Note: This is a guest post written by Michael Wanjiru – Arlo is one of the best wireless security cameras to watch your home in full-color day and night. In this quick guide, we’re going to compare Arlo Pro 5s vs Pro 4 to see which is better to have.
Arlo Pro 5s is the newer camera here, launched in the fourth quarter of 2022. It’s more of an improvement of the Arlo Pro 4, with all its features and a few extras.
The upgraded Arlo security camera initially came at an extra cost. But I think the brand later realized a flaw in this and recently dropped the price for the Australian Market.
Verdict: 5 Reasons Arlo Pro 5s is the Best Security Camera
- Arlo Pro 5s currently has the same price as the Pro 4
- Arlo Pro 5s has both 4Ghz & 5Ghz WiFi connection
- Arlo Pro 5s is compatible with the Arlo Secure Link
- Arlo Pro 5s has a built-in spotlight for color night vision
- Arlo Pro 5s has two-way talk & a siren to deter intruders
Arlo Pro 5s vs Pro 4: Specs of the Wireless Security Cameras
| Features | Arlo Pro 5s | Arlo Pro 4 |
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 2.0 x 3.0 in | 3.5 x 2.0 x 3.0 in |
| Field of Vision | 160-degree | 160-degree |
| Image Sensor | 1/3” | 1/3” |
| Video Resolution | 2K QHD | 2K QHD |
| Video Frame Rate | 30fps | 30fps |
| HDR | YES | YES |
| Night Vision | Colored & Infrared | Colored & Infrared |
| Video Compression | HEVC/ H.265 | HEVC/ H.265 |
| Spotlight | YES | YES |
| Audio function | YES | YES |
| Sound detection | YES | YES |
| Built-in Siren | YES | YES |
| 24/7 Live Stream | YES | YES |
| 24/7 Recording | YES (with subscription plan) | YES (with subscription plan) |
| Free Storage | Varies | Varies |
| Power Supply | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz & 5GHz Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz WiFi |
| Activity Zones | YES | YES |
| Smart AI | People, animals, vehicles, & Package | People, animals, vehicles, & Package |
| Smart Integration | Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home, SmartThings, IFTTT | Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home, SmartThings, IFTTT |
| Environment | Indoor/ Outdoors | Indoor/ Outdoors |
| Operating Temperatures | -4 ⁰F to 113 ⁰F | -4 ⁰F to 113 ⁰F |
In the specs chart of Arlo Pro 5s and Prove 4 above, you can see there’s very little difference between the two. I’m even sure some of us have missed that.
For instance, the two wireless security cameras can watch your property at up to 2K QHD (quad-HD) quality. 2K QHD has a native resolution of 2560 x 1440, almost twice the standard 1080p Full HD.
Arlo Pro 4 was the first wireless security camera from the US-based company to connect directly to the WiFi. Prior, all the cameras would need a hub.
The Arlo Pro 5 has also carried on this trend, as it can work as a standalone without a home base(hub). To make it even better, the spotlight security camera can connect to your 5G WiFi internet. So, you won’t need to downgrade your router connection as with the Arlo Pro 4.
More on that, let’s jump to our Arlo Pro 5s vs Pro 4 and see which will be more worth your money.
Arlo Pro 5s vs Pro 4: Comparing Capabilities of the Wireless Security Cameras
In this part, I’ll now break down the features that the two Arlo security cameras share or differ. I have only focused on the most crucial points, starting with the most obvious one:
Best of Price
Are you in the market for a budget home security camera? Earlier this year, the Arlo Pro 5s was available at an RRP of A$329. At the time of writing, the cost has dropped by about A$10, coming down to A$319.
At the new price, the CCTV camera now costs the same as the Arlo Pro 4, also available at A$319.
Tip: Watch out for amazing Black Friday deals on security cameras this week. All CCTV camera systems also fall in the category of gadgets that qualify for Cyber Monday offers.
Best of Video Quality
As mentioned earlier, Arlo Pro 5s and Arlo Pro 4 split the point here. They both record in 2K QHD resolution, albeit you can also choose lower resolutions.
The video image is decent enough to make out faces of people, thanks to the high recording frame rate (2K@30fps). But the 160° extra-wide field of view also tends to pixelate the image a little bit as it stretches to cover the wider lens. So, you’ll notice the cameras are not as clear as Lorex 2K cam with a 110° field of view.
Best of Night Vision
Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 5s also win if looking for a security camera in full color at night. They both have an integrated spotlight that will turn on when someone/ something approaches the detection zone. You can also turn the spotlight manually from the mobile app.
Of course, the white light on the Arlo Pro 4 or Pro 5 is not as bright as a floodlight security camera. However, it beats having to watch your property in infrared (black and white) night vision.
In particular, where you have no security lights, the Arlo cameras will still be able to pick up important details of objects. Details like the color of a vehicle or face/ clothing/ tattoos of intruders can be very crucial in an investigation.
Best of Audio Recording
Arlo has created both Pro 4 and Pro 5 with a highly sensitive microphone to record videos with audio. The mic even has noise and echo cancellation, which explains why the voices of the people near the camera sound clear.
Furthermore, the security cameras have an integrated speaker that works in hand with the mic for two-way conversation. Two-way audio in a CCTV camera is a great feature to communicate with your guests while away or scare away potential intruders.
Speaking of scaring, the Arlo Pro security cameras have a built-in siren for better active deterrence. You can set the siren to turn on automatically (after detecting movements) or manually (on the app).
Best of Wire-Free Setup
When we compare Arlo Pro 4 vs 5s on power supply, they’re also about the same. The security cameras run on a rechargeable battery, providing a 100% wire-free setup, as they also transmit data wireless (on WiFi).
As for the battery consumption, it all depends on the features you enable on your camera. However, the Arlo Pro 5s supports Arlo Secure Link technology to help extend battery life a little longer.
PS: I should also mention you can turn your Arlo Pro 5s and Pro 4 into solar security cameras with an add-on Arlo Solar Panel charger.
Best of Convenience
Both CCTV cameras should also take a point here. For one, they have a rugged, weather-resistant build to survive the harsh environment (dust/ rain) outdoors.
Second, the 2K security cameras can record color night vision to get more details of the intruders. Thus, helping speed up the investigations.
Thirdly, the security cameras have multiple audio features, including recording videos you can listen to, two-way talk, and a siren.
Fourth, the security cameras operate on a rechargeable battery, perfect for areas inaccessible to wired power. If interested, you can even hook up a solar panel to give the camera a constant power supply.
Another thing, the Arlo security cameras communicate with the viewing device wirelessly via WiFi. Thus, easy to install, including in areas incapable of wiring.
Nevertheless, Arlo Pro 5s is compatible with 5GHz and 4GHz WiFi internet. You’ll not need to modify your router as with an Arlo Pro 4 camera that only supports 4GHz WiFi.
Make the Most with Subscription
While there are many aspects to cover, these are the most crucial similarities and differences between Arlo Pro 5s and Pro 4. The two are decent wireless security cameras, with pictures and audio clear enough.
Furthermore, the Arlo security cameras have AI motion detection, including a smart mode for alerts of People, animals, vehicles, & packages. But to get the smart motion detection, you’ll need to subscribe to Arlo Secure service. The subscription also allows you to save recordings for future reference.
