Arlo is a well-known name in the market of security cameras and they are also offering some of the best systems with Arlo Pro 4 Vs Ultra. These cameras are very capable at delivering good image quality and come with some useful features to work with. The two are currently quite different too however so you may prefer one over the other. If clarity and a reliable system are what you look for, let’s see what they can offer below.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- Why Installing Security Camera at Home
- What are the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra
- How are the Camera of Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra
- How are the Image Quality of Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra
- What else Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra can offer
- How are the Installation of Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra
- Arlo Pro 4 Vs Ultra
Security Cameras
Security cameras are everywhere now since the device is getting more affordable and capable. Security cameras are usually meant for monitoring purposes and since most of us already have Wi-Fi at home, there is very little need to hardwire your camera into a storage system. Having one at home is very convenient because you can always be aware of the property even when not present in the spot or you can even communicate with the person on the other side.
The security camera market kicks off as they are getting more affordable. We still remember the day people compared a security camera to a webcam because they have the same function and can do the same task but, a security camera nowadays is not only a camera mounted on something. We do think there are still some people using webcam to monitor their space or an area but if you are more serious about surveillance, a security camera should be a wiser choice.
In most cases security cameras marketed today are connected through Wi-Fi because it opens up an unlimited advantage especially when it comes to accessibility. Now everyone has a smartphone, every person in the house can be added into the system and the family can monitor or use the camera together. It also allows you to choose somewhere else to store the footage because there is only so much a pen drive or memory card can offer as a physical storage.
Our personal favorite feature of a security camera is actually the system itself. Not every camera comes with a software that can detect movement or filtering the actions it can register so you can see notification whether there is a person or animal passing the area. It allows for a more effective way of monitoring because you don’t always get unnecessary notifications but still know what happens. This feature may vary however, depending on the brand and model because not all cameras are built the same.
Additionally even if you have never used one before, worry not because they are installed as simple as using smart home products or installing a Wi-Fi at home. Chances are you will need more time finding the ideal place and creating a safe mount to place the device. Depending on the camera as well, some of them are meant to be indoor only while some are weather shields to be used outdoors in different weathers or temperatures based on how good the housing is sealed.
Arlo Pro 4 | Arlo Ultra | |
---|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 3.5 x 2 x 3 inches | 3.5 x 2.0 x 3.0 inches |
Average Install Time | 7-10 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
Best offer | Check price | Check price |
About Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra
There are plenty of good security cameras out there based on which seems to match with your lifestyle or preference. We do recommend getting one with a decent resolution because it will be a waste of budget to see a recording of something that is lacking in clarity especially when it comes to important information like people’s faces or vehicle plate numbers. Make sure that your camera is at least 1080p in resolution and has night vision too for recording and detection at night.
You can shop from various different brands and in a wide range of price points too. Arlo for example is one of the most popular solutions when it comes to security cameras and this brand carries lots of different models to consider such as Arlo Pro and Ultra line. The Ultra line consists of a few different cameras now and we have talked about the Ultra 2 in Arlo Pro 4 Vs Ultra 2 here. These two lines are kind of similar with the difference being resolution.
This is because Ultra is usually the higher end model and comes with better camera ability. Today we are going to talk about the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra line which are pretty similar but also different. In comparison the two should work well for most people and if you don’t really need crisp footage then we can just stick to the lower models. Ultra is currently in its second version or Ultra 2 but the one we are going to compare today is their original variant.
The Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra are very similar in terms of features because Arlo provides the extended features with subscription and thus, as long as you are subscribing to the plan, their features will most likely be identical. However, besides the resolution itself, the installation steps of these cameras are different because Arlo Pro 4 can connect directly to your Wi-Fi while the Ultra line comes with the SmartHub which may require more time to work with but also seen as a safer and beneficial system.
Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra Design
In a glance these cameras are identical and they are indeed very similar to each other. The housing is clean with this white fashion while the main camera itself is black. The two have a built-in spotlight to illuminate the space and help with nighttime recording. The housing is made of hard plastic and they are rated to be installed outdoors in different weather. The dimension is the same and they are also coming with the same mount.
One feature that we really like from these cameras is their housing itself because you can pop out the main camera from the housing when accessing the battery. It makes the installation easier if you choose to charge it and put it back again since the casing itself sticks at the same mount. We also like that Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra are using magnetic charge because it is more secure and convenient whether you want to charge it from time to time or continuously such as when using a solar panel.
Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra Image Quality
Now for the most important part, let’s see what the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra can offer starting from the image quality. The main difference between the two is that the Pro 4 is a 2K while the Ultra is 4K camera. Side by side during the day they are about the same and we do think they are a bit tinted blue or have this bluish tone to it. Slightly we do think the Pro 4 is brighter compared to Ultra.
On a small screen we don’t think the difference will be noticeable since they are equally crisp. The image clarity starts to change when the sun disappears and it gets darker out there. The Ultra is dealing with low light better here and noticeably producing less noise compared to Pro 4 which can’t keep up with the details even when you are recording with its spotlight. You can still see people’s faces directly in front of the camera but darker areas may be very difficult to peek at.
Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra Features
The next part we want to talk about is their features because when it comes to Arlo cameras you will need to allocate some for the subscription. The basic features you can get without this service are live streaming and basic notification. The app itself is very useful and you can find various features here but the more accurate and smart filtering or notification are available on the subscription such as package detection and even emergency calling for some areas.
The most important part of this subscription is probably the cloud storage which is necessary when you choose the Pro 4. Unlike the Pro 3 or Ultra line, there is no Hub and physical storage on the unit meaning it can’t store the footage unless we are subscribed to the plan.
Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra Installation
Setting up security cameras are very simple and the reason why many still use Hub despite less convenience is because this Hub is seen as a safer way to connect your camera compared to when directly paired with the Wi-Fi because your Hub is creating its own individual connection this way. The Hub itself is featured with a physical storage and this is what many of us are attracted to since it means less necessary to have cloud storage to keep the footage.
Arlo Pro 4 Vs Ultra
The Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra are both attractive cameras but probably not for the same users. We do think having something to store the footage locally is great because it is cost saving and also safer since we are the one holding the file. Another difference is from the image quality because while the daytime recording is similarly great, the audio is better on the Ultra camera and it also looks better during the night with crisper footage and definitely less noise.
Conclusion
There is no bad option here only your preference and in comparison, if you want a local storage the Ultra or older Pro line will have the feature and this camera is also better looking during the night so you can see better details.
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