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Software · head to head

Arlo vs Helioscope

Arlo logo

Arlo

Software

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Helioscope logo

Helioscope

Software

Accurate solar design for commercial projects

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Helioscope has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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; Helioscope licences are single user, so each designer needs their own
  • They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, Helioscope covers PV system design.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arlo and Helioscope actually diverge.

Attributes where Arlo and Helioscope differ
AttributeArloHelioscope
Starting priceOn requestFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, Android, Web, Smart DisplaysWeb, Api
Founded20182012

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), 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 Helioscope

  • PV system design
  • 3D shade modeling
  • Performance simulation
  • Single-line diagrams
  • BOM generation
  • Proposal templates
  • Component database
  • Financial modeling

Both cover

  • Web 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 Helioscope
  • Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot Helioscope
  • Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot Helioscope

Helioscope

  • Simulating photovoltaic system performance and energy yieldnot Arlo
  • Laying out commercial solar arrays and producing design reportsnot 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

Helioscope

  • Licences are single user, so each designer needs their own
  • Projects are capped at 10 a month on both Basic and Pro
  • System size is capped by plan, at 1.25 MW DC on Basic and 5 MW on Pro, so a larger array forces an upgrade regardless of project count
  • Trackers, LIDAR modelling and API access sit on the higher tiers
  • Enterprise is priced per project with no published figure

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

Helioscope

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 projects
    • Basic design tools
    • Shade analysis
  • Professional$95/month
    • Unlimited projects
    • Advanced shading
    • Custom reports
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Everything in Pro
    • API access
    • Custom integrations

Which should you pick?

Choose Arlo if

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

Choose Helioscope if

  • You need pv system design.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want 3d shade modeling.
Helioscope review

Questions people ask

Is Arlo or Helioscope better?
Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and Helioscope at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arlo or Helioscope?
Helioscope has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Arlo and Free for Helioscope.
Does Arlo or Helioscope run on more platforms?
Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays. Helioscope runs on Web, Api.
Can I use Helioscope for free?
Yes. Helioscope has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Arlo starts at On request.
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 Helioscope is typically brought in for.
What can Arlo do that Helioscope cannot?
Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Helioscope covers PV system design, 3D shade modeling, Performance simulation, Single-line diagrams. Both handle Web support.
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