The Arlo Pro 4 comes with a new exterior design and enhanced features that make it more user-friendly than the previous iteration. It is also cheaper when compared to its predecessor, but there are some key differences between them both in terms of their performance capabilities. So which one should you buy? In this article, we will cover what each camera can do better than the other as well as how they compare on price and size.
The Arlo Pro 4 is the latest version of this low-profile camera that has quickly become one of our favorites. We’ve been impressed with its capabilities, performance, and quality of video it captures. But if you are like us, you might be wondering how it compares to the earlier release: The Arlo Pro 3. Here we will compare their features side by side so that when your new purchase arrives in your home or office soon enough there won’t ever be any confusion about which Arlo to use.
The Arlo Pro 4 comes with a new exterior design and enhanced features that make it more user-friendly than the previous iteration. It is also cheaper when compared to its predecessor, but there are some key differences between them both in terms of their performance capabilities. So which one should you buy?
In this article, we will cover what each camera can do better than the other as well as how they compare on price and size.
Arlo Pro 4 vs. Arlo Pro 3: What’s the difference and which should you buy?
Both Arlo Pro 4 and 3 are great cameras but they do have some differences. The most important difference is the new night vision mode with infrared LEDs. If you have been using infrared lights or night vision to improve your security camera’s performance, the Arlo Pro 4 is a great choice for you but how does it compare to the Arlo 3? Let’s find out
Video Quality
The Arlo Pro 4 is the latest model in the Arlo series. The new camera has a 1440p resolution, which is better than 1080p for most other cameras on the market.
Video quality is the most important aspect of choosing security cameras. Arlo Pro 4 has a delay that varies depending on bandwidth, so it can be accessed by all mobile devices without lag.
The Arlo Pro 4 has a resolution of 2560 x 1440. The four-megapixel camera has a digital zoom of up to 12x and three video modes (2K, 1080p, and 720p, with higher resolutions taking up far more storage space).
For night vision, the camera features infrared LEDs and an infrared cut filter. The cam works with a 130-degree motion detector and can auto-track and zoom with its 160-degree diagonal field of vision when turned on.
There’s also a spotlight function that illuminates the area when anything is detected, whether it’s day or night. A smart siren can also be programmed to sound automatically or remotely. Overall, a fantastic set of functions for a modern security camera.
The Arlo Pro 3 has the same camera hardware and software as the Arlo Pro 2, including the same resolution settings, image sensor, motion detection, and night vision. There is no functional difference here.
Additionally, the video quality of night vision is dependent on three factors: color accuracy, brightness level, and contrast. Since there are some limitations to these settings such as how much light goes into the camera lens before it distorts the image or overexposes the subject’s face, manufacturers recommend keeping a low-brightness setting for best results.
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Camera
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Image
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Power source
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Smart home integrations
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Price
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| Arlo Pro 3 |  |
Battery-powered | Alexa, Google, HomeKit, IFTTT, SmartThings | View on Amazon |
| Arlo Pro 4 |  |
Battery-powered | Alexa, Google, HomeKit, IFTTT, SmartThings | View on Amazon |
Design and Installation
It’s nearly hard to identify the difference between the Arlo Pro 4 and the Pro 3 based only on looks. The two are nearly identical, right down to the rounded case and camera lens and mic positioning. As our subsequent comparisons will indicate, the majority of differences between the two models are in their functioning and intelligent assistance, therefore the design is irrelevant.
Storage and subscription fees
Both cameras come with a 30-day trial of Arlo Smart, after which you must pay a monthly price to keep the subscription. A single-camera costs $3 in the lower tier and $5 in the upper tier.
The Arlo Pro 4 provides 30 days of free service for the higher tier, which includes 4K cloud recording, but the Arlo Pro 3 only provides access to the cheaper tier, which does not. However, because both cameras use the same 2K technology, this doesn’t make much of a difference.
Arlo Smart subscription plan comparison
Smart home integrations
The Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Pro 3 both work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit. The main difference between the two is that the Arlo Pro 4 has a beam-forming technology that creates a wider field of view than the old model.
To fully connect to Wi-Fi and provide all of these functions, the Arlo Pro 3 requires the Arlo smart hub. The Arlo Pro 4 does not require the smart hub and may connect to Wi-Fi directly.
Both the Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 3 include two-way audio capabilities, as well as a microphone with noise and echo cancellation. This means that, in addition to seeing live video through compatible devices such as an Echo Show or Nest Home Hub, you can also communicate to people on the other end, which is one of the reasons these cameras are ideal for the porch or entryway.
The Arlo app controls everything, including the ability to play live video, chat, record clips, arm or disable the system, and get alerts whenever the cameras detect motion.
Battery life
The Arlo Pro 4 has a battery life of between 3 and 6 months, whereas the Arlo Pro 3 had a battery life of 2-3 months. The recharge time is also shorter for the Arlo Pro 4, at just three hours. In addition to this, the camera in the Arlo Pro 4 can be replaced with another one from your own collection if you run out of juice.
The Arlo Pro 3 has a battery life of three to six months before needing to be recharged, whereas the Arlo Pro 4 has a battery life of up to six months, with the caveat that settings and use might reduce battery life. Battery life is likely to depend on how often motion is detected, the number of times Live View and siren are activated, and whether microphone and speaker are used.
User experience
The Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Pro 3 are identical in terms of user experience. They both offer 1080p HD video, two-way audio, motion detection, weatherproof housing, and an IP66 rating for water resistance.
Whether you choose the Arlo Pro 3 or the Arlo Pro 4, the user experience is virtually the same. The main difference is that because the Pro 3 requires a SmartHub, you’ll need to install an additional device when you install your Arlo Pro 3 security camera.
They both utilize the same program and have the same settings and features, as well as the same video quality. And these cameras are rather good at what they do: they provide high-quality video, reliable warnings, and quick access to stored material.
Which should you buy?
It actually doesn’t matter which Arlo security camera you get. The Arlo Pro 3 and the Arlo Pro 4 are almost identical. The Arlo Pro 3 might save you money if you don’t mind purchasing a two-camera setup. The only difference between these cameras is whether or not you require a SmartHub.
The Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Pro 3 are both video surveillance cameras that function the same. There are no defining features that make them different. The Arlo Pro 4 is a better choice if you only want one or two cams because it’s cheaper than its predecessor, which has four cameras.
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Camera
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Image
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Power source
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Smart home integrations
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Learn more
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo Pro 3 | |
Battery-powered | Alexa, Google, HomeKit, IFTTT, SmartThings | View on Amazon |
| Arlo Pro 4 | |
Battery-powered | Alexa, Google, HomeKit, IFTTT, SmartThings | View on Amazon |
If you only need one camera and the Arlo Pros are too expensive, we propose the Reolink Argus 3 Pro camera or the Arlo Essential camera. You’ll receive comparable functionality for less than the price of an Arlo Pro 3 package or a single Pro 4 camera.
