Arlo’s new Pro 5S offers top-of-the-line security features – if you can afford it
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Arlo will soon have a new Pro 5S 2K wireless camera that can be paired with the company’s new security system to add more features.
At first glance, the Pro 5S is almost identical to Pro 4 . from last year and we’re not just talking about how it looks. The new camera can record video in 2K resolution (2048×1080 pixels) at an angle of 160 degrees, has HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, plus the same combination of floodlights and sirens as on the older model. It even has Dual-Band Wi-Fi support, so you can switch between a 2.4GHz or 5GHz connection for the strongest connection. The only real difference in hardware is the battery life, which is now 30 percent longer, according to the announcement (opens in new tab).
What sets the Pro 5S apart is its compatibility with Arlo’s new Home Security System. With this support, the camera gains the SecureLink feature that provides stronger data encryption, even longer battery life, and “connectivity during [both] internet and power outages.”
Expensive launch
It all sounds pretty good, but to get the most out of the Pro 5S, you have to spend a lot of money. The power outage feature requires owners to have two things: a Cellular and Battery Backup Accessory ($79.99) (opens in new tab) plus the Professional Monitoring plan you get by purchasing the Home Security System at no extra cost. The security system gives you a keyboard hub to control your home security network and all-in-one sensors that can inform you if there is a water leak in your house or open windows, among other things.
But that’s still a $200 investment for the security system (opens in new tab) on top of the $249.99 price tag for the Pro 5S (opens in new tab). You can control the camera with Google Assistant and eventually Amazon Alexa, but then you miss the other security features. Both the camera and system are available for pre-order and will launch on November 27.
There are plans to launch version 4.0 of the Arlo Secure app that will allow you to monitor your security network. The new version will refresh the Emergency Response section to provide real-time status updates and add programmable automations for certain functions. The release is planned for the end of November.
Missing Case Support
One of the biggest glaring omissions of the Arlo Pro 5S camera is the lack of support for the Matter protocol.
Matter is a new standard for smart home connectivity supported by some of the largest technology companies in the world, including Google, Amazon and Apple. The goal is to bridge the interoperability gaps between smart home devices from different companies. Version 1.0 launched early last month, and given the broad support of the industry, you’d think the camera would use Matter. We reached out to Arlo to see if there are any plans to extend support to Matter or other smart home platforms. Other reports state: Apple HomeKit support rolling out sometime in early 2023 (opens in new tab). This story will be updated if we hear anything.
If you’re looking for cheaper, yet good security, you’re in luck. TechRadar recently published a Black Friday/Cyber Monday guide to the best cheap home security camera deals. We highly recommend that you check it out.