Table of Contents
Arlo Pro 4
Buy as a standalone
Arlo’s newest Pro model is virtually identical in specs to the Pro 3, but has one extremely important upgrade: it can connect directly to your Wi-Fi network with no need for a separate accessory. Just be ready to pay for cloud storage, since you need a hub for local storage.
Arlo Pro 3
Buy for local storage
Don’t just buy an Arlo Pro 3 by itself. You can’t use one without a compatible smart hub or base station to connect to your network. However, a smart hub has its perks, and if you’re going to use one anyway, the Pro 3 has the same specs as its successor at a slight discount.
Comparing the Arlo Pro 4 vs. Pro 3 is a bit like trying to tell two identical twins apart. They’re literally the same size and weight, and match one another in resolution, field of view, night vision, and virtually every other home security category. However, there’s one key difference between them, which will make it simple for you to decide which is the best Arlo camera for you.
Arlo Pro 4 vs. Pro 3 Specs
We won’t hold you in suspense: you won’t find many differences between the two models in the Arlo Pro spec table below. The quality of the footage, day or night, won’t change. Both come with a wall mount, magnetic charging cable and replaceable battery pack, and have the weather resistance to be mounted either outdoors or indoors. They both work with most smart homes, but also require a paid Arlo Smart subscription to get cloud storage and advanced AI detection. You can see all the similarities below, and we bolded any category with differences.
| Arlo Pro 4 | Arlo Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 316g; 89mm x 52mm x 78.4mm | 316g; 89mm x 52mm x 78.4mm |
| Smart hub required | No; can connect camera directly to router | Yes |
| Max Resolution | 2560×1440 | 2560×1440 |
| Video Modes | 2K 1080p 720p |
2K (only with Pro 3 Smarthub or Ultra Smarthub) 1080p 720p |
| Lens FOV | 160 degrees diagonal | 160 degrees diagonal |
| Motion Detection FOV | 130 degrees diagonal | 130 degrees diagonal |
| Night Vision | Color; 850nm infrared detection | Color; 850nm infrared detection |
| Spotlight | 6500K, 42Lux @1M | 6500K, 42Lux @1M |
| Digital Zoom | 12X | 12X |
| Sound Detection | Yes | Yes |
| 2-way Audio | Yes; uses single mic with noise and echo cancellation | Yes; uses single mic with noise and echo cancellation |
| Built-in Siren | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 3-6 months | 3–6 months |
| Operating Conditions | -20–45 degrees Celsius (-4–113 degrees Fahrenheit) Water resistant |
-20–45 degrees Celsius (-4–113 degrees Fahrenheit) Water resistant |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT |
| AI Features with Subscription | People, package, animal or vehicle detection | People, package, animal or vehicle detection |
| Upload Data Usage | 2-4Mbps | 2-4Mbps |
| Storage | Cloud storage requires subscription Local storage requires smart hub and USB 2.0-compatible drive |
Cloud storage requires subscription Local storage: connect USB 2.0-compatible drive to smart hub |
Arlo Pro 4 vs. Pro 3 Smart hubs and storage
You need an Arlo base station or smart hub in order to use the Arlo Pro 3, whereas the Arlo Pro 4 is compatible with them but can also sync up to your Wi-Fi network directly. You can buy an individual Pro 3 for cheaper than a Pro 4, but it’s just a paperweight unless you already own a compatible hub: a VMB4540 or VMB5000.
