• Home
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Team
  • Featured Reviews

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

Facebook Twitter
  • Contact
  • Archive
Facebook Twitter
MacSourcesMacSources
Subscribe
  • APPS
    Topaz Labs Image Quality Apps
    97

    Topaz Labs Image Quality Apps 2023 REVIEW

    January 18, 2023
    Bills io App Review
    100

    Bills io Financial App 2023 REVIEW

    January 10, 2023
    Flexibits Premium
    92

    Flexibits Premium (Fantastical & Cardhop) REVIEW

    January 2, 2023
    Dropzone 4 for Mac
    100

    Dropzone 4 for Mac 2022 REVIEW

    November 16, 2022
    Link Unshortener
    98

    Link Unshortener macOS App 2022 REVIEW

    November 14, 2022
  • REVIEWS
    • Accessory
      • Cases
      • Charging
      • Docks
      • Earbuds
      • EDC
      • Headphones
      • Photography
      • Bags
      • Batteries
    • Cables
      • Computers and Tablets
      • Screen Protectors
      • Data Storage
      • Displays
      • Keyboards
      • Gaming
      • Microphones
      • Networking
      • Printers
    • Smartphone
      • Speakers
      • Smart Home
      • Health and Wellness
      • Home Goods
      • Office
      • Personal Vehicles
      • Security
      • Smart Locks
      • Wearable
  • BLOG
    Shop Local

    Why it’s not always great to shop local

    June 13, 2022
    Ukraine-Flag

    MacSources Stands with Ukraine

    March 1, 2022
    PC gaming

    Top Games To Play On A Mac

    February 15, 2022
    Mailbutler Founder Interview

    10 Questions Asked of Mailbutler Founder, Tobias Knobl During Honest Interview

    February 2, 2022

    Apple Pays Tribute to Steve Jobs on the 10th Anniversary of His Death

    October 5, 2021
MacSourcesMacSources
Home»Featured»Security»Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW
Security

Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW

Nicholas CalderoneBy Nicholas CalderoneJanuary 13, 2020Updated:May 29, 2020No Comments7 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Reddit
BUY FROM AMAZON

Know who is at your door before they knock.

UPDATE as of 5/29/2020: Arlo Video Doorbell is now compatible with Google Assistant. With Google Assistant, you can automatically receive notifications whenever the doorbell is pressed. At any time, you can ask “Hey Google, show me the front door” to live stream video from your Arlo doorbell directly to your Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max.

UPDATE: As of Feb 4, 2020, the Arlo Doorbell is now compatible with Amazon Alexa.

For many years, I have enjoyed the peace of mind that comes from having home security cameras installed. Because I like the ease of use and wireless gadgets, I lean towards the home security solutions that work with my iOS devices. I’ve discovered that one of the most vital parts of the home security puzzle is in fact a video doorbell. I’ve used several different brands in the past and now, I am happy to be able to review the Arlo Video Doorbell.

DETAILS

According to the Arlo Video Doorbell website, it’s designed to capture what traditional video doorbells can’t. Users are notified when motion is detected and will receive a call on their phone when the doorbell is pressed. The camera captures HD video with HDR for more vivid details than most video doorbells and features night vision. There is a 180º viewing angle with a 1:1 aspect ratio displayed from the camera and 2-way audio is provided so that users can hear and speak to visitors. You also have the option to respond with a pre-recorded message. The Arlo Video Doorbell is built to withstand heat, cold, rain, or sun. This doorbell is hard-wired into your existing doorbell wiring. In addition to being able to monitor those who come and go from your home, the Arlo Video Doorbell also gives you the option of using a siren to ward off intruders.

Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW
Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW

The Arlo Video Doorbell comes with 3 months of Arlo Smart at no charge (subscription packages start at $2.99 for one camera). Some of the features of Arlo Smart include:

  • Cloud Video recording (starting at 2K video resolution)
  • Cloud Video history – up to 30 days
  • Interactive notifications
  • Person, Vehicle, and Animal detection
  • Package detection
  • Cloud activity zones
  • Call a Friend
  • e911 Emergency Call Service (U.S. subscribers only; only available with multi-camera plans)

Video Doorbell Specs:

  • Max Video Resolution: 1536×1536
  • Video Modes: 1536×1536, 1080×1080, 720×720, 1:1 ratio
  • All Video Features: HDR, SIP video call at doorbell push
  • Max Lens Field of View: 180-degree diagonal
  • Spotlight: No
  • Motion Detection: Single Motion Sensor, 110-degree horizontal
  • Night Vision: Night Vision, high powered Infrared LEDs (850nm) with IR Cut Filter
  • Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor UV & Weather resistant
  • Digital Zoom: 12x
  • Microphone: Single Microphone Array
  • Audio: Full Duplex 2-way audio, SIP audio/video call initiated at doorbell press, quick reply messages
  • Operating Temperature: -20 to 45 degree Celsius

Installation Requirements:

  • Wired doorbell and chime with existing electrical wiring.
  • Voltage between 16V AC and 24V AC, and a 10VA transformer.
  • High-Speed Internet Connection.
Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW
Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW

USER IMPRESSIONS

One of the reasons I decided to switch to the Arlo Video Doorbell was because I had recently added Arlo Video cameras into my home security plan. They are easy to install and work with so I thought the same would be true of the doorbell. I wasn’t disappointed. The first step in working with the doorbell is to install it. As noted above, a wired doorbell and chime with existing electrical wiring are required in the home before installation can take place. Our home is about 40 years old and even though it’s quite old, there is an existing wired doorbell in the home. The doorbell kit comes with:

  • (1) Arlo Video Doorbell
  • (1) Flat Mounting Plate
  • (1) Angled Mounting Plate
  • (1) Power Kit
  • (1) Screw Kit
  • (1) Security Latch Release Pin
  • (1) Wire Extensions
  • (1) Quick Start Guide

One step in the set-up for this video doorbell stood out to me. I had to connect a power kit to the existing chime. In the past, I simply had to connect the doorbell unit to the wiring on the exterior of the house. At first, I was slightly intimidated about doing this as it’s an old chime. I opened up the chime assembly and found three screws where the chime was wired in. The Arlo App actually walks you through the entire installation process and included variations for the different wiring harnesses that one might encounter with the chime. I loosened the screws and attached the wiring from the power kit. The power kit is supposed to be adhered to the chime assembly using the included 3M adhesive. It’s recommended that you find a place where it’s not going to interfere with the wiring or the chime. Once I did, then I moved outside to install the doorbell.

Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW

Once you attach the mounting plate (with or without the angled back), installation is just a matter of attaching the existing wiring to the back of the doorbell and then connecting the doorbell to your WiFi. Once the wires are attached to the doorbell unit, you simply snap it the doorbell into the mounting plate. The wires will power the doorbell and you will follow the on-screen instructions to get it connected. Connecting the doorbell to your home’s Internet network is only a three-step process.

  1. Enter your WiFi’s credentials.
  2. Allow the app to search for the doorbell.
  3. Doorbell is added to your Arlo app list of cameras.
Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW

This was probably the easiest video doorbell set-up I’ve encountered. I wouldn’t classify the others as ‘hard’ per se, but I didn’t experience any connection issues and in less than 5 minutes from when I powered on the doorbell, it was operational and sending notifications to my phone. The video quality has been outstanding and we actually installed this doorbell at just the right time — the holidays. With the ongoing onslaught of packages being delivered and the increased threat of porch pirates invading, I loved having the additional protection for our home. I do have a couple of features I would like to see modified.

ArloVideoDoorbell 6
ArloVideoDoorbell 001
  1. The doorbell can only connect to 2.4Ghz networks. We have a dual-band wireless router so it wasn’t an issue for us, but I would love to see more WiFi connected devices be able to connect to 5Ghz networks as well.
  2. The screws that came with the installation kit were sub-par. This is not an issue that is exclusive to Arlo. Most installation screws that come with devices like this are cheaply made. In this case, the screws stripped and I had to find a suitable substitute in my toolbox in order to finish the installation.
  3. It would be great to have an image on-screen when the doorbell calls your phone. I love the calling feature of the doorbell, but dislike that you answer the call without seeing who you are answering. All the phone shows is “Arlo Doorbell Calling” with a black screen.
  4. When you go to view a new notification, you are taken to the main dashboard in the app rather than directly to the video clip associated with the notification.
  5. It would be nice if a few days of cloud video was accessible without a subscription to one of the premium plans.
Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW
Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW

Even though I had a few things I’d like to see improved, the Arlo Video Doorbell does a lot of things very right. For example, when you get a notification, a screenshot of the video appears with the notification — even on the Apple Watch. This feature has come in VERY handy for me. I also really like the fact that the doorbell is in the same app as the other Arlo cameras. I really dislike it when security cameras from the same company (or any connected devices really) have different apps.

Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW
Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW
Arlo Video Doorbell REVIEW

The Arlo Video Doorbell is a very nice option for home security. Installation is easy and it’s a solid investment for the price you pay. I’ve been very happy with the quality of the products I’ve gotten from Arlo and I can’t wait to try their next release.

For more information, visit www.arlo.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

product review security camera video doorbell
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Avatar of Nicholas Calderone
Nicholas Calderone
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

I'm a Tech geek, Photographer, Star Wars fan, and writer for macsources.com I love technology, and what people do when creating amazing apps and products. Find me on Twitter Want to know more? Just ask. Or visit our team page

Related Posts

Mophie Snap+ Charging Accessories
97

Mophie Snap+ Charging Accessories 2023 REVIEW

January 30, 2023
Synology Disk Station DS1821+ 8-bay NAS Storage Solution
93

Synology Disk Station DS1821+ 8-bay NAS Storage Solution REVIEW

January 24, 2023
Angler Mini CatchLight Reflector
100

Angler Mini CatchLight Reflector 2023 REVIEW

January 9, 2023
Add A Comment

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

pCloud Lifetime
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
Recent
Plugable Docking Station

Plugable Launches Innovative USB-C Docking Station NEWS

January 31, 2023
Jabra Panacast 50 Video Bar System

Jabra Launches PanaCast 50 Video Bar System NEWS

January 31, 2023
cyber security

Dangers of cyber hacking in 2023

January 31, 2023
Mophie Snap+ Charging Accessories
9.7

Mophie Snap+ Charging Accessories 2023 REVIEW

January 30, 2023
keyboard

What to Look For When Choosing an Online Casino?

January 30, 2023
MacSources
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn
  • Home
  • Advertise
  • Team
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 MacSources. Hosted by SiteGround.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.