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Apple HomeKit vs Arlo

Apple HomeKit logo

Apple HomeKit

Smart Home

Apple's secure smart home platform integrated with Siri

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Arlo logo

Arlo

Smart Home

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Apple HomeKit has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apple HomeKit requires Apple device for setup and remote access; limited interoperability with non-Apple devices; Arlo without an Arlo Secure subscription the cameras are limited to live streaming and two-way audio, with no cloud video history
  • They diverge on capability: Apple HomeKit covers Siri Integration, Arlo covers Wire-Free.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple HomeKit and Arlo actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple HomeKit and Arlo differ
AttributeApple HomeKitArlo
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple TV, HomePod, Web (via iCloud.com)IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays
Founded20142018

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple HomeKit

  • Siri Integration
  • End-to-End Encryption
  • Automation Scenes
  • Remote Access
  • HomePod
  • Apple TV
  • Apple Watch
  • Third-party accessories

Only in Arlo

  • Wire-Free
  • 4K Video
  • AI Detection
  • Color Night Vision
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • HomeKit
  • SmartThings

Both cover

  • IOS support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple HomeKit

  • Unified control of multi-vendor smart accessoriesnot Arlo
  • Time, location, and sensor-triggered automationsnot Arlo
  • Siri voice control of accessoriesnot Arlo
  • Remote access via a Home Hubnot Arlo
  • Grouping accessories into scenesnot Arlo

Arlo

  • Wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight camerasnot Apple HomeKit
  • Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot Apple HomeKit
  • Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot Apple HomeKit

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple HomeKit

  • Requires Apple device for setup and remote access; limited interoperability with non-Apple devices
  • HomeKit devices require manufacturer certification, limiting product selection compared to alternatives
  • Automations are more limited compared to open platforms like Home Assistant or professional systems

Arlo

  • Without an Arlo Secure subscription the cameras are limited to live streaming and two-way audio, with no cloud video history
  • Video history, Activity Zones and Advanced Detection require the paid Arlo Plus plan
  • 24/7 Professional Monitoring and 24/7 Emergency Response are only on the Premium plan
  • 24/7 continuous recording is an add-on to Premium and covers up to three cameras only
  • Unlimited camera plans apply only to Arlo cameras at a single residential location on the same account
  • Cameras must be bought as hardware before any plan applies, and the included plan is a trial that ends

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple HomeKit

Free
  • HomeKit (free)Free
    • Local control of HomeKit devices
    • Siri voice control
    • Device automations
  • Home hub (requires device purchase)$undefined/mo
    • Remote access
    • HomeKit Secure Video (free with iCloud+ 2TB)
    • HomeKit automations
  • iCloud+ 2TB (required for Secure Video)$9.99/month
    • HomeKit Secure Video 4K (in iOS 27)
    • 2TB iCloud storage
    • Private email relay

Arlo

On request
  • Arlo Secure$2.99/month
    • 30-day cloud
    • AI detection
    • 1 camera
  • Arlo Secure Plus$14.99/month
    • Unlimited cameras
    • 24/7 recording
    • E911

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple HomeKit if

  • You need siri integration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple TV, HomePod, Web (via iCloud.com).
  • You also want end-to-end encryption.
Apple HomeKit review

Choose Arlo if

  • You need wire-free.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
  • You also want 4k video.
Arlo review

Questions people ask

Is Apple HomeKit or Arlo better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple HomeKit starts at Free and Arlo at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple HomeKit or Arlo?
Apple HomeKit has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apple HomeKit and On request for Arlo.
Does Apple HomeKit or Arlo run on more platforms?
Apple HomeKit runs on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple TV, HomePod, Web (via iCloud.com). Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
Can I use Apple HomeKit for free?
Yes. Apple HomeKit has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Arlo starts at On request.
What is Apple HomeKit best used for?
Apple HomeKit is most often used for unified control of multi-vendor smart accessories, time, location, and sensor-triggered automations, siri voice control of accessories, remote access via a home hub. Of those, unified control of multi-vendor smart accessories and time, location, and sensor-triggered automations are not what Arlo is typically brought in for.
What can Apple HomeKit do that Arlo cannot?
Apple HomeKit covers Siri Integration, End-to-End Encryption, Automation Scenes, Remote Access. Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Both handle IOS support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple HomeKit: Does Apple HomeKit require a home hub?

A home hub is required for remote access and automations. Apple TV 4K, HomePod (2nd gen), or HomePod mini can serve as hubs.

Source
Arlo: What are typical hardware prices for Arlo cameras?

Hardware prices vary: Pro 6th Gen Camera starts at $159.99, Essential Indoor 3rd Gen at $29.99, and home security systems from $149.99. These are discounted prices from regular retail.

Source
Apple HomeKit: Is HomeKit data encrypted?

Yes. HomeKit uses end-to-end encryption for all data and communications with HomeKit devices, keeping all home data secure.

Source
Arlo: Does Arlo offer subscription services?

Yes, Arlo offers Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus subscription plans, though specific pricing and details for these subscriptions are not disclosed on the homepage.

Source
Apple HomeKit: Does HomeKit support Thread?

Yes. Thread-enabled accessories require a Thread-enabled home hub such as Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, or iPhone running iOS 18. Thread provides improved reliability and responsiveness for HomeKit devices.

Source
Arlo: Can I save money by bundling cameras?

Yes, the Build My System option offers up to 15% off when you create your home's ideal security setup through bundled purchases.

Source
Apple HomeKit: What devices are compatible with HomeKit?

HomeKit supports thousands of certified devices including lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, and plugs from manufacturers like Philips Hue, Yale, Ecobee, and Logitech.

Source
Apple HomeKit: Does HomeKit support Matter?

Yes. HomeKit supports Matter, enabling HomeKit devices to work with other ecosystems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home on the same Matter protocol.

Source
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