Arlo vs Ring Pro 2: Doorbell Comparison
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
Home security is a top priority for many homeowners, and a smart home security system isn't complete without a smart camera doorbell.
Two popular smart camera doorbells in the market are the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2. In this article, we will compare the two products based on 7 key consideration aspects.
| Specs | Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell | Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $249.99 |
| Power Source | Hardwired | Hardwired |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Resolution | 1536p | 1536p |
| Field of View | 180° diagonal | 150° horizontal, 150° vertical |
| Night Vision | Yes, black and white | Yes, colored |
| Live View | Yes | Yes |
| Video History | Yes, up to 60 days | Yes, up to 180 days |
| Motion Detection and Alerts | Yes (Person, Package, Vehicle, and Animal) | Yes (Person and Package) |
| Pre-Roll Video Previews | Yes | Yes |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes, with Noise Cancellation | Yes, with Noise Cancellation |
| Quick Replies | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT | Alexa |
| Subscription Required for Full Features | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaways
One difference is that Arlo doorbell detects people, packages, vehicles, and animals, while Ring Pro 2 only detects people and packages. Ring only supports Alexa, while Arlo supports Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant. In terms of features, Arlo has built-in alarm and 24/7 security support, while Ring has Bird's Eye View feature and supports 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell
Better Security and Compatibility
✓ 1536p, 180° diagonal view
✓ Built-in alarm, 24/7 Live Security
✓ Detects person, package, vehicle, and animal
✓ Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Better Camera and Monitoring
✓ 1536p, 150° horizontal and 150° vertical angles
✓ Bird’s Eye View, Color Night Vision
✓ Detects person and package
✓ Alexa (including Alexa Echo, Echo Show, Fire TV, Fire Tablet)
#1 Price
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is quite affordable at $129.99. In contrast, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is priced almost two times more expensive at $249.99. Does it offer enough additional features and capabilities to justify the higher price? Let's find out.
#2 Design
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell
Both smart doorbell cameras look different visually. The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is more circular, while the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is more rectangular. Both are water and weather-resistant, so you can have peace of mind with them working reliably outside during normal rainfall or snow. Arlo Doorbell is available in black and white color options, while the Ring Pro 2 is available in satin nickel.
#3 Video Camera Quality
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Both the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 offer HD 1536p recording with head-to-toe viewing angles. Both doorbells also share a common square aspect ratio, but the Arlo Doorbell has a 180° diagonal field-of-view, while the Ring Pro 2 has a 150° horizontal and 150° vertical field-of-view, giving you a wider and taller view of your front porch area.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 also has an advantage when it comes to viewing quality at night. It has Color Night Vision that allows you to see a colored video even in low light conditions, while the Arlo Doorbell only has black and white night vision, offering less clarity and details.
#4 Smart Features
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell
Both the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 come with motion sensors that detect motion and send alerts to your smartphone. Ring Pro 2 comes with Pre-Roll Video Previews that enable the camera to capture the four seconds of video footage prior to every motion-triggered video recording so you don't miss out. This feature is called Arlo Foresight in the Arlo Doorbell.
When it comes to object detection, Arlo Doorbell is a better option. It knows the difference between a person, package, vehicle, or animal, while Ring Pro 2 only detects a person or package.
Bird's Eye View of Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
However, when it comes to viewing motion events, Ring Pro 2 takes the lead. It has a Bird's Eye View feature that gives aerial views of motion events, allowing you to track movement from above your house and giving a more complete picture of home security. This feature is not available in Arlo Doorbell.
When you have visitors on your doorstep, both the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 allow you to speak to them with the Two-Way Audio, or send pre-recorded Quick Reply messages when you're not available.
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell
In case of attempted theft or burglary, the Arlo Doorbell has a built-in siren that can be triggered remotely from your smartphone to alert your neighbors and scare off the intruder. It can also alert 24/7 Live Security experts to send police, fire, or medical responders in case of an emergency. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 does not come with such features, but it has Safety Alerts which allows you to stay connected to your community with real-time crime and safety alerts from your neighbors and local public safety agencies.
#5 Smart Home Compatibility
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell offers compatibility with wider smart home ecosystems, including Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is only compatible with Alexa, but as an Amazon company, it offers seamless integration with Alexa. If you have Alexa-compatible devices, you can get more additional benefits from the doorbell. For example, when the Ring Pro 2 detects a person or package, Alexa can make voice announcements on your Echo device, or show live video feed on an Echo Show, Fire TV, or Fire Tablet.
#6 Optional Subscriptions
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell
Both smart doorbell cameras provide additional subscription plans that you can choose to enjoy full features and more functionality of the device.
The Arlo subscription plan has three tiers: Arlo Secure ($12.99/month), Arlo Secure Plus ($17.99/month), and Arlo Safe & Secure Pro ($24.99). Learn more about Arlo subscription plans here.
Ring Protect also has three plan options: Basic ($3.99/month), Plus ($10/month), and Pro ($20/month). Learn more about the differences between the three plans here.
#7 Installation
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Both the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 require hardwired installation. You need to have a standard doorbell system with a 16-24 VAC. The installation process comes with 3 steps:
1. First, turn off the power and install the included power kit for both doorbells to your existing doorbell's chime.
2. Disconnect your old doorbell and connect the wire to your newly purchased Arlo Doorbell or Ring Pro 2.
3. Turn the power back on and complete the setup on the Arlo Secure App or the Ring App.
One difference between both smart camera doorbells is that the Arlo Doorbell connects only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, while the Ring Pro 2 supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. This may become a major consideration if you have a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network.
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Final Thoughts
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 have their own uniqueness and limitations, so you first need to know which aspect is most important to you and make the decision accordingly.
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is more affordable, has smarter object detection, built-in alarm, 24/7 security and emergency support, and is compatible with wider smart home ecosystems. Meanwhile, Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 offers better camera quality specs, better viewing of motion events with its Bird's Eye View, provides better integration with Alexa devices, has cheaper subscription options, and supports 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
If you like to read more about Smart Doorbell Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Smart Doorbell Cameras of 2023
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 4
Ring Video Doorbell 4 vs 3: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Google Nest Doorbell vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
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