Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 vs Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd gen)

The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 is better overall thanks to free local storage and Apple HomeKit. The Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd gen) is cheaper and better rated with sharper 2K video and strong recognition, but nearly all of its useful features sit behind an Arlo Secure subscription.

How you store and pay for video. The G4 records to microSD with no fee and works with HomeKit, while the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd gen) has no local storage and needs an Arlo Secure plan for cloud recording, smart alerts and even motion zones.

The Arlo. The Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd gen) shoots 2K with a 180-degree square head-to-toe view and adds person, package and vehicle recognition, which is why it wins the video and alert categories, but that recognition is subscription-gated. The G4 is 1080p with people and familiar-face detection.

Only the Aqara. The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 records locally to microSD (plus 7 days of free cloud) with no plan, while the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd gen) cannot save cloud video or run its smart alerts without Arlo Secure and has no microSD fallback.

Apple households wanting a subscription-free HomeKit Secure Video doorbell with free local recording and extras like custom ringtones and automatic replies. It is the fee-free choice.

US buyers in the Arlo ecosystem who want a sharp 2K square head-to-toe view and accurate person/package/vehicle detection and are fine paying for Arlo Secure. Note it does not work in many countries outside the US and has no local storage.