Have you been looking for a smart security camera to provide a lasting security solution to your home? This can be a difficult task as almost all of the products on the market promise you features that will make your house secure.
Among the many cameras in the market, some are good, others not so much. So how do you know which one to go for?
As you struggle to make your decision, there are some fundamental features of the cameras that you should be looking for. These include the:
- camera’s field of view
- video resolution
- compatibility with other devices
In this article, we want to make your search a little easier. We want to make a detailed comparison of the Arlo Pro2, Arlo Q Plus, and the Canary Flex smart security cameras and announce our winner at the end. This will, hopefully, help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick!
Price | $$$ | $$ | 30% Less |
Operating Temperature (F) | -40° to 113° | Upto 130° | -4° to 122° F |
Battery Level Indication | Yes | No | - |
Resolution | 1080p HD | 1080p | 1080p |
Video Format | H.264 | - | - |
Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Focus Range | Fixed | Swivel | Swivel |
Night Vision | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Field Of View | 130° | 130° | 116°-147° |
Cell | |||
Weight (Pounds) | 0.29 | 0.37 | 1.74 |
Dimensions (Inches) | 3.1 x 1.9 x 2.88 | 2.75 x 2.80 x 4.50 | 4.3 x 1.9 x 1.9 |
Cell | |||
Similarities
When you are looking for a camera, you should get one whose resolution is high enough so that you can see clearly and interpret what you are viewing. In that aspect, all these three cameras serve you well as they provide you with a 1080p camera resolution.
Another crucial feature of smart security cameras is the ability to detect and record motion. The Arlo Pro2, Arlo Q Plus, and Canary Flex all can detect and record movement for a particular period. The cameras may, however, differ on how long a camera can record with or without a subscription.
Cloud storage is essential as it enables you to retrieve the videos in case you need to use them in the future. All the cameras offer you cloud storage and bid farewell to local storage. The difference is on how long they can store the video in the cloud as some will be longer than others.
How would you like to watch the footage from wherever you are? These three cameras allow you to see live footage on your smartphone or tablet through their app. With the Arlo Pro 2, You can watch the live video on the web
Another similarity between the three cameras comes in their power source. You can use the wired or wireless option. Wired option means you will have to plug in the camera to an electricity socket. This option allows you to enjoy some advanced features on your camera. On the other hand, the wireless option enables you to use rechargeable batteries. This option allows your cameras to operate even when there is a power outage.
The two-way audio system is a system that allows you to talk to your visitor through the camera, even when you are away. The three smart security cameras come with an inbuilt speaker and microphone that will enable you to talk even to people at your door without opening it.
The three cameras also work with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa that allow you to control your camera using your voice.
Let us now have a close look at each camera in depth.
Arlo Pro2
Features
With the Arlo Pro2 smart security camera, you can now enjoy crisp, clear videos. This is because the camera offers you a 1080p HD video quality.
Another feature of this camera is the sound and motion detection ability. You can set the zone where the motion will be detected so that you can only get the notifications that matter. What’s great about this feature is that you can get instant notifications and alerts on your smartphone when motion is detected.
When you buy the Arlo Pro 2 camera, you will get seven days of free cloud recording. After that, there are various subscription plans that you can choose for your cloud storage. One such subscription is where you pay $10 per month per camera, and you get 24/7 cloud recording. This plan requires the camera to be plugged in and used indoors.
Another feature that requires the camera to be plugged in is the 3 seconds look back. This feature allows you to know the activities that happen before a triggered event and will enable you to understand what the series of events from the beginning to the end.
Another essential feature of the Arlo Pro 2 security camera is the two-way audio. The camera has a built-in microphone and speaker that enables you to talk to the visitor at your door without having to open the door. You can also speak to intruders in your home while you are far away using your smartphone. In most cases, this feature acts as a deterrent and increases the chances of stopping a crime from happening.
The night vision feature on Arlo Pro automatically turns on when it becomes dark, allowing you to see clearly what is happening even in darkest of places.
The camera also comes with long-lasting rechargeable batteries. Plus, it offers you a 100+ decibel smart security siren that can be controlled remotely, or it can be triggered by sound or motion.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 3.1 x 1.9 x 2.88 inches
- Weight: 4.8 oz
- Operating temperature: -40 to 1130F
- Focus range: fixed focus
- Field of view: 1300
- Battery level indication: yes
- Video resolution: 1080p HD
- Video format: H.264
Price
You will part with ~$269 to get this camera. After purchase, you will get free cloud recording for up to 5 cameras for seven days. After that, Arlo offers you a subscription plan of $10 a month for ten cameras for 30 days.
You can also choose a subscription plan that charges you $10 a month per camera, and it offers you 24/7 cloud recording. This option, however, is only possible when the cameras are plugged in.
If you aim to operate the Arlo Pro2 as a full-fledged security system, then it will cost you a lot. An Arlo Pro 2 base kit will cost you ~$479 plus extra cameras that can cost you ~$220. You will then add a cloud recording subscription of ~$120 a camera per year.
The installation of the camera is an easy process that you can carry out on your own. This saves you the cost of having to hire a technician.
Design
The Arlo Pro 2 has a sleek and elegant design with smooth edgings. The camera also comes in white colour with a black face and lens. This enables it to blend well in your room.
In terms of dimensions, the camera measures 3.1 x 1.9 x 2.8 inches, and it weighs 4.8 oz. The compact design allows for easy mounting, and it does not become very obvious as a security camera.
Setup
Setting up the camera is a straightforward and effortless process. You first need to download the Arlo Pro 2 app and install it on your phone. You will use the app to install the Arlo Pro2 base station together with the camera.
The app will help you to create and manage your Arlo Pro 2 account and at the same time, control the camera. After you set up your camera using the app, you can then mount it anywhere for your convenience.
Check Arlo Pro 2 Price On Amazon
Arlo Q Plus
Features
With the Arlo Q Plus, you get a 1080p high-quality video display. The camera also offers you a 130-degree wide-angle lens that enables you to have video coverage in every corner.
Just like other Arlo products, the Arlo Q Plus has a night vision feature. The night vision automatically turns on whenever it becomes dark, which enables you to see clearly what is happening at your home even at night.
The Arlo Q Plus is a smart security camera. As such, it is essential to have a stable and reliable internet connection. For that reason, Arlo Q Plus offers various connectivity options, which include PoE, Ethernet, and dual-band N600 WiFi.
Apart from the cloud recording, Arlo Q Plus also offers you a local recording option. The camera comes with a Micro SD card slot so that you can record your videos.
Another feature of the smart security camera is that it comes with an app that you can download and install on your smartphone. The app is available for iOS and Android devices. The app helps you in the installation of the camera and get instant alerts on your smartphone.
When you purchase the Arlo Q Plus smart security camera, you get seven days of free cloud recording. After that, you can subscribe to the subscription plan of your choice.
Additionally, the Arlo Q Plus comes with two-way audio. The smart camera has a built-in microphone and speaker, as well. It also has a motion detector that will alert you through the app when motion is detected. You can zone off the areas where the smart security camera can detect motion so that you will only get alerts that matter.
The camera also offers you flexible power options. You can power it over Ethernet cable, which you can also use to connect to a network.
Specifications
- Video resolution: 1080p HD
- Field of view: 1300
- WiFi speed: N600
- Power: AC power
- Ethernet port
- Maximum capacity: 128 GB
- Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.80 x 4.50 inches
- Weight: 0.37lbs
Price
With ~$199.99, you can get the Arlo Q Plus smart security camera.
When you purchase the camera, you will get seven days of free cloud storage for your footage. After the seven days, you can choose one of the available subscription plans that include a ~$3.50 a month or the $3.50 a month per camera.
You can also get a 24/7 cloud recording where you will add a CVR (Continuous Video Recording). For the 24/7 cloud recording, you can get the 14 days subscription at ~$12 per month per camera. Alternatively, you can take the 30 days subscription at ~$24 per month per camera.
Design
The camera comes in a variety of colours that include white and black. In case you want to conceal the camera, the camera comes with concealment skins that are in a variety of colours. The skins are durable and fit the camera perfectly.
The skin material is shock absorbent. As such, even if your camera falls, the material will absorb most of the impact, which will leave your camera without any damage.
The camera measures 3 x 3 x 2.2 inches and weighs 2.4 ounces.
Setup
There are a few simple steps that you should follow to set up the Arlo Q Plus smart security camera. First, you should download and launch the mobile app on your smartphone. After you launch the app, tap the “New Setup” button, and follow the instructions that follow. You can also do this on your computer by visiting arlo.netgear.com and then select the new system setup. After that, select the Arlo Q Plus.
Tap on “add device” and select Arlo Q Plus. Follow the instructions on the screen. Connect your camera with the internet and then place it on a flat surface, shelf or mount it on the wall and you are done.
Check Arlo Q Plus Price On Amazon
Canary Flex
Features
The Canary Flex comes with a two-way audio system. It has a high-quality microphone and speaker. These allow you to speak to people using the camera without seeing each other face to face. If you want to scare away an intruder, you can do so from wherever you are using the camera and your smartphone.
The other essential feature of this camera is motion detection. When the camera detects any motion, then you will get a push notification on your app, and you can take the necessary action.
The night vision feature on this smart camera allows you to monitor your home even when it is dark. The infrared helps you to see clearly what is happening in the dark.
In terms of video quality, the Canary Flex offers you a 1080p video resolution. The high resolution helps you to tell what is happening clearly. Besides, the camera offers you a 1470 field of view. The high-quality picture clarity and wide field of view make it ideal for your living room so that you can monitor everything that is going on there.
The camera is battery-powered and has a rechargeable connection, which allows you to keep an eye on your home even when there is a power blackout. The camera also has a wired option where you can plug in the camera to a socket.
One feature that makes the Canary Flex stand out as an outdoor camera is that it is waterproof. This makes sure that it can still offer you security when it is raining.
The smart camera is also WiFi-enabled, and it comes with a 90+ decibel siren.
Specifications
- Video resolution: 1080p HD
- Field of view: 113-147
- Dimensions: 11cm height and 4.8cm diameter
- Weight: 240 grams
Price
A Canary Flex smart security camera with its essential services will cost you ~$119.
You can subscribe to the Canary membership services for ~$9.99 per month.
The camera has an easy setup process that you can do on your own. This saves the cost of having to hire a technician to do the installation for you.
Design
The Canary Flex smart security camera has a small and compact design that adds some class to your room or outdoor. The sleek and modern camera has a solid plastic oblong. It is white with a black oval-shaped face and lens.
The device measures 4.8 cm in diameter and 11 cm in height. The camera weighs 240 grams. The compact and lightweight design makes the camera portable and easy to setup.
The camera has a microphone and speaker which are at the top. It also has a charging port at the back where the power button is. At the bottom of the camera, you will get a strong magnet that you can use with the stand.
The magnet is strong enough such that you can turn the camera upside down, and it will still not fall. You can also mount the smart camera on a wall using screws that come with the camera.
Setup
To set up the Canary Flex smart security camera, first, download the app from either Google Store or Apple Store and install it on your phone. Then, launch the app and create an account. If you use an iOS device, you will create an account by completing the signup process on ‘my canary.is.’
If you have an Android device, open the app and select ‘Get started.’ Input your email address and password and then click ‘Next’ when you are done. You should use a password that is easy to remember but difficult for others to guess.
After that, follow the instructions on your screen to finish the setup process.
Check Canary Flex Price On Amazon
Conclusion
All the smart security cameras above offer you significant features that will help you secure your home. You can never make a wrog decision with either of them. The Canary Flex, however, does better in terms of cost and subscription as it is cheaper. It also offers you more features such as the 113-147.0 field of view as compared to others that offer you 130.0.
We hope that comparison review of the three heavy weights in the security camera industry provided you a healthy dose of details for you to make an informed decision. As always, do let us know through the comments section on which one you decided to finally buy.
Happy camming!
Editor Notes:
Choosing one among the three cameras is not easy as they all offer incredible security features. If you have a tight budget, the Canary Flex would be an excellent choice. It also offers a better night vision than the Arlo products.
However, our choice would be Arlo Pro 2 as it has slightly better features than the others.
For instance, it consistently uses 1080p resolution while the Canary Flex defaults to 720p.
Arlo Pro 2 offers you both cloud and local storage options for your footage in terms of storage. Additionally, it offers you seven days of free storage for your footage compared to Canary Flex that only offers 24 hours.
The Arlo Pro 2 has a seamless installation process, and it is integrated with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, and Stringify. It also comes with a two-way audio, a night vision that turns on automatically, and a security siren that can be triggered by sound or motion, or you can control it remotely.