The more high-end features you want, the more you’ll have to pay. That linear cost rule is very much true for security cameras. This means getting all the fancy capabilities can easily cost $200 or more for a single cam. Most of Arlo’s cams still obey that pricey rule, but I found a big — and bountiful — exception: This second-gen Arlo Essential 2K cam breaks the mold as a do-it-all battery camera with a price that raised my eyebrows (in a good way).
Typically priced at $100, the Arlo Essential 2K cam (second generation) can be found for under $60 for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s an stunningly good price — 43% off! — considering the camera retains many of the excellent features of Arlo’s highest-end models but in a cheaper package.
What I like about the Arlo security camera
While testing the Arlo Essential 2K Cam, I found the indoor/outdoor wireless camera performs very well. The 2K resolution helps gather plenty of details, it’s highly weather resistant, and Arlo’s app excels at walk-throughs on how to set up and use the cam. Other common features include two-way audio, color night vision and a built-in siren.
But Arlo isn’t done yet. The cam’s integrated spotlight did a great job of lighting up my backyard — and if you prefer other smart home platforms, it plays well with Alexa and Google Home, as well as IFTTT (no Apple HomeKit support at this time, but it’s a future possibility). For more, here are the best home security systems and the best Black Friday deals under $50.
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Arlo wins at customization in the home security conversation
While I liked a lot of what the Arlo Essential does, it’s not too different from what many other security cameras do — just surprisingly affordable. I really like Arlo’s UI and smart home integration too, with an app that’s easy to understand and pop open for a quick look at your home when you’re out on the town (and that doesn’t even require a subscription). But it’s the deeper customization features that really impressed me.
If you’re someone who likes to tinker with their home security setup, you’ll love the beta-version custom detection options that come with higher-tier subscriptions, as well the facial and vehicle recognition. I haven’t seen custom setups like this on any other security camera before. In my tests, I was able to “teach” the cam AI to recognize when a pet toy appeared on cam or when certain objects were no longer present.
I could also use this feature to tell me when the garage door opened or if something valuable (say, a piece of artwork) disappeared. Likewise, the vehicle detection options can tell if a specific vehicle is pulling up to your home. I’ve never seen anything else like this for those who really want to push their home security to the limits.
Read more: 52 Best Christmas Gifts 2024: Early Ideas to Clear Your Holiday List
Arlo cams for yourself or others
With Arlo’s easy and informative setup process, the Essential camera is a great choice even if you or your family haven’t tried a security camera before. As long as a user is comfortable trying out a new app and following the instructions, Arlo is an excellent experience. I rate the app and user-friendliness around Blink’s level, another one of my favorite camera apps.
With indoor/outdoor placement, the camera is also versatile, so you don’t have to worry about people not finding a place to use it. You could also spend a bit more to upgrade the camera with an extended battery and a solar panel, an effective combo if you want to avoid manually charging the battery as much as possible. It still needs a Wi-Fi connection, but this combo is great for out-of-the-way spots like above my garage door or a high point on roof eaves.
If you’re thinking about getting this Arlo Essential camera as a gift, keep in mind Arlo locks quite a few important features behind its $8-plus monthly subscription, including smart alerts with object recognition and cloud video storage. So while the camera is usable without fees, there’s a strong incentive to pay.
Arlo does offer a free trial of its services, but that could feel like a bait-and-switch to gift recipients who aren’t expecting a security camera. If you do want to give the cam as a gift, you may want to add some PayPal or Venmo cash to cover at least several months of a subscription.
Will this Arlo home security camera go on sale during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Yes. The Arlo Essential cam is already available for a significant discount, but you can keep monitoring the price at our Black Friday and Cyber Monday pages to see how it changes.
If you need additional gift ideas, check out our roundups of best tech gifts under $100 and 36 unique gifts for people who have everything. Plus, here’s our full list for the best home security cameras of 2024.
Also, check out all our great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to shop this holiday season.
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