I've tested a lot of security cameras over the years, and one thing consistently holds true: A camera with premium features is going to come with a much higher price. It's easy to shell out $200 or more for just a single camera.
But the second-gen Arlo Essential 2K cam manages to buck that trend. Right now, it's down to just $50 during Amazon's Spring Sale. That's a seriously impressive price for a camera that offers many of the same features of Arlo's highest-end models. If you're in the market for more than one security camera, the two-pack is currently discounted by 53%, slashing $100 off of its normal $190 price tag. Even better, Amazon recently updated pricing for more multipacks, and a three-pack of cameras is down to 50% off, and a five-pack has dropped down to 51% off. That's a lot of savings for the last day of Amazon's Spring Sale.
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What I like about the Arlo security camera
While testing the Arlo Essential 2K Cam, I found the indoor-outdoor wireless camera performs well. The 2K resolution helps gather plenty of details, it's highly weather resistant, and Arlo's app excels at walkthroughs on how to set up and use the cam. Other common features include two-way audio, color night vision and a built-in siren.
Arlo isn't done yet. The cam's integrated spotlight did a great job of lighting up my backyard -- and if you prefer other smart home platforms, it plays well with Alexa and Google Home, as well as IFTTT (no Apple HomeKit support at this time, but it's a future possibility). For more, here are CNET's picks for the best home security systems.
Arlo wins at customization in the home security conversation
I liked a lot of what the Arlo Essential does, but it's not too different from what many other security cameras do -- just surprisingly affordable. I really like Arlo's UI and smart home integration too, with an app that's easy to understand and pop open for a quick look at your home when you're out on the town (and that doesn't even require a subscription). It's the deeper customization features that really impressed me.
Those who like to tinker with their home security setup will love the beta-version custom detection options that come with higher-tier subscriptions, in addition to facial and vehicle recognition. I haven't seen custom setups like this on any other security camera before. In my tests, I was able to "teach" the cam AI to recognize when a pet toy appeared on camera or when certain objects were no longer present.
I could also use this feature to tell me when the garage door opened or if something valuable (say, a piece of artwork) disappeared. Likewise, the vehicle detection options can tell if a specific vehicle is pulling up to your home. I've never seen anything else like this for those who really want to push their home security to the limits.
Arlo's Essential cam is a great deal, but keep in mind Arlo's subscription options.
Arlo cams for yourself or others
With Arlo's easy and informative setup process, the Essential camera is a great choice even if you or your family haven't tried a security camera before. As long as a user is comfortable trying out a new app and following the instructions, Arlo is an excellent experience. I rate the app and user-friendliness around Blink's level, another one of my favorite camera apps.
With indoor/outdoor placement, the camera is also versatile, so you don't have to worry about people not finding a place to use it. You could also spend a bit more to upgrade the camera with an extended battery and a solar panel, an effective combo if you want to avoid manually charging the battery as much as possible. It still needs a Wi-Fi connection, but this combo is great for out-of-the-way spots like above my garage door or a high point on roof eaves.
If you're thinking about getting this Arlo Essential camera as a gift, keep in mind Arlo locks quite a few important features behind its $8-plus monthly subscription, including smart alerts with object recognition and cloud video storage. So while the camera is usable without fees, there's a strong incentive to pay.
Arlo does offer a free trial of its services, but that could feel like a bait-and-switch to gift recipients who aren't expecting a security camera. If you want to give the cam as a gift, you may want to add some PayPal or Venmo cash to cover at least several months of a subscription.
If you're looking for more affordable tech, check out Amazon's Big Spring Sale deals on Anker devices. Plus, here's our full list of the best home security cameras of 2025.