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Software · head to head

Tasmota vs Arlo

T

Tasmota

Software

Open-source firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 based devices

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 Tasmota has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Tasmota tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it; 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: Tasmota covers Local Control, Arlo covers Wire-Free.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Tasmota and Arlo actually diverge.

Attributes where Tasmota and Arlo differ
AttributeTasmotaArlo
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devicesIOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays
Founded20172018

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 Tasmota

  • Local Control
  • MQTT Support
  • Web Interface
  • OTA Updates
  • Home Assistant
  • Domoticz
  • OpenHAB
  • Node-RED

Only in Arlo

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

What people use each for

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

Tasmota

  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based smart plugs and switchesnot Arlo
  • Controlling smart home devices locally over MQTT or HTTPnot Arlo
  • Integrating off the shelf Wi-Fi devices with Home Assistant without a cloud accountnot Arlo

Arlo

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

Where each one falls short

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

Tasmota

  • Tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it
  • Initial installation requires opening the device, bridging GPIO0 to ground during boot and using a 3.3V serial programmer; a 5V programmer damages the chip
  • The ESP chip needs at least 150mA at 3.3V, so an underpowered supply causes flashing and stability failures
  • The Wi-Fi setup access point stays active for only 3 minutes, after which the device must be power cycled to try again
  • The Power Cycle Recovery feature can reset a device to firmware defaults where mains power fluctuates, and the docs advise disabling it in that case

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

Tasmota

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Full firmware
    • MQTT
    • Web UI

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 Tasmota if

  • You need local control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices.
  • You also want mqtt support.
Tasmota 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 Tasmota or Arlo better?
Neither clearly leads. Tasmota 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, Tasmota or Arlo?
Tasmota has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Tasmota and On request for Arlo.
Does Tasmota or Arlo run on more platforms?
Tasmota runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices. Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
Can I use Tasmota for free?
Yes. Tasmota has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Arlo starts at On request.
What is Tasmota best used for?
Tasmota is most often used for replacing vendor cloud firmware on esp based smart plugs and switches, controlling smart home devices locally over mqtt or http, integrating off the shelf wi-fi devices with home assistant without a cloud account. Of those, replacing vendor cloud firmware on esp based smart plugs and switches and controlling smart home devices locally over mqtt or http are not what Arlo is typically brought in for.
What can Tasmota do that Arlo cannot?
Tasmota covers Local Control, MQTT Support, Web Interface, OTA Updates. Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision.
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