Netgear Arlo Pro

INCREDIBLY VERSATILE.

OF ALL THE smart security cameras we tested, the Netgear Arlo Pro strikes the best balance between affordability and features. Technically, it has the most expensive sticker price, but given it comes with seven days of cloud storage for free (good for for up to 1GB and five cameras), it’s cheaper in the long run.

The Arlo is also cheaper to scale up. Since the initial purchase price includes a base station (which you need to connect it to your wireless network), additional cameras are much cheaper. While the single camera system is $499, for example, a two-camera system, can be had for as little as $599, which works out to be just $299.50 per camera. You can also buy additional cameras for $249 each.

The Arlo Pro is just as capable as its competitors on the features front (even if its sensor is limited to 720p recording), but where it really stands out is its versatility. The weatherproof and waterproof housing means you can use it both indoors and outdoors, and the built-in rechargeable battery and magnetic mounting means you can easily move it to different areas.

The Arlo Pro can get away with offering a week of free cloud storage as it only records video when it detects motion or sound. Typical households don’t really require continuous video recording, but if it’s something you’re keen on, you can enable it on the newer Arlo Pro 2. We like that continuous recording is optional (unlike on the Nest Cam IQ), enabling you to save bandwidth where necessary. The newer model also adds 1080p HD video recording, pre-buffered video (which records video three seconds before it detects sound or motion), and the ability to run it wireless or connected to a power outlet.