Today I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera – Add-on. As an avid user of home security cameras, I was intrigued by the features and capabilities of this particular model. I’ve been using it for some time now, and I’m excited to discuss the pros and cons of this product with you.
Contents
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Excellent Image Quality: The 4K video and HDR capabilities of the Arlo Ultra 2 produce incredibly crisp and clear footage. I was able to easily identify faces and read license plates, even at night.
- Wire-Free Installation: I appreciate the convenience of a wire-free setup. It allowed me to place the cameras wherever I needed them without worrying about messy wiring or limitations.
- Color Night Vision: The color night vision feature exceeded my expectations. It provided detailed and vibrant images, even in low-light conditions.
- Arlo Secure: The trial of Arlo Secure included with the camera offers valuable features such as 24/7 professional monitoring and advanced object detection. It enhanced the overall security of my home.
- Compatibility: The Arlo Ultra 2 works seamlessly with various smart home devices, including Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings. This integration adds convenience and flexibility to my home security system.
What Can Be Improved
- Battery Life: The battery life of the Arlo Ultra 2 could be improved. I found that I needed to recharge the cameras more frequently than anticipated, especially with regular use and high-quality settings.
- Motion Detection Delay: There is a slight delay between motion detection and the start of recording, which can cause some important moments to be missed. This is something that could be addressed to improve the camera’s responsiveness.
Quick Verdict
Overall, the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera – Add-on is an impressive choice for those seeking top-notch home security. With its exceptional image quality, wire-free installation, and compatibility with various smart home devices, it offers a comprehensive solution for protecting your property. However, the battery life and motion detection delay are areas that could use some improvement. If you’re looking for a high-quality camera with advanced features, I recommend giving the Arlo Ultra 2 a try. You can find more information about it here.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
As an avid tech enthusiast and security conscious individual, I recently decided to enhance my home security system by purchasing the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera add-on. Living in the USA, I made the purchase on Amazon and was pleasantly surprised by the fast delivery, receiving the product just two days after placing the order.
Opening the box, I found the following items:
- Camera Body: The main component of the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera, which houses the advanced features and technology.
- Battery Pack: A rechargeable battery pack that powers the camera, offering flexibility in terms of placement and installation.
Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera:
- Special Feature: Night Vision
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Model Name: Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
- Brand: Arlo
- Recommended Uses: Security, Night Vision, Outdoor Security, Surveillance, Home Security
- Country of Origin: Vietnam
- Manufacturer: Arlo
- Date First Available: September 10, 2020
- Item Weight: 11 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 2 x 3 inches
Documentation
The included documentation, particularly the user guide, proved to be invaluable in setting up and maximizing the functionalities of the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera. It provided step-by-step instructions and clear explanations of the camera’s features, allowing me to optimize its performance based on my specific needs.
You can find the user guide here.
Features – What We Found
1. Free local storage
I found that the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera offers free local storage, allowing you to remotely access your locally secured smart camera footage from the included Arlo Smart hub. However, it’s important to note that this feature requires a MicroSD card, which is sold separately. With this feature, you can have peace of mind knowing that your footage is secure and easily accessible.
Pro-tip: To keep your footage organized, consider using a larger capacity MicroSD card so you have plenty of storage space for your recordings.
2. Smarter alerts, quicker action
With an Arlo Secure plan, you can receive smarter notifications for specific events such as people, vehicles, packages, and animals. These notifications can be delivered right to your phone’s lock screen, allowing you to react quickly when necessary. This feature enhances your overall security by keeping you informed of any potential threats or activity around your home.
To learn more about the Arlo Secure plan or to sign up, you can check out the product here.
3. Coverage for every corner
Installing the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera is fast and easy thanks to its wire-free design. This allows you to achieve the perfect camera view for your home security system without the hassle of dealing with wires. The wireless camera offers increased installation flexibility, giving you the ability to cover every corner of your property and ensure comprehensive surveillance.
4. See more at night
One notable feature of the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera is its color night vision capability. This means that even in low-light conditions, you can still see important features such as faces or license plates in full color. This enhances the clarity and quality of the footage captured by the outdoor security cameras, providing you with valuable information and evidence, especially during nighttime.
Pro-tip: To maximize the effectiveness of the color night vision feature, ensure that the camera is strategically positioned to have a clear view of the desired area even in low-light situations.
5. Long-lasting battery
The Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera boasts a long-lasting battery, reducing the need for frequent recharging. This is especially beneficial for those who prefer a wire-free installation, as it offers flexibility in camera placement without worrying about constantly maintaining the battery. With this feature, you can enjoy continuous surveillance and peace of mind knowing that your home security system is powered efficiently.
Pro-tip: To extend the battery life of the camera, consider adjusting the camera’s motion detection sensitivity and activity zones settings to optimize its power usage, resulting in longer battery duration.
Review and Scores
Our Score: 77.0
I recently purchased the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera and have been quite satisfied with its performance so far. The camera setup was easy and the image quality is excellent, especially with the 4K video and HDR capabilities. The color night vision feature is also impressive, allowing me to see important details even in low light conditions. I appreciate the wireless design, as it gives me flexibility in camera placement and eliminates the need for messy wiring.
One of the standout features of this camera is the ability to access locally stored footage from the included Arlo Smart hub. This provides added peace of mind knowing that my footage is securely stored and easily accessible. Additionally, I opted for an Arlo Secure plan, which has provided me with smarter notifications for specific triggers such as people, vehicles, packages, and animals. It’s convenient to be able to react quickly to these notifications right from my phone’s lock screen.
While I have been pleased with the overall performance of the Arlo Ultra 2, there are a few minor complaints I have encountered. Firstly, the battery life is not as long-lasting as advertised, requiring more frequent recharging than expected. Secondly, there have been occasional issues with connectivity and the need to reboot the base system. Finally, the motion detection can be a bit delayed, resulting in missed moments that I would have liked to capture.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I believe the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera is a solid choice for those in need of a high-quality, wireless security camera. Its advanced features, including 4K video, HDR, and color night vision, provide clear and detailed footage. It may require some attention and troubleshooting at times, but overall, it offers reliable performance and peace of mind.
Click here to check out the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera on Amazon.
Still not sold? Checkout These Alternatives
Looking for alternative options for the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera? Here are some similar products that you should consider:
- Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera – Add-on – Wireless Security – This camera offers 4K video recording, HDR, and color night vision. It is wire-free and requires a separate SmartHub or Base Station. Perfect for those who want advanced security features.
- Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera – Wireless Security – If you’re looking for a camera with excellent video quality, 2K video recording, and HDR, then this is a great alternative option. It also offers color night vision, two-way audio, and works with Alexa.
- Arlo Pro 2 – Add-on Camera, Rechargeable – This camera is rechargeable and offers HD video recording, night vision, and two-way talk. It works with the Arlo Pro Base Station and comes with cloud storage included.
- Arlo Ultra – 4K UHD Wire-Free Security 1 Camera System – If you’re looking for a single camera system, this is a great alternative. It offers 4K UHD video recording, color night vision, 180-degree view, and two-way audio. It works with Alexa and HomeKit.
- Arlo Ultra 4K Wire-Free HDR Security Cameras Surveillance / 4-Camera – For those who need multiple cameras, this 4-camera system is a perfect alternative. It offers 4K video recording, HDR, and wire-free installation. It provides comprehensive surveillance coverage for your home.
These alternative products provide excellent security features and options that are comparable to the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera. Whether you’re looking for advanced video quality, color night vision, or multiple camera options, these alternatives have got you covered. Take a look at the links provided to learn more about each product and make an informed decision based on your specific needs. Don’t miss out on these excellent alternatives!