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Arlo vs TP-Link Kasa

Arlo logo

Arlo

Smart Home

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TP-Link Kasa logo

TP-Link Kasa

Smart Home

Affordable smart home devices with easy setup

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only TP-Link Kasa 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; TP-Link Kasa plus plan only covers one camera per subscription
  • They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, TP-Link Kasa covers Affordable.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

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
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, Android, Web, Smart DisplaysIOS, Android, Web
Founded20181996

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (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

  • Home security camera recording and playbacknot Arlo
  • Smart home automation monitoringnot Arlo
  • Pet and baby monitoringnot Arlo
  • Outdoor property surveillancenot 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

  • Plus plan only covers one camera per subscription
  • No free trial mentioned for paid tiers
  • Premium plan requires annual commitment discount to reach $100/year pricing
  • Video retention limited to 30 days even on paid plans

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

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • Live streaming
    • Push-to-talk
    • Activity zones
  • Plus$3/month
    • 30 days of video history
    • Manual clip recording
    • Video sharing
  • Premium$10/month
    • Covers up to 10 cameras
    • All Plus features
    • Snapshots with alerts

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 TP-Link Kasa if

  • You need affordable.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want no hub required.
TP-Link Kasa review

Questions people ask

Is Arlo or TP-Link Kasa better?
Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and TP-Link Kasa at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arlo or TP-Link Kasa?
TP-Link Kasa has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Arlo and Free for TP-Link Kasa.
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.
Can I use TP-Link Kasa for free?
Yes. TP-Link Kasa 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 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.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Arlo: What are typical hardware prices for Arlo cameras?

Hardware prices vary: Pro 6th Gen Camera starts at $159.99, Essential Indoor 3rd Gen at $29.99, and home security systems from $149.99. These are discounted prices from regular retail.

Source
TP-Link Kasa: Does Kasa Care offer a free plan?

Yes, Kasa's free tier includes live streaming, push-to-talk, activity zones, and activity notifications at no cost.

Source
Arlo: Does Arlo offer subscription services?

Yes, Arlo offers Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus subscription plans, though specific pricing and details for these subscriptions are not disclosed on the homepage.

Source
TP-Link Kasa: What's the difference between Kasa Plus and Premium?

Plus costs $3/month and provides 30 days of video history per camera. Premium costs $10/month and covers up to 10 cameras with all Plus features. Premium is billed at $100/year vs Plus at $30/year per camera.

Source
Arlo: Can I save money by bundling cameras?

Yes, the Build My System option offers up to 15% off when you create your home's ideal security setup through bundled purchases.

Source
TP-Link Kasa: Can Premium cover all my cameras?

Yes, Kasa Premium covers up to 10 cameras under one $10/month subscription, making it more economical than Plus for multiple devices.

Source
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