If you're looking to improve your home security, Ring offers many ways to do it. The company offers a wide range of products that seem like simple fixes but have a significant impact.
Although Ring may be one of the most prominent security systems for smart home fans, it's hardly the only one on the market. Arlo is another home security provider with great products that are easy to install and use.
We'll be comparing Ring and Arlo to help you decide which one is best for you.
Comparing Ring and Arlo Products Ranges
Both Ring and Arlo offer a wide range of home security products. Each company offers video doorbells, cameras, floodlights, motion detectors, and a slew of other accessories.
Each provide frequent offers on bundles you can purchase for cheaper than if you buy the products individually. And, after you make a purchase, both companies offer subscription plans to enhance your experience.
Ring has two optional plans, Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. Arlo also offers two subscription plans: Arlo Smart Premier and Arlo Smart. These coverage plans are not mandatory. If you don't get one, you can enjoy your devices even if you stick to the free base features you get.
Arlo has the Arlo app for iOS and Android that helps you track and run every device you have. And Ring has the Ring app available for Android and iOS, and Windows 10.
A Look at a Security Camera From Arlo and Ring
Let's compare two cameras from the Ring and Arlo range: Arlo's Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera and Ring's Spotlight Cam.
Arlo's Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera is the most expensive, but the company also offers cheaper models.
The camera reaches 4K resolution and a field of vision of 180-degrees. That allows you to zoom in and distinguish details like a license plate number that would be blurry in a lower-quality image. The device also has color night vision.
The device's battery can last for up to 6 months on a single charge. A built-in siren can automatically sound every time motion or audio is detected. You can also trigger the siren manually from the Arlo app.
It's weather-resistant and also sports two-way noise-canceling audio that ensures communication despite possible wind, noise, or echo interference. Built-in motion sensors trigger the camera's integrated spotlight.
Arlo's camera is compatible with all major smart home platforms: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. That's one more than the Ring camera, which only works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The Ring Spotlight Camera offers many similar features when comparing it to the Arlo Ultra 2. The Ring camera has two-way communication and offers 1080p HD video quality with a field of view of 115 degrees and night vision for a clear image in the dark. You can access Live View with on-demand video and audio any time you want through the Ring app.
Ring's camera allows you to customize your motion zones with a range from 15 to 30 feet. It also allows you to create Privacy Zones. Those can be a part of your neighbor's yard, window, or door, and you can black these areas out, so you don't see them on your camera. That's a feature Arlo's camera doesn't have.
The Ring Spotlight Camera is available in a battery-powered or wired option. The battery-enabled option lasts up to 12 months on a single charge. That's longer than Arlo's camera.
Ring vs. Arlo: Video Doorbells
Currently, Arlo offers two video doorbell models. Ring offers more variety with seven options spanning different price ranges.
Arlo's doorbells have a 180-degree field of vision, while the most Ring doorbells get to is 160 degrees. The Arlo devices have motion sensors built-in and are weather-resistant, and so are Ring's. Both also allow two-way communication and have night vision. Ring doorbells are easy to install and easy to use, and so are Arlo's.
With a subscription, the Arlo doorbells also have an Object Detection feature that distinguishes between a person, package, vehicle, or animal, saving you from unwanted alerts. Ring doorbells have a People Only feature with a subscription.
Arlo's doorbells have a Foresight feature that lets you see what triggered a motion event before it happened. Both options also have a built-in siren. The siren can get automatically or manually triggered and scare away unwanted visitors.
Both the Arlo and Ring option require a subscription to view previously saved recordings.
With the Arlo doorbell, every time someone rings your bell, but you can't answer, the visitor will be able to leave you a voice message that you can listen to later. Ring's doorbells don't have that feature.
Ring doorbells integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant while Arlo's wired doorbell model works with both of those along with Apple HomeKit.
You can even have your Amazon Alexa greet people at the door through your Ring doorbell.
Ring vs. Arlo: Installation
There are countless tutorials found online to help with installation for both Arlo and Ring devices. Both companies provide helpful guides, excellent customer service, and apps to turn to if you need help. However, Ring has a slight edge over Arlo.
While both Ring and Arlo offer excellent DIY installation assistance, Ring offers professional installation on top of that. If you don't want to do it yourself, you can get your Ring device professionally installed for a fee.
Two Strong Home Security Options
Both Ring and Arlo are great choices when looking to improve security around your home.
While Ring features a wider variety of products in different price ranges, Arlo's products are great for anyone needing high-resolution cameras. Arlo also offers wider compatibility with popular smart home systems including Apple's HomeKit. But if you are not comfortable with DIY installation, Ring's optional professional installation service is definitely a standout.
No matter what company you choose, enjoy the added security and safety that both Arlo and Ring products provide.
If you're thinking of looking elsewhere for security-enhancing products, Google also has a variety you can check out.