Aqara Camera E1 vs Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen) comparison

Updated August 2026

Data from Amazon and 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.

Aqara

Aqara Camera E1

9% OFF

$63.46

$69.99

Buy on Amazon USA

Winner

Arlo

Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)

$37.57

Buy on Amazon USA

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Feature	Aqara Camera E1	Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)	Winner
Price	$63.46	$37.57	Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)
Rating	4.2	4.0	Aqara Camera E1
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)
Customizable Motion Zones	NO	Subscription required	Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)
Privacy Zone	NO	YES	Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)
Warranty	1 year	1 year	Tie

Aqara

Aqara Camera E1

9% OFF

$63.46

$69.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Rating: 4.2
+ Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi
+ Storage: MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud
- Price: $63.46 vs $37.57
- Weather Resistance: NO vs YES

Winner

Arlo

Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)

$37.57

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Price: $37.57
+ Weather Resistance: YES
+ Color Night Vision: YES
- Rating: 4.0 vs 4.2
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi

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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