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Smart Home · head to head

Arlo vs Tuya Smart

Arlo logo

Arlo

Smart Home

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tuya Smart logo

Tuya Smart

Smart Home

Global IoT platform powering thousands of smart devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Tuya Smart 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; Tuya Smart no pricing information available on website; users directed to contact sales directly
  • They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, Tuya Smart covers Cloud Platform.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arlo and Tuya Smart actually diverge.

Attributes where Arlo and Tuya Smart differ
AttributeArloTuya Smart
Starting priceOn requestFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, Android, Web, Smart DisplaysIOS, Android, Web, Hardware modules
Founded20182014

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), 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 Tuya Smart

  • Cloud Platform
  • Device SDK
  • White-Label App
  • AI Features
  • Custom integrations
  • Hardware modules 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 Tuya Smart
  • Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot Tuya Smart
  • Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot Tuya Smart

Tuya Smart

  • Smart product developmentnot Arlo
  • White-label solutionsnot Arlo
  • OEM IoTnot Arlo
  • Connected appliancesnot 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

Tuya Smart

  • No pricing information available on website; users directed to contact sales directly
  • IoT platform pricing model not disclosed publicly

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

Tuya Smart

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • Basic cloud
    • Device management
    • Standard features
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Advanced analytics
    • White-label
    • Priority 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.
Arlo review

Choose Tuya Smart if

  • You need cloud platform.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web, Hardware modules.
  • You also want device sdk.
Tuya Smart review

Questions people ask

Is Arlo or Tuya Smart better?
Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and Tuya Smart at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arlo or Tuya Smart?
Tuya Smart has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Arlo and Free for Tuya Smart.
Does Arlo or Tuya Smart run on more platforms?
Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays. Tuya Smart runs on IOS, Android, Web, Hardware modules.
Can I use Tuya Smart for free?
Yes. Tuya Smart 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 Tuya Smart is typically brought in for.
What can Arlo do that Tuya Smart cannot?
Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Tuya Smart covers Cloud Platform, Device SDK, White-Label App, AI Features. 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
Tuya Smart: How do I get pricing for Tuya IoT platform?

Tuya pricing is not published on their website. Contact Tuya directly via phone (844-672-5646), email ([email protected]), or through their contact form to request a pricing quote and demo.

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
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
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