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Arlo Pro 5S Review
The Arlo Pro 5S is a premium 2K wireless security camera with smart features, but it has subscription costs and battery limitations. Read our honest review to see if it's right for you.
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The Arlo Pro 5S is a well-built, feature-rich wireless security camera that delivers crisp 2K video, color night vision, and a wide 160-degree field of view. It's easy to install and works well with smart home systems. However, it relies on a subscription for most advanced features, and battery life can be short with heavy usage. If you want a premium camera and are willing to pay for a plan, it's a top choice. But if you want free local storage or longer battery life, consider alternatives.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Sharp 2K HDR video with color night vision
- Wide 160-degree field of view
- Wire-free and easy to install
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit
- Smart motion detection with package and vehicle alerts
- Requires Arlo Secure subscription for most features
- Battery life may be shorter than advertised with heavy use
- No local storage option (only cloud with subscription)
- Magnetic mount may not be as sturdy as a screw mount
The Arlo Pro 5S is a premium wireless security camera that promises crisp 2K video, color night vision, and smart detection. But with a subscription requirement and mixed battery reports, is it worth the investment? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest review.
Design and Build Quality
The Arlo Pro 5S has a sleek, all-white plastic body with a magnetic mount that makes positioning easy. It feels sturdy and weather-resistant (IP65 rated), so it can handle rain and snow. The magnetic base is convenient for quick adjustments, but some users note it may not hold as firmly in high winds. The camera is wire-free, so installation is a matter of mounting the base and attaching the camera. It's one of the easiest cameras to set up.
Performance and Video Quality
Video quality is a standout. The 2K HDR sensor delivers sharp, detailed images both day and night. Color night vision uses a built-in spotlight to illuminate the scene, providing full-color footage even in low light. The 160-degree field of view is wider than most competitors, reducing blind spots. Motion detection is customizable with activity zones, and you can set alerts for people, vehicles, animals, and packages (with subscription). In our comparison of buyer feedback, most users praised the clarity and reliability of alerts, though some experienced false triggers from moving shadows.
Ease of Use and App Experience
The Arlo app is intuitive and well-designed. You can view live streams, playback recorded clips, and adjust settings with ease. The app supports multi-camera views and integrates with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. Setting up the camera takes about 10 minutes, and the app guides you through the process. One minor complaint is that the app can be slow to load live view at times, but it's generally reliable.
Battery and Storage
The Pro 5S runs on a rechargeable battery that Arlo says lasts up to 6 months. In reality, battery life depends on usage. With frequent motion events and long recordings, you might recharge every 2-3 months. The camera uses a proprietary charging cable, and you can also buy a solar panel for continuous power. Storage is cloud-only, which means you need an Arlo Secure plan to save recordings. There is no microSD slot or local storage option without a SmartHub (which still requires a subscription for cloud).
Common Buyer Complaints
While many users love the camera, some complaints surface. The subscription cost is the biggest issue. Without it, the camera is essentially a live-view-only device. Some users also report that the magnetic mount is not as strong as expected, and the camera can be knocked out of position. Battery life is another common gripe, especially for those in high-traffic areas. Finally, the 2K video uses more bandwidth, so a strong Wi-Fi connection is essential.
Comparison with Alternatives
Compared to the Arlo Pro 4, the Pro 5S adds dual-band Wi-Fi and a slightly improved sensor. The Pro 4 is often cheaper but lacks 5GHz support. The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro offers similar features but requires a Ring subscription and has a narrower field of view. The Eufy SoloCam S340 offers 4K resolution and local storage without a subscription, but it lacks some smart detection features and has a bulkier design. For Apple HomeKit users, the Pro 5S is one of the few wire-free cameras that supports HomeKit Secure Video.
Final Verdict
The Arlo Pro 5S is an excellent choice if you want top-tier video quality and don't mind paying for a subscription. It's easy to install, works with major smart home platforms, and offers reliable performance. However, if you're budget-conscious or prefer free local storage, you'll want to look elsewhere. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Arlo Pro 5S work without a subscription?
Yes, but you only get live view and basic motion alerts. To record clips, use smart detection, or access cloud storage, you need an Arlo Secure plan.
Can I use the Arlo Pro 5S outdoors?
Yes, it's IP65 weather-resistant, so it can withstand rain and snow.
How do I charge the battery?
You remove the camera from its mount and connect it to the included magnetic charging cable. It takes about 4-5 hours to fully charge.
Does the Arlo Pro 5S have a siren?
Yes, it has a built-in siren that can be triggered manually or via automation.
Specs that matter
| Resolution | 2K HDR (2560 x 1440) |
| Field of view | 160 degrees diagonal |
| Night vision | Color night vision with spotlight |
| Battery | Rechargeable, 6-month typical usage (varies) |
| Storage | Cloud only (Arlo Secure subscription required) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz, Bluetooth LE, works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit |
You want a premium wireless camera with excellent video quality, wide field of view, and smart home integration, and you're okay with a subscription for cloud storage and advanced AI features.
You want a budget camera, need free local storage, or require long battery life without frequent recharging.
Questions before you buy
Does the Arlo Pro 5S require a subscription?
Yes, to access most features like cloud storage, activity zones, package detection, and 24/7 emergency response, you need an Arlo Secure subscription. Without it, the camera only offers live view, basic motion alerts, and two-way audio.
How long does the battery last on the Arlo Pro 5S?
Arlo claims up to 6 months of typical usage, but actual battery life varies based on settings like video length, motion frequency, and temperature. Many users report needing to recharge every 2-3 months with moderate activity.
Can I use the Arlo Pro 5S without a base station?
Yes, the Pro 5S can connect directly to Wi-Fi and does not require a base station. However, you can also use it with an Arlo SmartHub for extended range and local storage (if supported).
Does the Arlo Pro 5S support Apple HomeKit?
Yes, the Arlo Pro 5S supports Apple HomeKit, allowing you to view the live stream and receive notifications in the Home app. Note that HomeKit Secure Video may require an iCloud plan.
What is the difference between Arlo Pro 5S and Arlo Pro 4?
The Pro 5S adds dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) and a built-in spotlight for color night vision, while the Pro 4 also has color night vision but only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The Pro 5S also has a slightly improved sensor.
