Product test
Arlo Pro 4 in the test: These surveillance cameras are NSA-ready
by Martin Jungfer
Now available: "Arlo Essential 3" security cameras with object tracking function
17.10.2025
Translation: machine translated
The new generation of the "Essential" security camera series from Arlo includes devices that can monitor a larger area for the first time thanks to their pan and tilt functionality.
A new addition to the «Arlo Essential 3» series are the wired PTZ cameras, which I will introduce to you below. They are available for indoor and outdoor use as well as with HD and 2K resolution - and always in a twin pack.
«Arlo Essential 3 PTZ»
PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt and Zoom. PTZ cameras can track people or objects by panning horizontally and tilting vertically. The «Arlo Essential 3 PTZ» camera lenses can be rotated 360° horizontally and 180° vertically. This allows them to monitor a large area and you can see who or what is moving where. A twelve-fold digital zoom is also possible on the software side. The field of view is 130°.
Essential 3 PTZ Indoor
All «Arlo Essential 3 PTZ» cameras respond to sound and movement. If desired, a siren can sound in the event of unauthorised intruders. The devices have a two-way intercom so that you can talk to people in front of the lens. The lens of the indoor camera can be closed for more privacy.
The outdoor version offers additional features. These include noise and echo cancellation for the intercom system and the spotlight function. This allows it to create colour images in addition to infrared images in the dark. In dark rooms, the indoor camera only provides black and white images from the infrared camera.
Essential 3 PTZ Outdoor
Setup is done via Bluetooth. All cameras can be connected to your home network via 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. You can also integrate them into Alexa, Google, IFTTT and SmartThings.
Secure subscription for many more functions
The basic functions of the security cameras described are included without an additional Secure subscription. If you take out one of three subscription packages, you will receive additional features:
- Up to 60 days of clip storage in the cloud
- Person, vehicle, animal and parcel detection
- Customisable activity zones
- Extensive notifications
- Fire detection in the experimental stage
- Theft protection: stolen cameras are replaced by Arlo
Subscription packages are available from around 70 francs per year
Header image: Arlo
Feels just as comfortable in front of a gaming PC as she does in a hammock in the garden. Likes the Roman Empire, container ships and science fiction books. Focuses mostly on unearthing news stories about IT and smart products.
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