Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell vs 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.