Arlo Pro 4
Arlo’s newest Pro model is nearly identical in features to the Pro 4, but it offers one significant upgrade: it can connect directly to your Wi-Fi network without the need for an additional device. Just be prepared to pay for cloud storage because you will require a hub for local storage.
| Pros | Cons |
| The camera can connect to the router directly. | There is no local storage without the Arlo Smart Hub. |
| As a standalone device, it is less expensive. | No additional features; functionally equivalent to Pro 3. |
Arlo Pro 3
Don’t buy an Arlo Pro 3 on its own. You can’t use one until it’s connected to your network via a compatible smart hub or base station. However, if you’re planning to use a smart hub, the Pro 3 has the same specs as its predecessor at a modest reduction.
| Pros | Cons |
| cheaper per camera with the same specifications as the Pro 4 | To perform, a smart hub is required. |
| The smart hub includes local storage. | Smart hubs and cameras are costly. |
| 2K mode requires a special smart hub to function. |
Comparing the Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 3 is like attempting to distinguish two identical twins. They’re almost identical in terms of size and weight, and they’re identical in terms of resolution, field of view, night vision, and basically every other home security feature. However, there is one significant distinction between them that will help you determine which Arlo camera is best for you.
Arlo Pro 4 versus Pro 3 Specifications
We won’t keep you waiting: there aren’t many differences between the two models in the Arlo Pro spec table below. The video quality will not alter regardless of the time of day or night. Both come with a magnetic charging cord and a wall mount, and replacement battery pack, and can be mounted both indoors and outdoors. They both operate with most smart homes, but cloud storage and enhanced AI detection require a premium Arlo Smart membership. All of the commonalities are listed below, and any categories with differences are highlighted in bold.
| Arlo Pro 4 | Arlo Pro 3 | |
| Dimensions | 316g; 89mm x 52mm x 78.4mm | 316g; 89mm x 52mm x 78.4mm |
| Smart hub required | No; can connect camera directly to router | Yes |
| Max Resolution | 2560×1440 | 2560×1440 |
| Video Modes | 2K1080p720p | 2K (only with Pro 3 Smarthub or Ultra Smarthub)1080p720p |
| Lens FOV | 160 degrees diagonal | 160 degrees diagonal |
| Motion Detection FOV | 130 degrees diagonal | 130 degrees diagonal |
| Night Vision | Color; 850nm infrared detection | Color; 850nm infrared detection |
| Spotlight | 6500K, 42Lux @1M | 6500K, 42Lux @1M |
| Digital Zoom | 12X | 12X |
| Sound Detection | Yes | Yes |
| 2-way Audio | Yes; uses single mic with noise and echo cancellation | Yes; uses single mic with noise and echo cancellation |
| Built-in Siren | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 3-6 months | 3-6 months |
| Operating Conditions | -20–45 degrees Celsius (-4–113 degrees Fahrenheit)Water resistant | -20–45 degrees Celsius (-4–113 degrees Fahrenheit)Water resistant |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT |
| AI Features with Subscription | People, package, animal or vehicle detection | People, package, animal or vehicle detection |
| Upload Data Usage | 2-4Mbps | 2-4Mbps |
| Storage | Cloud storage requires subscriptionLocal storage requires smart hub and USB 2.0-compatible drive | Cloud storage requires subscriptionLocal storage: connect USB 2.0-compatible drive to smart hub |
Smart hubs and storage in Arlo Pro 4 vs Pro 3
The Arlo Pro 3 requires an Arlo base station or smart hub to function, but the Arlo Pro 4 is compatible with both but can also connect directly to your Wi-Fi network. Individual Pro 3s are less expensive than Pro 4s, but they are only useful if you already own a compatible hub, such as a VMB4540 or VMB5000.
While we appreciate that the Pro 4 allows you to avoid the smart hub, some folks should still consider acquiring one. Older Arlo Pro versions included seven days of cloud storage by default, but the Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 do not, which means you must either pay monthly for online storage or save locally by attaching a USB flash drive to the Arlo smart hub.
Aside from providing local storage, Arlo believes that its smart hub has other advantages. While the Pro 4 may connect to your network and upload film to the cloud directly, the smart hub can “guard your footage by adding a secure, personal network to your router.” Furthermore, using a hub may boost the battery life of your camera. They’re designed to last six months per charge, but under the incorrect conditions, they may fall short. You’ll have to pay for a hub and storage drive up front, but you won’t have to pay for cloud storage on a regular basis.
On the other hand, you might make a case for skipping the local storage option and instead investing in an Arlo subscription. An Arlo Premiere Plan, in addition to 30 days of video history, makes your Pro 3 or Pro 4 smarter. Intelligent alerts will notify you if the detected motion is from a person, vehicle, or pet, and it can distinguish packages and notify you if one has been left on your porch. It’s also the sole way to define activity zones, ensuring that it only detects motion in your driveway and doesn’t pick up on activity on the street or sidewalk.
If you plan to pay monthly to make your Arlo Pro 4 smarter, a smart hub with local storage may not be necessary. Given that both cameras perform the identical functions, your decision should be based only on price.
Arlo Pro 4 vs Arlo Pro 3 Which one should you buy?
Do you want a single camera or a surveillance system? If you simply require one camera, the Arlo Pro 4 is the best option because it can function without the usage of a smart hub. The question becomes more challenging if you require a family of security cameras.
As of this writing, there is a significant discount on a two-camera Arlo Pro 3 bundle with smart hub, making it less expensive than purchasing two Arlo Pro 4s. Because both cameras are functionally identical, To save money and have the option of local storage, we recommend choosing the Arlo Pro 3 bundle. However, that bargain price could stop at any time, and typically, this package costs $500 — almost the same as a three-camera Arlo Pro 4s combo.
You should base your decision totally on the offers you can find online. If the prices are the same, you can go for the Arlo Pro 3 for greater storage, but we wouldn’t advocate spending more for the privilege.
Of course, when purchased in quantity, both the Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 3 may be quite pricey. Those looking for complete home security at a reduced cost may want to consider one of the top budget home security systems instead. The best home security cameras can provide both camera- and sensor-based protection.
