Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera

A significant advantage of the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is that it does not depend on any hub or base station to operate, which can lower the initial cost of installation. However, it should be noted that battery life may be slightly affected if you choose not to use a hub. With a hub, you also have the option to connect a USB stick or SD card (depending on the hub model you choose) to store files locally. It is important to be aware that accessing these locally stored files can be complicated if you are not connected to the same network as your hub.

An interesting observation is that the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera lacks the magnetic mount found on other Arlo cameras. Instead, the camera must be fixed with screws at its mounting location. This can mean a certain level of frustration when it comes time to recharge your batteries or perform maintenance.

As for the image quality, then the resolution is 1920x1080, and it maintains a high standard. While it may not reach the same level as, for example, the Arlo Ultra in terms of image quality and price, the Arlo Essential Spotlight still delivers a remarkably sharp and detailed image. As the name suggests, the camera has a built-in LED light that allows for clear and colorful nighttime surveillance. However, it is important to be careful with the lamp, as it can negatively affect battery life.

To extend battery life, Arlo also offers a solar panel that can be connected to the Essential series. This allows you to take advantage of solar energy to supply the camera with power and reduce the need to manually recharge the batteries. With the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera, you get a reliable surveillance camera that does not require a hub and that delivers high image quality, especially given its price level.

Arlo Essential Spotlight vs. Arlo Pro 4
Resolution: 1080 - 2K
Field of view: 130° - 160°
Price: Cheaper - More expensive
HDR (High Dynamic Range): No - Yes
Privacy Sheild: Yes - No