Arlo vs. Ring Floodlight: What’s the Best Choice for You?
Which floodlight camera should you get? Let’s shed some light here.
Which floodlight camera should you get? Let’s shed some light here.
Floodlight cameras are a great option to secure outdoor areas like garages, alleyways, backyards, and front porches. They combine the benefits of expansive outdoor lighting with the protection of an outdoor security camera. Among all the options, two stand out: the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera and the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro.
Both floodlight cameras share the same price tag, but which one offers the best value? Let’s explore the answer in this floodlight security camera comparison.
How did we evaluate each product?
Our goal is to provide a fair comparison to help you choose the most suitable floodlight camera for your needs. All comparisons are based on information available on each company’s website. We aim to compare equivalent products within the same price range across each primary product category.
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight vs. Ring Floodlight Cam Pro.
The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera ($249.99) combines a wire-free floodlight with a powerful 2K HDR security camera. It features a powerful motion-activated LED light with 2000 Lumens of brightness when operating wirelessly, or 3000 Lumens when plugged in using the Magnetic Charging Cable. Being wireless, the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera comes with a long-lasting, swappable rechargeable battery. You can extend battery life with an optional Solar Panel Charger or even opt for a higher-capacity battery. The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera also features motion detection, Color Night Vision, and 2-Way Audio.
The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro ($249.99) is a hardwired floodlight camera with two 2000 Lumens LED lights. It offers 1080p HDR video, motion detection, color night vision, 2-way audio, and customizable motion zones.
While both floodlight cameras offer overall similar tech specs, the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera features 2K video compared to the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro’s 1080p video. Plus, the Arlo floodlight is wireless, providing added installation flexibility. On the other hand, the Ring floodlight camera comes with two adjustable LED lights and Ring’s 3D Motion Detection technology. This, at least on paper, allows the camera to detect motion at a slightly longer range.
Here’s how both floodlight cameras compare in the most relevant areas.
| Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera | Ring Floodlight Cam Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Wireless/Wired (with optional cable) | Hardwired |
| Price | $249.99 | $249.99 |
| Video Resolution | 2K HDR | 1080p HDR |
| Field of View | 160° | 140° horizontal and 80° vertical |
| Brightness | 2000 Lumens | 3000 Lumens with Magnetic Charging Cable, 2000 Lumens |
| Light Color Temperature | 4000K | 3000K |
| Color Night Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | 2-Way Audio | 2-Way Audio |
| Local Storage | MicroSD card/USB support with Arlo SmartHub (starting at $99.99) | MicroSD card with Ring Protect Pro subscription ($20/month) subscription Ring Alarm Pro Base Station ($250) |
| Cloud Storage | Yes, with Arlo Secure subscription | Yes, with Ring Protect subscription |
| Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings | Amazon Alexa |
| Additional Costs | None | None |
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.
Let there be light: Which floodlight camera is the winner?
Both Ring and Arlo offer excellent floodlight cameras for outdoor protection. However, if you prioritize higher video quality, flexible installation, and potentially lower overall cost for storage, the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Choose the floodlight camera that best meets your specific security needs.
Also, keep in mind that opting for either brand will likely integrate you into their respective home security ecosystems. If you’re curious about how Arlo and Ring face against each other, be sure to check out our Arlo vs. Ring comparison.
