Winner
Updated October 2026
Data from the official Aqara and Arlo sites.
2026 verdict
Local storage settles it. The Aqara Camera E1 wins this indoor security camera comparison on connectivity and storage, joining 5 GHz as well as 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and recording to a microSD card, so event history and 24/7 video work without a plan. The Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen) is the more affordable camera and has the richer alert list (people, animals, vehicles, packages and alarm sounds), though those alerts and its recordings require an Arlo subscription. Both shoot 2K with two-way talk and a siren. Pick the Aqara Camera E1 to avoid a subscription, and the Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen) if you already pay for Arlo.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
vs
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
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| Feature | Aqara Camera E1 | Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 | $19.99 | Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (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 |
| Alerts | Motion, People | Motion, People, Animals, Vehicles, Familiar Faces, Packages, Glass breaking Sound, Smoke Alarm Sound, Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sound | Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen) |
| Rating | 4.2 | 4.2 | Tie |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Weather Resistance | NO | NO | Tie |
| PoE | NO | NO | Tie |
| Solar Charging | NO | NO | Tie |
| 2K Video | YES | YES | Tie |
| 4K Video | NO | NO | Tie |
| HDR | NO | NO | Tie |
Winner
$69.99
- + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi
- + Storage: MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud
- - Price: $69.99 vs $19.99
- - Alerts: Motion, People vs Motion, People, Animals, Vehicles, Familiar Faces, Packages, Glass breaking Sound, Smoke Alarm Sound, Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sound
$19.99
- + Price: $19.99
- + Alerts: Motion, People, Animals, Vehicles, Familiar Faces, Packages, Glass breaking Sound, 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 Indoor 2K (2nd Gen)?
The Aqara Camera E1 wins overall on connectivity and storage, with dual-band Wi-Fi and a microSD slot. The Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen) wins on price and alert types, most of which need a subscription.
What is the biggest difference between the Aqara Camera E1 and the Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen)?
Where the video goes. The Aqara Camera E1 records to microSD, including offline event history, while the Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen) has no card slot and keeps video history in the cloud with a subscription.
Does either camera pan and tilt?
The Aqara Camera E1 pans a full 360°. The Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen) is fixed, with a wider 130° diagonal view against 101° on the Aqara.
Which works with Apple Home?
The Aqara Camera E1 works with Apple Home directly. The Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen) needs an Arlo SmartHub for it. Both work with Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant.
Who should buy the Aqara Camera E1?
Buyers who want local recording, a pan view of the room and no required subscription.
Who should buy the Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen)?
Arlo subscribers who want smart alerts for people, pets, packages and alarm sounds at a lower upfront cost.
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