Updated March 2026
Data from Amazon and official Aqara and Arlo sites.
2026 verdict
Taken as a whole in 2026, Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen) wins this matchup. What pushes it ahead is weather resistance, color night vision, and alerts, and light and customizable motion zones keeps the advantage from looking narrow. Aqara Camera E1 still makes sense if price, rating, and connectivity is your priority, but most buyers should still lean toward Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen). In practical terms, Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen) is the easier product to recommend.
vs
FeatureAqara Camera E1Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)Winner
Price$59.99€165.55Aqara Camera E1
Rating4.23.8Aqara Camera E1
Weather ResistanceNOYESArlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)
Connectivity2.4 GHz Wifi, 5 GHz Wifi2.4 GHz WifiAqara Camera E1
StorageMicroSD Card Slot, CloudCloudAqara Camera E1
2K VideoYESNOAqara Camera E1
Color Night VisionNOYESArlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)
AlertsMotion, PeopleMotion, People, Animals, Vehicles, Packages, Smoke Alarm Sound, Carbon Monoxide Alarm SoundArlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)
LightNOSpotlightArlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)
Customizable Motion ZonesNOSubscription requiredArlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
PoENONOTie
Aqara

Aqara Camera E1

$59.99
BUY NOW
  • + Price: $59.99
  • + Rating: 4.2
  • + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wifi, 5 GHz Wifi
  • - Weather Resistance: NO vs YES
  • - Color Night Vision: NO vs YES
Winner
Arlo

Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)

€165.55
BUY NOW
  • + Weather Resistance: YES
  • + Color Night Vision: YES
  • + Alerts: Motion, People, Animals, Vehicles, Packages, Smoke Alarm Sound, Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sound
  • - Price: €165.55 vs $59.99
  • - Rating: 3.8 vs 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is better overall: Aqara Camera E1 or Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)?
Arlo Essential XL HD (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 HD (2nd Gen)?
Price is one of the clearest differences: Aqara Camera E1 lists $59.99, while Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen) lists €165.55.
Which one looks better on price?
Aqara Camera E1 is listed at $59.99, while Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen) is listed at €165.55. Aqara Camera E1 (better spec).
Who should buy Aqara Camera E1?
Choose Aqara Camera E1 if your priority is price and rating and that matters more than weather resistance.
Who should buy Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)?
Choose Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen) if your priority is weather resistance and color night vision and that matters more than price.
More Cameras

Top Cameras to compare next

Compare the best smart security cameras by video quality, connectivity, storage, alerts, integrations, and more. Find the ideal model for your home.

Compare Cameras
  1. Ring Indoor Cam
    Ring

    Ring Indoor Cam

    View details
  2. Arlo Essential 2K Wired (2025)
    Arlo

    Essential 2K Wired (2025)

    View details
  3. Ring Outdoor Cam
    Ring

    Ring Outdoor Cam

    View details
  4. Arlo Essential Pan Tilt
    Arlo

    Essential Pan Tilt

    View details
  5. Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen)
    Google

    Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen)

    View details
  6. Arlo Pro 6 XL
    Arlo

    Pro 6 XL

    View details
  7. TP-Link Tapo C200
    TP-Link

    Tapo C200

    View details
  8. Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (wired)
    Ring

    Spotlight Cam Plus (wired)

    View details
  9. Ring Spotlight Cam Plus
    Ring

    Spotlight Cam Plus

    View details
  10. Blink Mini 2
    Blink

    Mini 2

    View details
  11. Blink Mini Pan-Tilt
    Blink

    Mini Pan-Tilt

    View details
  12. TP-Link Tapo C210
    TP-Link

    Tapo C210

    View details
  13. Ring Outdoor Cam Plus
    Ring

    Ring Outdoor Cam Plus

    View details
  14. Reolink RLC-810A
    Reolink

    RLC-810A

    View details
  15. Aqara CameraHub G5 Pro PoE
    Aqara

    Camera Hub G5 Pro PoE

    View details
  16. TP-Link Tapo C100
    TP-Link

    Tapo C100

    View details
  17. TP-Link Tapo C120
    TP-Link

    Tapo C120

    View details
  18. Wyze Cam v4
    Wyze

    Cam v4

    View details
  19. TP-Link Tapo C500
    TP-Link

    Tapo C500

    View details
  20. Ring Spotlight Cam Pro
    Ring

    Spotlight Cam Pro

    View details
Aqara

More Aqara products

A sharper look at other Aqara devices worth comparing.

Explore Aqara
  1. Air Quality Monitor
    Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor
    Aqara

    TVOC Air Quality Monitor

    View details
  2. Camera
    Aqara CameraHub G5 Pro PoE
    Aqara

    Camera Hub G5 Pro PoE

    View details
  3. Camera
    Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro
    Aqara

    Camera Hub G2H Pro

    View details
  4. Camera
    Aqara Camera Hub G3
    Aqara

    Camera Hub G3

    View details
  5. Camera
    Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro Wifi
    Aqara

    Camera Hub G5 Pro Wifi

    View details
  6. Camera
    Aqara Camera E1
    Aqara

    Camera E1

    View details
  7. Camera
    Aqara Camera G100
    Aqara

    Camera G100

    View details
  8. Doorbell
    Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410
    Aqara

    Doorbell Camera Hub G410

    View details
  9. Doorbell
    Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4
    Aqara

    Smart Video Doorbell G4

    View details
  10. Door Lock
    Aqara Smart Lock U100
    Aqara

    Smart Lock U100

    View details
  11. Door Lock
    Aqara Smart Lock U200
    Aqara

    Smart Lock U200

    View details
  12. Door Lock
    Aqara Smart Lock D200i
    Aqara

    Smart Lock D200i

    View details
  13. Door Lock
    Aqara Smart Lock N100 Zigbee Edition
    Aqara

    Smart Lock N100 Zigbee Edition

    View details
  14. Door & Window Sensor
    Aqara Door and Window Sensor
    Aqara

    Door and Window Sensor

    View details
  15. Door & Window Sensor
    Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2
    Aqara

    Door and Window Sensor P2

    View details
  16. Hub
    Aqara Hub M3
    Aqara

    Hub M3

    View details
  17. IR Remote Control
    Aqara Hub M3
    Aqara

    Hub M3

    View details
  18. LED Bulb
    Aqara LED Bulb T1
    Aqara

    LED Bulb T1

    View details
  19. Motion Sensor
    Aqara Motion Sensor P1
    Aqara

    Motion Sensor P1

    View details
  20. Motion Sensor
    Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2
    Aqara

    Motion and Light Sensor P2

    View details
Arlo

More Arlo products

A sharper look at other Arlo devices worth comparing.

Explore Arlo
  1. Camera
    Arlo Essential 2K Wired (2025)
    Arlo

    Essential 2K Wired (2025)

    View details
  2. Camera
    Arlo Essential Pan Tilt
    Arlo

    Essential Pan Tilt

    View details
  3. Camera
    Arlo Pro 6 XL
    Arlo

    Pro 6 XL

    View details
  4. Camera
    Arlo Pro 6
    Arlo

    Pro 6

    View details
  5. Camera
    Arlo Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen)
    Arlo

    Essential Indoor 2K (2nd Gen)

    View details
  6. Camera
    Arlo Essential 2K (2nd Gen)
    Arlo

    Essential 2K (2nd Gen)

    View details
  7. Camera
    Arlo Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)
    Arlo

    Essential XL 2K (2nd Gen)

    View details
  8. Camera
    Arlo Ultra 2
    Arlo

    Ultra 2

    View details
  9. Camera
    Arlo Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)
    Arlo

    Essential XL HD (2nd Gen)

    View details
  10. Camera
    Arlo Essential HD (2nd Gen)
    Arlo

    Essential HD (2nd Gen)

    View details
  11. Camera
    Arlo Pro 5S 2K
    Arlo

    Pro 5S 2K

    View details
  12. Camera
    Arlo Go 2
    Arlo

    Go 2

    View details
  13. Camera
    Arlo Essential Indoor HD (2nd Gen)
    Arlo

    Essential Indoor HD (2nd Gen)

    View details
  14. Doorbell
    Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd gen)
    Arlo

    Video Doorbell 2K (2nd gen)

    View details
  15. Doorbell
    Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell
    Arlo

    Essential Wireless Video Doorbell

    View details
  16. Doorbell
    Arlo Video Doorbell HD (2nd gen)
    Arlo

    Video Doorbell HD (2nd gen)

    View details
Smart Home Planner
DealsNEW RELEASESBrandsBlogTerms of UsePrivacy Policy
Search