Why Is Everyone Ditching Arlo for Eufy?

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When Arlo announced their new subscription plans earlier this year, we heard from readers and viewers that they were ditching the former favorite for Eufy. This strong reaction prompted us to take a closer look at these security camera brands to find out what makes them such worthy rivals.

Both Arlo and Eufy are camera-centric companies offering high-quality equipment, including 2K recording and beyond. They provide home security systems, cloud storage, and compatibility with smart home devices. However, while Arlo has moved toward a subscription-heavy model, Eufy has resisted. This article will compare pricing, security gear, and video storage to help you decide whether it's worth leaving Arlo for Eufy.

Late last year, Arlo introduced its home security system, marking a significant shift in its offerings. This system features versatile sensors capable of detecting intruders, changes in light or temperature, and even water leaks. Arlo's system also offers one-button emergency calling and is more cost-effective than many professional installation systems, both in terms of monthly fees and upfront costs.

However, this release came with price increases and structural changes for existing Arlo customers. The subscription service, Arlo Secure, now ranges from $5 to $25 per month, with various tiers offering enhanced features.

Arlo's equipment is still relatively expensive, with individual cameras ranging from $60 to $300 each. Bundled kits with a local storage hub can cost up to $1100, making it a substantial investment.

In contrast, Eufy doesn't rely as heavily on subscriptions and cloud storage as Arlo. Eufy focuses on providing robust local storage options, with its HomeBase 3 hub accommodating hard drives of up to 16TB. This storage capacity is especially valuable when dealing with bundles of cameras that record in 2K and higher resolutions. While Eufy does offer cloud storage, it's not as essential as Arlo's subscription service.

However, Eufy's high-quality equipment comes with a heftier price tag. Camera kits with local storage can cost upwards of $1000. There were also privacy vulnerabilities discovered last year concerning Eufy, although its parent company, Anker, claims to have addressed these issues. Nonetheless, some Eufy enthusiasts remain skeptical of the service.

So, when it comes down to it, is there enough of a difference to justify switching from Arlo to Eufy? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences.

If you prioritize emergency response and personal safety features, sticking with Team Arlo might be the right choice. Arlo's subscription service, while adding to the monthly bill, provides a range of valuable features, including HomeKit compatibility. Arlo's cameras, which include options for 4K recording and wide-angle views, are also impressive.

On the other hand, Team Eufy offers the appeal of gathering high-resolution recordings without a monthly subscription. Eufy's cameras are slightly more technical to operate than Arlo's but are still user-friendly. And Eufy's unique range of cameras—including the garage control camera and solar-powered options—add to its appeal.

In conclusion, both Arlo and Eufy offer quality cameras, video doorbells, and security systems at comparable prices. If you're comfortable with the idea of a monthly subscription, Arlo might be the better choice. However, if you prefer to avoid monthly fees and value local storage, Eufy could be your answer. Ultimately, it's a matter of whether you choose to subscribe or not, and both brands have their merits.

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