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Software · head to head

SwitchBot vs Arlo

SwitchBot logo

SwitchBot

Software

Simple automation for any device

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Arlo logo

Arlo

Software

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: SwitchBot switchBot Lock Ultra is priced at 139.99 USD standalone, rising to 299.99 USD bundled with the Touch Doorbell combo; 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: SwitchBot covers Button automation, Arlo covers Wire-Free.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SwitchBot and Arlo actually diverge.

Attributes where SwitchBot and Arlo differ
AttributeSwitchBotArlo
Pricing modelone-timesubscription
PlatformsIOS, AndroidIOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays
Founded20152018

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), 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 SwitchBot

  • Button automation
  • IR control
  • Schedules
  • Sensors
  • Scene automation
  • Voice control
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Google Assistant

Only in Arlo

  • Wire-Free
  • 4K Video
  • AI Detection
  • Color Night Vision
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • HomeKit
  • Web support

Both cover

  • SmartThings
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

SwitchBot

  • Retrofit automationnot Arlo
  • Curtain controlnot Arlo
  • AC controlnot Arlo
  • Simple automationnot Arlo

Arlo

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

Where each one falls short

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

SwitchBot

  • SwitchBot Lock Ultra is priced at 139.99 USD standalone, rising to 299.99 USD bundled with the Touch Doorbell combo

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

SwitchBot

On request
  • Bot$29/month
    • Button pusher
    • Schedule
    • Voice control
  • Curtain$89/month
    • Solar powered option
    • Light sensor
    • Schedule
  • Hub Mini$39/month
    • IR control
    • Cloud access
    • Voice assistants

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 SwitchBot if

  • You need button automation.
  • You work on IOS, Android.
  • You also want ir control.
SwitchBot 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 SwitchBot or Arlo better?
Neither clearly leads. SwitchBot starts at On request and Arlo at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SwitchBot or Arlo?
SwitchBot starts at On request and Arlo at On request.
Does SwitchBot or Arlo run on more platforms?
SwitchBot runs on IOS, Android. Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
What is SwitchBot best used for?
SwitchBot is most often used for retrofit automation, curtain control, ac control, simple automation. Of those, retrofit automation and curtain control are not what Arlo is typically brought in for.
What can SwitchBot do that Arlo cannot?
SwitchBot covers Button automation, IR control, Schedules, Sensors. Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Both handle SmartThings, IOS support, Android support.
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