Arlo Pro Vs Nest Cam IQ Outdoor: Which Is The Better Camera?

The Arlo Pro and the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor have a lot of differences between them. But when we talk about security, both of them make our protection higher with different features. Here, we will compare Arlo Pro and the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor and help you find the one suiting your needs.

Our Verdict

There is no actual winner in this case. It all depends on your requirements. If you are looking for a smart outdoor camera with a simple price tag, then Arlo Pro is the one. But if you are looking for advanced features, and a bit expensive when compared with the Arlo Pro, then the Nest Cam is the best buy. We will make your decision easier by comparing Arlo Pro and Nest Cam IQ Outdoor thoroughly.

Arlo Pro Vs Nest Cam IQ Outdoor: Comparison Chart

Differences

1. Person Alerts

The Nest Cam IQ has a new feature called the Person alert. It can recognize a human up to 50 feet away. Once detected, it can alert you with a specific person. If any familiar person has been roaming around, it can be recognized using the Nest Aware. It also has the feature of close up tracking, which lets it zoom on a particular person by itself. All the features and alerts require Wi-Fi or an Internet connection. But the Arlo Pro does not have the function of Facial Recognition, but we might expect it soon.

2. Power And Installation

There is a significant difference between the Arlo Pro and the Nest when it comes to power and the way it is mounted. The IQ is wired, and the power cord is hidden for security reasons. It does not have any external charging points and charges in this way. On the other hand, the Arlo Pro is free of wires and can be installed anywhere. Since it is wireless, it has different ways of charging. You can use it through a cable or even using the Arlo Solar Panel.

3. Video Resolution

Nest Cam IQ has better video resolution when compared to the Arlo Pro. It records with a resolution 1920 x 1080 with 30 frames per second. It also has the H.264 encoding, which one of the best compression systems. The Nest cam also features the Daytime HDR that brings out the best 4K images even during lousy lighting conditions. But the Arlo Pro has a lower resolution of 1280 x 720. However, it’s not bad and gives out the best it can.

4. Price

When we talk about cost, Arlo is the best buy. Nest IQ Cam offers a lot of features, but at the same time, it has a higher initial value and expensive subscription plans. The Arlo Pro has a cheaper starter kit, and the plans are affordable as well. Even if you are not planning on subscription, the default mode has all the features.

5. Siren

Siren is one of the most essential parts of an alarm system. Although Nest Cam IQ does not come with a siren, you can purchase it separately. The Nest Guard has an 85 dB Siren and is capable of motion detection with two modes like the Tamper and Proximity detection. Even though the features are useful, you will have to pay a little extra for the Nest Guard and might add to your purchase cost. However, in the Arlo Pro, it comes with a built-in hub siren. The Arlo Hub can support up to 15 cameras and also has the feature of detection. The siren is as loud as 100+ dB and alerts you and your neighborhood as soon as possible. So, in this case, we feel that the Arlo Pro is better than compared to the Nest Cam IQ has it as all the features built-in it rather than purchasing it separately like the Nest Cam IQ.

6. Operating Temperatures

If you live in a region where it is cold, we will suggest the Nest Cam IQ as it has an operating temperature of -40° to 45°C. On the other hand, the Arlo Pro can work at temperatures 20° C to 45° C, which is the usual standard temperatures.

7. Digital Zoom

The digital zoom feature lets you zoom into an image to give you more clarity. The Nest Cam IQ offers a digital zoom of 12x with a tracking view. The Arlo Pro offers a low zoom capacity of 8x, but it does the job fine.

8. Local Storage

The local storage feature is vital if you are planning to have a look at your older videos. Unfortunately, the Nest Cam IQ does not have any features for storing the old clips. But the Arlo Pro lets you save a large number of clips through a USB device that is connected to its base. In case if there is an Internet failure, it will back up the clips to your local storage. That means the camera will have the storage feature as long as the hub and the cameras are powered. If the hub is running out of space, it automatically replaces your old videos with the recent ones.

9. Subscription

Features like the Motion detection and facial recognition are only available in paid subscription plans in the Nest. If you do not want any plans, all it does is, it takes a snap when it detects motion. These images are kept only for three hours, so they have to be quick to access these images. But the Arlo Pro has a budget-friendly subscription plan. You have access to all the features, but you will have to pay when you use more than five Arlo cameras and cloud storage. It also has the trial version, where it offers you seven days of cloud recording for free. So, in the case of subscription plans, we feel that Arlo has better ones.

10. Talk and Listen

The Nest Cam IQ has the Talk and Listen to features, with noise and echo cancellation. Hence it gives you the best audio, and you’ll also be able to reply using the mic. In the Arlo Pro, it does have a mic and speaker. Although it is not HD, it gets the job done.

Similarities

1. Field View

Both the Arlo Pro and the Nest Cam IQ offer a wide-field view of 130°. It lets you capture the most area so that you can have a better look at all the clips.

2. Night Vision

Everyone mainly wants their security devices and cameras to be more alerted at night. Hence, both the devices offer Night visions as well. Using the IR Cut filter, your home is safe and alert during the night with these two cameras.

3. Talk and Listen

The Talk and Listen feature let you listen to the visitor on the other side if you physically can’t be present. Not only listening, but it also enables you to reply to the visitor, so you do have valid reasons to let the visitor inside.

Features And Technical Specifications of Arlo Pro

• Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz wireless technology 
• Camera:
  
  • 8x digital zoom
  • Color CMOS sensor camera
  • Auto-Adaptive White/Black Balance and Exposure
  • 1280 x 720 Resolution
  • 130° Field view
  • H.264 Video compression
  • IR LEDs for up to 25′ / 7.6 m Night Vision   
• 900 MHz ARM Cortex A7 Processor
• Up to 100 dB siren
• Power, Internet, Camera LED Indicator
• Motion Detection
• 850 nm IR Wavelength
• Audio: Built-In Microphone and Speaker
• Battery: 2440 mAh, Rechargeable Battery
• Battery or AC
• Operating Temperature: -20 to 45°C   
• Weight: 136 g 

Features And Technical Specifications Of Nest Cam IQ

• Color sensor: 8 MP (4K) 
• Resolution : 1920 x 1080          
• Zoom: 12x         
• Video Compression: H.264 
• Field View: 130° 
• Audio: Built-in speaker and 3-microphone array
• Wi-Fi connectivity: 802.11b/g/n/ac at 2.4 or 5 GHz 
• App: Compatible with iOS and Android
• Operating Temperature: 40 to 45°C 
• Dimension: 3.7 x 3.7 x 5 inches 
• Weight: 568 g 

What’s In The Box?

Arlo Pro

• Base Station
• 720p camera
• Rechargeable Battery
• Power Adapter and Cable
• Ethernet Cable
• Wall Mounts and Screw set
• Window Decal
• 1-Year Warranty

Nest Cam IQ

• Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Security Camera
• Wall Plates
• Outdoor Power Cables
• Indoor Power Adapter
• Screws, Cable Clips and Wall Anchors
• 2-Year Warranty

Overview of Arlo Pro

The Arlo Pro security system comes with one base station and a 720p outdoor camera. The base station comes with a built-in 100 dB Siren and motion detection, so you do not have to worry about buying cameras and siren separately. Other than this, the camera also offers night vision so your family can be safe and sound even at night.

The subscription plans that come with Arlo Pro are affordable when compared to the Nest IQ Cam. You can choose the plans only if you have more than five security cameras. It also includes the Talk and Listen feature, which enables you to talk and reply to the visitor.

Things get even better since the camera is wireless, so you do not have to worry about dealing with wires. It also offers free seven-day cloud storage and lets you transfer the clips using a USB device.

Overview of Nest Cam IQ

The Nest Cam IQ offers a video resolution of 1080p with HD quality, so all your clips and shots are going to crisp and sharp. Unfortunately, it does not come with a built-in siren. So, you’ll have to purchase the Nest Guard separately. However, the Nest Guard is worth it, as it gives a built-in siren along with three modes of motion detection. The plans in the Nest Cam IQ are expensive when compared to the Arlo Pro. It only lets you access the special facial recognition and other features with the paid plans. When it comes to installation, the camera is wired and has no option of wireless charging. It can zoom to any clip up to 12 times.

FAQs

Bottom Line

Finally, the decision is up to your needs. If you are looking for an outdoor camera with standard features at a reasonable cost, then the Arlo Pro is the right choice. Also apart from Nest, have you ever wondered, how Arlo Pro is different from Eufycam E? Or who is better, Arlo Pro or Ring stick-up camera?

On the other hand, the Nest Cam has useful features but with an expensive rate, including the siren. We have compared both the products, so it can be easy for you to make your decision easier. Moreover, if you’re interested in Arlo Pro, you should also check out Arlo Pro’s comparison with Arlo Go.