One of the “must-have” smart gadgets nowadays is a home security camera system. Investing in a good security camera product is a no-brainer because protecting your property and family from intruders is priceless.
What was once only within price range for businesses has now taken over the nation, with approximately 30 million surveillance cameras throughout the United States.
Wireless camera systems are becoming very popular these days because of advances in wireless technology, resulting in little to no installation costs, along with flexible mounting options.
In this article we will compare two popular security cameras, the Blink XT/XT2 and Netgear Arlo Pro/Pro2. Both of these camera systems include a base station unit (or sync module) plus the actual cameras which communicate with their base station unit.
To get a quick view of the main similarities and differences of these systems let’s have a look at the comparison table below:
Comparison Table
Note that although we are comparing Blink with Arlo Pro, the table below includes two models of the Arlo family, namely the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2. This is to let you know that there is a newer model (Pro 2) for Arlo which offers 1080p video quality compared to 720p of the Arlo Pro.
EDIT: In 2019, Blink launched also a second-generation system, the Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor system with improved specs as shown in the table below.
Main Features of the Blink XT/XT2
With motion detection, this camera can spot movement and send alerts immediately to your smartphone. You can also watch live HD video, along with sound, on your phone. The cameras can be mounted both inside and outside regardless of the weather. And Blink offers free cloud storage with no monthly subscription fees.
Its battery life is also impressive to mention. They advertise a 2-year battery life on the cameras which make it one of the longest lasting in the industry. Of course you can replace the battery easily after its lifetime.
In 2019, the second generation of XT2 now offers also 2-way audio, 1080p HD video and also Day and Night coverage.
Main Features of the Arlo Pro/Pro 2
Because these cameras are wireless (just like Blink), you won’t have to deal with finding places near outlets to put them. The cameras are IP65-certified weatherproof, proving they can handle the snow, rain or heat.
You can view live video and record videos anytime of the day, with free 24/7 cloud video recording.
The Arlo also has a 100-decibel siren and two-way audio. Therefore, having a loud siren on the base-station of the system makes the product a great deterrent solution for intruders.
Main Similarities
Both brands of cameras include night vision, WiFi support, motion detection alert, free cloud storage, use batteries as a power source, and have Alexa integration.
Main Differences
When it comes to video quality, the Blink XT offers only HD 720p, while the Arlo Pro 2 provides HD 1080p.
EDIT: The new Blink XT2 supports 1080p HD video as well.
The camera field of view for the Blink is 110 degrees, while the Arlo spans 130 degrees.
A major plus of Arlo compared to Blink is the 100-decibel security siren on the base-station that can be motion activated or controlled remotely, as well as the two-way audio feature, both available on the Arlo Pro/Pro2, but not on the Blink (XT2 offers 2-way audio just like Arlo).
However, the price tag on Blink XT is significantly lower compared to Arlo Pro systems, so that’s the major plus of Blink XT compared to Arlo.
Blick XT/XT2 Vs Arlo Pro/Pro2 – Which One Is Better?
When it comes to home security, you obviously want to get the system that will keep you the safest, and when it comes to these two options, both will provide you with basically the same security with a slightly higher security level provided by the Arlo system. Let’s see why:
To begin with, neither of these systems technically provide you with any security. They provide you with the ease of mind that if your house were to get robbed, at least you will have it recorded on video, which will increase chances of the suspect being caught.
Don’t get me wrong, having a home surveillance system is a great idea, even if the main thing it does is to scare off unwanted guests. It is important to note that certain homeowner’s insurance companies provide discounts if you have an active system installed on your property.
That, right there, may be the best reason for purchasing a security camera surveillance system. Check with your insurance company to see if you qualify.
Motion Detection Capabilities and Camera Placement
When it comes to motion detection, both systems provide basically the same service – you receive an alert when someone or something is outside.
This is great if that camera is situated somewhere that has very little foot traffic such as your backyard, a back door in your house etc. Obviously, if someone is in that area, it is more than likely suspicious.
Having a camera watch the front of your house seems like a great idea, but depending on where you live, it can cause a lot of alerts that are really just harmless people, such as neighbors, runners, the mailman, etc.
One thing to be aware of is that in busy areas where the motion detection sensor is constantly triggered, your batteries will not last long at all on either of the models. Raising the amount of detection needed to trigger the camera can help save battery life.
Video Storage
Free cloud storage is offered by both brands, and with good reason. Some brands either record to a memory card in the camera or to your home computer. With a burglar having access to the recordings, there is nothing stopping him from taking the footage for himself. In the cloud, he can’t get to it and you have the evidence you need.
Video Quality
Video quality is an important factor, as you need a clear shot of the suspect in order to obtain a positive identification.
The Blink records at 720p, while the Arlo Pro2 records at 1080p. You may think the Arlo is better because the number is higher, and technically you would be correct. But think about what you are actually recording – the outside of your house. If all you need is a clear shot of that person’s face, a 720p camera will do just fine.
Still not sure? Think of it this way: you have the same movie on both DVD and Blu-Ray. Yes, the Blu-Ray looks a little better, but a DVD will do just fine for showing home security.
In any case, the new XT2 records also at HD (1080p) like the Arlo Pro2 so in the video quality both models are great.
Camera Field of View (angle of view)
The camera in the Blink can view 110 degrees, while the camera in the Arlo can view 130 degrees – a slight difference that might matter when it comes to your home. Unless you want every angle of your property covered with no blind spots, the Blink camera will do just fine.
Customer Experience
As with anything, there are people who love it and people who hate it. Experiences differ and everyone forms their own opinion. When researching customer reviews, this is the mixed messaging you will come across. People also both complain and praise the customer service that these two companies provide.
Research has also shown that people who own these cameras rate the Arlo slightly better, pretty much matching the outcome of this article.
Final Verdict
How do you decide then between the two, you ask?
If you are concerned about price, then Blink XT is much cheaper than Arlo Pro2 (although compared with Arlo Pro the price difference is minimal).
You don’t want to come across as cheap, especially when it comes to you and your family’s safety, but the differences here are so minimal that it doesn’t matter which brand you go with – you will be satisfied either way.
As of the creation of this article, the Blink was a decent amount less expensive than the Arlo Pro2, so I would recommend the Blink based on that and that alone (for price conscious people).
On the other hand, if price is not an issue for you, then Arlo Pro/Pro2 offers better security in our opinion and also the Arlo Pro system (not Pro2) is not that more expensive compared to Blink.
The one feature that Arlo has that the Blink does not is the 100-decibel siren. If you feel that feature is worth the extra money, go with the Arlo since a security siren will play a significant role when an intruder enters your property. A loud siren will surely scare them off.
When you do go to make your purchase, see which brand will give you the best bang for your buck and decide from there. Stay safe!
I need the cameras for my vacation home there is not a lot of traffic around but I need the batteries to last at least 5 to 6 month I currently have the Blink XT and the batteries have lasted almost a year how are the batteries in the Arlo Pro 2 compare for the same use tot he Blink XT2
Hi Clara,
One of the strong points of Blink XT is its battery life. It can certainly last for more than 1 year (officially the manufacturer says 2 years).
The Arlo Pro 2 has rechargeable batteries which will not last more than a few weeks (around 2-3 months maximum). For your case, 5 to 6 months battery life on Arlo is very very difficult to achieve.
Harris
Amazon offers add on power cords for the XT/XT2 which is supposed to allow for continuous viewing if desired. Has anyone used these and are they a nice option?
Thanks for the read but it’s a horrible review. You just compared “The Blink records at 720p, while the Arlo Pro2 records at 1080p”
Why are you comparing old technology vs new technology?
Also the reviews on both of these are horrible. I would expect a good device to have 4-5 stars in the 85-90%. They are below 75% for 4 and 5 stars combined.
From what I see on both sides is they drop offline a lot, are doa, or fail after a short time and support isn’t very good.
I’m sad that these may be my only reasonable choices.
Edward, thanks for the feedback.
The review was originally written to compare the older Blink XT with Arlo and then updated to include also comparison between the newer XT2 and Arlo Pro2. In the article I’m stating also that the new XT2 records also in 1080p.
Moreover, the reviews you see in the table are taken from Amazon (they are actual reviews from customers on Amazon).
Thanks again