Arlo vs. Lorex: Home Security System Comparison
Looking for a new security camera system? Here’s how Arlo and Lorex compare.
Looking for a new security camera system? Here’s how Arlo and Lorex compare.
If you’re searching for the perfect home security system, chances are you’ve already heard of Arlo and Lorex. Both are well-known and respected companies in the DIY home security industry. But which one is the best for you? Let’s dive into our Arlo vs. Lorex comparison.
Lorex vs. Arlo: What’s the difference?
Arlo, established in 2014, is an American company specializing in high-quality wireless indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, floodlight cameras, and a home security system. Lorex, founded in 1991, offers a wide variety of wired and wireless security cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks. Since 2023, Lorex has been a subsidiary of the Taiwanese company Skywatch.
While both companies offer DIY home security systems, their approaches differ significantly. Arlo focuses on simplicity and comprehensive security solutions, aiming to provide an easy-to-use, one-stop security experience. For example, the Arlo Home Security System integrates seamlessly with cameras like the Arlo Pro 5S 2K model, with optional 24/7 Professional Monitoring.
In contrast, Lorex prioritizes video surveillance, flexibility, and local storage solutions, which align more closely with traditional home security camera systems. While they do offer some sensors, they lack Professional Monitoring services. This means that if you’re seeking comprehensive security coverage, you might want to consider other options.
1. Do Arlo and Ring security systems offer Smart Home integration?
Most Arlo security devices are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, If This Then That (IFTTT), and Samsung SmartThings without a subscription. For example, you can connect your Arlo cameras to Apple Home or arm and disarm your alarm system with Google Assistant.
Only a few Lorex devices, on the other hand, offer compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. Lorex devices are not compatible with Apple Home.
2. Do Arlo and Lorex offer subscription plans?
Yes, both Arlo and Lorex offer optional paid subscriptions. You can use any of their smart security devices and then opt for their monthly subscriptions for additional features.
Arlo offers the Arlo Secure plans, with features like 30-Day Cloud Video Storage for event recordings, Object Detection, and One Tap Emergency Response. Price ranges from $7.99 to $24.99 per month. The top tier includes 24/7 Professional Monitoring. Every Arlo security device comes with a 1-month Arlo Secure free trial.
Lorex offers a limited cloud storage subscription, which we will discuss further in the next section.
3. What are the storage options for Arlo cameras?
While both Arlo and Lorex offer cloud storage and local storage options, they do so in quite different ways. With the Arlo Secure subscription, Arlo provides 30-day cloud storage for video event recordings. You can pay $7.99 per month for one camera or $12.99 per month for unlimited cameras. Security footage is backed up in its original resolution, up to 4K.
For local storage, most Arlo security cameras can store footage on a microSD card or a USB flash drive when connected to an optional hub, such as the Arlo Ultra SmartHub. Additionally, for those on the move, the Arlo Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi Camera features an integrated microSD slot.
On the other hand, Lorex offers limited cloud storage support. According to their site, currently only one security camera supports it. Subscription prices range from $2.99 per month for one camera to $4.99 per month for unlimited cameras.
Lorex prioritizes local storage. Most of its cameras and video doorbells are equipped with a microSD slot for on-device storage. Lorex cameras record directly onto the included microSD cards. While this approach offers benefits, it has the drawback that if the camera is lost, the security footage is lost as well.
Lorex also offers a variety of Network Video Recorders (NVRs) that allow wireless video backup to a hard drive.
So, how did we evaluate each product?
Our goal is to offer a fair apples-to-apples comparison, informing you so you’re able to choose the best home security products for your needs. All comparisons presented here are based on the information available on both companies’ websites. We always aim to compare equivalent products in the same price range within each main product category.
For budget-friendly, standalone surveillance, Arlo offers the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera. Available in 1080p ($49.99) and 2K ($99.99) models, this security camera features a 130° Field of View, an Integrated Spotlight, 2-Way Audio, and Color Night Vision. The Arlo Essential camera is battery-powered and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Lorex, on the other hand, offers the Lorex 2K Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Accessory Battery Security Camera for $79.99. The term ‘Accessory’ is key here. As the name suggests, this camera only works as an add-on to the Lorex Home Hub, available only in a pricier bundle.
That leaves us with the next best option from Lorex: the 2K Spotlight Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera for $149.99. Like the Arlo Essential, this Pan-Tilt model includes color night vision, motion detection, a spotlight, and 2-way talk. The Lorex camera comes with a 32GB microSD card for local storage and on-camera AI object detection. However, it offers a narrower 114° Field of View.
Both cameras offer great performance with clear, detailed video. However, Arlo’s options are significantly less expensive. For its higher price tag, the Lorex Pan-Tilt camera offers local storage and AI detection, but comes with a narrower Field of View.
If you’re looking to build a budget security system, Arlo cameras are better priced and equally equipped to meet your needs.
Now, let’s compare the best cameras both companies offer. Both the Arlo Ultra 2 ($249.99) and the Lorex 4K Dual-Lens ($249.99) feature 4K HDR video, Color Night Vision, an Integrated Spotlight, and 2-Way Audio. While the Arlo Ultra 2 has one powerful camera lens, the Lorex camera combines the images from its two lenses to deliver a panoramic viewing angle. However, both cameras ultimately boast the same ultra-wide 180° Field of View.
The Lorex 4K includes a 32GB microSD card for local storage and features on-device AI object detection. However, it lacks cloud storage support.
On the other hand, the Arlo Ultra 2 is compatible with Arlo Secure Cloud Storage. This subscription enhances your Arlo camera with AI Object Detection, along with features like Smart Interactive Notifications. For local storage, you can pair the Arlo Ultra 2 with the optional Arlo SmartHub.
With the same price tag, both cameras offer superb video quality for your security footage. The choice between them depends on your specific needs. For out-of-the-box local storage, the Lorex 4K Dual-Lens is a great choice. For those who prefer simplicity and the benefits of cloud storage, the Arlo Ultra 2 is your best bet.
The Arlo Video Doorbell comes in HD 1080p ($79.99) and 2K ($129.99) models, featuring an ultra-wide 180° Field of View, Infrared Night Vision, Motion Detection, 2-Way Audio, an Integrated Siren, and a choice between wired or wireless installation thanks to its built-in battery. The video has a 1:1 aspect ratio, resulting in square-shaped footage.
Lorex’s video doorbell lineup is entirely straightforward. Some models are available only as wired options, while others also offer a battery power option. You can choose between a wired 1080p model ($79.99), a wired 2K HDR model ($149.99), a battery-powered 2K HDR model ($179.99), and the newest wired 4K HDR video doorbell ($199.99). Some models are also available bundled with a Wi-Fi chime box. Key features across all Lorex models include 2-way talk, infrared and color night vision, an integrated siren, night light, and a 32GB microSD card for storage. The field of view varies between 150° to 170°, and aspect ratios range from the 16:9 of the 1080p model to the 9:16 of the 4K model.
Comparing just the HD and 2K models, Arlo and Lorex both offer 1080p video doorbells at the same price, but Arlo has the advantage of a wireless setup and a wider Field of View. In the 2K range, Arlo’s doorbell is cheaper than Lorex’s wired and battery-powered models, with a $50 price gap in favor of Arlo when looking at wireless options.
While Arlo provides a more comprehensive view with its 1:1 aspect ratio, Lorex’s 2K doorbells include local storage, HDR video, and a motion-activated night light. Ultimately, whether these additional features justify the higher price tag is up to you.
Overall, both Lorex and Arlo offer strong video doorbell options for front-porch security, each with unique features tailored to different preferences.
Both Arlo and Lorex offer excellent DIY home security systems, each with its own strengths. Arlo focuses on simplicity and comprehensive security solutions, including 24/7 Professional Monitoring and Emergency Response services. On the other hand, Lorex prioritizes flexibility with a wide range of camera options and local storage capabilities.
However, the lack of professional monitoring options and limited cloud storage support means that Lorex may not provide the all-in-one security solution some users might be seeking.
The best security system is the one that works best for you. Choose the option that offers you the most peace of mind today.
