Aqara Camera Hub G3 vs Arlo Essential 2K (2nd Gen)

The Aqara Camera Hub G3, which costs less, rates higher, records to microSD without a subscription, includes motion zones that Arlo gates behind a plan, and doubles as a Zigbee coordinator. The Arlo Essential 2K (2nd Gen) wins on weather resistance, color night vision, two-way talk and alert breadth.

Only the Arlo Essential 2K (2nd Gen), which is weather resistant. The Aqara Camera Hub G3 is an indoor camera, so it cannot cover a garden or driveway.

The Aqara Camera Hub G3, which records to a microSD card as well as offering cloud storage, and includes customizable motion zones as standard. On the Arlo Essential 2K (2nd Gen), motion zones require a subscription.

The Arlo Essential 2K (2nd Gen), covering motion, people, animals, vehicles, familiar faces, packages, smoke alarm sounds and carbon monoxide alarm sounds. The Aqara Camera Hub G3 handles motion, people, animals and familiar faces.

It acts as a Zigbee coordinator, pairing and controlling sensors, switches and bulbs directly, and it recognises hand gestures to trigger automations. Neither is something the Arlo Essential 2K (2nd Gen) offers.

Buyers who need an outdoor-capable camera with a spotlight for colour night footage, two-way talk, a privacy zone and detection that includes packages and alarm sounds.

Buyers who want an indoor camera with subscription-free microSD recording, dual-band Wi-Fi, gesture control and a built-in Zigbee coordinator, at the lower price.