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Smart Home · head to head

Arlo vs OpenHAB

Arlo logo

Arlo

Smart Home

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenHAB logo

OpenHAB

Smart Home

Open source automation software for your home

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OpenHAB 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; OpenHAB requires a 64-bit Java 21 JVM to be installed and maintained separately
  • They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, OpenHAB covers Vendor Agnostic.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arlo and OpenHAB actually diverge.

Attributes where Arlo and OpenHAB differ
AttributeArloOpenHAB
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, Android, Web, Smart DisplaysLinux, Windows, MacOS, Docker, Raspberry Pi
Founded20182010

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
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • HomeKit
  • SmartThings

Only in OpenHAB

  • Vendor Agnostic
  • Rule Engine
  • 200+ Bindings
  • Local Processing
  • Z-Wave
  • Zigbee
  • MQTT
  • REST API

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

OpenHAB

  • Self-hosted vendor neutral home automation hubnot Arlo
  • Bridging smart home devices from different manufacturers under one set of rulesnot 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

OpenHAB

  • Requires a 64-bit Java 21 JVM to be installed and maintained separately
  • Oracle Java is explicitly not recommended by the project because of potential licensing restrictions
  • The recommended hardware is a dedicated Raspberry Pi 4 or newer rather than shared hardware
  • Some version upgrades require additional manual steps run through a separate upgrade tool

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

OpenHAB

Free
  • Community EditionFree
    • Unlimited devices
    • 200+ bindings
    • Local control

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 OpenHAB if

  • You need vendor agnostic.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, MacOS, Docker, Raspberry Pi.
  • You also want rule engine.
OpenHAB review

Questions people ask

Is Arlo or OpenHAB better?
Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and OpenHAB at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arlo or OpenHAB?
OpenHAB has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Arlo and Free for OpenHAB.
Does Arlo or OpenHAB run on more platforms?
Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays. OpenHAB runs on Linux, Windows, MacOS, Docker, Raspberry Pi.
Can I use OpenHAB for free?
Yes. OpenHAB 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 OpenHAB is typically brought in for.
What can Arlo do that OpenHAB cannot?
Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. OpenHAB covers Vendor Agnostic, Rule Engine, 200+ Bindings, Local Processing.

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
OpenHAB: How much does openHAB cost?

openHAB is 100% open source and completely free to download, install, and use across all supported platforms.

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
OpenHAB: Are there any subscription fees for openHAB?

No, openHAB has no subscription fees. The software is free and released under an open source license for unlimited use.

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
OpenHAB: How can I support openHAB?

While openHAB is free to use, the project accepts voluntary donations through the openHAB Foundation to support development and maintenance.

Source
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