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Z-Wave Alliance vs Arlo

Z-Wave Alliance logo

Z-Wave Alliance

Software

Wireless communication protocol for smart home 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 Z-Wave Alliance has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Z-Wave Alliance manufacturers must hold a Manufacturer ID, which costs $7,500 per year for two MIDs and a further $7,500 per year for each additional MID; 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: Z-Wave Alliance covers Mesh Networking, Arlo covers Wire-Free.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Z-Wave Alliance and Arlo actually diverge.

Attributes where Z-Wave Alliance and Arlo differ
AttributeZ-Wave AllianceArlo
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsZ-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless meshIOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays
Founded20012018

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 Z-Wave Alliance

  • Mesh Networking
  • AES-128 Security
  • Low Power
  • Interoperable
  • Smart home hubs
  • Home automation
  • Device integration
  • Standards compliant

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.

Z-Wave Alliance

  • Sub-GHz mesh networking for smart home locks, sensors and lightingnot Arlo
  • Long range low power device control in residential and commercial buildingsnot Arlo
  • Building interoperable certified smart home productsnot Arlo

Arlo

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

Where each one falls short

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

Z-Wave Alliance

  • Manufacturers must hold a Manufacturer ID, which costs $7,500 per year for two MIDs and a further $7,500 per year for each additional MID
  • The MID fee is waived only in year 3 for Accelerator members and applies in full from year 4
  • Certifying products and using the Z-Wave certification requires Z-Wave Alliance membership
  • Participation in specific working groups and committees depends on membership level
  • At most two Contributor Member representatives may sit on the Board, for one-year terms voted by the existing Board

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

Z-Wave Alliance

Free
  • Open ProtocolFree
    • Mesh networking
    • Security
    • Interoperability

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 Z-Wave Alliance if

  • You need mesh networking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Z-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh.
  • You also want aes-128 security.
Z-Wave Alliance 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 Z-Wave Alliance or Arlo better?
Neither clearly leads. Z-Wave Alliance 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, Z-Wave Alliance or Arlo?
Z-Wave Alliance has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Z-Wave Alliance and On request for Arlo.
Does Z-Wave Alliance or Arlo run on more platforms?
Z-Wave Alliance runs on Z-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh. Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
Can I use Z-Wave Alliance for free?
Yes. Z-Wave Alliance has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Arlo starts at On request.
What is Z-Wave Alliance best used for?
Z-Wave Alliance is most often used for sub-ghz mesh networking for smart home locks, sensors and lighting, long range low power device control in residential and commercial buildings, building interoperable certified smart home products. Of those, sub-ghz mesh networking for smart home locks, sensors and lighting and long range low power device control in residential and commercial buildings are not what Arlo is typically brought in for.
What can Z-Wave Alliance do that Arlo cannot?
Z-Wave Alliance covers Mesh Networking, AES-128 Security, Low Power, Interoperable. Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision.
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