Updated October 2026
Data from the official Aqara and Arlo sites.
2026 verdict
Among budget-friendly home security cameras, the Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) is the more complete pick, winning on price, weather resistance, and a deeper lineup of smart alerts than the Aqara Camera E1.
It also brings color night vision, a built-in light, customizable motion zones, and a privacy zone to the table. The Aqara Camera E1 still holds its own, though, offering wider connectivity options and more storage flexibility, real strengths for anyone building around a specific smart home ecosystem. For most buyers weighing an outdoor-ready camera against value, the Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) is the stronger choice. Anyone who leans heavily on a particular connectivity standard or wants more storage control may still prefer the Aqara Camera E1.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
vs
Winner
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
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| Feature | Aqara Camera E1 | Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 | $89.17 | Aqara Camera E1 |
| Rating | 4.2 | 3.9 | Aqara Camera E1 |
| 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) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| PoE | NO | NO | Tie |
| Solar Charging | NO | NO | Tie |
| 2K Video | YES | YES | Tie |
$69.99
- + Price: $69.99
- + Rating: 4.2
- + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi
- - Weather Resistance: NO vs YES
- - Color Night Vision: NO vs YES
Winner
$89.17
- + Weather Resistance: YES
- + Color Night Vision: YES
- + Alerts: Motion, People, Animals, Vehicles, Packages, Smoke Alarm Sound, Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sound
- - Price: $89.17 vs $69.99
- - Rating: 3.9 vs 4.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Aqara Camera E1 or Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)?
The Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) is the better overall camera. It wins on price, weather resistance, color night vision, and smart alert coverage, while the Aqara Camera E1 leads only on connectivity and storage options.
What is the biggest difference between the Aqara Camera E1 and the Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)?
The biggest difference is outdoor readiness. The Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) adds weather resistance, color night vision, a built-in light, customizable motion zones, and a privacy zone, while the Aqara Camera E1 focuses on wider connectivity and storage flexibility instead.
Does the Aqara Camera E1 support more connectivity options than the Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)?
Yes, the Aqara Camera E1 supports a wider range of connectivity options, along with more storage flexibility, which are its two real advantages over the Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen).
Who should buy the Aqara Camera E1?
The Aqara Camera E1 fits buyers who care most about connectivity flexibility and storage options, and who plan to use the camera indoors rather than outdoors.
Who should buy the Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)?
The Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen) suits buyers who want a weatherproof camera with color night vision, a built-in light, and a fuller set of customizable smart alerts, all at a better price than the Aqara Camera E1.
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Compare all 140 Cameras side by side
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