Software · head to head
Arlo vs Aqara
Arlo
Software
Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Arlo without an Arlo Secure subscription the cameras are limited to live streaming and two-way audio, with no cloud video history; Aqara a hub is required for full functionality, and Matter accessories need a Matter controller such as the Hub M3 configured in Aqara Home first
- They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, Aqara covers Zigbee protocol.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Arlo and Aqara actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 Arlo
- Wire-Free
- 4K Video
- AI Detection
- Color Night Vision
- Alexa
- Google Home
- HomeKit
- SmartThings
Only in Aqara
- Zigbee protocol
- Sensor ecosystem
- Automation scenes
- Long battery life
- Local processing
- Apple HomeKit
- Apple HomeKit
- Google Assistant
Both cover
- IOS support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Arlo
- Wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight camerasnot Aqara
- Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot Aqara
- Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot Aqara
Aqara
- Smart home sensors, switches and cameras on Zigbeenot Arlo
- Automations across HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThingsnot Arlo
- Matter-based smart home setupsnot Arlo
- Door locks and curtain controllers tied to routinesnot Arlo
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Aqara
- A hub is required for full functionality, and Matter accessories need a Matter controller such as the Hub M3 configured in Aqara Home first
- Primarily a hardware company, so the app exists to run devices you have bought
- Zigbee devices depend on the hub remaining supported
Pricing, plan by plan
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
Aqara
On request- Door Sensor$15/month
- Zigbee
- Long battery
- Instant alerts
- Motion Sensor$20/month
- Light sensor
- Adjustable sensitivity
- Pet immune
- Hub M2$60/month
- Zigbee hub
- IR control
- HomeKit support
Which should you pick?
Choose Arlo if
- You need wire-free.
- You work on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
- You also want 4k video.
Choose Aqara if
- You need zigbee protocol.
- You work on IOS, Android.
- You also want sensor ecosystem.
Questions people ask
- Is Arlo or Aqara better?
- Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and Aqara at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Arlo or Aqara?
- Arlo starts at On request and Aqara at On request.
- Does Arlo or Aqara run on more platforms?
- Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays. Aqara runs on IOS, Android.
- What is Arlo best used for?
- Arlo is most often used for wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight cameras, cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detection, professionally monitored home security through the arlo app. Of those, wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight cameras and cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detection are not what Aqara is typically brought in for.
- What can Arlo do that Aqara cannot?
- Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Both handle IOS support, Android support.