Updated October 2026
Data from the official Aqara and Arlo sites.
2026 verdict
Why does the Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) win overall over the Aqara Camera E1 despite the E1's sharper 2K video?
A lower price, weather resistance, color night vision, a wider range of alerts, a built-in light, customizable motion zones and a privacy zone make the difference. The Aqara Camera E1 still leads on connectivity, storage flexibility and video resolution, three real advantages for buyers who prioritize image quality and setup flexibility over weatherproofing. Go with the Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) for an affordable, weatherproof outdoor camera with a fuller feature set, and go with the Aqara Camera E1 if sharper video and flexible connectivity and storage matter more.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
vs
Winner
Price unavailable right now
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
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| Feature | Aqara Camera E1 | Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather Resistance | NO | YES | Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi | Aqara Camera E1 |
| Storage | MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud | Cloud | Aqara Camera E1 |
| 2K Video | YES | NO | Aqara Camera E1 |
| Color Night Vision | NO | YES | Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) |
| Alerts | Motion, People | Motion, People, Animals, Vehicles, Familiar Faces, Packages, Smoke Alarm Sound, Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sound | Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) |
| Light | NO | Spotlight | Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) |
| Rating | 4.2 | 4.2 | Tie |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| PoE | NO | NO | Tie |
| Solar Charging | NO | NO | Tie |
| 4K Video | NO | NO | Tie |
$69.99
- + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi
- + Storage: MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud
- + 2K Video: YES
- - Weather Resistance: NO vs YES
- - Color Night Vision: NO vs YES
Winner
Price unavailable right now
- + Weather Resistance: YES
- + Color Night Vision: YES
- + Alerts: Motion, People, Animals, Vehicles, Familiar Faces, Packages, Smoke Alarm Sound, Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sound
- - Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi
- - Storage: Cloud vs MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Aqara Camera E1 or Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)?
The Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) wins overall thanks to a lower price, weather resistance, color night vision, alert variety, a built-in light, customizable motion zones and a privacy zone, even though the Aqara Camera E1 wins on connectivity, storage flexibility and 2K video resolution.
What is the biggest difference between Aqara Camera E1 and Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)?
The biggest difference is video resolution versus weatherproofing: the Aqara Camera E1 offers sharper 2K video, while the Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) is weatherproof, costs less and adds color night vision and a wider range of alerts.
Does the Aqara Camera E1 have sharper video than the Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)?
Yes, the Aqara Camera E1 wins on 2K video resolution, along with connectivity and storage flexibility, though the Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) still wins overall due to its price and weatherproof feature set.
Who should buy the Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)?
Buyers who want an affordable, weatherproof outdoor camera with color night vision, a built-in light and customizable motion zones should choose the Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen).
Who should buy the Aqara Camera E1?
Shoppers who prioritize sharper video and more flexible connectivity and storage over weatherproofing and price should pick the Aqara Camera E1.
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