When it comes to keeping an eye on your front door, today's smart video doorbells offer an impressive array of features that go well beyond simple notifications when someone rings. Let's dive deep into two popular options - the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro ($99.98) and Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell ($58.99) - to help you make an informed decision.
Video doorbells have come a long way since Ring pioneered the category in 2013. Today's devices offer high-resolution video, advanced motion detection, and smart home integration that early models could only dream of. Both the Wyze Pro (released October 2021) and Arlo Essential Wired (released October 2020) represent the modern generation of these devices, each bringing unique innovations to the table.
The most significant difference between these doorbells is their power approach. The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro offers remarkable flexibility with both wireless and wired installation options. The wireless mode uses two built-in 3250mAh batteries that can last up to 6 months with typical use. For those with existing doorbell wiring (16-24V AC), you can hardwire it for continuous power.
The Arlo Essential Wired takes a more traditional approach, requiring hardwired installation. While this might seem limiting, the consistent power supply ensures you'll never miss a notification due to a dead battery. It also enables some power-hungry features like HDR video processing.
Both doorbells deliver impressive video quality, but they take different approaches:
The Wyze Pro offers:
The Arlo Essential provides:
In real-world use, the Arlo's HDR capability makes a noticeable difference when viewing visitors backlit by bright sunlight or during dawn/dusk hours. The Wyze still produces clear footage, but you might notice more blown-out highlights in challenging lighting conditions.
Both doorbells have evolved beyond simple motion detection, incorporating AI-powered features to reduce false alerts and enhance security:
Wyze Pro features:
Arlo Essential offers:
The pre-roll feature on the Arlo is particularly useful, as it helps you understand what led to a motion alert rather than just seeing the aftermath. However, the Wyze's quick response feature allows you to send pre-recorded messages to visitors, which proves incredibly convenient for package deliveries.
Network connectivity can make or break a video doorbell experience. The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro stands out with dual-band Wi-Fi support (2.4GHz and 5GHz), plus its wireless chime doubles as a Wi-Fi extender. This can be crucial if your front door is far from your router.
The Arlo Essential Wired only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which offers better range but potentially slower speeds. However, its wired power connection means it maintains a more stable connection overall, as it's never trying to conserve battery power.
Both doorbells work with major smart home platforms:
Wyze Pro:
Arlo Essential:
The Arlo's HomeKit compatibility gives it an edge for Apple users, enabling features like viewing the doorbell feed on an Apple TV or receiving notifications on an Apple Watch.
Both devices require subscriptions for advanced features:
Wyze Cam Plus:
Arlo Secure:
The Wyze Pro features IP65 weather resistance, meaning it's protected against dust ingress and water jets from any direction. It operates in temperatures from -4°F to 120°F (-20°C to 49°C).
The Arlo Essential is also designed for outdoor use, though its specific IP rating isn't published. It operates in similar temperature ranges and has proven durable in real-world use.
Choose the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro if you:
Choose the Arlo Essential Wired if you:
Both doorbells represent excellent value in today's market, with the Arlo's recent price drop making it particularly attractive if you don't need wireless installation. The Wyze offers more flexibility and included accessories, while the Arlo edges ahead in pure video quality and smart home integration.
For most users, the decision will likely come down to installation preferences and existing smart home ecosystem. If you're starting fresh and want maximum flexibility, the Wyze Pro's battery option and included chime make it hard to beat. However, if you have existing doorbell wiring and value image quality above all, the Arlo Essential's HDR capability and wider field of view make it the superior choice.
Remember to factor in long-term costs, including subscription fees, when making your decision. Both devices work well for basic functionality without a subscription, but you'll need to pay monthly to unlock their full potential.
| Wyze Video Doorbell Pro | Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial hardware investment | |
| $99.98 with wireless chime included | $58.99 (current price, originally $199.99) |
| Power Options - Affects installation flexibility | |
| Battery-powered or hardwired (16-24V AC) | Hardwired only (16-24V AC) |
| Video Resolution - Impacts face and package recognition | |
| 1440p (2K) with some edge distortion | 1536x1536 HDR with better contrast handling |
| Field of View - Determines how much you can see | |
| 150° horizontal and vertical | 180° diagonal view |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity - Affects reliability and speed | |
| Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) with extender chime | 2.4GHz only |
| Night Vision - Critical for 24/7 monitoring | |
| 6 IR LEDs with standard night vision | High-powered IR LEDs (850nm) with enhanced clarity |
| Smart Home Integration - Important for ecosystem compatibility | |
| Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT |
| Weather Resistance - Determines durability | |
| IP65 rated (-4°F to 120°F) | Weather-resistant (rating unspecified) |
| Subscription Costs - Ongoing expense | |
| Cam Plus: $1.99/month per camera | Arlo Secure: $2.99/month per camera |
| Advanced Features - Value-adding capabilities | |
| Package detection, quick responses, wireless chime | Pre-roll recording, built-in siren, direct-to-mobile calls |
| Storage Options - How footage is saved | |
| Cloud only with subscription | Cloud only with subscription |
| Battery Life - Maintenance consideration | |
| Up to 6 months per charge (battery mode) | N/A (wired only) |
Both have strengths - the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro offers more flexibility with battery/wired options and includes a wireless chime, while the Arlo Essential Wired has superior HDR video quality and a wider field of view. Choose Wyze for installation flexibility or Arlo for pure video performance.
Currently, the Arlo Essential Wired is cheaper at $58.99 (reduced from $199.99). The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro costs $99.98 but includes a wireless chime.
The Arlo Essential requires existing doorbell wiring. The Wyze Pro can be installed either with existing wiring or using its battery power option, making it more flexible.
The Arlo Essential edges out with 1536x1536 HDR resolution and better contrast handling. The Wyze Pro offers 1440p resolution which is still very good but shows some edge distortion.
Both work without subscriptions but need paid plans for advanced features. Wyze Cam Plus costs $1.99/month, while Arlo Secure is $2.99/month per camera.
Both perform well at night, but the Arlo Essential's high-powered 850nm IR LEDs provide slightly better low-light clarity compared to Wyze's six standard IR LEDs.
Yes, both doorbells offer mobile app access. The Arlo adds direct-to-mobile video calls when someone rings, while Wyze offers quick pre-recorded responses.
The Arlo Essential works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. The Wyze Pro supports Alexa and Google Assistant but not HomeKit.
The Wyze Pro battery lasts up to 6 months per charge. The Arlo Essential is wired-only and doesn't use batteries.
The Wyze Pro offers dual-band WiFi (2.4/5GHz) and includes a WiFi-extending chime. The Arlo Essential only supports 2.4GHz connections.
The Wyze Pro has an IP65 rating and works from -4°F to 120°F. The Arlo Essential is weather-resistant but doesn't specify an IP rating.
Both offer basic recording functions without subscriptions, but advanced features like person detection, package alerts, and longer cloud storage require monthly subscriptions.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - global.wyze.com - forums.wyze.com - cnet.com - tomsguide.com - wyze.com - why.wyze.com - youtube.com - wasserstein-home.com - youtube.com - reviewed.com - aboutamazon.com - wasserstein-home.com - safehome.org - arlo.com - arlo.com - bestbuy.com - arlo.com - wasserstein-home.com - arlo.com - arlo.com - prnewswire.com - telquestintl.com
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