra layer of security.

AI-Powered Object Detection Arlo Secure Subscription Required

This is where Arlo’s intelligence truly shines, but it comes at a cost.

With an Arlo Secure plan, the camera can differentiate between various types of movement and sound.

Person Detection: Alerts you only when a person is detected, minimizing notifications from pets or inanimate objects.
Vehicle Detection: Useful for outdoor cameras, but for indoor cameras, it could potentially detect vehicles visible through a window if the zone is set appropriately.
Animal Detection: Differentiates between pets and people, useful if you have pets and don’t want constant alerts when they move around.
Package Detection: Primarily for outdoor cameras, but some users might place an indoor camera facing a doorway to monitor deliveries.
Smoke/CO Alarm Detection: If the camera hears the specific sound of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm, it can send an alert, even if no motion is detected. This is a critical safety feature.
Event-Based Recording: Instead of continuous recording, the camera records only when an event motion, sound, specific object is detected, saving storage space and making it easier to review footage.

Activity Zones and Custom Alerts

Precision Monitoring: Activity zones allow users to focus monitoring efforts on areas of high importance, like a doorway or a safe, while ignoring irrelevant areas.
Customizable Notifications: Users can tailor notifications based on the type of detection person, sound, etc., time of day, and even who is home. This prevents alert fatigue.
Rich Notifications: Alerts can include a snapshot or even a short video clip of the event directly in the notification, allowing for quick assessment without opening the app.

Storage Options: Local vs. Cloud

Arlo offers flexibility when it comes to storing your video footage, catering to different preferences for access, security, and cost. Ricoh Scansnap Ix1600 Receipt Edition Review

Cloud Storage Arlo Secure Subscription

Subscription Tiers: Arlo Secure plans offer varying durations of cloud video history e.g., 30 days of rolling cloud storage.
Accessibility: Cloud storage provides easy access to your recordings from anywhere with an internet connection via the Arlo app.
Redundancy: If your camera is stolen or damaged, your footage is still safely stored in the cloud.
Enhanced Features: Cloud storage is almost always tied to advanced AI features like object detection, rich notifications, and activity zones. Without a subscription, these features are significantly limited or unavailable.
Cost: This is an ongoing expense, which can add up over time. Arlo offers various plans, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and budget.

Local Storage MicroSD Card Slot

Privacy: For those concerned about cloud privacy, local storage means your footage remains on a physical card within the camera.
No Recurring Fees: Once you purchase the MicroSD card, there are no ongoing costs for storage.
Internet Independent: While the camera still needs an internet connection for live viewing and app control, local recording continues even if your internet goes down though you won’t get remote alerts.
Convenience: Footage can be easily accessed by physically removing the card and inserting it into a computer, or often, through the Arlo app if the camera is online.
Capacity: The camera typically supports MicroSD cards up to a certain capacity e.g., 256GB, providing ample storage for weeks or even months of event-based recordings.
Limitations: If the camera is stolen, your footage is lost. Accessing footage remotely might be slower or more limited compared to cloud streaming. Advanced AI features are generally not supported with local-only storage.

Important Note: The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen supports local storage directly on a MicroSD card. This is a significant advantage over some competitors that require a separate hub or base station for local storage.

Smart Home Integration: Seamless Ecosystem Compatibility

Arlo prides itself on its robust smart home integrations, allowing the Essential Indoor Camera to fit seamlessly into a broader automated home environment.

Amazon Alexa

Voice Control: “Alexa, show me the living room camera.” Users can view the live feed on Echo Show devices or Fire TV.
Routines: Integrate the camera into Alexa routines, such as turning off smart lights when motion is detected, or arming the Arlo system when you say “Goodnight.”
Announcements: Have Alexa announce when motion or a person is detected by the Arlo camera.

Google Assistant/Google Home

Voice Control: Similar to Alexa, “Hey Google, show me the indoor camera” to cast the live feed to Google Nest Hubs or Chromecast-enabled TVs.
Routines: Incorporate Arlo events into Google Assistant routines, like turning on specific lights when the camera detects movement.
Notifications: Receive Google Home notifications for Arlo events.

IFTTT If This Then That

Advanced Automation: IFTTT allows for highly customized applets that connect Arlo with hundreds of other smart devices and services.
Cross-Platform Triggers: For example, “If Arlo detects motion, then flash Philips Hue lights red” or “If Arlo detects a person, then send a message to a Slack channel.”
Expanded Functionality: IFTTT greatly expands the camera’s utility beyond its core security functions, enabling creative smart home scenarios.

Apple HomeKit

Limited Support: While many Arlo devices offer HomeKit compatibility especially when connected to an Arlo SmartHub, the Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen might have more limited direct HomeKit support, often relying on the SmartHub for full integration.
Home App Control: If integrated, users can view the live feed and control basic camera functions directly from the Apple Home app.
HomeKit Secure Video: This feature, available for HomeKit-compatible cameras, allows for encrypted cloud storage of video footage in iCloud requires a paid iCloud plan and on-device analysis for person/animal/vehicle detection, offering a different privacy and storage model. It’s worth checking Arlo’s official documentation for the latest HomeKit support specifics for this model.

Installation and Setup: A Breeze for Most Users

Arlo cameras are generally known for their straightforward setup process, and the Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen is no exception.

Unboxing and Initial Steps

Minimal Components: The box typically includes the camera, a USB power adapter, a USB cable, and mounting screws if wall mounting.
Download Arlo App: The first step is always to download the Arlo Secure app on your smartphone or tablet.
Account Creation: If you’re a new user, you’ll need to create an Arlo account.

Step-by-Step Setup via Arlo App

Add Device: In the Arlo app, tap the “Add Device” or “+” icon and select “Cameras,” then choose the Essential Indoor Camera.
Scan QR Code: The app will guide you to scan a QR code on the camera for quick identification.
Power On: Plug in the camera to a power outlet. The camera will begin to power up, indicated by an LED light.
Connect to Wi-Fi: The app will prompt you to connect the camera to your home’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Ensure you have your Wi-Fi password ready.
Naming and Placement: Give your camera a descriptive name e.g., “Living Room Camera” and follow on-screen prompts for optimal placement suggestions.
Firmware Updates: The app will check for and install any necessary firmware updates for the camera, which is crucial for optimal performance and security.
Privacy Shutter Configuration: You’ll also be guided through configuring the privacy shutter settings.

Flexible Placement Options

Tabletop/Shelf: The camera’s flat base makes it perfect for placing on any flat surface – a bookshelf, desk, mantelpiece, or bedside table.
Wall/Ceiling Mount: For a more permanent or elevated view, the camera typically comes with a mounting plate and screws, allowing it to be securely affixed to a wall or even a ceiling. The swivel base allows for angle adjustment after mounting.
Power Cord Length: Consider the length of the included power cable when choosing a location, as the camera requires constant power. An extension cord might be necessary for some placements.

Overall, the setup process is intuitive and user-friendly, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. The Arlo app provides clear instructions and visual cues, making the installation largely hassle-free.

Value Proposition: Balancing Cost, Features, and Subscription

Evaluating the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Generation’s value means looking beyond the initial purchase price and considering the total cost of ownership, especially concerning the Arlo Secure subscription. Nikon Nikkor Z 28 75Mm F28 Review

Initial Purchase Price

Competitive Pricing: Arlo generally positions its Essential line as more affordable than its premium Pro or Ultra series. The 2nd Gen Indoor Camera typically falls into a competitive price range compared to other 2K indoor cameras from reputable brands.
Sales and Bundles: Keep an eye out for sales events e.g., Black Friday, Prime Day or bundles that might include multiple cameras or a trial subscription, offering better value.

Arlo Secure Subscription: The Key Factor

This is where the long-term cost comes in, and it’s a critical consideration for many potential buyers.

Necessity for Advanced Features: While the camera offers basic live viewing and local recording without a subscription, features like 2K cloud recording, AI object detection person, pet, package, rich notifications with video clips, activity zones, and longer cloud video history are locked behind the Arlo Secure paywall.
Tiered Plans: Arlo offers different Secure plans e.g., Secure Single Camera, Secure Multi-Camera, Secure Plus with varying features, cloud storage durations, and pricing. Users need to assess which plan best fits their security needs and budget.
Value of Features: For many users, the AI detection capabilities significantly reduce false alarms and provide more intelligent alerts, making the subscription worthwhile. The cloud storage also offers peace of mind against device theft or damage.
Alternatives: If you strictly want local storage and basic motion detection, and don’t need the advanced AI or cloud backup, then the “value” of the subscription might diminish for you, and a camera with robust free local storage like some Eufy or Wyze models might be a better fit.

Comparison to Competitors

Free Features: Some competitors e.g., Eufy offer a more robust set of features, including local storage and basic AI detection, without a recurring fee. However, they might lack the breadth of Arlo’s ecosystem or offer different levels of video quality.
Ecosystem Stickiness: Arlo’s value increases if you already own other Arlo devices doorbells, outdoor cameras as they often share the same subscription plan, making it more cost-effective to expand an existing Arlo system.
Build Quality & Reliability: Arlo generally has a reputation for reliable hardware and software updates, which contributes to its long-term value, potentially justifying a higher initial cost or subscription fee over cheaper, less reliable alternatives.

In summary, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Generation offers good value for its features, especially if you plan to utilize the Arlo Secure subscription for its advanced AI and cloud capabilities. If you’re looking for a purely local storage solution with minimal recurring costs, explore alternatives that provide more free features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main improvement in the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Generation compared to the 1st Gen?

The main improvement is the upgrade to 2K HDR video resolution and the addition of color night vision, offering significantly clearer and more detailed footage both day and night.

Does the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen require a subscription?

No, it does not strictly require a subscription for basic features like live viewing and local recording to a MicroSD card.

However, an Arlo Secure subscription is necessary to access advanced features like 2K cloud recording, AI object detection person, pet, package, rich notifications, and activity zones. Hp Zbook Fury 16 G10 Review

What kind of video quality does the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen offer?

It offers 2K HDR 2560 x 1440 pixels video quality, providing crisp details and balanced exposure even in challenging lighting conditions.

Does the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen have night vision?

Yes, it features color night vision, allowing you to see objects and people in full color even in low-light environments.

It also has traditional infrared night vision for complete darkness.

Can I store videos locally on the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen?

Yes, the camera has a MicroSD card slot for local storage of recordings, allowing you to save footage directly on the device without needing a subscription.

What is the privacy shutter feature on the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen?

The privacy shutter is a physical, motorized cover that slides over the camera lens and disables the microphone when activated, ensuring complete privacy when you are home. It can be controlled manually or via the Arlo app. Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio Review

How wide is the field of view for the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen?

The camera has a 130-degree diagonal field of view, which is wide enough to cover most standard indoor rooms effectively.

Is two-way audio supported on this camera?

Yes, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen supports two-way audio, allowing you to speak and listen through the camera using the Arlo app.

Can the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen detect specific objects like people or pets?

Yes, with an Arlo Secure subscription, the camera can use AI to detect and differentiate between people, animals, and even smoke/CO alarms, sending specific alerts based on the detection type.

Is the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen compatible with smart home ecosystems?

Yes, it integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

Limited HomeKit support may be available, especially with an Arlo SmartHub. Samsung 65 Inch S95D 4K Oled Tv Review

How do I install the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen?

Installation is straightforward: plug it in, download the Arlo app, and follow the in-app instructions to connect it to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.

It can be placed on a flat surface or wall-mounted.

What power source does the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen use?

It is a wired camera and requires continuous power via the included USB power adapter and cable.

Can I set up activity zones with the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen?

Yes, with an Arlo Secure subscription, you can define specific activity zones within the camera’s view to only trigger alerts for motion in those areas.

Does the camera have an alarm or siren?

No, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen does not typically feature a built-in siren. Enermax Starryknight Sk30 V2 Review

Its primary function is monitoring and two-way communication.

Can I view the live feed from my Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen from anywhere?

Yes, as long as the camera is connected to Wi-Fi and you have internet access on your mobile device, you can view the live feed from anywhere using the Arlo app.

What is the operating temperature range for the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen?

It’s designed for indoor use, typically operating within common indoor temperature ranges, usually from 0°C to 45°C 32°F to 113°F.

How secure is the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen?

Arlo employs industry-standard encryption for data transmission and storage.

The physical privacy shutter offers an additional layer of security assurance. Samsung 50 Inch Qn90D 4K Qled Tv Review

What is the warranty on the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen?

Arlo typically offers a 1-year limited hardware warranty.

It’s always best to check the specific warranty details at the point of purchase or on Arlo’s official website.

Can multiple users access the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen?

Yes, you can grant access to other family members or trusted individuals through the Arlo app, allowing them to view the live feed and receive alerts.

Does the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen offer continuous video recording CVR?

CVR is typically an advanced feature often requiring a higher-tier Arlo Secure plan or specific Arlo models.

The Essential Indoor Camera primarily records event-based footage. Quick Heal Total Security 17 Review

How does the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen compare to the Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen?

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen offers 2K HDR video and color night vision, whereas the Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen is 1080p HD with infrared night vision.

Arlo also has a privacy shutter and local storage option.

Is the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen compatible with a SmartHub?

Yes, it can connect directly to your Wi-Fi, but it can also connect to an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station, which can extend battery life for other Arlo cameras and provide additional features like local storage on the hub.

Can I schedule the privacy shutter to open and close?

Yes, you can schedule the privacy shutter to activate or deactivate based on specific times or modes e.g., disarmed mode, providing automated privacy control.

What happens if my internet goes down while the camera is recording to a MicroSD card?

If your internet goes down, the camera will continue to record to the local MicroSD card. Hungryroot Review

However, you will not be able to view the live feed remotely or receive alerts until the internet connection is restored.

Can the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen be used outdoors?

No, it is specifically designed for indoor use and is not weatherproof or rated for outdoor conditions.

How much storage capacity does the MicroSD card slot support?

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen typically supports MicroSD cards up to 256GB, providing ample storage for event-based recordings.

Does the camera send push notifications to my phone?

Yes, when motion or sound is detected, the Arlo app will send push notifications to your smartphone.

With a subscription, these notifications can include rich previews or short video clips. Corel Videostudio Ultimate Review

Is the setup process easy for non-tech-savvy users?

Yes, Arlo is known for its user-friendly app and guided setup process, making it relatively easy for most users to install and configure the camera.

Does the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2nd Gen record audio?

Yes, it records audio along with video footage.

The microphone can be disabled, or physically covered by the privacy shutter, for privacy.

What is the difference between Arlo Secure and Arlo Smart plans?

Arlo Secure is the current generation of Arlo’s subscription plans, replacing the older Arlo Smart plans.

Secure plans generally offer more advanced features, expanded cloud storage, and improved AI detection capabilities. Lexar Professional Sl600 Portable Ssd Review

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