Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) Review: The Smartest Stoop Security for the Money?
When choosing a video doorbell, the market usually forces you to pick a side: affordable but bare-bones, or high-tech but aggressively expensive. The Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) attempts to break that mold. Starting at a highly competitive $79.99, this second-gen refresh positions itself as an accessible, feature-rich alternative to tech giants like Ring and Nest.
But does a lower price point mean you're cutting major corners? After testing its 2K video, 180-degree view, and battery life, here is our comprehensive, honest breakdown of what works, what doesn't, and whether it deserves a spot next to your front door.
The Overview: Specs at a Glance
| Feature | The Details |
| Price | $79.99 (Base MSRP) |
| Resolution Options | 1080p HD or 2K (Up to 1944 x 1944 pixels) |
| Field of View | 180° Diagonal (1:1 Aspect Ratio) |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Battery (Built-in) or Optional Hardwire |
| Battery Life | Up to 4 Months (Depending on traffic) |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (No hub required) |
| Smart Ecosystems | Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, SmartThings (No HomeKit) |
Design and Installation: Stress-Free Setup
Right out of the box, Arlo opts for a modern, minimalist "pill-shaped" design—featuring a glossy black face surrounded by a clean white weather-resistant shell.
The biggest upgrade for the 2nd Gen is its sheer versatility in power. It operates natively as a wire-free, battery-powered unit, meaning renters or those without existing chimes don't have to drill into their electrical infrastructure.
The Setup Process:
Charge it up: Connect the unit via its USB-C port to top off the integrated battery.
Mount the plate: Screw the lightweight backing plate straight into your doorframe or wall.
Arlo includes an angled wedge bracket if your door sits off-center. Snap into place: Use the included security pin to snap the doorbell securely onto the bracket.
Sync to Wi-Fi: The Arlo Secure App pairs directly over your 2.4 GHz home network without forcing you to buy a separate proprietary smart hub.
Pro Tip for Homeowners: If you do have existing doorbell wires (8-24V AC), you can hook them up to the back. This will trickle-charge the battery continuously so you never have to take it down to plug it in, while also ringing your mechanical indoor chime.
Visual Performance: A True Head-to-Toe View
Where most video doorbells force a 16:9 widescreen view that cuts off the top of a visitor’s head or packages resting on the ground, Arlo leverages a 1:1 square aspect ratio.
Daytime Quality
The 2K version packs 60% more pixels than its predecessor, topping out at 1944 x 1944 resolution.
Nighttime Quality
When the sun goes down, the doorbell switches to traditional infrared black-and-white night vision, illuminated by built-in LEDs.
Everyday Usability: The Quirks and Features
Living with the Arlo 2nd Gen reveals a couple of unique behaviors that differentiate it from the competition.
The "Phone Call" Alert: When a visitor presses the button, the Arlo app doesn't just send a standard text notification; it actually dials your smartphone like an incoming phone call.
Tapping accept drops you directly into a live-stream audio feed. While helpful for getting your immediate attention, the feed can sometimes take 2 to 3 seconds to spin up. Quick Replies: If you're stuck in a meeting, you can select pre-recorded voice messages (like an answering machine for your front door) to tell the delivery driver where to leave a box.
Integrated Siren: You can manually sound a loud siren from the app, or program it to trigger automatically if the device detects tampering.
The Catch: The "Subscription Tax"
Here is the candid reality that every buyer needs to understand before checking out: To get the most out of this hardware, you must pay for a monthly subscription.
Without an active Arlo Secure Plan, your doorbell will only give you live video feeds and basic motion alerts.
Fortunately, Arlo includes a 30-day trial in the box so you can test the AI features before committing.
Pros and Cons
What We Like:
Highly Affordable: Excellent entry-level price for premium 2K hardware.
No Hub Needed: Connects directly to standard home Wi-Fi.
Outstanding Field of View: 180-degree square aspect ratio captures everything on the ground.
Dual Power Flexibility: Works completely wire-free or hardwired to an existing chime.
Smart Home Friendly: Seamlessly handles Alexa and Google Home routines.
What Could Be Better:
Subscription Dependent: Cloud video storage and smart object detection are locked behind a monthly paywall.
No Color Night Vision: Limited to standard black-and-white infrared at night.
Minor App Lag: Connecting to the live "doorbell call" can take a few seconds.
No Apple HomeKit Support: Not natively compatible out of the box for iOS power-users.
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you are looking for a reliable, wide-angle video doorbell that won't break the bank upfront, the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) is an exceptional choice and easily earns its spot as one of the best budget smart home upgrades available today.
It is best suited for people who want a quick, wire-free DIY installation, those who already live within the Arlo ecosystem, or buyers comfortable paying a small monthly fee for top-tier cloud storage and AI package tracking. However, if you absolutely refuse to pay for a monthly subscription, you may want to look toward local-storage alternatives like Eufy.
