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IoT & Smart Home · head to head

Arlo vs Johnson Controls Metasys

Arlo logo

Arlo

IoT & Smart Home

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Johnson Controls Metasys logo

Johnson Controls Metasys

Energy & Utilities

Building management and control system platform

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; Johnson Controls Metasys a Metasys server supports 1,300 devices and 65,000 objects, so larger estates require additional servers
  • They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, Johnson Controls Metasys covers HVAC control.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arlo and Johnson Controls Metasys actually diverge.

Attributes where Arlo and Johnson Controls Metasys differ
AttributeArloJohnson Controls Metasys
Pricing modelsubscriptionquote
PlatformsIOS, Android, Web, Smart DisplaysWeb, Mobile
CategoryIoT & Smart HomeEnergy & Utilities
Founded20181885

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Johnson Controls Metasys

  • HVAC control
  • Building automation
  • Energy management
  • Security integration
  • Analytics dashboard
  • SOC2
  • SSL encryption
  • On-premise deployment

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

Johnson Controls Metasys

  • Building automation for offices, data centres, hospitals and universitiesnot Arlo
  • Managing multi site campuses from one building management systemnot Arlo
  • Meeting compliance and reporting requirements for regulated facilitiesnot 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

Johnson Controls Metasys

  • A Metasys server supports 1,300 devices and 65,000 objects, so larger estates require additional servers
  • No hardware requirement, licensing model, subscription term or price is published on the product page; the routes offered are a demo booking and a contact form

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

Johnson Controls Metasys

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Johnson Controls Metasys review.

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 Johnson Controls Metasys if

  • You need hvac control.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want building automation.

Questions people ask

Is Arlo or Johnson Controls Metasys better?
Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and Johnson Controls Metasys at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arlo or Johnson Controls Metasys?
Arlo starts at On request and Johnson Controls Metasys at On request.
Does Arlo or Johnson Controls Metasys run on more platforms?
Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays. Johnson Controls Metasys runs on Web, Mobile.
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 Johnson Controls Metasys is typically brought in for.
What can Arlo do that Johnson Controls Metasys cannot?
Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Johnson Controls Metasys covers HVAC control, Building automation, Energy management, Security integration. Both handle Web support.

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