Winner
Updated October 2026
Data from the official Arlo and EZVIZ sites.
2026 verdict
For a front door that faces the weather, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is the better video doorbell of this pair.
It brings a 180-degree view, certified weather resistance and the widest smart home support of the two, working with Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant and reaching Apple Home through an Arlo SmartHub. The EZVIZ CP4 is a different kind of doorbell: it fits an existing peephole, needs no drilling or wiring and adds a 4.3-inch indoor touchscreen, recording to a microSD card so no subscription is required. Choose the EZVIZ CP4 for an apartment door that already has a viewer, and the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell for a house door that must stand up to rain and connect to more platforms.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
vs
15% OFF
£109.99
£129.99
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
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| Feature | Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell | EZVIZ CP4 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | £109.99 | EZVIZ CP4 |
| Rating | 4.1 | 4.3 | EZVIZ CP4 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | EZVIZ CP4 |
| Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant | Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant | Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell |
| Storage | Cloud | MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud | EZVIZ CP4 |
| Alerts | Motion, People, Packages, Animals, Vehicles | Motion, People | Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell |
| Customizable Motion Zones | Subscription required | NO | Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell |
| Voice Changing | NO | YES | EZVIZ CP4 |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi | Tie |
| Automatic Replies | NO | NO | Tie |
What the differences mean
Installation type
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell mounts at the door like a conventional doorbell and can run wire-free on its battery or be wired for constant power. The EZVIZ CP4 instead replaces the peephole in an existing door, so it drills nothing and wires nothing, and it only fits doors that already have a viewer hole.
Recording and subscription
The EZVIZ CP4 records events to a microSD card of up to 512 GB, which means no subscription is needed. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell has no local storage, so viewing and recording depend on an Arlo Secure plan once the free trial ends.
Weather resistance
Arlo certifies the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell against heat, cold, rain and sun. The EZVIZ CP4 is not waterproof, so it belongs on a sheltered or apartment door rather than one fully exposed to the weather.
Smart home support
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell works with Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant, and reaches Apple Home through an Arlo SmartHub. The EZVIZ CP4 covers Google Home, Alexa and Home Assistant but has no SmartThings or Apple Home path.
Indoor screen and chime
The EZVIZ CP4 includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen that doubles as the chime and can wake when someone approaches. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell has no screen, and its chime is sold separately.
View and detection
Both shoot 1080p with black and white night vision. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell gives a 180-degree diagonal view and detects motion at 3 m, while the EZVIZ CP4 uses a 166-degree diagonal lens and a PIR sensor rated to 6 m.
Which one to buy if
- the door is an apartment door with an existing peephole
The EZVIZ CP4 drops into the viewer hole with no drilling, no wiring and a screen inside.
- the door faces rain, sun or snow
Arlo certifies the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell for the weather, and the EZVIZ CP4 is not waterproof.
- you do not want a monthly recording fee
The EZVIZ CP4 records to a microSD card, while the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell needs a plan for live view and recordings.
- your home runs on SmartThings or Apple Home
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell supports both, with Apple Home reached through an Arlo SmartHub.
- you rent and cannot drill or wire the door
The EZVIZ CP4 fits the existing peephole and leaves the door untouched.
Winner
$129.99
- + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant
- + Alerts: Motion, People, Packages, Animals, Vehicles
- + Customizable Motion Zones: Subscription required
- - Price: $129.99 vs £109.99
- - Rating: 4.1 vs 4.3
15% OFF
£109.99
£129.99
- + Price: £109.99
- + Rating: 4.3
- + Warranty: 2 years
- - Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant vs Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant
- - Alerts: Motion, People vs Motion, People, Packages, Animals, Vehicles
What owners say
Owners of both doorbells praise an easy setup and reliable motion alerts, and both groups like speaking to visitors from the phone. Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell owners describe a clear picture and solid battery life, but many are frustrated that live view and recording disappear after the trial without an Arlo Secure plan, and some report older Arlo gear being disabled through app updates; the US listing is also often a renewed unit. EZVIZ CP4 owners single out the screen anyone in the house can answer and recording to a card with no monthly fee, while their main complaint is battery life on a busy doorway, where sensitivity cannot be limited to a zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell or EZVIZ CP4?
For a house door, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell, which is weather resistant and works with more platforms. For an apartment door with a peephole, the EZVIZ CP4 is the easier and more useful doorbell, since it installs without drilling and records without a subscription.
What is the biggest difference between the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell and the EZVIZ CP4?
The format. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is a conventional doorbell that mounts at the door and can be wired or run on battery, while the EZVIZ CP4 replaces an existing peephole and adds a 4.3-inch indoor touchscreen.
Do either of these doorbells need a subscription?
Only the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell does for full use: it has no local storage, so viewing and recording need an Arlo Secure plan after the trial. The EZVIZ CP4 records to a microSD card and needs no subscription.
Which one works with Apple Home or SmartThings?
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell. It works with SmartThings directly and with Apple Home through an Arlo SmartHub. The EZVIZ CP4 supports neither, covering only Google Home, Alexa and Home Assistant.
Who should buy the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell?
A house with a door exposed to the weather, especially for a household already on SmartThings, Home Assistant or Arlo Secure that wants a wide 180-degree view.
Who should buy the EZVIZ CP4?
A flat or apartment where the door already has a peephole, for a renter who cannot drill, or for anyone who wants an indoor screen and recording to a card instead of a monthly plan.
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