Ring vs Arlo Comparison

We put these two wireless security systems head-to-head. See which one came out on top!

Key Takeaways from Our Ring vs Arlo Comparison:

1. Ring offers total home security with entry sensors, home security cameras, doorbell cameras, floodlights and more
2. Arlo offers security cameras and a security system, but rather than traditional security sensors like door sensors and motion sensors, it offers a multi-purpose sensor
3. Both systems include well-designed equipment that’s built-to-last
4. Monthly pricing for both systems are competitive, with cloud storage plans in the $10 to $15 range and monitoring in the $20 to $25 range
5. Both Ring is Amazon-owned and has deep pockets for R&D and putting out new features and tech, and while Arlo was originally owned by Netgear, it spun off on its own in 2018

Ring vs Arlo Comparison Overview

Key Differences: Ring vs Arlo

• Ring offers comprehensive home security, while Arlo’s security system is untested and offers a multi-functional sensor rather than traditional security sensors
• Arlo’s security cameras are superior to Ring’s cameras, with resolutions going up to 4K (some of the best 4K security cameras are from Arlo) compared to Ring’s 1080p HD max resolution
• Arlo cameras are capable of facial recognition and person detection, while Ring capitalizes on features like motion detection (including 3D or radar-based motion detection)
• All Ring security camera features are available right out the box (except cloud recording, which requires a cloud plan), whereas some Arlo features like motion zones and person detection require a subscription
• Ring subscription plans are cheaper – only $10 per month for 60 days of unlimited cloud recording – compared to Arlo’s $12.99 for 30 days of recording

Key Similarities: Ring vs Arlo

• Ring and Arlo are both wireless systems with an easy DIY install
• Neither company requires a long-term contract
• Both offer Wi-Fi-based security systems with cellular backup
• Ring and Arlo deliver surveillance security (indoor and outdoor cameras)
• Both systems are stacked with nifty features and sold at a reasonable price point

These quick comparisons are just a glimpse at what’s in store. Our Ring vs Arlo comparison is the most comprehensive comparison of these two home security systems. So read on to learn how they measure up where it matters most.

Home Security Categories We Compare:

• Age and Influence
• Features and Technology
• Monitoring Options
• Emergency Connections / Response Times
• Equipment Included
• Equipment Quality
• Home Automation
• Ease of Installation
• Customer Service
• Contracts
• Cost and Value

Age and Influence

Ring — Modern home security is basically spelled R.I.N.G. The young company got its start in 2013 under the name Doorbot. The founder, Jamie Siminoff, took his smart doorbell onto Shark Tank’s TV show. The Sharks made an offer, but Siminoff declined. He rebranded the company and began raking in loads of funding. The company later expanded to offer full home security with Ring Alarm. In 2018 Amazon bought Ring for a reported $1.2 to $1.8 billion. Today the company has over 1,300 employees, millions of customers, and a deep stake in the home security market. Needless to say, Ring is young but highly influential.

Arlo — Arlo got its start in 2014. While the company is about the same age as Ring, Arlo doesn’t carry half the weight or influence of its competitor. Originally, Arlo was launched as a division of Netgear. They rebranded as Arlo in 2018, and by 2019 the company had 2.7 million users and 5 times that many devices sold. Right now, Arlo is a favorite among DIYers and those looking for superb video quality.

Age and Influence Category Winner: Ring

Ring wins this one by a long shot. The Amazon-owned company has deep pockets for marketing and advertising, and it’s no secret they’re growing like wildfire. But Age and Influence is just one of the important categories we judge. Keep reading to see how Arlo measures up to Ring regarding features and tech.

Features and Technology

Ring is much more than an alarm system with door and window sensors. The company also offers a lineup of impressive features and tech, including the Ring Doorbell and Ring Cameras. Let’s take a quick look at Ring’s full suite of offerings.

The Ring Alarm includes the following features:

• Entryway sensors, motion detectors, control panel, and central hub
• Optional 24/7 monitoring for as low as $20/mo.
• Home automation features and integrations
• Seamless cellular backup
• Environmental monitoring
• Easy DIY installation
• Remote control via Ring Alarm mobile app
• Ring neighborhood watch app ‘Neighbors’
• And more

Ring Cameras come in four different styles. The Indoor Cam that starts at $59.99, Stick Up Cam that starts at $179, the Spotlight Cam that starts at $199, and the Floodlight Cam that starts at $249. The features and tech include:

• Indoor and outdoor cameras
• HD image quality and live-streaming
• Infrared night vision
• Motion-activated real-time notifications
• Two-way talk to visitors/intruders
• Customized zones to dial in notifications
• Do-it-yourself installation
• Built-in security lights (for Spotlight and Floodlight Cam models)

Finally, the Ring Doorbell comes stacked with the following features:

• Instant motion-activated or button-press alerts
• Ability to live-stream entryway activity
• Two-way talk
• Custom motion sensor zones
• Infrared night vision
• Event history timeline/activity log
• Weather-resistant design
• Easy DIY wireless installation

These different home security components (Ring Alarm, Ring Cameras, Ring Doorbell) each work independently of one another. And of course, if you have the whole Ring system setup, the separate components work seamlessly together to form one smart and sophisticated home security and automation ecosystem.

>> Learn More: About Ring Alarm’s Pricing and Costs

Arlo — Arlo also offers a security system, but its catalog is made mostly of security cameras. In particular, Arlo is an expert of wire-free, battery-powered cameras. As such, it’s more effective if you want to build your home security around video surveillance. And as a video-based system, Arlo excels at providing crisp imaging, night vision, and smart features like person detection. See our Arlo 4K review for an example of a truly impressive Arlo camera.

Arlo security camera features and tech include:

• Wireless and wired outdoor and indoor cameras
• Wi-Fi and cellular-based connections
• 1080p HD, or 4K HDR image quality
• Smart home integrations
• Easy DIY installation
• Custom activity zones
• Live-streaming
• Two-way talk
• Weather-resistant design
• Baby camera/monitor

Arlo doorbell camera offers the following features:

• Real-time mobile alerts
• Remote communication
• Visitor messages
• Quick replies
• 7-day cloud recording
• Easy DIY setup

As for that Arlo security system we mentioned earlier, it comes with two types of equipment only. A device that functions as a hub, keypad, and motion sensor, and an all-in-one sensor that functions as an entryway, motion, temperature, water, freeze, tilt (for garage doors) sensor. We have yet to test the Arlo security system, but having tested similar systems before (see our Nooni review and Minut review), we know that these all-in-one type sensors have severe downsides. Since you can place a sensor in only one location, you won’t be able to take advantage of all its functions anyway (e.g. a water sensor is useless on your front door), so you’ll still end up buying multiple sensors.

>> Learn More: About Arlo’s Pricing and Costs

Features and Tech Category Winner: Ring

Ring offers complete home security. Customers can secure their homes using door and window sensors, high-quality indoor and outdoor cameras, and even a video doorbell camera. While Arlo’s offering may seem similar, its all-in-one system functions differently and can’t match Ring Alarm in terms of features.

Monitoring Options

Ring — Ring Alarm customers have a few extremely affordable monitoring options to choose from. You can self-monitor your system for free. You can purchase the Ring Protect Basic plan for $3.99 per month and get video recording and sharing features for one camera or doorbell. Or you can choose the Ring Protect Plus Plan for $10 per month and get all of your Ring cameras covered with video recording and sharing features.

If you have a Ring Alarm system as well, the $20 Ring Protect Pro plan is all-inclusive of cellular backup, 24/7 professional monitoring, and cloud storage for unlimited Ring cameras. At any rate, these monthly monitoring fees are too cheap to pass up.

Arlo — Arlo’s cloud storage plans are understandably more expensive because some Arlo cameras record in 2K and 4K resolution. As such, they take up more storage space. You can buy cloud recording for just one camera for $4.99 per month, but unlimited plans are available. The minimum is $12.99, and that gives you 30 days of cloud storage for as many 1080p, 2K, or 4K Arlo cameras.

If you opt to buy a security system, there’s also a monitoring plan for $24.99 per month that includes the same cloud storage capabilities above plus professional monitoring for the security system (security cameras are not covered by monitoring).

Monitoring Options Category Winner: Ring

Ring wins this category almost by default. Since the Ring Alarm system is better than Arlo’s security system, its monitoring is also better. On top of that, $20 per month for monitoring and cloud storage is hard to beat. Arlo’s $24.99 monthly plan is competitive, but not as great as Ring.

Emergency Connections / Response Times

Ring — Ring delivers Wi-Fi and cellular-based home security devices. These devices tap into your Wi-Fi and have a fail-safe cellular backup (for Ring Alarm only) in case you go offline. And if you sign-up with the Ring Protect Pro plan, response times are fast, with emergency monitoring personnel typically on the line in 30 seconds or less.

Arlo — Arlo also offers cellular backup, but it’s not included in the basic security system. You’ll need to buy a $79.99 cellular and battery backup device to enable the feature on the Arlo All-in-One security system. But again, since we haven’t tested the security system yet, we have no experience with Arlo’s response times.

One thing to note though is that Arlo offers a rare type of security camera that can function without Wi-Fi called the Arlo Go. It streams and records to the cloud using LTE/4G signals delivered by a supported SIM card. This requires a different monthly data plan (on top of a cloud storage place), but it’s worth it if you want video monitoring for a space without Wi-Fi (like a cabin in the woods, for example).

Emergency Connections Category Winner: Tie

Both companies offer Wi-Fi and cellular-based emergency connections. It’s the 21st century, and fast and reliable connections are what consumers have come to expect.

Equipment Included

Ring — Ring sells three main packages: A 5-piece kit for apartments or condos that includes one entryway sensor and one motion detector ($199); a 10-piece kit for 1-2 bedroom homes that include 5 entryway sensors and two motion detectors ($259); or a 14 piece kit that covers larger homes and includes 8 entry sensors and two motion detectors ($329). All of Ring’s packages come with a central hub and control panel. This is just enough equipment to cover your home, but you can always upgrade your order with Ring Cameras and the Ring Doorbell (See our Ring Doorbell Review).

Ring Alarm upgrades and add-ons include:

• Additional entry sensors, motion detectors, control panels
• Panic button
• Environmental monitoring sensors (smoke, CO, flood, and freeze)
• Range extender
• Solar panels
• Battery packs
• Yard signs
• And more

Arlo —Arlo offers its security systems in two packages: A bundle with one hub and two all-in-one sensors ($199.99) and a bundle with one hub and five all-in-one sensors ($299.99). In addition, you can choose from different camera styles like the Arlo Essential cameras (cheapest cameras from Arlo), Arlo Pro (mid-range with 2K resolution), and Arlo Ultra (high-end with 4K resolution. Prices start at $49.99 for the Arlo Essential Indoor but can go as high as $299.99 for the Arlo Ultra 2. Not cheap. However, you can buy packages and bundles to enjoy a small discount.

Equipment Included Category Winner: Ring

Ring is the better ‘bang for your buck’ value. You can start securing your home for as little as $199, and the average homeowner can outfit their 1,000-2,000 sq. ft. home for only $259. This definitely beats Arlo.

Equipment Quality

Ring — Ring home security equipment quality is top-notch and continues to improve. Let’s not forget that Amazon is the power player behind the Ring brand, so the resources to ‘get it right’ are virtually endless. The equipment is reminiscent of Apple products, all-white color schemes with blue accents. Users are impressed with the solid construction when unboxing the product. Even if Ring doesn’t measure up to the quality standards of ADT, Vivint, or Frontpoint, the equipment is plenty good for the price you pay.

>> Learn More: See our Ring Alarm Review and Ring Security Camera Review

Arlo — Arlo’s cameras are built-to-last and made with high-quality materials. The outdoor cameras can take a beating by the weather. Rain, sleet, sun, and snow are no match for Arlo’s workhorse cameras. They’ll continue to offer top-quality video security in almost any condition imaginable. They are designed for both form and function. The well-designed cameras have a modern design with a glossy black-and-white color scheme. And, of course, the cameras only take minutes to set up.

>> Learn More: See our Arlo Review

Equipment Quality Category Winner: Tie

This is a close one. Arlo puts out better quality cameras than Ring, but Ring offers better all-around quality across their lineup of products. Either way, both companies make sophisticated DIY products that will surely do the job for years to come.

Home Automation

Ring — Smart home aficionados love Ring. The company offers its own smart features like the Ring Doorbell, Stick Up Cam, Spotlight Cam, Floodlight Cam, and Smart Lighting. The best part, you can easily control all of your smart devices from the convenience of your smartphone via the Ring app. Ring also integrates with several third-party platforms. The base station functions as a smart home automation hub and works with Z-Wave, Zigbee, IFTTT, and others. You can also set up voice commands via Alexa and Google Home to control lighting, smart locks, and more. Ring does smart home automation right.

Arlo — With the Arlo SmartHub, customers can link devices from third-party platforms right into their Arlo ecosystem. Outfit your home with smart lighting, door locks, garage door openers, thermostats, and more. Arlo also uses Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control functionality. Upgrade to Arlo’s 4K surveillance and tap into a 3-in-1 surveillance ecosystem for total home surveillance + home automation. Needless to say, Arlo offers plenty of smart home automation to keep most people happy.

Home Automation Category Winner: Ring

Arlo is nipping at the heels of Ring in this category. But we have to hand it to Ring for their extensive lineup of smart feature options. And don’t forget that Ring is an Amazon product, so it works uniquely great with Amazon’s smart home assistant, Alexa.

Ease of Installation

Ring — The brilliance of Ring (and Arlo!) is found in the simple do-it-yourself installation. You don’t need any tools, nor do you need to drill into walls or splice circuitry. All you need is a few minutes and a bit of DIY spirit. If you have any trouble at all, Ring has plenty of guides and a stellar help center to get you sorted.

Arlo — Users can get up and running with Arlo’s camera-based home security in 30 minutes or less. The system is designed for do-it-yourself installation. And the cameras can mount virtually anywhere. Now, if you purchase one of Arlo’s premium kits with 6+ cameras, you’d be wise to set aside an hour or two to complete installation. Arlo’s Support Center will help you on your way if you run into any roadblocks.

Ease of Installation Category Winner: Tie

Ring and Arlo both deliver home security equipment ready to go straight out of the box. You’ll be up and running with plug-and-play ease. No tools. No-fuss. No sweat. Just fast and easy home security installation, the way it should be.

Customer Service

Ring — Unfortunately, it’s a mixed bag regarding Ring’s customer service. Most customers find the service to be satisfactory, while others feel it’s impersonal at best. Ring does offer a comprehensive self-service Help Center that includes helpful FAQ’s, a blog, device help, a setup guide, installation support, and in-store support. Customers can also communicate via live chat, email, and phone to speak with a Ring representative. For a company that’s experiencing exponential growth, the service department isn’t half bad.

Arlo — Arlo also has a helpful support center. They’ve got everything from FAQ resources to video tutorials, articles, and more. Arlo has a live-chat option, and their base packages include 90 days of premium phone support. Not bad.

Customer Service Category Winner: Arlo

Arlo offers the quality of service that Ring brings to the table, and then some. The company gets great ratings all around. Great customer service is critical, and you shouldn’t have a problem getting the help you need with Ring or Arlo.

Contracts

Ring — Ring doesn’t require contracts. All of their products are purchased upfront, and the monitoring is paid monthly. Let’s face it — people move, have financial hardships, or simply find they no longer need the service. So the flexibility to cancel anytime is important for home security.

Arlo — Much like Ring, Arlo offers no-contract, month-to-month home security. There are no contracts, so you can freely cancel anytime you want. That said, Arlo offers financing plans for its cameras, so if you sign up for those, you might be required to pay a monthly fee for some time.

Contracts Category Winner: Tie

Both companies make no-contract home security a reality. With big-name comprehensive home security companies, contracts are a necessary evil. And people don’t mind signing them because they know the products and services are tried and true. But we recommend finding month-to-month security like Ring or Arlo whenever possible.

Cost and Value

Ring — Depending on the size of your home, $199 to $329 will give you everything needed to safeguard what matters most. Once you have the equipment, you can either self-monitor (free!) or pay $20 per month max for around-the-clock professional monitoring. It doesn’t get any cheaper than Ring. Ring just might deliver more value for the price than any home security system on the market. And remember, unlike Arlo, Ring customers can get everything from door and window sensors, to security cameras, video doorbell cams, floodlights, smart home automation, and more.

Arlo —Arlo delivers great value, but its pricing tends to be higher than Ring overall. Most Arlo cameras are in the $150 to $300 range, plus cloud subscriptions can cost $12.99 to $17.99 per month. If you add in professional monitoring, that’s $24.99. Suffice it to say, you’ll be spending more on Arlo than Ring in the long run.

Cost and Value Category Winner: Ring

Ring wins this category by a landslide, especially if you’re looking for total home security with entryway sensors. The nice thing about Ring is that you can purchase a base package and customize it to suit your needs. Add a Ring Doorbell camera for as low as $99-$199. And throw some Ring cameras in the mix for $179-$249 apiece.

That’s the scoop on Ring vs Arlo. Depending on what you’re looking for in-home security, both companies sell high-quality equipment and reliable service. But like always, there can only be one winner. So see below for an at-a-glance rundown of the category winners.

• Age and Influence: Winner – Ring
• Features and Technology: Winner – Ring
• Monitoring Options: Winner – Ring
• Emergency Connections: Winner – Tie
• Equipment Included: Winner – Ring
• Equipment Quality: Winner – Tie
• Home Automation: Winner – Ring
• Ease of Installation: Winner – Tie
• Customer Service: Winner – Arlo
• Contracts: Winner – Tie
• Cost and Value: Winner – Ring
• Overall Winner – Ring

The Bottom Line

Ring and Arlo are two value-packed home security systems, but they protect your home in two very different ways.

Ring is your go-to system if you’re looking for door and window sensors, motion detectors, and the like. And the home automation features and integrations that Ring delivers are enough to make the techiest of techies giddy for days. The features and tech aren’t super-advanced, but the system certainly outperforms the low price you pay. And you can upgrade to get Ring Cameras, Ring Doorbell, and so much more.

On the other hand, Arlo is the best choice if you’re looking to outfit your home with sophisticated security cameras. Arlo also offers smart home features, integrations, and a video doorbell camera to ward off burglars and package thieves.