Software · head to head
SmartThings vs Arlo
SmartThings
Software
Samsung's intelligent IoT platform for smart homes
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Arlo
Software
Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only SmartThings has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: SmartThings cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control; 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: SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Arlo covers Wire-Free.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SmartThings and Arlo actually diverge.
| Attribute | SmartThings | Arlo |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | Unknown | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub | IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays |
| Founded | 1938 | 2018 |
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 SmartThings
- Multi-Brand Support
- Device Control
- Automations
- Cloud Backup
- 500+ device types
- Voice Control
- Routines
- IFTTT integration
Only in Arlo
- Wire-Free
- 4K Video
- AI Detection
- Color Night Vision
- Alexa
- Google Home
- HomeKit
- SmartThings
Both cover
- IOS support
- Android support
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
SmartThings
- Smart home controlnot Arlo
- Automation routinesnot Arlo
- Device integrationnot Arlo
- Remote monitoringnot Arlo
Arlo
- Wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight camerasnot SmartThings
- Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot SmartThings
- Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot SmartThings
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
SmartThings
- Cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
- Cloud communication adds latency compared to local hubs; device response delays up to one second
- Confusing app transition between SmartThings Classic and SmartThings Connect with certain automations only working in one app
- API changes requiring paid subscriptions starting October 2026 break third-party integrations like Home Assistant
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
SmartThings
Free- Basic (SmartThings app)Free
- Device control and automation
- Support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter
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 SmartThings if
- You need multi-brand support.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
- You also want device control.
Choose Arlo if
- You need wire-free.
- You work on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
- You also want 4k video.
Questions people ask
- Is SmartThings or Arlo better?
- Neither clearly leads. SmartThings 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, SmartThings or Arlo?
- SmartThings has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SmartThings and On request for Arlo.
- Does SmartThings or Arlo run on more platforms?
- SmartThings runs on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub. Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
- Can I use SmartThings for free?
- Yes. SmartThings has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Arlo starts at On request.
- What is SmartThings best used for?
- SmartThings is most often used for smart home control, automation routines, device integration, remote monitoring. Of those, smart home control and automation routines are not what Arlo is typically brought in for.
- What can SmartThings do that Arlo cannot?
- SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations, Cloud Backup. Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Both handle IOS support, Android support, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
SmartThings: Does SmartThings work offline?
No, SmartThings requires internet and Samsung servers to function. It cannot operate offline; all device control depends on cloud connectivity.
SourceSmartThings: Which communication protocols does SmartThings support?
SmartThings natively handles Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter protocols simultaneously through mesh networking.
SourceSmartThings: What is the cost of SmartThings API access for developers?
Starting October 2026, non-commercial developers using SmartThings API for third-party integrations like Home Assistant must pay $4.99/month. Free access continues through Q3 2026.
SourceSmartThings: Does SmartThings support voice assistants?
Yes, SmartThings is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
Source