Why the Arlo Pro 5 2K Spotlight Camera is a smart security solution
Scott Hocking
STACK Senior Editor
We got our hands – and eyes – on the Arlo Pro 5 2K Spotlight Camera and were wowed by its vigilant monitoring, high-resolution video, ease of use, and sensitive detection tech.
Arlo has a reputation for top quality security cameras, and the latest addition to its Pro series, the Pro 5 2K Spotlight Camera, is a robust little beauty that’s packed with features and functionality, providing valuable peace of mind that your home is under round-the-clock surveillance.
Set-up simplicity
The Pro 5 2K is fully wireless, super-compact, and can be quickly and easily mounted indoors or outside using the included wall mount and screw kit or discreetly positioned atop a bookshelf or cabinet with no mounting required.
If you opt for an outdoor location, worry not about the weather – this highly durable cam is built to withstand harsh conditions from –20°C to 45°C.
Straight out of the box, this palm-sized camera has a quality look and feel. To get it up and running, simply download the Arlo Secure app for iOS or Android, open it, and tap Add Device to start the set-up process.
The Pro 5 features dual band Wi-Fi for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, and will automatically connect to the strongest network. 2.4Ghz is required for initial set-up before switching to 5Ghz for faster loading of videos with minimal buffering.
The camera can be easily integrated into Alexa and Google smart home ecosystems, and HomeKit is also supported when connected to an Arlo Smart Hub. Moreover, connection to an Arlo Home Security System delivers additional benefits like enhanced battery life and image verification when Wi-Fi and power are down.
24/7 security
The Pro 5 captures video in up to 2K resolution with HDR (High Dynamic Range) preserving details in bright areas and shadows, enabling you to easily discern objects, faces and licence plate numbers. Live feed video can be viewed instantly in the app, wherever you are. The 2K video clarity is very impressive, boasting fine details and rich colours – even on an overcast day or in a low-lit room.
The camera’s field of view is adjustable to suit the amount of coverage you need, from a wide 160° for greater range and protection to standard 125° and Full 110°. Automatic 12 x zoom and tracking of moving objects adds an extra level of surveillance, and you can also pinch to zoom into the video on a smartphone for close scrutiny.
The Pro 5 is an ever-vigilant sentinel after dark, too, with an integrated spotlight that activates whenever motion is detected. Better still, night vision footage is captured in full colour when the spotlight is on, revealing greater detail, like the colour of an intruder’s clothing. It also has a (very) loud inbuilt siren that can be triggered automatically or remotely to deter would-be intruders.
Complete security coverage also includes audio; the sensitive microphone allows two-way chat simultaneously – just like a phone call – as well as picking up any suspect sounds clearly.
AI Object recognition and notifications
This smart little camera can distinguish between people, pets, vehicles, and packages. Motion detection and object recognition are highly sensitive, with push notifications instantly alerting you to the type of object detected. If you find yourself bombarded with alerts, smart activity zones can be set up and notifications filtered so you don’t receive an alert every time the wind shakes a nearby branch or the dog wanders past. Motion alerts can also be set up to conveniently display an animated preview on a phone’s lock screen without needing to open the app to view the live video.
Long-life battery
You’ll get up to six months of surveillance from a fully charged battery, depending on the amount of activity captured, spotlight, and siren usage. And recharging is easy, even when the camera is mounted. Simply unscrew it from the mount and plonk it on the magnetic charging cable. The Pro 5 also has a low battery mode to automatically conserve power when the level reaches 10%; it will switch to capturing still photos intermittently instead of full video clips.
Access all areas
It’s important to mention that only live video and audio, motion and sound alerts can be accessed without an Arlo Secure subscription, which is required to access object detection, video history, activity zones, and animated previews. However, the good news is that a free three-month trial is included when you activate your new camera in the app, so you can immediately unlock the Pro 5’s full potential.
The bottom line
If you’re considering a reliable home security solution, the superb little Arlo Pro 5 2K Spotlight Camera has you covered with its sensitive detection tech, high-resolution video, colour night vision, and abundance of features and customisation options.
^Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. Prices may differ at airport stores.
