Have you been wondering how to secure your home? If so, then you should think about installing home security cameras. Over the years, with advancement of technology, and with increased awareness about personal and peripheral security by normal citizens, smart security camera usage has increased by numerous folds.
Outdoor security camera technology has been developing over time. These days, you can have smart cameras that combine advanced camera technology that allows you to keep an eye on your home all the time. When looking for a smart security camera to purchase, you should look for features such as mobile control, night vision, high definition video quality, among others.
In this article, we will have a look at three security cameras: Blink XT, Arlo Pro2, and Ring Spotlight Cam. We will look into their features, similarities, and differences and then see which one stands out among the rest as the best. Our objective is to see you make an informed buying decision.
Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick!
Type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed |
Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ |
Two Way Audio | No (One Way) | Yes | Yes |
Resolution For Better Clarity | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 2MP/1080p HD |
Field Of View | 110° | 130° | 140°/270° detection |
Alexa/IFTTT Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Alarm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Dimensions (Inches) | 6.5 x 6.5 x 3 | 9.9 x 9.7 x 5 | 10.7 x 8.5 x 7 |
Weight (Pounds) | 0.26 | 0.68 | 5.7 |
Cell | |||
Similarities
One very noticeable similarity between the three security cameras is that they support Amazon Alexa. Amazon Alexa is a voice assistant that you can use to command and give instructions to your smart device.
The three smart security cameras also have the night vision feature. This is a feature that clearly allows you to have an ‘eye’ at your home even at night.
The cameras also have a two-way audio system with an in-built microphone. Therefore, with all the three cameras, you can speak to whoever the camera is pointed at. This can help you scaring away intruders or buglers.
The three cameras are also wireless. This makes them ideal for outdoor use. For instance, Arlo Pro2 has a battery that can last three to six months, while Ring Spotlight also has a rechargeable battery.
Another similarity between the three cameras is that they all offer you a 1080p video display.
Let’s now look at each product to see how it compares with others.
The Duel
Blink Xt
Features
With Blink XT, you do not have to worry about the batteries going down every time. The camera comes with AA Lithium batteries that offer you two-year battery life.
It also features a two-way audio system. This allows you to talk to your visitors or intruders through your Smartphone or tablet. This can help you stop crime at your home as you can scare any intruder away by letting them know that you’re aware of their presence.
Another essential feature of this camera is that it offers you customized motion detection. You can choose activity zones where motion can be detected. This will help you get alerts only from locations that you desire.
With the Blink XT smart security camera, you will get access to free cloud storage. You can store hundreds of clips on the cloud for a year without paying any subscription fee.
It works with Alexa too. Therefore, you can use the voice assistant to arm and disarm the system using devices that support Alexa.
The camera also offers you night and day 1080p video coverage. The camera comes with an infrared HD night vision that allows you to monitor your home even when it’s dark.
You do not require a professional, wiring, or any tools to install the device. You can mount it indoors or outdoors and enjoy smart security at your home.
Specifications
- Video- 1080p
- Imaging- full-colour, auto exposure, auto white balance
- Battery type- 2 AA 1.5V Lithium batteries
- Field of view- 110 degrees
- Focus range- fixed focus
- Dimensions- 71 x 71 x 34 mm
- Weight- 4 oz
Price
You will get this outdoor and indoor smart security camera at $99.99. It does not have any monthly fees or subscriptions for the storage or features, which is quite affordable.
Plus, the camera comes with easy to follow instructions for set up. You can, therefore, do the installation yourself without having to hire a technician. Finally, it also comes with two-year batteries. Thus, you should not worry about having to buy batteries now and then.
Design
Blink XT has a modern and elegant design. It comes in a matte black colour that adds some elegance to your home.
Blink XT comes in a square shape, and it measures 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.34 inches. The black colour and compact design enable the camera to blend well and not make an obvious statement to everybody. This is excellent as it is a security camera and should not be readily noticeable to everybody.
Setup
Blink XT is the ideal camera for all DIY fanatics. The camera comes with a sync module that will help you to set up the camera and regulate its power.
To set it up, connect the sync module to an electricity socket, open the Blink App, and follow the steps for installation. Lastly, place the camera at your preferred location and enjoy security at home.
Pros
- You do not require any subscription
- The camera works with Alexa
- Easy setup
- You can mount it indoors or outdoors
- Night vision
Cons
- Lacks advanced security features
Check Blink XT Price On Amazon
Arlo Pro2
Features
When you get yourself the Arlo Pro2 camera, you get flexible powering options. You can use the camera through the wire-free option by using the rechargeable battery. You can also plug the Arlo Pro2 camera into an indoor power source. This option allows you to enjoy some advanced features like the 24/7 cloud recording feature.
One feature that makes this smart security camera to stand out as an outdoor camera is a weather-resistant feature. The device is IP-65 certified to stand sun, heat, and rain.
Another feature that you get to enjoy with the Arlo Pro2 smart camera is the two-way audio system. The sound system has an inbuilt microphone and speaker. Thus, you can listen in and talk to your visitor through the camera using your Smartphone or tablet.
Also, the camera offers you a night vision feature that turns on automatically when it becomes dark. This allows you to see clearly what is happening at your home even at night.
If you wish to backup your videos locally, this is the camera for you. You can connect a USB drive to the camera’s base station and back up your data.
The camera also features a smart security siren. You can control the 100+ decibels siren remotely, or it can be triggered by motion or sound.
Finally, the camera works well with other smart devices, including Google Assistant, Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, etc.
Specifications
- Dimensions- 3.1 x 1.9 x 2.8 inches
- Weight- 10.9 ounces
- Video display- 1080p
- Batteries- 2 CR 123A
- Night vision- 850 nm infrared LEDs
- Field of view- 130.0
Price
The Arlo Pro2 smart security camera will cost you $269.99 to buy it. The camera comes with a seven-day free trial plan. When the free trial expires, you have to subscribe for the $10 a month plan to store footage for ten cameras for 30 days.
You can also subscribe to the 24/7 continuous cloud recording at $10 a month per camera. This plan only works when the cameras are plugged in.
Design
This camera offers you a sleek design that adds some class to your room. It has a compact design measuring 3.1 x 3.1 x 2.8 inches. It has a smooth, curved, ovoid body with a black face and camera.
The smart security camera has no legs or stand. It comes with a magnetic mount that you can use to mount it on the wall.
Setup
Setting up Arlo Pro2 is an effortless and straightforward process. The camera features a base station that is the same as the sync module. You will use the Arlo app to set the camera app by following simple steps.
First, download the Arlo app on your phone and install it. After that, connect the base station hub to the router using an Ethernet cable and then create a Netgear account. Sync your camera to the Base Station using the app. Lastly, run the Base station and the firmware using the app.
Pros
- Easy to install the camera
- Works with Alexa
- Two-way audio
- Comes with a mobile app that you use to operate and control the camera
- The camera offers high-quality videos
- It has a sleek and elegant design
Cons
- You must have a subscription to be able to cloud store your videos. This makes it a little expensive.
Check Arlo Pro2 Price On Amazon
Ring Spotlight Cam
Features
Ring Spotlight Cams offer you three powering options. You can have the wired type that is plugged into an electric power source for non-stop power and security. Then the wireless version uses a rechargeable battery for power. It can hold two Ring battery packs. If one dies, the camera automatically switches to the next in the package.
Then you have the Ring Spotlight Cam-solar that comes with a solar to keep the batteries charged. It can also hold two battery packs.
Another feature of the camera is the two-way audio. This system allows you to speak to people through the camera without meeting face to face. It also has two LED lights that turn on if the camera detects any motion. The light is strong enough to put off intruders, and it can also help you if you have an area with poor lighting.
Also, the Ring Spotlight Cam features a 110 Decibels alarm. Additionally, the camera offers you an infrared night vision that helps you to keep an eye at your home even at night. It has a high-quality video display at 1080p.
The camera is compatible with 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi network at 2.4 GHz.
Specifications
- Video display- 1080p
- Field of view-140 degrees
- Detection angle (lights)- 270 degrees
- Alarm- 110 decibels
- Built-in microphone and speakers
Price
You get the Ring spotlight Cam at $199. If you do not have a subscription, the camera can only store videos for 24 hours. The Ring video recording plan is optional, but without it, you cannot review your video later.
The Ring Spotlight Cam subscription goes for $100 if you pay annually. You can also pay $3 per month that will come to $30 per year for a single camera.
Design
The camera measures 4.96 x 2.72 x 2.99 inches. It comes in black and white colours that make it elegant and offer you an option to choose the colour you want.
It also comes with a built-in siren and motion detector.
Setup
You setup Ring Spotlight Cam by using the following step by step guide.
First, go to App Store or Play Store, download the app, and install it on your phone. Then create an account by following the instructions given in the app.
Tap on “Set Up Device” and select security cams. After that, you should scan the QR code or MAC ID barcode on the Ring Spotlight camera. You do this by pointing the camera of your Smartphone at the QR code on your Ring Spotlight Cam.
After that, you should specify your location and name your device so that you can distinguish it from other Ring devices that you might have in your account.
Ring Spotlight Cams are in two types. There is the wired and the wireless version. The two cameras are similar in terms of features, and they only differ in that one uses a rechargeable battery. The wired uses power from a wired electric source.
If you are using the wired type, you should plug it into a power outlet. Irrespective of the version you are using, you should keep the Spotlight Cam near the Wi-Fi router to get a good connection when setting up.
Connect your Ring Spotlight Cam to Wi-Fi and then test it.
Pros
- Easy to install
- It has a motion-triggered recording
- It works with Alexa and IFTTT
- The camera offers you high-quality video quality
Cons
- No pre-buffering on the system
FAQs
Conclusion
All the smart security cameras above offer you wholesome security for your home. You can even talk to your visitors at your home through the cameras. In terms of cost, the Blink XT carries the day as you only incur a one-off cost while buying it. You will store your videos up to a year without any subscription.
In terms of features, the Ring Spotlight Cam wins. It has a solar version that allows you to recharge the camera as well as it comes with two battery packs. It also has an LED light that lights when it detects motion.
Editor Notes:
When comparing the three security cameras, Ring Spotlight Cam comes out as the best.
However, the other two also offer dependable and reliable security features. Arlo Pro 2 performs better than Blink XT as it provides a broader field of view at 130 degrees and has a clear video display with a 1080p resolution.
We recommend you go for the Ring Spotlight Cam as it offers a high-quality video display with a 1080p HD resolution. Additionally, it comes with a color and infrared night vision, making it possible to have a clearer view of the events in your compound at night.
The security camera is also weather resistant and can work under extreme temperatures ranging from -5 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Ring Spotlight Cam is also wireless, making it less cumbersome. For the security cam, it runs even when there is a power outage since a quick-release rechargeable battery, powers it.