Arlo Ultra 2 vs Pro 4: Smart Home Cameras Comparison
By Naila Syifa
Updated August 2023
Arlo Pro 4 is one of the most popular smart home cameras on the market, owing to its excellent video quality, reliable performance, and advanced features.
Arlo Ultra 2, on the other hand, is the high-end model of Arlo cameras designed for those who want the best of the best when it comes to home security.
How do these two models compare? Let's break it down and find out which one is the right choice for you.
| Specs | Arlo Ultra 2 | Arlo Pro 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $299.99 | $199.99 |
| Power Source | Rechargeable Battery | Rechargeable Battery |
| Resolution | 4K (3840x2160) | 2K (2560x1440) |
| HDR | Yes | Yes |
| Field of View | 180° | 160° |
| Color Night Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Image Sensor | 8 MP | 4 MP |
| Motion Detection | Dual Motion Sensor (150° horizontal) | Single Motion Sensor (130° horizontal) |
| Two-Way Audio with Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT | Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT |
| Smart Hub Required | Yes | No |
Key Takeaways
Arlo Ultra 2 is better than Pro 4. It has a wider 180° lens and superior 4K resolution compared to Pro 4's 160° lens and 2K resolution. Ultra 2 also has a Dual Motion Detector, making it better at motion detection than Pro 4's Single Motion Detector. Moreover, Pro 4 needs subscription for video history, while Ultra 2 has local storage for free video history.
Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
Enhanced Home Security & Monitoring
✓ 4K resolution with HDR & Color Night Vision
✓ 180° diagonal viewing angle
✓ Dual motion sensor and dual microphone array
✓ Wireless installation for indoors and outdoors
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
Basic Home Security & Monitoring
✓ 2K resolution with HDR & Color Night Vision
✓ 160° diagonal viewing angle
✓ Single motion sensor and single microphone array
✓ Wireless installation for indoors and outdoors
#1 Price
Arlo Ultra 2
As a home security camera meant for higher-end consumers, the Arlo Ultra 2 is more expensive at $299.99, compared to the Arlo Pro 4 which costs $199.99 per unit. However, the Ultra 2 can be a great value when on a bundle, priced at $599.99 on Amazon for two camera units and a Smart Hub (VMB5000).
#2 Design
Arlo Pro 4
The Arlo Ultra 2 and Pro 4 have a strikingly similar design, boasting a compact and modern look with black and white color options. Both cameras have two LED lights that indicate status and an integrated spotlight to illuminate the surrounding area at night. Both are also weather-resistant, capable of withstanding UV and extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C.
When it comes to design, one difference between the two models is that the Arlo Ultra 2 has a dual microphone array for improved audio quality, while the Arlo Pro 4 has a single microphone.
#3 Video Quality
Arlo Ultra 2
The Arlo Pro 4 delivers 2K video quality with HDR and Color Night Vision for vivid colors and details in both bright and dark conditions. It also has a 160° diagonal viewing angle with auto image correction to remove fisheye distortion. The 4 MP image sensor and a 130° horizontal Single Motion Detector help to reliably detect objects, while the Auto Track and Zoom feature allows you to keep track of the detected moving objects.
The Arlo Ultra 2, on the other hand, boasts 4K video quality with HDR and Color Night Vision for even better clarity and detail. It has an ultra-wide 180° diagonal viewing angle, making it better for monitoring expansive areas. Motion detection is also improved in the Ultra 2, thanks to its advanced 8 MP image sensor and 150° horizontal Dual Motion Detectors. The Auto Track and Zoom feature is also present, allowing you to keep track of moving objects.
#4 Smart Features
Motion Alerts in Arlo Ultra 2 and Pro 4
In terms of smart features, the Arlo Ultra 2 and Pro 4 don't have significant differences. Both offer live video and two-way audio that allows you to communicate with anyone on the other end of the camera, whether it's to say hello to a visitor or warn off an intruder. A built-in siren is also available in both models, which can be triggered remotely or automatically to scare off any unwanted guests.
With a subscription to an Arlo Secure Plan, you can access more advanced features including cloud storage for 30-day video history, Activity Zones to customize motion detection areas, Emergency Response to alert first responders in case of an emergency, rich notifications, as well as advanced object detection and alerts for a person, package, vehicle, and animal.
Apple HomeKit Compatibility in Arlo Ultra 2 and Pro 4
Both smart home security cameras also offer compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, and IFTTT, allowing you to control the cameras with voice commands and integrate them with other smart home devices.
#5 Installation
Smart Hub for Arlo Ultra 2
The Arlo Ultra 2 and Pro 4 are both powered by rechargeable batteries with 6-month battery life, so they can be installed wireless in any location both indoors and outdoors. The included magnetic mount enables dynamic installation, so you can easily adjust the angle and position of the camera.
One significant difference is that the Arlo Ultra 2 requires a Smart Hub to work, while the Arlo Pro 4 does not. To get a better price, you can purchase it as a bundle with the camera. Even though the Smart Hub requirement may seem like a disadvantage, it can also be beneficial as the Smart Hub supports a microSD Card for local storage, so you can save footage and access video history for free without a subscription to the Arlo Secure plan.
Arlo Ultra 2 vs Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
Final Thoughts
Arlo Ultra 2
At a more expensive price, the Arlo Ultra 2 offers better video quality, audio quality, motion detection, and local storage. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option that still delivers solid performance, the Arlo Pro 4 is a great choice.
If you like to read more about Smart Home Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Smart Home Camera 2023
Arlo Essential vs Pro 4: Do you really need the more expensive one?
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Ring Floodlight Cam Plus vs Pro
Ring Stick Up Cam vs Stick Up Cam Pro
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