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Software · head to head

Matter vs Arlo

Matter logo

Matter

Software

Unified smart home connectivity standard

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Arlo logo

Arlo

Software

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Matter has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Matter the Internet Archive's capture of the Connectivity Standards Alliance's Matter page on 1 January 2023 confirmed Matter itself is a free, open IP-based connectivity standard with no license fee to implement; manufacturers instead pay a separate certification fee to certify individual devices.; Arlo without an Arlo Secure subscription the cameras are limited to live streaming and two-way audio, with no cloud video history
  • They diverge on capability: Matter covers Unified Standard, Arlo covers Wire-Free.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Matter and Arlo actually diverge.

Attributes where Matter and Arlo differ
AttributeMatterArlo
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsMatter-enabled devices, All major hubs, Cloud, Local controlIOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays
Founded20212018

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 Matter

  • Unified Standard
  • Multi-Admin
  • Secure Communication
  • Interoperable
  • All major ecosystems
  • Matter-enabled devices support
  • All major hubs support
  • Cloud support

Only in Arlo

  • Wire-Free
  • 4K Video
  • AI Detection
  • Color Night Vision
  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • Web support
  • Smart Displays support

Both cover

  • HomeKit
  • Google Home
  • Alexa
  • SmartThings

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Matter

  • Cross-ecosystem compatibilitynot Arlo
  • Future-proof devicesnot Arlo
  • Simplified setupnot Arlo
  • Local controlnot Arlo

Arlo

  • Wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight camerasnot Matter
  • Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot Matter
  • Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot Matter

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Matter

  • The Internet Archive's capture of the Connectivity Standards Alliance's Matter page on 1 January 2023 confirmed Matter itself is a free, open IP-based connectivity standard with no license fee to implement; manufacturers instead pay a separate certification fee to certify individual devices.

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Matter

Free
  • Open StandardFree
    • Unified connectivity
    • Cross-platform
    • Local control

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Matter if

  • You need unified standard.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Matter-enabled devices, All major hubs, Cloud, Local control.
  • You also want multi-admin.
Matter review

Choose Arlo if

  • You need wire-free.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
  • You also want 4k video.
Arlo review

Questions people ask

Is Matter or Arlo better?
Neither clearly leads. Matter starts at Free and Arlo at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Matter or Arlo?
Matter has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Matter and On request for Arlo.
Does Matter or Arlo run on more platforms?
Matter runs on Matter-enabled devices, All major hubs, Cloud, Local control. Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
Can I use Matter for free?
Yes. Matter has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Arlo starts at On request.
What is Matter best used for?
Matter is most often used for cross-ecosystem compatibility, future-proof devices, simplified setup, local control. Of those, cross-ecosystem compatibility and future-proof devices are not what Arlo is typically brought in for.
What can Matter do that Arlo cannot?
Matter covers Unified Standard, Multi-Admin, Secure Communication, Interoperable. Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Both handle HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings.
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