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Pros

Omnisphere challenge code. Integrated camera cover
Intelligent smart alerts
Easy setup

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The Essential Indoor cam continues Arlo’s standard of stellar performance and everyday smarts.

Here at Reviewed, we are big fans of Arlo, the smart home company behind both the best outdoor security camera and the best video doorbell we’ve ever tested. The new indoor camera is no exception to Arlo’s standard of stellar performance and useful everyday smarts. Along with its privacy shutter, it offers a nice spread of features like easy integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, smart object detection, and the ability to live stream the camera’s view from your phone, compatible smart display, or via the Arlo Web Portal. However, it is not wireless like Arlo’s lineup of outdoor cameras requiring a nearby electrical outlet for power. Disabling auto updates on slack for mac.

The camera records average video quality (1080p) with the added benefit of crisp black and white night vision. It also has two-way talk functionality that is loud and clear from both the camera itself and the Arlo app. One small gripe I had right off the bat is that the camera’s questionable plastic construction and mounting base don’t quite live up to the $100 MSRP. Security cameras aren't the kind of devices you move often, though, and I found the so-so build quality to be an afterthought post-installation.

About the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

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Price: $99.99
Colors: White, black
Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz only)
Power source: 5V 2A Power Adapter
Resolution: 1080p
Field of view: 130 degrees
Smart assistant support: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Weight: 0.27 lbs.
Dimensions: 5.24-inches H x 2.56-inches W x 2.56-inches D

Setting up Arlo’s indoor camera takes just a few minutes. Insert the camera's plug into a nearby electrical outlet and complete the installation process in the Arlo app. You’ll find mounting hardware in the box, and the included micro-USB cord measures roughly six-and-a-half feet long to help you hang it in high places.

To get the most out of this camera, you’ll need a paid Arlo Smart Plan (starting at $3/month). It’s necessary to access features like intelligent alerts, sharing and saving videos, cloud storage, and other useful functions that help make this camera worth the money.

What we like

Reliable smart alerts to stay informed

With accurate differentiation between people, animals, packages, and vehicles, Arlo cameras lead the charge when it comes to sending intelligent smart alerts. When motion is detected on the Arlo Essential Indoor, the object (such as an animal or person) is outlined in green so you can quickly identify what’s going on from the preview alert. During testing, I didn’t receive any false notifications. Overall, I found the camera to be quick and accurate at detecting and differentiating between motion events.

What we don’t like

Construction quality is so-so

When compared to Arlo’s heavy-duty wireless video doorbell and outdoor security camera, the indoor camera feels cheaply made. It’s not the kind of sturdy build quality I was expecting given the $100 price tag.

Since it’s lightweight (0.27 pounds), it's best to mount the camera using the included swivel bracket or place it in an area of your home (like a bookshelf) where it won’t easily be knocked over if someone bumps into it. You likely won’t be moving this camera much after installation, so the flimsy feel should be a non-issue when it comes to ensuring the camera’s longevity but it's something to be aware of before you buy.

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Privacy and security

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera comes with all of the common privacy settings you'd expect from a home security camera, like two-factor authentication, the option to log in using Face ID technology, and advanced encryption for video storage. However, Arlo takes it a step further with a few security features that made me feel extra safe. When a login attempt is made from a new device, a request for approval is sent to the main user's phone or tablet. It felt like a bit much at first, but it’s nice to know there’s one more layer preventing someone from accessing my camera without approval.

Adding approved users (like roommates or family members) to manage your Arlo camera can be done in the Settings section of the Arlo app. There are also built-in security features like a loud siren, which can be triggered automatically or manually via the Arlo app and plays a very loud alarm tone when triggered. You can also phone a friend directly from the Arlo app if a problem arises.

Arlo claims to use AES-128 bit encryption for uploading and storing videos in the cloud—the same encryption method used by banks to protect user data. The company says your videos are stored in the cloud for the duration of your Arlo smart plan (30 days) and are then permanently removed from Arlo’s cloud server. Videos can also be manually deleted via the Arlo app.

Should you buy it?

Yes, this indoor camera is accurate and reliable.

Arlo has a reputation for being one of the smartest and most secure smart home brands out there, so you really can’t go wrong with the new Essential Indoor Camera. The integrated camera shield and security measures that go above and beyond the standard user privacy settings make this a great addition to your smart home. Not to mention, its ability to accurately detect objects and quickly send smart alerts ensures that you’ll never miss an important notification again. Despite its so-so build quality, Arlo’s indoor camera is still a fantastic indoor smart security camera.

For comparison's sake, Kangaroo's Privacy Camera is the only other indoor smart camera we’ve tested that includes a built-in privacy shield like the Arlo. The two cameras tout similar features: 1080p video, real-time live stream, two-way talk, and integration with Alexa and Google. During our testing, however, the Kangaroo camera had trouble differentiating between people, cars, and animals and often sent false motion alerts—problems I did not experience with the Arlo indoor camera.

If you want a reliable security camera with an integrated privacy shutter, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera won’t let you down.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the tester

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Rachel Murphy

Senior Staff Writer

@rachel_murphy

Rachel Murphy covers smart home for Reviewed. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Central Florida. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer for several major outlets and as an associate editorial producer for ABC News' Good Morning America.

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