Canary Pro
Score: 78/100
Arlo Essential 2K
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Canary Pro is a plug-in indoor security camera that delivers 1080p HD video with a 147° wide-angle lens, night vision, two-way audio, and a 90+ dB siren. It adds unique HomeHealth climate monitoring and an Ethernet port, but full video history requires a subscription. It is best suited for apartment dwellers and families who want an all-in-one indoor monitoring solution with climate insights.
The Arlo Essential Security Camera 2K 2nd Gen is a battery-powered, indoor-outdoor camera offering 2K video, a 130° field of view, 12× digital zoom, color night-vision spotlight, two-way audio and an integrated siren. It provides up to four months of battery life, USB-C charging and optional solar or base-station storage, and works with Google Home and Alexa. While it offers impressive video quality and smart features, users should be aware of the subscription requirement and potential WiFi connectivity issues.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
147 degreesbest | 130 degrees | |
— | 120 daysbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Storage Options | Cloud | Cloud/Local |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi-Fi Standard | 2.4 GHz | 802.11 b/g/n |
Software & Integration(1) | ||
Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa/Google Home |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Power Source | Wired | Battery |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Installation Type | Plug-in | Wireless |
Camera(4) | ||
Video Resolution | 1080p | 2K |
Field of View (degrees) | 147 degrees | 130 degrees |
Night Vision Range (meters) | Standard meters | meters |
Night Vision Type | Infrared | Color |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Canary Pro for its unique HomeHealth climate sensors, wide 147° field of view, reliable night vision, and the rare Ethernet port that adds network stability. They also highlight strong encryption, a solid build and a one-year warranty. However, they criticize its reliance on a subscription for video history, its indoor-only design, and the absence of local storage or battery.
Everyday users praise the camera's crisp 1080p video, dependable motion alerts, two-way talk, and the loud siren that deters unwanted activity. The added climate monitoring is frequently mentioned as a helpful health feature. Recurring complaints focus on the mandatory subscription for video archives, occasional Wi-Fi drops, lack of battery or local storage, and the camera's bulkier appearance on shelves.
Professional reviewers commend the Arlo Essential 2K camera for its high-resolution video, color night-vision spotlight and the innovative automated privacy shield, describing it as an impressive, intelligent home-security option. However, they caution that the need for a subscription to unlock full cloud features and the limitation to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi make it less competitive against dual-band rivals.
Everyday owners repeatedly praise the camera's straightforward setup, sharp 2K footage and the long-lasting battery, noting that motion alerts and the siren work well for deterring unwanted activity. Recurring frustrations center on faster-than-expected battery drain under heavy use, the requirement of a paid plan for cloud storage, and occasional Wi-Fi connectivity hiccups due to the single-band radio.
“impressive video quality”
Opt for Arlo Essential if you need a versatile battery-powered camera that works outdoors, and you can forgo wired connectivity and built-in climate sensors.
