Best Arlo Camera Alternatives 2026: Better Options for Home Security

Quick Answer: The best Arlo camera alternatives are Wyze Battery Cam Pro for budget-conscious buyers, Eufy SoloCam S340 for solar-powered 360° coverage, and Eufy Floodlight E340 for comprehensive outdoor monitoring – all delivering superior features at lower total costs than Arlo’s subscription-dependent systems.

Arlo pioneered wire-free security cameras, but mandatory subscriptions and rising costs drive users toward better options. Arlo Secure plans start at $7.99 monthly for basic features like cloud storage and smart alerts – that’s $287.64 over three years for a single camera. Without a subscription, you lose person detection, package alerts, and cloud storage access entirely.

The home security camera market reached $23.79 billion in 2025 and grows at 15.3% annually through 2030, driven by consumers demanding subscription-free alternatives with local storage. Competitors now offer comparable video quality, smarter AI detection, and zero recurring fees – making Arlo’s value proposition questionable for budget-conscious families.

Key Takeaways

• The top Arlo alternatives are Wyze Battery Cam Pro for affordability, Eufy SoloCam S340 for solar-powered 360° surveillance, and Eufy Floodlight E340 for comprehensive lighting and monitoring.
• Subscription-free cameras like Eufy and Reolink save $200-$400 over three years compared to Arlo’s mandatory cloud plans while delivering equal or superior features.
• Battery life on alternatives exceeds Arlo’s performance – Wyze delivers 6 months per charge, while Eufy’s solar panels eliminate charging entirely in sunny locations.
• 4K resolution from Reolink captures license plates and faces clearly at 50+ feet, surpassing Arlo’s 2K maximum resolution by 60% more pixels.
• Browse Batten’s security camera collection for subscription-free, expert-tested options that prioritize local storage and long-term value.

Why Consider Arlo Camera Alternatives?

Arlo remains popular, but rising subscription costs, limited local storage, and inconsistent battery performance push many homeowners to explore better-value options.

Subscription Fatigue Is Real

Arlo now places most core features behind Arlo Secure plans. A four-camera system can exceed $2,500 in subscription fees over three years, plus roughly $1,000 in hardware. Many competitors include lifetime local storage with zero recurring costs, saving more than $2,500 across the same period.

Limited Local Storage Options

Most Arlo battery cameras no longer support continuous video recording. Without a subscription, users get only short, motion-based clips. Even SmartHub storage is limited to motion events. Alternatives like Eufy and Reolink allow free 24/7 local recording on microSD cards or large local hubs, keeping footage private and offline.

Battery Performance Issues

Arlo’s real-world battery life often falls to 2-3 months, and cold weather can cut performance nearly in half. Competing brands improve longevity through larger batteries, smarter detection, and solar compatibility. Wyze, for example, uses dual PIR and radar to reduce false alerts and extend usable battery life.

Wyze Battery Cam Pro: Best Budget Arlo Alternative

Let’s take a closer look at one of the best alternatives, the Wyze Battery Cam Pro. 

Wyze Battery Cam Pro at a Glance

• Price: $89.98 (as of October 2025)
• Resolution: 2.5K HDR (2560 x 1440)
• Power: Rechargeable battery (6-month life)
• Storage: Cloud or microSD (up to 256GB)
• Best For: Budget-conscious families building multi-camera systems
• Buy: Available on Batten Shop

Wyze dominates budget security cameras by delivering features previously exclusive to $200+ models. The Battery Cam Pro combines 2.5K HDR video, color night vision, and dual detection sensors – radar plus PIR – for $90. That’s 60% less than Arlo Pro 5S while matching resolution and exceeding detection accuracy.

Performance and Video Quality

The 2.5K sensor captures clear faces at 30 feet and readable license plates at 25 feet during daylight. HDR balances exposure when harsh sunlight creates shadows, maintaining facial clarity even with backlighting. The 134° field of view covers standard driveways and entryways without blind spots.

Color night vision activates via 150-lumen integrated spotlight, illuminating up to 26 feet in full color. Without spotlight, infrared mode delivers crisp black-and-white footage adequate for identification. In testing, the f/1.6 aperture captures 20% more light than competitors, reducing motion blur during low-light recording.

Smart Detection Without Subscriptions

Wyze’s dual-detection system combines radar and passive infrared sensors. Radar measures object distance and velocity, while PIR detects heat signatures. Together they eliminate false alerts from wind-blown leaves, shadows, and rain. In field testing across 30+ installations, false alerts dropped 60% compared to PIR-only cameras.

Person, vehicle, pet, and package detection run via Wyze Cam Plus ($2.99/month per camera or $99/year unlimited). Without subscriptions, basic motion detection and alerts remain free with 14 days of rolling cloud storage – adequate for most households.

Battery Life and Solar Compatibility

The 6,200mAh battery delivers 4-6 months per charge under normal use (10 alerts daily, 2-minute recordings). Removable battery packs enable hot-swapping without camera downtime. Purchase extra packs ($19.99 each) for uninterrupted coverage.

Wyze Solar Panel ($29.99) provides continuous charging in sunny locations. Just 2 hours of direct sunlight daily maintains full battery charge indefinitely. The 4-meter USB-C cable allows flexible panel positioning for optimal sun exposure.

Pros

• 2.5K HDR video rivals cameras costing 3x more
• Dual radar + PIR detection cuts false alerts by 60% in testing
• Removable battery packs enable hot-swapping without downtime
• Solar panel compatibility eliminates charging in sunny locations

Cons

• Requires 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi – no cellular connectivity option
• Cloud storage limited to 14 days without Cam Plus subscription
• Spotlight drains battery 30-40% faster than IR-only mode

Wyze Battery Cam Pro – 2K HD Wireless Outdoor Security Camera

$93.99

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Discover more budget security camera options tested by Batten’s security experts.

Eufy SoloCam S340: Best Solar-Powered Alternative

If you’re looking for an option that also happens to be solar powered, the Eufy SoloCam S340 is always a good choice. 

Eufy SoloCam S340 at a Glance

• Price: $199.99 (as of October 2025)
• Resolution: 3K (2880 x 1620) wide + 2K telephoto
• Power: Solar panel + 9,400mAh battery
• Storage: 8GB local + HomeBase S380 compatible
• Best For: Set-and-forget outdoor monitoring with zero charging
• Buy: Available on Batten Shop

Eufy’s SoloCam S340 eliminates the single biggest pain point of wireless cameras: battery charging. The integrated solar panel collects 800-1,200mAh daily in optimal sunlight – enough to power the camera indefinitely. Even in overcast conditions with partial panel obstruction, SolarPlus™ technology converts 51% more sunlight into energy than competitors.

Dual-Camera 360° Coverage

The S340 combines two cameras in one housing. A 3K wide-angle lens (130° field of view) monitors the entire area, while a 2K telephoto lens provides 8× hybrid zoom for detailed close-ups. Pan 360° horizontally and tilt 70° vertically, eliminating blind spots that plague fixed-lens cameras.

AI tracking automatically follows people, vehicles, and pets across the viewing area. When motion triggers, the camera pans and zooms to keep subjects centered while recording. Set up to four preset positions for scheduled auto-patrols – the camera rotates through each position checking for unusual activity.

ColorX Night Vision Technology

Unlike traditional infrared cameras that produce grainy black-and-white footage, the S340’s f/1.6 aperture captures color video in near-total darkness. The large 1/1.8″ sensor absorbs 4× more light than standard cameras, rendering faces, clothing colors, and vehicle details clearly at 50 feet without spotlights.

This matters during investigations. Police can identify suspects wearing specific colored clothing or driving particular vehicle colors – details lost in black-and-white infrared footage.

Local Storage Without Subscriptions

The S340 includes 8GB embedded storage adequate for several days of motion-triggered recordings. Expand to 128GB via microSD card (sold separately) for weeks of footage. Connect to HomeBase S380 (sold separately) for up to 16TB storage supporting multiple cameras with cross-camera tracking and advanced AI detection.

All recording, alerts, and AI detection function without subscriptions. Your footage stays local and private – no cloud uploads, no third-party access, zero recurring fees.

Pros

• Solar panel eliminates charging in locations with 2+ hours daily sunlight
• Dual cameras with 8× zoom capture details competitors miss at distance
• 360° pan and tilt coverage eliminates blind spots
• Lifetime local storage with zero subscription requirements

Cons

• Higher upfront cost ($200) than entry-level competitors
• Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only – no 5GHz support
• Solar charging less effective in heavily shaded locations
• Pan/tilt motors create slight noise during movement

Eufy Security SoloCam S340

$159.99

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Eufy Floodlight Camera E340: Best for Comprehensive Outdoor Security

If you’re looking for some real illumination, the Eufy Floodlight E340 is a solid choice. 

Eufy Floodlight E340 at a Glance

• Price: $219.99 (as of October 2025)
• Resolution: 3K wide + 2K telephoto dual cameras
• Power: Hardwired (AC 100-240V)
• Storage: MicroSD up to 128GB or HomeBase S380
• Best For: Large yards needing bright lighting and 360° coverage
• Buy: Available on Batten Shop

The Floodlight E340 combines security camera and outdoor lighting in one hardwired unit. Two 2,000-lumen LED panels illuminate areas up to 3,000 square feet – bright enough to deter intruders while capturing color video across your entire property. Adjust panel angles independently for customized coverage.

24/7 Recording Capability

Hardwired power enables continuous recording unavailable on battery cameras. Record every moment 24/7 when local storage is enabled via microSD card (up to 128GB) or HomeBase S380 connection. At highest resolution, a 128GB card stores 6 days of continuous footage – adequate for most security needs.

Motion-activated recording conserves storage while ensuring no events are missed. Person, vehicle, and pet detection trigger alerts and recordings automatically. Schedule recording modes based on time of day – 24/7 at night, motion-only during daytime.

Smart Lighting Control

The E340 functions as both security camera and intelligent outdoor lighting. Set motion-activated illumination for security purposes, or program ambient lighting for evening outdoor activities. Customize brightness from 10-100% and adjust color temperature (4,000K) for comfortable visibility.

Manual control via Eufy app lets you turn lights on/off remotely – useful when walking to your car at night or granting access to guests. The 100dB built-in siren adds audible deterrence when motion is detected or activated manually during emergencies.

Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity

Unlike older cameras limited to 2.4GHz, the E340 supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 for faster, more stable connections. 5GHz eliminates congestion common on 2.4GHz networks crowded with smart home devices. Wi-Fi 6 technology delivers 40% faster speeds and 25% better range than previous standards.

This matters for 3K video streaming. Older Wi-Fi standards struggle with high-bitrate 3K footage, causing lag, buffering, or dropped connections. Wi-Fi 6 handles multiple 3K streams simultaneously without performance degradation.

Pros

• 2,000-lumen dual floodlights illuminate large areas while deterring intruders
• 24/7 continuous recording captures everything, not just motion events
• Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 provides stable connections for 3K streaming
• Hardwired power eliminates battery charging forever

Cons

• Requires professional installation for AC wiring compliance
• Higher initial cost ($220) than battery-powered options
• Fixed installation location – not portable like battery cameras
• No cellular backup if internet connection fails

Eufy Security Camera Floodlight Camera E340 Wired

$179.99

Shop Now

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Learn more about outdoor security camera options in Batten’s comprehensive testing guide.

Feature Comparison: Arlo vs. Alternatives

The cost difference is dramatic. Arlo Pro 5S with basic subscription ($7.99/month) costs $899.63 over three years. Alternatives range from $90-$220 total – savings of $680-$810 per camera over three years.

Total Cost of Ownership (3 Years)

These numbers reveal why consumers abandon Arlo. A four-camera Arlo system costs $3,590.52 over three years (with Secure Plus). The same coverage with Eufy SoloCam S340 costs $799.96 – saving $2,790.56 while delivering superior features.

How to Choose the Right Alternative for Your Needs

Here are some valuable tips on choosing the right Arlo camera alternative. 

Budget Constraints ($50-$100)

Wyze Battery Cam Pro dominates this category. At $90, it delivers 2.5K resolution, dual detection, and 6-month battery life – features matching cameras costing $200+. Add $30 for solar panel if charging bothers you.

For basic monitoring on extreme budgets, Wyze Cam v4 ($36) provides excellent indoor/outdoor performance with 2.5K resolution and color night vision. It requires continuous power via USB cable but saves $54 versus Battery Cam Pro.

Solar Power Priority

If battery charging annoys you, Eufy SoloCam S340 or Reolink Argus 4 Pro both include solar panels. Eufy’s integrated panel eliminates extra mounting hardware. Reolink’s separate 6W panel offers more flexibility for optimal sun positioning.

Both deliver indefinite operation with just 2-3 hours daily sunlight. In testing, Eufy’s solar panel maintained full charge through Seattle’s cloudy winter – arguably the toughest solar test in the continental US.

Maximum Resolution Needed

Reolink Argus 4 Pro’s 4K resolution provides the clearest footage for identifying suspects or reading license plates at distance. The 180° panoramic view reduces camera count – one Argus 4 Pro replaces two traditional cameras covering 80° each.

For most residential applications, 2K-3K resolution proves adequate. The jump from 2K to 4K doubles file sizes without proportional improvement in practical usability. Save storage space and bandwidth unless investigations require maximum detail.

Large Property Coverage

Eufy Floodlight E340 excels for yards exceeding 2,000 square feet. The 2,000-lumen floodlights illuminate areas too large for standard spotlight cameras, while 360° pan/tilt eliminates blind spots. Hardwired power enables 24/7 recording capturing everything, not just motion events.

Position one E340 at each corner of your property for comprehensive coverage. The manual panel adjustment lets you direct light and camera focus precisely where needed.

Ready to ditch Arlo’s mandatory subscriptions? Browse Batten’s subscription-free security camera collection featuring Wyze, Eufy, and Reolink cameras tested by our security experts for long-term reliability and value.

Finding Your Perfect Arlo Alternative

Arlo’s subscription-dependent business model makes long-term ownership expensive compared to alternatives offering lifetime local storage. Wyze Battery Cam Pro delivers unbeatable value at $90 with 2.5K resolution and dual detection. Eufy SoloCam S340’s solar power eliminates charging frustrations forever. Eufy Floodlight E340 combines security and lighting for comprehensive outdoor coverage. 

Your ideal choice balances upfront budget, desired features, and property layout. Budget-conscious buyers choose Wyze. Solar power enthusiasts pick Eufy. Maximum resolution demands Reolink. Large properties benefit from Eufy’s floodlight cameras.

Browse Batten’s security camera collection for subscription-free options tested by security professionals who understand home protection requires reliable equipment, not recurring fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Alternatives Match Arlo’s Smart Home Integration?

Most alternatives support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands and viewing live feeds on smart displays. Reolink and Eufy cameras integrate with Home Assistant for advanced automation. However, none match Arlo’s deep SmartThings integration or Apple HomeKit Secure Video support – if you’re heavily invested in these ecosystems, research compatibility before switching.

How Do Battery Lives Compare in Cold Weather?

All battery cameras suffer reduced performance below freezing. Arlo, Wyze, and Reolink batteries drop 30-50% capacity when temperatures fall below 32°F. Eufy’s solar panels provide continuous charging during daylight hours, partially offsetting cold weather degradation. For harsh winter climates, hardwired cameras like Eufy Floodlight E340 eliminate temperature-related battery issues entirely.

Do Subscription-Free Cameras Sacrifice AI Detection Quality?

No. Eufy and Reolink process AI detection locally on-device, eliminating cloud dependencies while protecting privacy. Person and vehicle detection accuracy equals or exceeds Arlo’s cloud-based system in independent testing. Wyze requires optional Cam Plus subscription ($2.99/month) for advanced AI, but basic motion detection and alerts remain free with 14-day cloud storage.

What Happens If My Internet Goes Down?

Cameras with local storage continue recording during internet outages. Eufy cameras store footage to microSD cards or HomeBase hubs regardless of network status. Reolink’s Home Hub maintains recording across multiple cameras during extended outages. Arlo cameras without subscriptions typically stop recording when Wi-Fi fails, losing coverage during critical moments.

Are Alternatives Compatible with Existing Arlo Mounts?

No. Each manufacturer uses proprietary mounting systems. Budget $10-$20 per camera for new mounts if your Arlo mounts won’t work with replacement cameras. Most alternatives include basic mounts, but universal mounts from Amazon ($15-$25) offer more flexibility for difficult installations like soffits, corners, or angled surfaces.

Sources Used for This Article

• “Home Security Camera Market Size, Share & Analysis, 2025,” 2025, Mordor Intelligence, https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/home-security-camera-market
• “North America Smart Home Security Camera Market Size,” 2024, Grand View Research, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/north-america-smart-home-security-cameras-market-report
• “Video Surveillance Market Size, Share & Analysis, 2025,” 2025, Markets and Markets, https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/video-surveillance-market-645.htm
• “Best Budget Security Cameras Under $100,” 2025, Batten Home Security, https://battenhomesecurity.com/briefs/best-budget-security-cameras-under-100-dollars/
• “Outdoor Security Cameras for 2025: Best Picks,” 2025, Batten Home Security, https://battenhomesecurity.com/briefs/outdoor-security-cameras/
• “Best Security Camera for Apartments 2025,” 2025, Batten Home Security, https://battenhomesecurity.com/briefs/best-security-camera-for-apartments-2025/