Skip to main content

Arlo’s Essential Indoor Camera is the anti-Big Brother

The thought of an interior security camera often makes people uncomfortable. While you want a reliable security system, you also want to be sure that system isn’t watching you while you’re at home. In many instances, you just have to trust the camera isn’t recording — but with the new Arlo Essential Indoor Camera, you can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it isn’t recording.

That’s because a physical privacy shield (with a different design and color) snaps into place when the camera is disarmed. This disables motion and audio detection as well as recording, and these features won’t be reenabled until you open the shield through the Arlo app. You can trigger the camera to begin recording simply by switching it back to armed mode. The ability to disable recording through a physical privacy shield provides more peace of mind to users and gives more control over the camera itself.

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera streams at 1080p HD with a 130-degree field of view. It also has full-duplex audio to ensure clarity in two-way conversations.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The camera is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT for easy automation and control. Link your camera to other devices in your home for enhanced security; for example, you can flash your smart lights if motion is detected.

The camera also includes a complimentary three-month subscription to Arlo Smart, which provides users with rolling 30-day video recordings. You can also adjust and customize your notification settings and preview video clips straight from your notification screen without opening the app itself.

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera is now available for pre-order from retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Arlo.com for $100. Its affordable price and wide range of utility make it perfect for use as a security camera, but it can also work as a baby monitor or a way to keep your eye on your pets while you’re away at work for the day.

As concern over smart home privacy continues to grow, Arlo is taking steps in the right direction by providing users with tangible proof that their privacy is secure.

Editors' Recommendations

Patrick Hearn
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
How to fix the most common Blink Mini 2 problems
The Blink Mini 2 placed on two books.

The Blink Mini 2 is a great security camera that won't break your budget. The tiny device costs just $40, and it's quickly become a popular security device that competes with products at much higher price points. But while there's much to love about the Blink Mini 2, the new camera isn't without a few issues.

Thankfully, fixing the most common Blink Mini 2 problems is usually a simple process that requires just a few minutes of your time. From getting rid of a red LED light to adjusting motion settings, here's a look at frequently reported Blink Mini 2 issues and what you can do to resolve them.
How to improve Blink Mini 2 video quality

Read more
Blink Mini 2 vs. Nest Cam (Indoor): Which is the better affordable security camera?
The Google Nest Cam Indoor on a table.

The Blink Mini 2 and Google Nest Cam (Indoor) are two of the best budget security cameras on the market. They both cost less than $100, are easy to set up, and are packed with features despite their low price. You can't go wrong adding either to your home, but there are some key differences to understand if you're looking to get the best security camera for your property.

From pricing and ongoing fees to resolution and more, here's a comprehensive look at the Blink Mini 2 and Nest Cam (Indoor) to help you decide which is the better security camera for your smart home.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more
Blink Mini 2 vs. Blink Mini: Is Amazon’s new security camera a worthy upgrade?
The Blink Mini 2 installed outside.

Amazon recently introduced the Blink Mini 2, the successor to the wildly popular Blink Mini indoor security camera. The smart home device adds a few new tricks, including support for outdoor use and Person Detection, making it a nice improvement over the aging Blink Mini. But what exactly is the difference between the Blink Mini 2 and Blink Mini? And, more importantly, is it worth rushing out to replace your Blink Mini with the newer security camera?

From resolution and pricing to Person Detection and more, here's a look at everything you need to know about the Blink Mini and Blink Mini 2.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more