Arlo vs Eufy Security Cameras: Which Is Better?

Arlo and Eufy are two of the strongest camera brands for buyers who want quality hardware and don't want to be locked into a single ecosystem. They approach the same problems differently: Arlo leans on cloud and ecosystem breadth; Eufy leans on local storage and no monthly fees. Understanding that difference is the whole decision.

At a Glance

Choose Arlo if: You want the best wire-free camera with Apple Home compatibility, are comfortable with a subscription, and value broad ecosystem support.

Choose Eufy if: You want zero monthly fees, local storage, and good hardware at a lower total cost of ownership.

Camera Hardware

Arlo Pro 4: 2K HDR, 160-degree FOV, color night vision, integrated spotlight and siren, built-in Wi-Fi (no hub required for Wi-Fi mode). Battery-powered. Available in white.

Eufy SoloCam S340: 3K, dual lens (116-degree wide + 8x optical zoom), solar charging, 8GB internal storage, person/vehicle/pet detection. No hub required. Battery-free (solar).

Eufy Security Cam S280: 4K, wire-free, HomeBase 3 for local storage, color night vision, solar-charging available. More comparable to Arlo Pro 4 in the Eufy lineup.

Both brands offer high-quality optics. Eufy generally matches or exceeds Arlo on raw resolution. Arlo has historically led on build quality and weather resistance.

Storage and Subscription

Arlo: 7-day free cloud trial with purchase; after that, Arlo Secure is $2.99/month per camera or $12.99/month for unlimited cameras. Local USB storage is available via the Arlo Smart Hub accessory (~$100). Without a subscription and without the hub, you get live view only.

Eufy: No subscription required for local storage. Cameras store to internal storage (SoloCam) or to the HomeBase hub (included with most packages). Eufy Security subscription ($2.99/month) adds optional cloud backup. Local storage works fully at no ongoing cost.

Smart Home Compatibility

Arlo: Alexa (live view, announcements), Google Home, Apple Home. One of the few wire-free camera brands with genuine HomeKit support. Arlo cameras in Apple Home support live view and motion alerts through the Home app.

Eufy: Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home (most models). Eufy has expanded HomeKit support across recent generations, though check specific models — not all Eufy cameras support Apple Home.

Privacy

Arlo: Cloud storage by default. Arlo Secure stores footage on Arlo's servers. The local hub avoids this but adds cost.

Eufy: Local storage by default — footage stays on your property. Eufy faced scrutiny in 2022-2023 regarding cloud practices on certain features. For users using local-only storage, this is less relevant, but worth being aware of.

Price Comparison

Arlo Pro 4 (single camera): ~$180 + $12.99/month subscription = ~$336/year total. OR ~$180 + ~$100 Smart Hub for local storage = $280 upfront, no ongoing fees.

Eufy SoloCam S340: ~$130, no subscription, solar-powered. Zero ongoing cost after purchase.

Over three years: Arlo with subscription = ~$647. Eufy SoloCam = ~$130.

FAQ

Which has better night vision?

Both offer color night vision via built-in spotlights. The Arlo Pro 4 spotlight is rated for color vision at close range. Eufy cameras include similar LED spotlights. Performance is comparable.

Do both work without internet?

Eufy cameras with HomeBase continue recording locally without internet. Arlo cameras with the Smart Hub continue recording locally without internet. Without the hub, Arlo cameras stop recording. Eufy SoloCam stores internally and continues recording independently.

Which is better for apartments?

Eufy SoloCam S340 is better for apartments: solar-powered (no outlet needed if placed near a window), no subscription, local storage, and it moves with you when you leave.