Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. News

Arlo ups the ante with Ultra, a flagship 4K wireless security camera

Clayton Moore
By
1 of 3
arlo utra security camera ultra with accessories lifestyle
Image used with permission by copyright holder
arlo utra security camera ultra spotlight lifestyle
Image used with permission by copyright holder
arlo utra security camera ultra rain lifestyle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Update: 4K images make a heckuva difference, but feature-lock crimps the experience. Read our complete Arlo Ultra review for more details.

Recommended Videos

The folks at Arlo Technologies make some of the best security cameras we’ve ever tested here at Digital Trends, and the company aims to outdo itself in 2019 with a newly designed, wire-free security camera called the Arlo Ultra. Equally well-equipped for smart home security or commercial monitoring and recording, this camera and its accompanying smart hub and cloud-based storage could outpace its already popular security cameras.

Related

First of all, the resolution is wicked sharp. The Arlo Ultra features 4K Ultra HD resolution with high-dynamic range (HDR) as well as something of a rarity, color night vision, all enabled by the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence and computer vision technologies. The image quality not only provides additional detail and clarity to videos but also allows users to zoom in on their video clips to uncover critical information such as license plates, clothing, identifying marks or other information connected to suspicious activity.

The Arlo Ultra also has one of the widest panoramic fields of view available at 180 degrees. Other features include an integrated, powerful LED spotlight, two-way audio enabled by dual microphones, and advanced noise cancellation that can minimize background noises like traffic and accentuate more important sounds, such as voices.

1 of 2
arlo utra security camera arloultra cameraandsmarthub press 2
Image used with permission by copyright holder
arlo utra security camera arloultra press 2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Plus, this durable little unit can operate indoors or outside, completely wire-free. A newly designed magnetic mount also makes it really flexible in terms of placement, enabling users to easily click to any metal surface or mount it from ceilings, walls, eaves, or simply anywhere on an indoor counter surface. It’s powered by a rechargeable battery and the kit comes with a weather-resistant, magnetic charging cable that can also be used inside or out.

Arlo Technologies also clearly has a vision for where the smart home technology movement is headed, because the Arlo Ultra comes with a newly designed Arlo Smarthub, which connects to the owner’s router to provide extended Wi-Fi range to Arlo cameras, manage traffic to and from the camera to the user’s cloud account, and basically provide a more secure Internet of Things network for any other smart devices connected to the hub. The hub also includes a microSD card for local storage of recorded clips from any of Arlo’s range of security cameras.

Each Arlo Ultra also includes a one-year Arlo Smart Premier Subscription (about $120 in value) that enables custom notifications regarding people, animal, vehicle and package detection. Power users can add premium video recording for cloud storage of 4K clips for an additional add-on subscription, or simply store clips locally in the hub’s microSD card.

This bad boy will cost $400 for the one-camera system, which includes a one-year subscription to Arlo Smart Premier. Almost all of Arlo’s products also come in bundles that can include multiple cameras, the company’s cool audio doorbell, or its wire-free smart light.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Clayton Moore
Clayton Moore
Contributor
Clayton Moore’s interest in technology is deeply rooted in the work of writers like Warren Ellis, Cory Doctorow and Neal…
Arlo extends end-of-life support for legacy cameras and doorbells
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera casing

It looks like households equipped with older, legacy Arlo products won’t have to rush out and buy new gear after all, as the company has changed course on its end-of-life policy that was revealed last month. Previously, several aging cameras and video doorbells in the Arlo lineup were expected to lose access to seven-day cloud storage, notifications, and future updates -- but after reaching out to its community, the company has decided to extend coverage instead of roll it back.

As products age, it’s standard practice for companies to stop supporting them. The time and resources needed to manage outdated products aren’t insignificant, and newer products that are pegged as their replacement quickly become the new focus. However, there was a bit of backlash when Arlo announced its original plans, as a handful of the devices scheduled to be sunset had been released just over five years ago.

Read more
What is Arlo Secure, and is it worth it?
The Arlo Pro 4 home security camera installed outdoors.

Arlo makes some of the best smart home products on the market. From robust video doorbells to premium security cameras, a model from Arlo is all but guaranteed to fit your needs. Products in the lineup tend to be a bit expensive and -- like most other smart home cameras -- lock many features behind a monthly subscription called Arlo Secure.

Curious to learn more about Arlo Secure before signing up? Or maybe you’re wondering if you need it at all, as your Arlo devices will function perfectly fine without becoming a member. Whatever the case, here’s a closer look at Arlo Secure and if it's worth signing up for.
What is Arlo Secure?

Read more
Arlo Pro 4 vs. Arlo Pro 5S: which security camera comes out on top?
The Arlo Pro 4 home security camera installed outdoors.

Arlo is responsible for two of the best smart security cameras on the market -- the Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Pro 5S. The Pro 5S clocks in at $250, while the older Pro 4 is a bit cheaper at $200. But is it really worth dropping an extra $50 to snag the newer Arlo Pro 5S? From video quality and built-in extras to power usage and more, here’s everything you need to know about the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Pro 5S security cameras before making a purchase.
Resolution and night video

Both the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Pro 5S capture footage with a resolution of up to 2K. They also support HDR, making most images crisp and easy to decipher. You’ll also benefit from color night vision and a 160-degree viewing angle. In other words, both security cameras produce high-end footage that’s easy on the eyes.

Read more