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IoT & Smart Home · head to head

Arlo vs TP-Link Kasa

Arlo logo

Arlo

IoT & Smart Home

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
TP-Link Kasa logo

TP-Link Kasa

IoT & Smart Home

Affordable smart home devices with easy setup

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; TP-Link Kasa devices are sold individually rather than as a subscription, for example the Smart Video Doorbell Camera costs 49.99 USD and the 4-pack Smart Light Bulb costs 39.99 USD
  • They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arlo and TP-Link Kasa actually diverge.

Attributes where Arlo and TP-Link Kasa differ
AttributeArloTP-Link Kasa
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
PlatformsIOS, Android, Web, Smart DisplaysIOS, Android, Web
Founded20181996

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

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 TP-Link Kasa

  • Affordable
  • No Hub Required
  • Energy Monitoring
  • Scheduling
  • IFTTT

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 TP-Link Kasa
  • Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot TP-Link Kasa
  • Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot TP-Link Kasa

TP-Link Kasa

  • Energy monitoringnot Arlo
  • Automationnot Arlo
  • Voice controlnot Arlo
  • Budget smart homenot 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

TP-Link Kasa

  • Devices are sold individually rather than as a subscription, for example the Smart Video Doorbell Camera costs 49.99 USD and the 4-pack Smart Light Bulb costs 39.99 USD

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

TP-Link Kasa

On request
  • Smart Plug$10/month
    • WiFi
    • Voice control
    • Scheduling
  • Smart Switch$20/month
    • In-wall installation
    • Dimming
    • 3-way 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 TP-Link Kasa if

  • You need affordable.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want no hub required.

Questions people ask

Is Arlo or TP-Link Kasa better?
Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and TP-Link Kasa at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arlo or TP-Link Kasa?
Arlo starts at On request and TP-Link Kasa at On request.
Does Arlo or TP-Link Kasa run on more platforms?
Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays. TP-Link Kasa 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 TP-Link Kasa is typically brought in for.
What can Arlo do that TP-Link Kasa cannot?
Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable, No Hub Required, Energy Monitoring, Scheduling. Both handle Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, IOS support.

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