Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell vs Reolink Doorbell WiFi comparison

Updated July 2026

Data from Amazon and official Arlo and Reolink sites.

2026 verdict

The Reolink Doorbell WiFi wins this video doorbell comparison on storage, connectivity and warranty, recording sharp 2K locally to a microSD card (up to 256GB) or a Reolink NVR with no subscription, adding dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, RTSP and WebRTC, customizable motion zones, automatic replies and a 2-year warranty. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is the cheaper, better-rated unit and supports SmartThings, with battery or wired power and a fuller subscription-based alert set, but it stores nothing locally and hides recordings, video history and every smart alert behind Arlo Secure. The main trade-off is that the Reolink is wired-only and needs 12 to 24V power, while the Arlo can run wire-free. Buy the Reolink Doorbell WiFi to record fee-free in 2K with real smart-home integration; buy the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell if you need battery installation and are already paying for Arlo Secure.

Feature	Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell	Reolink Doorbell WiFi	Winner
Price	$56.00	$129.99	Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell
Rating	4.3	4.2	Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell
Warranty	1 year	2 years	Reolink Doorbell WiFi
Connectivity	2.4 GHz WiFi	2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi	Reolink Doorbell WiFi
Integrations	Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, IFTTT	Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant	Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell
Storage	Cloud	MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud	Reolink Doorbell WiFi
Alerts	Motion, People, Packages, Animals, Vehicles	Motion, People, Packages	Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell
Customizable Motion Zones	Subscription required	YES	Reolink Doorbell WiFi
Automatic Replies	NO	YES	Reolink Doorbell WiFi
Outdoor Custom Ringtone	NO	NO	Tie
Indoor Custom Ringtone	NO	NO	Tie
Voice Changing	NO	NO	Tie

Arlo

Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell

$56.00

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Price: $56.00
+ Rating: 4.3
+ Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, IFTTT
- Warranty: 1 year vs 2 years
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi

Winner

Reolink

Reolink Doorbell WiFi

$129.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Warranty: 2 years
+ Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi
+ Storage: MicroSD Card Slot, Cloud
- Price: $129.99 vs $56.00
- Rating: 4.2 vs 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell or the Reolink Doorbell WiFi?

The Reolink Doorbell WiFi wins overall by recording 2K locally with no subscription, plus dual-band Wi-Fi and a 2-year warranty. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is cheaper and better rated but has no local storage and needs an Arlo Secure plan for everything.

What is the biggest difference between them?

Local recording versus subscription. The Reolink Doorbell WiFi stores 2K footage on a microSD card or NVR with no fee, while the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell has no local storage and requires Arlo Secure to record or view anything.

Which doorbell is easier to install?

The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell, since it runs wire-free on a battery (wiring optional). The Reolink Doorbell WiFi is wired-only and needs 12 to 24V power, so it suits homes that can supply that, but it rewards you with fee-free 2K recording.

Which has better connectivity and smart-home support?

The Reolink Doorbell WiFi offers dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi plus RTSP and WebRTC for self-hosted setups and Home Assistant, whereas the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is 2.4GHz-only but does add SmartThings among its integrations.

Who should buy the Reolink Doorbell WiFi?

Buyers who want subscription-free 2K local recording, dual-band Wi-Fi, RTSP/WebRTC and a longer 2-year warranty, and who can supply wired 12 to 24V power, especially Reolink NVR or Home Assistant users.

Who should buy the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell?

Buyers who need a wire-free, battery-powered install with SmartThings support and are committed to an Arlo Secure subscription, since it can't record or show video without one.

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