1. Installation: Should you choose a wired or wireless option?
The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera offers wireless installation and is slightly smaller than Ring’s floodlight. If you prefer a wired installation, you can opt for the Magnetic Charging Cable that also boosts the brightness up to 3000 Lumens. On the other hand, the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro is bigger and only offers a hardwired installation. If size is a concern, you may want to look for a smaller spotlight camera, like the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera.
Both floodlight cameras connect to your Wi-Fi network, offering a live video feed through their respective smartphone apps.
2. Audio and video: Which floodlight camera offers better quality?
Arlo’s floodlight features 2K HDR video, while Ring’s camera falls short with just 1080p HDR video. As you may know, higher video resolution offers several benefits such as clearer, more detailed footage.
While the Arlo floodlight camera shines in terms of resolution, both Ring and Arlo floodlight cameras offer crystal clear 2-way audio.
3. Storage options and subscription plans: What’s the deal?
Both the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera and the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro offer local storage with a base station and cloud storage through their monthly subscription plans.
With Arlo’s floodlight camera, you have the ability to record to local storage when synced to an optional hub with a MicroSD card slot or USB port, like the Arlo Pro SmartHub ($99.99). For cloud storage, you can opt for the Arlo Secure subscription, starting at $4.99 for one camera or $12.99 for unlimited cameras. In both cases, Arlo secure offers 30-day cloud storage for video events.
The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro is also compatible with local storage. However, similar to other Ring cameras, this feature comes with a price increase. You’ll need a Ring Protect Pro subscription (the more expensive Ring plan at $20/month) and a Ring Alarm Pro Base Station that costs $250. For cloud storage, you’ll have to subscribe to Ring Protect, starting at $4.99 for one camera or $10 for unlimited cameras. Ring Protect offers 180-day cloud storage for video events.
Both Arlo and Ring offer added features with their subscription plans. Arlo Secure enhances all their security cameras with Smart Activity Zones, AI Object Detection, and theft replacement. Yes, Arlo will replace your floodlight camera if it gets stolen. Ring Protect offers additional features like package alerts and the ability to automate “Home” and “Away” camera modes.
4. Smart home integration: Is more compatibility better?
The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro can be connected to and controlled from Alexa-enabled devices. However, this feature requires a subscription fee. The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera, on the other hand, is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, If This Then That (IFTTT), and Samsung SmartThings—without a subscription.