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Software · head to head

Arlo vs Roomba

Arlo logo

Arlo

Software

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Roomba logo

Roomba

Software

iRobot's intelligent robot vacuum series

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; Roomba robot vacuums list from $399.99 up to $999.99 for the top combo model, and Affirm financing on iRobot.com carries rates up to 36 percent APR
  • They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, Roomba covers Smart Mapping.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arlo and Roomba actually diverge.

Attributes where Arlo and Roomba differ
AttributeArloRoomba
PlatformsIOS, Android, Web, Smart DisplaysIOS, Android, Web
Founded20181990

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), 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
  • HomeKit
  • SmartThings
  • Smart Displays support

Only in Roomba

  • Smart Mapping
  • Auto-Empty Base
  • Multi-Room Navigation
  • Dirt Detect
  • IFTTT
  • Smart schedules

Both cover

  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • 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 Roomba
  • Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot Roomba
  • Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot Roomba

Roomba

  • Automated vacuuming and mopping of home floorsnot Arlo
  • Scheduled cleaning managed through a connected appnot 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

Roomba

  • Robot vacuums list from $399.99 up to $999.99 for the top combo model, and Affirm financing on iRobot.com carries rates up to 36 percent APR

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

Roomba

On request
  • iRobot Select$29/month
    • Robot ownership
    • Extended warranty
    • Consumables

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 Roomba if

  • You need smart mapping.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want auto-empty base.

Questions people ask

Is Arlo or Roomba better?
Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and Roomba at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arlo or Roomba?
Arlo starts at On request and Roomba at On request.
Does Arlo or Roomba run on more platforms?
Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays. Roomba runs on IOS, Android, Web.
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 Roomba is typically brought in for.
What can Arlo do that Roomba cannot?
Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Roomba covers Smart Mapping, Auto-Empty Base, Multi-Room Navigation, Dirt Detect. Both handle Alexa, Google Home, IOS support, Android support.

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