The Arlo Essential XL Gen 2 and Arlo Essential Gen 2 are among the new addition to the ship’s company ’s catalog . Along with incredibly similar names , the two portion a caboodle of the same features . And when placed side by side , they look exchangeable , too . However , there are a few key differences between these products , including both functioning and pricing .

endeavor to figure out which is unspoilt for your smart home ? Here ’s a unaired look at the Arlo Essential XL Gen 2 and Arlo Essential Gen 2 to help you make the veracious decision . Once you ’re done looking at these two popular cameras , be sure to hold in out our roundup of thebest outdoor security camerasand thebest security camerasfor both indoor and outdoor use .

Pricing and monthly fees

The Arlo Essential Gen 2 is available in two data formatting — HD and 2K. The HD mannequin be $ 50 and the 2 thou example be $ 100 . It ’s a similar story for the Arlo Essential XL Gen 2 , with the HD model be $ 100 and the 2 G model costing $ 150 .

The next plan , Secure Plus , be $ 18 per month and adds 24/7 exigency response . It ’s worth considering this architectural plan if you have multiple camera ( it ’s just $ 5 more per month the like Arlo Secure programme ) , though it ’s not the right investment funds for homes with a exclusive security department camera .

The most expensive programme is Safe and Secure Pro at $ 25 per month . This bring home the bacon users with a bunch of extra features on the Arlo Safe app ( include emergency contact alerts and family tab - ins ) . You ’ll also get 24/7 professional monitoring if you own an Arlo Security System .

For more details , contain out our in - depth look atArlo Secure .

Winner : Arlo Essential Gen 2

Design and installation

The Arlo Essential Gen 2 and Arlo Essential XL Gen 2 are both wireless cameras , stand for setup postulate little more than syncing with your Wi - Fi internet and mount them to your household . They expend a unsubdivided sliding mechanism to dock and undock the tv camera from its riding horse — making it gentle to take it down for maintenance or to remove its battery pack .

The hardest part of instalment will likely be figuring out where to climb your security tv camera . Most user place it above a front doorway overlook their terrace , though other common floater let in backyard summerhouse or even tree diagram tree trunk . Be sure to get hold a spot that gives you the most coverage of your property and ca n’t be easily reached by intruders .

As for their design , you ’d be heavily - pressed to recognize the differences between the two camera . The XL is a flake bulkier , but unless they ’re placed justly next to each other , it ’s nearly unimaginable to secern . Both athletics Arlo ’s received black - and - white color scheme , with a white chassis surrounding a black faceplate and camera housing . No other colour or form are offered .

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Resolution and night vision

The Arlo Essential Gen 2 can film in 1080p or 2 K , depending on which model you purchase . It ’s the same story for the Arlo Essential XL Gen 2 . Both also capture color night vision and are snitch for indoor and outside use , and both sport a 130 - degree regard angle . As a bonus , the two gadget arrive with a built - in spot — and while it ’s not as powerful as a straight floodlight , it ’s great for dissuade unwanted guests .

Features and spec list

The Arlo Essential Gen 2 and Arlo Essential XL Gen 2 share most of the same eyeglasses . This includes viewing slant , colouring material Nox imaginativeness , two - style audio frequency , a build up - in spotlight , and wireless connectivity . They ’re both waterproof and conditions - immune , allowing you to practice them in all climate .

The big difference between the two is barrage sprightliness . While the Arlo Essential Gen 2 is rate for around four months of battery animation , the XL is shop for a stupefying 16 months . That makes it incredibly compelling for use at a 2nd habitation or vacation renting that you do n’t visit very often . It ’s also ideal for homes that plan to put the camera in a operose - to - reach place — meaning you wo n’t have to take out a ladder and pull down the camera more than once a year .

Keep in mind that most users will see battery life that fall little of these military rank , as real - sprightliness conditions ( such as utmost weather and increase motion warning signal ) hurt performance .

Winner : Arlo Essential XL Gen 2

Is the Arlo Essential XL Gen 2 worth an extra $50?

For most households , the Arlo Essential XL Gen 2 is a reasonable purchase . It ’s $ 50 more expensive than the standard Arlo Essential Gen 2 , but its unbelievable battery life is a huge calibre - of - lifetime upgrade , allow you to go an entire yr without worrying about your camera . It ’s an even promiscuous recommendation if you plan to use it at a 2d property , as it negates the pauperism to head out every few month just to substitute batteries . If you project to utilize the security camera for the next several years , you ’re saving yourself a lot of sentence and headache .

Alternatively , homes on a budget ( or homes that ’ll be placing the photographic camera in an well-to-do - to - gain location ) can save a few bucks by picking up the Arlo Essential Gen 2 . Almost all features are shared across the twist , make battery life the primary consideration .

Since both cameras are available in either HD or 2 cat valium , you ’ll need to decide if the increase solution is important to you . We ’d recommend springing for a 2 K fashion model if you have a large holding to protect , as it allows you to capture clean range even after soar upwards in . But if you ’re just planning to point the camera at a small area near your front room access , you’re able to get out with an HD model .

Keep in judgement you ’ll also want to pick up an Arlo Secure subscription — so be trusted to factor that on-going cost into your calculation .