Track every move with an Arlo Smart Camera!
The Arlo smart cameras are pretty flexible as they can run on battery power, AC and are even compatible with a solar panel.
Additionally, they can be placed both indoors as well as outdoors to ensure that all of your property is being monitored at all times, with features such as motion detection, live-view on-demand, two-way audio and more.
Today we’ll be looking at Arlo Ultra vs. Arlo Pro 3, and the great benefits they can bring to your home. Both cameras are quite similar to each other with the exception of Ultra’s advanced field of view and tracking technology.
So let’s get right to it and check out both models down below!
Feel free to use our navigation system to skip down to any part you prefer.
Arlo Pro 3 vs. Ultra — Things in Common
-
Live-View on Demand – See your kids arrive home from school, or where your postman has placed your latest package with the live-view on-demand technology! Both smart cameras offer exception video quality of 2K (Arlo Pro 3) and 4K (Arlo Ultra) paired with HDR, ensuring that you won’t miss a thing.
Both smart cameras also come with a 12x zoom, which allows you to take a closer look at someone, and even read the license plate of a suspicious vehicle from afar.
-
Night Vision – You can expect to see clearly during the night too, with Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra’s bright light on top of the camera, which helps to illuminate the picture more accurately. This also allows for color night vision, rather than just black and white.
-
Power Options – Enjoy a wireless set up with both Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra! These smart cameras run on rechargeable batteries that can last you a couple of months, so you can still expect your home to be monitored even during a power outage.
However, if you prefer to connect your camera to a continuous power source you also have the option of using a power cable that attaches to the bottom of the camera using magnets, ensuring that your smart camera won’t be affected by the outdoor elements.
-
Siren – Enhance your home security with Arlo’s built-in camera! Both smart cameras come with a in-built siren which is automatically triggered whenever it detects motion or even audio.
It even triggers its light to switch to a red strobe as a tactic to warn off potential intruders.
-
Motion Detection – Know if someone is loitering outside your home, or if your kids are running amok with the motion detection technology. Both Arlo Pro 3 and Ultra have infrared technology that detects an object which is warmer than the surrounding environment, after which an alert will be sent straight to your device notifying you.
Additionally, the motion sensitivity settings can range from low to high, ideal for those of you who live in busier neighborhoods.
-
Auto Zoom & Person Tracking – Both cameras also feature the auto-zoom and tracking feature which allows the cameras to zoom in on objects or people and track their movement within its field of view. This can be useful for catching a potential intruder, or when needing to identify a license plate.
-
Subscription & Storage – A downside to both Arlo Pro 3 and Ultra is that neither camera includes rolling 7-day free 1080p cloud storage like the previous Arlo models such as Arlo Pro 2.
However, both cameras do have local storage on their SmartHub base which stores footage of up to 2K quality, so you won’t miss out on anything even if your cloud storage fails.
In terms of storage plans, you can opt for Arlo Smart, Arlo Smart Premier, and Arlo Smart Elite.
The Arlo Smart plan includes advanced A.I detection, custom motion zones, and 30-day video history per camera for only $2.99 per month.
While Premier comes with all the same features for up to 10 cameras, plus e911 Emergency Call Service for $9.99, and Arlo Elite comes with a 60-day video history plus all the other features for up to 20 cameras for $14.99 monthly.
These plans seem like a good option to go for if you decide to include multiple cameras in your home, otherwise if you simply one or two cameras without having to worry about storage costs it’s not a bad idea to look into a model such as eufy Security eufyCam E, which has no monthly fees and even includes 16Gb micro SD which can hold up to a year’s worth of recordings.
You can see more of these types of options on our take of Best Smart Cameras With Local Storage.
-
Smart Home Integration – Smart home integration is a useful way to keep your smart device connected to each other, as well as offering other handy benefits like voice control.
Luckily both Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and even IFTTT.
By integrating your camera with voice assistants such as Alexa or Google, you can enjoy hands-free control of your smart camera from wherever you are at home. Simply use a command such as “Alexa, show me the kitchen” and the live feed will be displayed on your iOS or Android device without you needing to press any buttons!
While IFTTT stands for “if this, then that”, and it works by allowing you to create a series of applets or commands, which you can use to connect with various devices in order to act out specific commands.
Such as having your smart lights blink when there is a motion detected, or even logging all motions directly to your Google mail. This is pretty fun and efficient way to get all your devices talking to each other.
Arlo Pro 3 vs. Ultra — Differences
-
Difference #1: Field of View – Field of view refers to how much of the room/property your smart camera will actually cover. So it’s a pretty important function to have, as it can determine whether you can or can’t identify the thief who swiped your Amazon package!
This is where Arlo Ultra comes out ahead with its 180 degrees diagonal vs. Pro 3’s 160 degrees, so you can expect a wider viewing with Arlo Ultra.
-
Difference #2: Two-Way Audio – The two-way audio technology allows you to effectively communicate with anyone who is outside or inside your home and have them talk back to you, all done via a smart device. So you can say hi to your loved ones, or tell your dog to get off the couch from wherever you are!
While both smart cameras have this feature, Arlo Ultra is a little more advanced as it includes a set of dual-microphones and noise cancellation. This is created to minimize background noise from passing cars or wind. While Arlo 3 only comes with a single microphone.
-
Difference #3: Hub – In order for your smart camera to connect to your WiFi network, you’ll need to have a hub for both Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra.
While both smart cameras come with a SmartHub already included, Arlo Pro 3 is a little more flexible as its also backward compatible with a few existing Arlo systems, while Arlo Ultra is only compatible with the SmartHub included with it.
In addition, the new and updates Arlo SmartHub is both Z-Wave and ZigBee compatible as well as including support for the new Arlo Security System, and ArloRF.
ArloRF supports efficient communication between cameras longer ranges and even offers an extended battery life too.
-
Difference #4: Local Storage – Arlo Ultra uses a microSD card on the SmartHub to store video recording locally whereas the Arlo Pro 3 uses a USB plugged into the SmartHub. So, make sure you have a microSD card or USB drive ready when you get the Arlo Ultra or Pro 3.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that local storage can not be used on its own, you’ll still need a subscription for cloud storage.
-
Difference #5: Design – In terms of design, both Arlo smart cameras are identical with their 3.2” x 1.9” x 2.8” measurements, and their smooth rounded design which will complement most homes.
Arlo Pro 3 vs. Ultra — Comparison Chart
| Arlo Pro 3 | Arlo Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2K | 4K |
| Field of View | 160 degree diagonal | 180 degree diagonal |
| Night Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Spotlight | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Detection | Single Motion Detector | Dual Motion Detector |
| Power Options | AC/Battery | AC/Battery |
| Siren | Included on Camera | Included on Camera |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes/ Advanced |
| Live-View on Demand | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Track and Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| Hub | SmartHub included, also backwards compatible |
Only works with included SmartHub |
| Cloud Subscription | Paid Subscription Plan | 1 year Arlo Smart Premier included |
| 7-day free rolling cloud storage | No | No |
| Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT compatible |
Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.2” x 1.9” x 2.8” | 3.2” x 1.9” x 2.8” |
Arlo Pro 3 vs. Ultra — Accessories
Let’s check out some additional accessories that you can include with your new smart camera!
If you decide to go for the AC powering option, check out the Arlo Ultra & Arlo Pro 3 8 ft. Indoor Magnetic Charging Cable for those harder to reach places.
Also, make sure to never run out of battery power by having a handy Arlo Ultra & Arlo Pro 3 Rechargeable Battery back up handy.
In order to cut down on energy costs as well as protect the environment, you can also include the Arlo Ultra & Arlo Pro 3 Solar Panel Charger, it’s easy to set up and keeps your battery charged with direct sunlight.
Arlo Pro 3 vs. Ultra — Our Thoughts
Both Arlo Pro 3 vs. Ultra smart cameras are quite similar to each other in terms of their capabilities.
Both come with impressive resolutions and HDR, enhanced night vision,built-in siren, and smart home integration.
However, Arlo Ultra does have the edge when taking its field of view into account, as well as its advanced two-way audio and 4K video resolution.
So, while both smart cameras are good options to go for, Arlo Ultra is definitely the more advanced model of the two. The question is, do you need those extra features? Because honestly, the Arlo Pro 3 might just be enough.
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 02:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
