Arlo Ultra 4K Review - One Year Later - Is this home security camera worth $600?
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- Опубликовано: 13 авг 2024
- The initial release of the Arlo Ultra was, to put it mildly, kind of a disaster. It was a rough enough start that Arlo had to pull the Ultra from shelves until they did enough tweaks and improvements to re-introduce it to the world. It's been a year now since all that went down, so now is a good time to revisit the Arlo Ultra and see if it's everything they (originally) promised it would be.
0:00 - The disastrous initial release of the Arlo Ultra
2:27 - What's in the box? Overview of the cameras and base
4:07 - The Arlo app
6:50 - Testing the camera, including color nightvision, motion tracking, and microphone
9:35 - The slow app
10:15 - The subscription plans
12:35 - The bottom line
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*My old camera started flippin out so i bought a **Newest.Technology** one. Was really excited about the talking feature but my friends said “we can hear your voice through the front door.”10/10*
Steve went super in-depth on this one! Want to skip ahead somewhere? Here's the table of contents:
0:00 - The disastrous initial release of the Arlo Ultra
2:27 - What's in the box? Overview of the cameras and base
4:07 - The Arlo app
6:50 - Testing the camera, including color nightvision, motion tracking, and microphone
9:35 - The slow app
10:15 - The subscription plans
12:35 - The bottom line
Question: The local storage issue with the phone app being slow to access content.
This might be related to the old spindle hard drive speed (Latency might be the problem.).
Perhaps an SSD drive would prevent the lag in the phone app. Just wondering if this has been tested?
I had an four camera Arlo Pro 2 system (purchased in 2018) that worked well. Then I added a three camera Ultra system in September 2019 and everything went down hill from there. Now all the cameras still detect motion and send an alert to my mobile but they often fail to record video to the library - which kind of defeats their purpose. When my annual smart subscription renewed yesterday, it kicked six of my seven cameras off the subscription, giving me a message that I needed to subscribe to a smart plan to reactivate each camera! After hours online to Arlo support, I had to manually take down each camera, remove and re-sync to the app before they would function. The changes to the smart plan from 10 cameras to 5 is also a kick in the guts with additional charges per extra camera on the plan. As your review says, the major problems are all firmware related. If I wasn't so heavily invested in the system, there is no way I would have kept it. It's really hard to recommend a premium priced product that performs so poorly.
I think I detect a little misunderstanding about how zoom actually works.
When the zoom function is digital rather than mechanical (optical) there is no choice but to reduce the resolution when you zoom in digitally because you are using less of the sensing elements of the CCD chip. Digitally zooming means the same light is falling on the same points of the chip and you are just masking out the pixels of the chip you are not "zoomed" into.... and the pixels you are zoomed in on are just enlarged through software.
Optical zooming can maintain full resolution because it involves lenses that are physically moved and all of the "pixels" of the CCD chip are still in use. None of the pixel are thrown out.
I am assuming the zoom is not at all mechanical in this battery powered camera because in the video it zoomed in steps rather than smoothly.
@Michael Jorgensen, Good points. Optical zoom in a fixed-mount camera is mostly worthless since it prevents from zooming in to view objects on the periphery of the fov. A motorized mount (aka pan-tilt) would be required. Professional industrial cameras employ multiple, high megapixel imagers situated side-by-side in a single housing where the camera firmware “stitches” them together in to a single viewing image. There are 20 MP, 180 degree cable networked, digital cameras performing at this level. However, digital zooming will always at some point result in pixilation of the image. Therefore where long, distant shots are required, either a higher magnification lens on a fixed-mount camera is required, or a pan-tilt-zoom (aka ‘speed dome’) camera will do the trick.
Had issues from day one. Have had 3 Ultras for 3 months now. Two of those months were me trying to aquire a RMA (replacement for a defective camera) HOLY SH*T was that a nightmare. Absolutely the worst customer service. I like the cams and the system. But pray you don't get a defective camera....
Same experience here. Probably the worst customer service I have ever seen! At least I only have one of their cameras. Motion detection should trigger these things: Notification to your phone, siren, recording (if you have a subscription) and light should turn on. My camera is only a couple months old and every time 2-3 of those 4 functions fails. It's more useful as a paper weight.
Awful insanely frustrating experience. Spent $1k and many, many hours on absolute garbage.
Gear:
Arlo Pro Smart Hub
3 Arlo Ultra cameras
1 Arlo Audio Doorbell
1 Arlo Chime
3 batteries
Various mounts
Setup:
Smart Hub in living room
Camera A - At front door, 12 feed away, on the other side of a wood door
Camera B - At front gate, 16 feed away, line of site through window
Camera C - On back porch, about 25 feet away, through 2 walls
Chime - 6 feet away in same room
Issues:
- Hub randomly goes down
- Cameras randomly disconnect from hub
- One camera battery stopped charging
- Camera batteries die within 2 weeks of full charge
- Low battery warnings don’t get sent until after camera died, is recharging, and is reconnected
- Camera associated with Arlo doorbell never connects or shows image when doorbell is pressed
- Audio at Audio Doorbell is unintelligible
- Doorbell batteries last just a few weeks
- Arlo Chime no longer connects to hub
Customer service - Stats: 9 calls / 32+ hours on hold / 14 emails & chat threads
- Arlo says that issue may be due to my router wifi channel - changed with no effect
- Arlo told me to reset everything - tedious, but that didn’t work either
- Arlo agreed to replace the Chime after hours of tests (the RMA email link expired before I could send it in)
- Arlo asks for your phone number when calling “in case you get disconnected” but I’ve been disconnected 3 times with no call back
- There’s no “call back queue” feature with Arlo’s customer service
Outcomes
- Missing deliveries due to not hearing our doorbell or not being able to communicate to person ringing doorbell
- Multiple deliveries left outside our gate have been stolen
- Friends thinking that we’re not answering our doorbell, but it doesn’t work
Other product complaints
- Cameras can be stolen if you don’t install 3rd party security hardware
- App is insanely frustrating and will not tell you what’s wrong with the device that’s having troubles connecting or is flashing some random LED color and pattern
- There’s no way to manually search for disconnected devices in the app
- When adding a new device, the app will often hang for minutes at a time and there’s no way to cancel other than force quitting the app
This is the review I was hoping for! Great job and thanks! One question though, how long does it record for once it finds motion? I read a review and it only said for 10 seconds! That can't be right, right?
Would really love to see how long the notifications take for motion activation. Another video for Arlo Ultra & Pro3?
This review made the difference. I've looked at many reviews, but this video was updated, addressed the issues from the past with the Ultra 2 and the few remaining software issues. Great video.
I've had 3 Arlo original for years now, between slow connectivity and plenty of other issues, NO , I don't feel it was worth it
which system would you get instead? Would you go hard wire next time?
This was one of the best reviews so far .I just ordered the Arlo Ultra 4K -4pack system .The coloured night vision is amazing .I was so worried you were going to not recommend this camera after scrolling the comments .But you didn’t !
I've watched several of your Arlo reviews. You've done an excellent job. Thanks.. Question.. As I understand it the Ultra 4K is hard wired to use the Arlo cloud.. is that correct? I own my own cloud storage on the Internet and would prefer to use my own private cloud and save a few bucks. Is it possible to do that? Not clear on one other issue. I have the Arlo hub version #1 from years ago. Will this ultra 4K work on my old hub?
I'm completely in love with the backdrop of this video. That might be hands down the best office/desk setup I've ever seen in my life. It's completely integrated. Holy shit.
Watching this on December 1st 2020, thinking of buying it. Have they fixed these software issues by now? Can you recommend similar 4k cameras WITHOUT monthly subscription? Thank you so much, sir, GREAT REVIEW!
What would you reccomend the 4 camera ultra 2 at Costco for 700
Or the pro 3 kit with 3 cameras for 400 with 2 extra for 300 ?
Hello, I have the Arlo Pro 2, but i'am thinking about the Arlo Ultra 2 - 4K but without a subscription (so only local storage with an SD-card). Two questions about that: 1. do you already have a previewshot of your motion when it's local storage and 2. When you click on that local storage movie, the app will open it immediately and in which quality ? Thanks.
Nice review, well delivered. Good work and thanks.
What do you recommend for a battery based Wi-Fi camera? I just got the ultra 2 and still same issues and it fogs every night!!! Arlo team is clueless.
Steve, I found out that a second phone (wife) cannot see the local storage at all unless you pay for the subscription.
Wow that sucks
Steve you forgot to mention the CVS cloud plan. You can have your camera record 24/7 to the cloud regardless of the motion
Good to know! I thought only Nest provided this feature. Thank you.
Yes you are correct. I have 24hr recording on my arlo cameras. So far everything has worked perfect. And i actually caught a car prowler at 4am. It notified rite when the guy walked up to my car.
That camera is amazing. I have 4 Arlo Pro 2s and love them. I would love to get the Arlo Ultra, but that price is still way too much. For $600 I could get a complete low end security system!
Thank you for being to-the-point. This was super helpful.😍 I want to see
Also Steve, what's to stop a thief from pressing the release button and steal the battery unit?
Thanks again
Dont place these cameras way too low in a location anyone can reach.
In your opinion is arlo worth Getting or is there something out there that's better?
I have been looking for a 4K and 180 degree angle camera. The Arlo meets this requirement. However, the video quality shown on this video is not showing a 4K quality. Is it because when you upload it to RUclips, it cannot show the true 4K quality?
I purchase my Arlo Ultra in November 2019 after I saw you r review on this Arlo. I have had connection issues in the past and lately they seem to be happening more frequently. How can I tell if I have the most recent firmware and software?
Great review. I have the Pro 4 camera's and I'm not happy with the audio. I notice no reviews talk in two way segments. The camera mic works fine but I can not have a two way conversation. Please add to your next review. Or do you know of a fix?
Can you please tell me..... of the footage on the micro sd card that you view(whilst at home) can this be recorded and viewed in 4k, 2k and 1080p
Just got a couple of Armorax battery powered cameras, one for my front porch, the other for my daughter’s room. Couldn’t be happier. Great battery life and so easy to install
The motion sensor on my Arlo Ultra is not sensitive enough, even though I have it set at 100 percent. I have to walk within 7 feet of the camera in order to trip the motion when coming from the side. Any ideas on how to make it pick up motion farther out than 7 feet. I have a long rectangular deck that I was hoping to catch motion on from at least 20 feet out from each direction of the camera.
Motion cameras usually work better capturing images moving side to side, versus objects moving closer to further from you.
I dont understand what prevents these from being stolen with the press of a button, or being unscrewed?? And the plastic "security mount" version looks rather easy to break off with a good yank.
I read that 4k is only available with the cloud service, and not with local recording (deceptive). And the battery needs recharging every 4 days. And users are still complaining of connections dropping out often.
Thank you for addressing the slow live view, Its one of my gripes with the system too.. SO slow to load, especially if you dont already have the app open be prepared for an additional 5-10 seconds loading delay on top of the live view loading delay. my other biggest problem is that there is a huge delay in the local live view stream even though im showing "Strong" bandwidth.. I have an open support ticket for it at the moment but they clearly under trained on their products..
It’s been a few years since. Is the app faster now?
@@beeldbuijs1003 Hey mate, yeah the app is more responsive these days, there is still a pretty bad delay when going to live view though and when you are in live view theres heaps of delay between whats happening real time and what you see making them still totally worthless. The subscription fee is totally overpriced too. If you need a wireless cam id go with Eufy, the video quality isn't as good though but its heaps more responsive.. and they're also a chinese company so depending on your stance on dealing with chinese companies it might not be an option either. you should check out Lifehackster's channel, he has some awesome reviews of HEAPS of wireless and wired cams.
Wait how can you compare when they have a flood light on there camera and you taking a based ring with no flood light? I don't understand get two of the same functions to compare
Great video! Im leaning toward purchasing these for my home. how is the battery life? about how long until you need to recharge?
don't waste your money
@@robertthiele1291 what do you recommend?
Hello - First of all - Thanks for making this video ! And...I know this is just partially related to the product being shown above, but I have a question - We have Arlo VMC3030 cameras that have reached EOL and I wanted to upgrade them - so I was starting to look at these Arlo reviews on RUclips. If the item above - in a perfect world - had no flaws ( the missing thumbnails was one that I didn't like ), and I was to purchase this - would you happen to know if this HAS to use the new base - rendering the old base useless at this point if I changed to these cameras ? I didn't realize how many choices there were - but I keep wondering - if I could just buy 3 ( or upgrade to 4, we're thinking of adding one ) to replace the 3030's, can I get cameras like above without the base - and just reuse the one I have from 2016 if possible ? It seems like a waste to put it aside or throw out ( I suppose I could always sell it or give to a relative ). Plus on a smaller but important scale, can these cameras use the old magnetic wall mounts or do I need to screw these new mounts into the wall to support each camera ? Thanks for any help - and thank you for reading this - I know it's kind of long.
Was looking for a battery powered indoor or outdoor camera and decided to get the Armorax battery cameras. Couldn’t have made a better decision. Long lasting battery, easy set up and each camera comes with its own wifi base station and they don’t even charge you for it
What is the lens made off? I noticed some small scratches and what to do?
The most important features were not even mentioned. How long does the battery last? Is it the battery chargeable? How does it the night vision work without any lights on?
In another video it said the battery can last up to 2 years
Hi. Would you let the viewers know if there was any form of compensation from Arlo for this video? Just an objectivity check. Thanks.
whats the distance of motion detect?
how far can the cam puck up and what degree angle does it pick up? 180 deg like ring?
Will these connect to the Arlo Pro 3 Base Station? My biggest problem with my Arlo cameras is the slow app. Do you recommend a different camera with a faster app?
so many questions! Distance for camera to pick up movement and start to record? Costco now has the Arlo Ultra 2 4 camera pack. Can I sync 8 cameras on one base station? Is the base station only hard wired from router or is that now also wifi (like the camera to base station)? On the zoom, can you just zoom in after the video is recorded? Max size of the SD card that the base station will use?
So you still need to pay more for the 4k cloud? Or can you access the SD Card footage from the app remotely now?
The IQ is great for sure.
Thanks
Thanks for the video. Can I connect a monitor to the hub, instead of remote viewing? I don't have internet.
@ 6:54 your camera quality is super good! How is it possible? I have Arlo ultra and my one looks trash compared to that. It’s on all the highest settings and downloads to cloud which I then download to my phone. I can’t even see the neighbours car’s number plate which is parked like 10 meters away from the camera. Yet your video is super clean and clear. Any advice on settings or maybe I’m not downloading the video correctly?
The big selling points arlo were wireless and no subscription. The no subscription is how I justified the high cost.
The subscription does not offer enough to get to switch, especially with how much the initial cost of the cameras are. If they fix the local storage bugs, perhaps.
You need a subscription if you have the Ultras and want 4K recordings in your library. You also only get a free 1 year Smart Premier subscription.
@@FitzyRides i thought u can just store locally
Thumbnail photo aside, if you go with me no subscription local storage option, do you still get notifications on your phone? And more important, are those smart notifications to determine and notify based on animal versus person?
So Im guessing this is the reason why Arlo knocked down its price of Arlo Ultra from $1K to $699? Im still skeptical to do an upgrade. I have Arlo Pro 2 for years. Its good for just my house but Arlo its currently having a promo of $699 for Ultra with 4 camera's. Im not sure if I want to buy and test it for myself.
Do you know if they have fixed ALL bugs in this camera system? I don't want to pay the monthly subscription
Is there a local storage 24/7 playback feature similar to that of Wyze and Eufy or do you need to be subscribed to the outrageous $20 per month per camera CVR service?
The hub they provide is the router for the signal. How well does it work distance wise? I need to place some cameras pretty far away from the hub. I have a seperate router that really pushes the signal and would prefer it use my personal router for the cameras
Can you share a video,of how to set up this cameras ( arlo ultra 2 ) with the Apple HomeKit please, I’m having big issues, for some reason I can’t get it right and I can make it work with Apple HomeKit..... thanks
What determines the battery life on these? Does it have to be with the smart notifications or shoiod I just turn them all off to increase battery life. 🔋 Just purchased them , first time owner so would really appreciate any recommendations. Thanks
(I'm not terribly techie!) So, if I wanted to use this primarily to live monitor activity in our driveway (for example if you are waiting for someone to arrive) this may not be the best due to the lag? Thx
Thanks so much for this, absolutely wonderful review.
Steve, will the mounting brackets support mounting a camera on the side of your house to aim down a sidewalk that runs parallel to the house?
Thank you for being to-the-point. This was super helpful.
Excellent review! Thanks!
It seems that Arlo doesn't have it App for the iOS. Can you please let me know what is the exact App to download from apple iPhone? Thank you.
Have been waiting for nearly a year for the glitches to be addressed and now looking to purchase the Ultra to add to my existing Alro Pro system.
I want to do that too. However, ultro camera cannot work as an add-on to my pro 2 system.
my arlo app does not look like yours at all...they re also ultras from bestbuy (nov2019). why is it???
Is the latency still an issue? How much video does the SD on the smart base store?
I have a question. If I want to view the cameras at work so that I can monitor my home and Rotties. can I keep them on live view and how do I do this
I have never had a security system and looking to buy. For the pet owner's out there can these be a pain with notifications? I have a doggie door and the dogs will travel the area I want coverage often. Any thoughts would be helpful!
Really great video, thank you. Really enjoyed the presentation, manner, and detail you went into.
Fantastic video! I'm concerned about pulling up live view, is that still a concern? Does it load up faster now, have they fixed that? Thank you
Great review, really disappointing that wireless cameras still have such long delays for live views. Defeats the whole purpose for me
What about the battery life in general and on different night modes??
I wish eufy had a 4k hdr option with spotlight. My biggest reason for migrating from nest cameras to Arlo ultra is the image quality and spotlight. The best cameras are great in the daytime, but at night they get so grainy when zooming in that I really can't see faces out make people out very well.. it's frustrating. The higher image quality and color night vision at least gives me a better chance at identifying people and seeing what they are doing at night. Isn't that what you want a security camera for, generally speaking?
It's a shame that Arlo can't get their act together on the software side of things. Fix the app issues, address the lag... Instant winner.
If Eufy or even Google comes out with a 4k spotlight HDR camera.. I would likely have less reason to tolerate the Arlo issues, but for now, I tolerate them in favor of image quality and the spotlight.
Does it connect via non WiFi use? My reo link now refuses to work w non WiFi which is pointless
HI i want set up this camera for live view in local network without subcription is it possible? As i understand Base station have SD card option for storage . Does it have Local Live view Feature? Thank you in advance.
Can u make a vid on what to do if your smart hub won’t connect
I have the arlo doorbell for less than 30 days. I have contacted Verisure (Uk company) on over ten occasions. Battery life for the wireless doorbell is less than 24 hours instead of the advertised 6 months. Yes I have heavy traffic but they still insisted I will get 6 months battery life. The technician arrives at my house then laughs and says the sales guys will say anything for a sale as the batteries will last about a month max if I’m lucky but recommend I have the wireless arlo doorbell wired. If I change my internet provider, then it’s another issue. Complete ball ache. Sold me a camera as 4k and it turns out it’s just 1080. 😂
Hi. What is the length of the cable to connect the camera and does it comes with one power cable for each camera?
I would have liked to see you demo it capturing a license plate from a good distance....that's major.
@RNE2224U bummer
Question, I have the pro 3, if I use my old 4500 base station in order to use HomeKit, will I lose any features on my pro 3 cameras ?
How the hell are your videos so clean? When I download mine it looks so bad. Can’t even see number plates on cars or anything at all? Am I missing something? I’ve got the 4K subscription
this is a very helpful review. Thanks. Great overview. Any update of firmware, software, smarthub, local access?
does it support multiple zones?
Would any ethnic cable wire work for the camera if not can you recommend me one because I’m looking for a 50’ thx
Do you have to pay for a subscription in order to watch video from the app?
Does the camera record 24/7 for 30 days if I subscribe with the Elite plan or is it just a clips?
You have to pay an extra $9.99 per camera to get the 24/7 recording feature.
Hi nice video I just want to ask you one question I'll I'm trying to buy the Arlo Ultra I want to leave them for 24 by 7 on but I was just wondering hope the cameras do not heat up. At the moment I'm using Arlo Pro but on them I cannot do 24 hours so that's the reason I'm upgrading to Ultra which I have to pay 12 to £13 a month
I was told that I need to purchase a Neteork Security because my cameras are not updating is this true?
Why didnt you discuss the HUGE problem - license plate zoom?
Hi Steve, great channel and thanks for the work
I have the ultra and none of my 2 way audio works, I've done everything I can but can't resolve this. The mic pics up audio but I can't use it as a intercom
Any thoughts? Or anyone with the same problem?
Thank you
There arlo smart hub doesn’t even have usb to connect a hard drive to store video or they didn’t even add a sd card on there cameras to record in case you have down internet or power outages.
But they are forcing you to pay for their full service. And if u don’t pay u get half of a red Brick device.
And it doesn’t even have WiFi.
It need to be connected to the router. If U have a large house and your camera is in the front yard door. And the other is in your back yard door.And your router and hub is in your work office room about 100 yard away.
How much lag is there. You can’t put the hub in the middle of the room. So each camera can have a good signal without delays
That is a life or Death situation. It takes a second for some1 to break into your house or steal something. Before u even get the Notification. Think about that.
The one thing that I keep having issues with is battery life. How do you keep battery life going for more then a few weeks?
Ala2016 WIN Weeks? We usually get no more than 4-5 days
@@zebratroopfan6695 I only get three days this sucks.
whats the best video security system that you have tested? Looking to get a system soon! Thank you
hello what micro sd memory recommends for ultra cameras base and up to what size can i install
Can I access local storage from the app with an Arlo Pro 2 and regular base station?
Steve, did they fix the issues via a firmware update, or was it done via hardware?
can i watch 4k videos stored on a micro card with my phone or do i have to use a computer
I just went with ring i had the ultra and there was so many problems i sold it.
How is Ring working out??
How many cameras does each hub hold or connect to?
Hi, great review! How far out can the camera recognize or identify a person (DORI distance)?
Which one has better vision for night or which do you recommend
Or How Far a Camera can be Mount from the base...??
For me. I like this camera, but it's too sensitive. I believe the battery could last for at least a couple months, but not when it's constantly picking up on unnecessary stuff like the wind blowing into the microphone or the branches near my camera being detected as "motion".
You reccomend this or the pro or eufy cam 2 oe there pro ?
Great information! Thank You!!