Arlo vs Lorex Security Camera Comparison
Two smart security brands, our experts put Arlo and Lorex head to head.
Arlo
- 100% wireless home security cams
- Wide-range of high-quality camera options
- Third-party smart home integration
Lorex Camera System
- Exceptional video quality up to 4K
- Commercial-grade quality and construction
- Several custom recording options
Arlo and Lorex security cameras provide homeowners with multiple features that are extremely beneficial when it comes to securing their property and protecting their families. Neither company requires a contract and both are designed to be monitored by the homeowner. Cloud storage is available with both companies and you can save your videos for any length of time. The cameras from both Arlo and Lorex offer high-definition picture quality no matter what option you choose. While both systems offer package options, Lorex offers more ways to customize your package which is a good choice if you have a larger home or need additional cameras and sensors.
Monitoring
Each system is designed to be monitored by the homeowner. Although both can be set up to be monitored by a third-party service, neither offers 24/7 professional monitoring as one of their features. Arlo offers third-party integration and is capable of paring with smart devices that allow for at least partial automation in the home. Lorex, on the other hand, offers you the ability to connect with your security system at any time using their convenient mobile app. You can log in and view your home from any location. Both companies put the responsibility of notifying the authorities on the homeowner. As soon as you receive a notification from your system, it’s up to you to determine if the emergency warrants a call to the local emergency personnel.
Features
Arlo’s security cameras come equipped with night vision, motion sensors, and baby monitors. There are multiple types of cameras to choose from and each hub can accommodate as many as 60 cameras. The app used to connect you to the system can be used on either the Android or the iOS platform. Cameras can also integrate easily with a variety of smart devices.
Lorex offers several features that are extremely popular with camera-based systems. Lorex devices include features like temperature control, cloud storage options, Skype, motion sensors, night vision, and two-way communication abilities. Lorex is able to pair rather with Android systems but has been known to have issues with the iOS platform.
Costs
Arlo cameras will range in price depending on where you buy them. In most cases, MSRP ranges between $250 and $480. Places like Amazon normally offer special deals. You have two options when it comes to plans. They are the Basic for $9.99/month or $100/annually or the Elite for $14.99/month or $149/annually. The lower-priced of the two security cameras is the Arlo Pro. You also have the Arlo Pro 2 for an option. Arlo also offers a security light.
Lorex offers many different cameras to choose from with the cheapest being around $99. Customizing your own home security system can be rather expensive depending on the number of cameras and other devices you choose. High-end systems can cost as much as $3000. Lorex does not charge for shipping and you will receive a refund if all of the equipment is returned within the 60-day window. Fees for cloud storage start at $6.99 a month or you can pay annually for $70.
Installation
Arlo comes with easy to follow instructions and only takes a few minutes to install. Once you have the system up and running, it is very easy to use. It is also easy to relocate if you choose to move.
Lorex is more difficult to install but is very easy to manage. The system comes with detailed instructions for both installation and setup.
Our Take: Arlo vs Lorex
Arlo offers technologically advanced cameras that work well for both homeowners and renters. It’s a good choice if you want a system you can manage on your own and that is easy to both install and use.
Lorex is a better choice if you feel that you need to customize your system. It’s also a good choice if you want the highest level of technology possible in a self-monitoring system.
FAQs
Lorex and Arlo are two very different security systems, so we had even more questions to answer straight from our readers.
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Is Lorex better than Arlo?
Yes, Lorex is better than Arlo. While Lorex has cameras with impressive 1520p HD video, Arlo will make more sense for those looking for home security systems. Not only are its cameras cheaper, but Lorex lacks cloud storage for many of its cameras along with smart platform integrations, and artificial intelligence. Lorex-users get notified whenever there’s motion, whereas Arlo users get more specific notifications from people, vehicles, packages and pets. Arlo-users can also control their cameras using Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands, whereas the Lorex cameras we’ve tested don’t work with any voice assistants.
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Is Lorex a good brand?
Lorex is a good brand, but it’s better for businesses or large homes, as its packages tend to be pretty large. We appreciate Lorex for its wide variety of cameras which range in terms of video, audio, infrared night vision, etc. It’s also a good choice for someone that wants to avoid monthly fees, as most cameras come with local storage included.
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Is Lorex going out of business?
Lorex is not going out of business. It is still producing new camera systems, available both on its website and from big box retailers.
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Is there a monthly fee for Lorex?
For Lorex cameras, there’s no required monthly fees. However, with some cameras, you can pay monthly for more cloud storage, although there’s no professional monitoring option with any system.