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Software · head to head

Arlo vs Shelly

Arlo logo

Arlo

Software

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Shelly logo

Shelly

Software

Powerful WiFi smart home devices with local control

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Shelly 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; Shelly premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup
  • They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, Shelly covers Local Control.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arlo and Shelly actually diverge.

Attributes where Arlo and Shelly differ
AttributeArloShelly
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, Android, Web, Smart DisplaysWeb, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network
Founded20182016

Identical on both: 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
  • Smart Displays support

Only in Shelly

  • Local Control
  • Open API
  • MQTT Support
  • Energy Monitoring
  • Home Assistant
  • Local API support

Both cover

  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • 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 Shelly
  • Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot Shelly
  • Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot Shelly

Shelly

  • Smart home automation and controlnot Arlo
  • Energy monitoring and managementnot Arlo
  • WiFi/Bluetooth/Matter device integrationnot 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

Shelly

  • Premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup
  • Device-specific capabilities vary; not all features available across entire product range

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

Shelly

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Shelly 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.
Arlo review

Choose Shelly if

  • You need local control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network.
  • You also want open api.
Shelly review

Questions people ask

Is Arlo or Shelly better?
Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and Shelly at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arlo or Shelly?
Shelly has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Arlo and Free for Shelly.
Does Arlo or Shelly run on more platforms?
Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays. Shelly runs on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network.
Can I use Shelly for free?
Yes. Shelly 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 Shelly is typically brought in for.
What can Arlo do that Shelly cannot?
Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Shelly covers Local Control, Open API, MQTT Support, Energy Monitoring. Both handle Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, IOS support.
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