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Normally new versions of security cameras bring new features or better resolution, but is that the case here with Alro Pro 4 vs Pro 3? You might be surprised by the answer. While the newest version offers more flexible connectivity options, is anything else upgraded? Read on to find out.
We’re going to compare Arlo Pro 3 vs Pro 4 based on installation, video quality, motion detection, power source, and any other differences that we can find.
Find out which is best for you.
| Arlo Pro 4 | Arlo Pro 3 |
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What is Arlo Pro 4?
Arlo Pro 4 is the newest addition to the Arlo smart camera family. This portable and aesthetically pleasing camera doesn’t just look good on your house. It also provides you with superior security. This camera records in 2K quality. That may not sound great compared to 4K or 5K TVs, but it actually gives you plenty of detail to see if someone is lurking around your property.
You might be wondering about capturing video at night. Arlo has pioneered color night vision technology and provides some of the clearest video you’ll ever see. It might be pitch-black out, but you’ll get clear, color footage from the camera.
This model also comes with a powerful spotlight that you can activate manually or set to turn on with motion detection. The motion detection also ensures that the camera only turns on when someone or something is moving nearby. This gives you better battery life without allowing anyone to sneak around.
Not only does it shine a spotlight, but this also comes with a loud siren that will alert others to call the police. This keeps you protected while scaring away those trying to sneak into your home.
Another benefit is that Arlo Pro 4 is compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit. For those who love smart home automation, this makes it very easy to control the camera just with your voice.
What is Arlo Pro 3?
Surprisingly enough, Arlo Pro 3 has basically all the same features as Pro 4. It records in 2K quality, has color night vision, some models have the same spotlight (there are several versions of Arlo Pro 3, such as Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera), includes motion detection, and is compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit.
Arlo Pro 3 starter kit also comes with the Arlo SmartHub.
It might sound great to get something extra with your purchase, right? While SmartHub is good to have, read the installation section to get a little more info about it. This turns out to be Arlo 3’s kryptonite here when compared to Arlo 4.
Arlo Pro 4 vs Pro 3: Installation
So, who is the winner in terms of installation with Arlo 4 vs 3? It’s almost a tie, but we give the win to Pro 4 for being more flexible with connectivity. Pro 3 is incredibly close, but SmartHub weighs it down a bit.
Both of these are fully wireless cameras. While you can buy a permanent changing cable, that’s an optional purchase. The default cameras are wireless, come with batteries that last a long time, and can be installed anywhere on your home. If they are within reach of a nearby router, then you’re good.
The best thing about Arlo Pro 4 is that it can connect to any router or hub in your home. This is as simple as synching up any other hardware and is done through the Arlo app.
Arlo Pro 3 can only connect to Arlo SmartHub. You’ll need this to record video, so it’s a necessary addition. That aside, connecting the camera and hub is very simple and is also done through the app.
It’s a tight race here, but we give the win to Pro 4 for being more flexible and for not requiring you to buy, plug in, and install a hub.
Arlo Pro 3 vs Pro 4: Video Quality
Both of these systems have the exact same video quality, so it’s a tie between them. That being said, these are two of the best security cameras on the market, so you win regardless of which you choose.
Both Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Pro 3 offer HDR streams at 2K resolution. This ensures that you can clearly see faces, clothes, and other details. You also won’t have to worry about people or objects becoming blurry as they move around (which often happens with budget security cameras).
Colors are natural, not oversaturated or dull. That’s true both during the day and night. This makes it easy to make out what’s happening when replaying the footage.
There’s also the viewing angle. Arlo gives you a good 160 degrees, which allows you to see a wide area. You can also zoom automatically or with the app. Speaking of the app, you can change the HDR quality, auto zoom, live streaming, and other features.
Motion Detection
Next up is motion detection. This is essential for security cameras, especially those with rechargeable, wireless batteries. Having motion detection active ensures that the camera turns off unless there’s something worth recording. This extends the battery life, and also makes it easier for you to find footage of something happening.
Just like with video quality, Both Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 are exactly the same.
You can manually turn this on through the Arlo app, or make it automatic. This will have the camera record footage whenever someone or something moves within 25 feet of the camera. Plus, you can activate this for multiple Arlo cameras. You can even set notifications if you join Arlo Smart Plans.
These notifications tell you if the motion was caused by a vehicle, person, or animal, so you’ll know if you need to view the footage or not. Plus, this makes it easier to find a specific clip. There will be times when the AI can’t determine what the motion is. In this case, it will just be labeled as “Motion.”
You can even get a special type of notification for deliveries. Instead of saying it was person-based motion, it will let you know that someone dropped off a package, which should put your mind at ease (and let you know that your package is there, waiting for you).
Power Source
Just like most of the other sections, Both Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 3 are tied. They have the exact same battery and optional power sources. You will have no problem keeping either camera entirely wireless. While the optional power sources are very helpful, the default battery is great.
The wireless Arlo battery is a strong, lithium-ion battery that lasts about 6 months. Some people may find it lasts less if they do a lot of recording, so it does depend on actual usage. You can charge it via a micro-USB cable.
If charging the battery seems like a hassle, then consider the Arlo Solar Panel. You can mount this beside the camera and have the sun power your camera.
Or, if you’d rather plug it in, use the Arlo Indoor Cable or Arlo Outdoor Cable. Both of these connect to the camera, are weather-resistant, and ensure you never have to worry about charging the camera.
Arlo Subscription
Arlo Smart Plans apply to either of these cameras. The Arlo Elite Plan only works with Arlo Ultra models, so we’ll cover that in our Arlo Pro 4 vs Ultra review.
The Arlo Premium Plan can be used by both of these and it only costs $2.99/month per camera, or $9.99/month for up to five cameras.
This offers a lot of great benefits. You can livestream video in 4K and even save 4K videos in the cloud for 3o days. This also gives you smoke detection, emergency response, and specific activity zones that you can program.
Another added benefit is that you’ll save 50% on all Arlo cameras after you purchase your fifth one.
What is the Difference Between Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 3?
Curious about what is the difference between Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4? It can be hard to tell them apart, especially since they are nearly identical in every way.
There is only one major difference and it’s the Arlo SmartHub. This hub allows you to record video and helps to control the cameras. It’s good, but not necessary if you have Arlo Pro 4. You could connect it to the SmartHub if you already have one, or you can connect it to any other router.
Pro 3 on the other hand must be connected to the SmartHub. It’s this one very small difference that distinguishes them.
| Arlo Pro 4 | Arlo Pro 3 |
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Final Thoughts
So, considering how these cameras are basically identical besides how they connect with SmartHub, which one is the winner? If you are an Arlo fan and already have the SmartHub, then we’d suggest getting Arlo Pro 3 to save some money. It’s the same camera, and it’ll cost less if you don’t need the hub.
If you don’t own the hub yet, then Arlo Pro 4 will be more affordable and flexible, so we’d suggest it then.
In either case, these are both amazing smart security cameras for your home.
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