If you are looking to purchase something 9 Considerations When Buying A Wireless Security System to improve your home security system, you may well be looking at one of these two excellent choices!
Which one is best? Which security camera is the best value for money? Are they waterproof, and do they have 2-way audio?
We have your answers here, comparing the Blink XT2 vs. the Arlo Pro 2 security cameras!
Blink XT2 vs. Arlo Pro 2 Security Cameras
| Blink XT2 | Arlo Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Waterproof Rating | Yes – IP65 | Yes – IP65 |
| Camera | 1080P | 1080P – 110-Degree |
| Night Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Zoom | No | 8x |
| Integration | **** | **** |
| 2-Way Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1-Year | 1-Year |
Price
Blink XT2
The Blink XT2 wins this, hands down, because there is a significant difference between these two camera systems. If you are looking for a cheaper camera when comparing the XT2 with the Arlo Pro 2, you should go with the Blink!
Arlo Pro 2
Purchasing the Arlo Pro 2 costs more than the XT-2. Is the difference worth it, though?
Waterproof Rating
Blink XT2
The Blink XT2 is designed to withstand harsh climatic conditions. With that in mind, the Blink XT2 is suitable for indoor and outdoor mounting. It is a waterproof security camera and has a rating of IP65, which is more than enough.
Arlo Pro 2
The Arlo Pro 2 is also an outstanding waterproof security camera. It can resist exposure to moisture and water, so it is ideal to be mounted outside or indoors wherever you need to put it!
In terms of the being waterproof, the Arlo Pro 2 matches the XT-2 with an IP65 waterproof rating.
Camera Quality
Blink XT2
The Blink XT2 has a camera with the capacity to record 30 frames per second to capture HD videos up to 1080p during the day, while the infrared night HD vision ensures that clear videos are recorded at night too.
Arlo Pro 2
Arlo Pro 2 features a 1080p HD resolution camera that uses advanced motion sensors to capture a crisp HD video. It is fitted with high-tech PIR motion sensors to ensure comprehensive coverage and capture even the slightest motion. The system’s camera offers more details on what is happening outside or inside their premises without any difficulties.
I must admit, the Arlo camera edges it with the camera quality here, but only just. It certainly does not justify the extra cost.
Night Vision
Blink XT2
The Blink XT2 uses infrared LEDs to capture videos at night, giving the device outstanding night vision.
Using this to boost indoor security, do not point it out of a window because the LEDs will reflect off the glass. This is also true of the Arlo Pro 2.
Arlo Pro 2
Arlo Pro 2 uses infrared LED lights just like the XT2. In short, there is not much difference between the night vision on the Arlo Pro 2 v the XT2.
Digital Zoom
Blink XT2
Although it does not state whether or not the Blink XT2 has digital zoom, you can always get around this by saving the video file to a PC and zooming in manually.
The further you zoom, the more grainy the image or video.
Arlo Pro 2
Arlo Pro 2 features digital zooming with an 8x capacity to ensure that you get a closer look at intruders or car plates. The technology comes in handy when you want to get more details from intruders or visitors to your home. All at the touch of a button! Maybe this is where the extra cost comes into play.
Battery Life
Blink XT2
The Blink XT2 comes fitted with two AA batteries and has an extended life. Its battery can last you for two years. That is a long time between battery changes! Nice one, Blink!
Arlo Pro 2
It features a reachable battery and offers continuous usage with charging. The Arlo Pro 2’s rechargeable battery provides quite a bit of use. Although no time frame is specified, it will last longer if you are not constantly connecting to it! I guess that is the same for all devices.
Accessories
Blink XT2
Blink XT2 includes the following accessories in the box: a camera based on quantity bought, 1 x mounting kit for each camera bought, a pair of AA lithium 1.5V batteries for each camera, 1 x power adapter, 1 x USB cable, and 1 x user guide.
You can purchase different brackets, battery packs, and even a solar panel to keep the battery topped up!
Arlo Pro 2
The accessories that come with Arlo Pro 2 are very minimal as it offers completely wire-free connectivity. Therefore, the only things you will find in the box are the camera, rechargeable battery, and charging cable.
Other accessories include brackets and a solar panel.
Integration
Blink XT2
The Blink XT2 camera can be integrated with your smartphone, laptop, or computer to get alerts when motion is detected. You can monitor what is happening in your home or office from wherever you are.
You get signals for movement detected 24/7. The Blink TX2 can be integrated with Amazon’s Alexa. With Alexa, you can view live streams, arm or disarm the security system, or view motion clicks conveniently from other Alexa-enabled devices.
Arlo Pro 2
You can readily integrate the camera with Amazon’s Alexa and use it to offer voice commands. This makes it possible for people with vision impairment to give a 2-way command to voice alerts. Good stuff!
2-Way Audio
Blink XT2
The Blink XT2 features 2-way audio. The feature has become more common among security cameras, and this model has ensured that customers are covered in this.
2-way talk makes it possible for homeowners to communicate with visitors to their homes, whether they are friends or foes! You can chat with visitors and intruders through this feature using the Blink app.
Arlo Pro 2
Similarly, the Arlo Pro 2 supports 2-way audio. You can communicate with intruders or visitors directly from your smartphone through the 2-way audio feature of the Arlo app.
The Arlo Pro 2 is a security camera with a siren too! Therefore, you can alert any wrongdoers from afar!
Storage
Blink XT2
You will enjoy free cloud storage if you purchase the Blink XT2. The recorded video clips are available to you for a long time, up to 12 months, without the need for any monthly service fee.
In today’s world where everyone is after your small change each month, the fact that this service is free is remarkable.
Arlo Pro 2
The Arlo Pro 2 security cameras come with seven days of free cloud storage. The seven-day cloud recordings are available for live streaming and viewing freely.
The free service is excellent however, any more than five cameras and you will need to part with some cash.
Conclusion
This is a challenging one! When we compared the XT2 with the Arlo Pro 2, we didn’t expect the price to be that much apart.
We would have guessed wrong based on the features and quality if we didn’t know how much these cameras cost.
Sure, the Blink XT2 has *slightly* better camera quality, it certainly doesn’t justify the extra cost.
So, what is our opinion? In conclusion, we think Arlo Pro 2 is the better security camera system out of the two. However, given a choice to buy one of the systems, we would go for the Blink XT2 simply because the difference does not justify the price points.
Good luck!