Compare · data checked 2026-09-15
Arlo or Reolink: which costs less to own?
Arlo cameras save no video without Arlo Secure, while reolink cameras record to local storage with no monthly fee. With four of each brand's cheapest camera, Reolink costs about $740 less over three years ($1,000 for Arlo vs $260 for Reolink). Pick on coverage and app first: the cheapest camera isn't always the right one for your yard.
3-year cost with the cheapest camera
| Arlo | Reolink | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest camera | Arlo Essential (3rd Gen) Battery | Reolink Argus MagiCam |
| 1 camera | $430$70 + $9.99/mo (Single camera) | $65 |
| 2 cameras | $859$140 + $19.98/mo (Single camera) | $130 |
| 4 cameras | $1,000$280 + $19.99/mo (Unlimited) | $260 |
| Needs a plan to record | Yes | No |
| Works with | Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings | Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant |
What's free and what's paid
Arlo
Without a plan you get live view and basic alerts. Recordings need a plan, or an Arlo SmartHub for local storage.
On the Arlo Pro 6, free features are live view, motion alerts and two-way talk ; a plan adds any recorded video, cloud video history, person detection, package detection and vehicle detection.
- Arlo Secure Single camera: $9.99/mo, 1 device
- Arlo Secure Unlimited: $19.99/mo, unlimited devices
Reolink
Without a plan Reolink cameras record to microSD, a Home Hub or an NVR. Reolink Cloud is optional; we couldn't verify its price.
On the Reolink Argus 4 Pro, free features are live view, motion alerts, activity zones, person detection, vehicle detection, local playback, any recorded video and two-way talk ; a plan adds cloud backup.
All Arlo and Reolink models we track
| Model | Type | Price | Planner-ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo Pro 6 | Camera | $124.99 | Yes |
| Arlo Essential (3rd Gen) Battery | Camera | $69.99 | Yes |
| Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) | Doorbell | $79.99 | Specs incomplete |
| Reolink Argus 4 Pro | Camera | $214.99 | Yes |
| Reolink Altas PT Ultra | Camera | $219.99 | Specs incomplete |
| Reolink Argus MagiCam | Camera | $64.99 | Yes |
| Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam | Floodlight | $128.99 | Yes |
| Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi | Floodlight | $249.99 | Yes |
| Reolink E1 Outdoor Pro | Camera | $149.99 | Yes |
| Reolink Argus Eco Ultra | Camera | $139.99 | Yes |
| Reolink RLC-820A PoE Bullet | Camera | $99.99 | Yes |
| Reolink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) | Doorbell | $149.99 | Yes |
| Reolink Video Doorbell (Battery) | Doorbell | $119.99 | Yes |
Which to choose
- If the monthly fee is the deciding factor, Reolink is cheaper to own over three years by about $740 for four cameras.
- Arlo's plan buys cloud history, so your clips survive if a camera is stolen. Local storage on a camera's own card doesn't.
- Match the app you already use: Arlo lists Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings; Reolink lists Google Home, Alexa and Home Assistant.
This is the general answer. Your house has its own.
Pick your layout and rules, and see the cameras, blind spots and 3-year cost for your home.