Aqara Camera E1 vs Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)

Updated April 2026

Data from Amazon and official Aqara and Arlo sites.

2026 verdict

In this 2026 comparison, Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) comes out ahead overall. The main reason it wins is weather resistance, color night vision, and alerts, and light and customizable motion zones strengthens that case. Aqara Camera E1 remains a niche alternative if connectivity and storage matters more than the rest of the comparison. That is why the final call still favors Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen).

Aqara

Aqara Camera E1

23% OFF

$64.99

$49.99

BUY NOW

Winner

Arlo

Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)

38% OFF

$79.99

$49.99

BUY NOW

Feature	Aqara Camera E1	Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)	Winner
Weather Resistance	NO	YES	Arlo Essential XL 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
Color Night Vision	NO	YES	Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)
Alerts	Motion, People	Motion, People, Animals, Vehicles, Packages, Smoke Alarm Sound, Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sound	Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)
Light	NO	Spotlight	Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)
Customizable Motion Zones	NO	Subscription required	Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)
Price	$49.99	$49.99	Tie
Rating	4.2	4.2	Tie
Warranty	1 year	1 year	Tie
PoE	NO	NO	Tie
Solar Charging	NO	NO	Tie

Aqara

Aqara Camera E1

23% OFF

$64.99

$49.99

BUY NOW

+ Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wifi, 5 GHz Wifi
+ Storage: MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud
- Weather Resistance: NO vs YES
- Color Night Vision: NO vs YES

Winner

Arlo

Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)

38% OFF

$79.99

$49.99

BUY NOW

+ Weather Resistance: YES
+ Color Night Vision: YES
+ Alerts: Motion, People, Animals, Vehicles, 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 (FAQ)

Which is better overall: Aqara Camera E1 or Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)?: Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for weather resistance, color night vision, and alerts.
What is the biggest difference between Aqara Camera E1 and Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)?: Weather Resistance is one of the clearest differences: Aqara Camera E1 lists NO, while Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) lists YES.
Which one looks better on price?: Aqara Camera E1 is listed at $49.99, while Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) is listed at $49.99. Tie.
Who should buy Aqara Camera E1?: Choose Aqara Camera E1 if your priority is connectivity and storage and that matters more than weather resistance.
Who should buy Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)?: Choose Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) if your priority is weather resistance and color night vision and that matters more than connectivity.