Arlo Ultra 2 vs Arlo Pro 5S – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Security camera

Arlo Ultra 2 & Arlo Pro 5S share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Arlo Ultra 2 rather than the Arlo Pro 5S. 

Why Do I Recommend The Arlo Ultra 2

  • The Arlo Ultra 2 has a 4K UHD resolution camera for sharper details, enhanced clarity, and improved zoom capabilities, compared to the Arlo Pro 5S’s 2K QHD resolution.
  • Arlo Ultra 2 features a 180° field of view to provide wider coverage and reduce blind spots, while the Arlo Pro 5S features a narrower 160° view.
  • It has an ultra-bright LED spotlight to deliver superior illumination & better nighttime visibility, compared to the Arlo Pro 5S’s standard spotlight.
  • The Arlo Ultra 2 supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) to enhance video quality with improved contrast and detail in challenging lighting conditions, which the Arlo Pro 5S lacks.
  • Arlo Ultra 2 offers 12x digital zoom for clearer close-ups and improved identification of distant objects, while the Arlo Pro 5S is limited to 8x zoom.
  • It has noise-canceling audio for clearer two-way communication, reducing background noise and improving voice clarity, compared to the Arlo Pro 5S’s standard audio.
  • The Arlo Ultra 2 supports auto-tracking to follow movement automatically and provide better tracking of intruders, which the Arlo Pro 5S does not offer.
  • Arlo Ultra 2 features enhanced AI object detection for improving accuracy in distinguishing people, vehicles, and animals, compared to the Arlo Pro 5S’s standard detection capabilities.

Maybe the Arlo Pro 5S price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Arlo Ultra 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature Arlo Ultra 2 Arlo Pro 5S
Video Resolution 4K UHD 2K QHD
Field of View (FOV) 180° Wide-Angle 160° Wide-Angle
Spotlight Brightness Ultra-Bright LED Spotlight Standard LED Spotlight
Color Night Vision Enhanced Color Night Vision Standard Color Night Vision
Zoom Capability 12x Digital Zoom 8x Digital Zoom
Audio Noise Cancellation + 2-Way Audio 2-Way Audio Only
SmartHub Compatibility Required for 4K Streaming Compatible
Battery Life Shorter Due to 4K Power Demand Longer with Optimized 2K Efficiency
Siren Integrated Siren with Higher Output Integrated Siren (Standard Output)
Object Detection Advanced AI with Improved Recognition Standard AI Object Detection
Auto-Tracking Yes No
HDR Support Yes No
Bandwidth Requirements Higher Lower
Encryption Advanced Encryption Standard Encryption
Price Check Arlo Ultra 2 Price Check Arlo Pro 5S Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Wireless Connectivity: Both the Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Pro 5S support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz), ensuring strong connectivity and minimal interference.

  • Battery Power: Both devices rely on rechargeable batteries, allowing for wire-free installation and easy relocation.

  • Weatherproof Design: With IP65 certification, both cameras can withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor use.

  • Integrated Spotlight: Each camera includes an LED spotlight that activates during motion detection, enhancing visibility at night.

  • Color Night Vision: Both cameras deliver full-color video in low-light conditions, providing improved clarity compared to traditional black-and-white night vision.

  • Two-Way Audio: With built-in microphones and speakers, both allow for real-time communication with visitors or potential intruders.

  • Cloud & Local Storage: Both models provide cloud storage via Arlo’s subscription plan and support local storage through a SmartHub/Base Station.

  • Motion Detection & Smart Alerts: Both cameras offer intelligent alerts for detecting people, vehicles, and animals, improving the accuracy of motion notifications.

  • Built-in Siren: Both include a remote-activated siren to deter intruders.

  • Voice Assistant Support: Both are compatible with popular smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

  • Customizable Activity Zones: Users can define specific areas within the camera’s view to focus on important regions and reduce false alarms.

  • Encryption & Security: Both cameras employ advanced encryption to ensure secure data transmission and privacy protection.

  • Magnetic Mounting System: Each model features a magnetic mount for quick and flexible installation.

  • Smart Home Integration: Both cameras can connect with IFTTT and various third-party services to expand their functionality.

Common Features

Feature Arlo Ultra 2 Arlo Pro 5S
Wireless Connectivity Yes Yes
Battery-Powered Yes Yes
Weather Resistance IP65 Weatherproof IP65 Weatherproof
Integrated Spotlight Yes Yes
Color Night Vision Yes Yes
Two-Way Audio Yes Yes
SmartHub/Base Station Support Yes Yes
Cloud Storage Available via Subscription Available via Subscription
Local Storage Support Yes Yes
Motion Detection Yes Yes
Smart Alerts Yes Yes
Built-in Siren Yes Yes
Voice Assistant Support Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
Activity Zones Yes Yes
Encryption & Security Yes Yes
Magnetic Mounting System Yes Yes
Smart Home Integration Yes Yes
Mobile App Control Yes Yes
Remote Access Yes Yes
Two-Way Sync Technology Yes Yes
Price Check Arlo Ultra 2 Price Check Arlo Pro 5S Price

FAQ

Does the Arlo Ultra 2 or Arlo Pro 5S require a SmartHub?
The Arlo Ultra 2 requires a SmartHub for optimal performance, especially for streaming in 4K resolution and local storage. The Arlo Pro 5S can function without a SmartHub but performs best when paired with one for improved connectivity and storage options.

Which camera has better battery life, Arlo Ultra 2 or Arlo Pro 5S?
The Arlo Pro 5S offers superior battery life because it uses 2K resolution, which is less power-hungry compared to the 4K Ultra 2. The Pro 5S is optimized for efficiency and will generally last longer per charge.

Do both cameras support color night vision?
Yes, both the Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Pro 5S support color night vision. However, the Ultra 2’s enhanced image clarity and brighter spotlight provide better visibility in extremely dark conditions.

Are both cameras weather-resistant?
Yes, both the Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Pro 5S have an IP65 weatherproof rating, making them suitable for outdoor use in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

Can I store recordings locally without a subscription?
Yes, both the Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Pro 5S support local storage through a SmartHub or Base Station. However, local storage does not include cloud-based smart features unless you subscribe to Arlo Secure.

Which model is better for larger outdoor areas?
The Arlo Ultra 2 is better suited for larger outdoor areas due to its wider 180° field of view compared to the Arlo Pro 5S’s 160° view. The Ultra 2’s 4K resolution also allows you to zoom in with greater detail.

Do both cameras offer two-way audio?
Yes, both the Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Pro 5S feature two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with visitors, delivery personnel, or intruders through the camera’s speaker and microphone.

Can I use voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant with these cameras?
Yes, both the Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Pro 5S are compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for convenient control via voice commands.

Are both cameras compatible with the Arlo Secure app?
Yes, both models are fully integrated with the Arlo Secure app, giving you remote control, live streaming, motion alerts, and customization options for activity zones.

Does either camera support HDR (High Dynamic Range)?
Only the Arlo Ultra 2 supports HDR, which provides improved contrast, clarity, and enhanced video quality in challenging lighting conditions. The Arlo Pro 5S does not include HDR support.

Which camera offers better zoom capabilities?
The Arlo Ultra 2 has a 12x digital zoom, allowing for sharper close-up details, while the Arlo Pro 5S has a slightly lower 8x digital zoom.

Can both cameras detect people, vehicles, and animals?
Yes, both the Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Pro 5S offer smart alerts that distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals to reduce false alarms and improve security awareness.

Which camera has a brighter spotlight?
The Arlo Ultra 2 features a brighter spotlight with higher lumens, ensuring better illumination for outdoor spaces. The Arlo Pro 5S has a standard spotlight, which is effective but less intense than the Ultra 2’s.

Which camera is better for budget-conscious users?
The Arlo Pro 5S is generally more affordable than the Arlo Ultra 2, making it a better choice for budget-conscious users who still want solid 2K resolution and smart security features. The Arlo Ultra 2 is a premium option ideal for users seeking 4K video quality, enhanced spotlight performance, and improved audio clarity.

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