Eufy, a brand launched by Anker in 2016, is often accused of being an Arlo clone, at least where cameras are concerned. Both brands prefer slick, glossy surfaces with rounded corners and simple, black and white color schemes. Arlo contracted with Enlisted to design their camera lineup, and it’s hard to argue that Eufy’s own products aren’t strikingly similar. But clone or not, is Eufy better than Arlo?
Eufy is better than Arlo for three reasons: range of devices, local, built-in storage, and no subscription requirements.
The four top-of-the-line Arlo and Eufy cameras are the eufyCam 2 Pro 2k followed by the eufyCam 2C Pro, and the Arlo Ultra 2 followed by the Arlo Pro 4. All four cameras offer the best features of their respective brand. Also—regardless of which camera—each company offers a blanket set of features, which will also be discussed below.
EufyCam 2C Pro vs. Arlo Pro 4
The eufyCam 2C Pro and Arlo Pro 4 are remarkably similar in almost every way, including their design. What sets them apart are their standard features.
One of the eufyCam’s major selling points is its local storage capability. Either the camera itself or the Eufy Homebase is equipped with built-in storage. Some Eufy devices are expandable as well.
The Arlo Pro 4 doesn’t come with built-in storage. Instead, Arlo Cameras have seven-days’ worth of free cloud storage. However, the Arlo base has a USB port where you can connect thumb drives for local storage.
On paper, the Arlo Pro 4 is superior to the eufyCam 2C Pro. The Arlo has a noticeably larger field-of-view, and it supports a broader array of third-party devices thanks to IFTTT. However, most of the features that the eufyCam offers for free require a subscription plan with Arlo.
Although the Arlo Pro 4 has much larger third-party support and slightly better optics, the eufyCam 2C Pro maintains the edge with free features, local, built-in storage, and a more palatable price tag.
EufyCam 2 Pro 2k vs. Arlo Ultra 2
Eufy and Arlo are known for their higher-priced devices. Both the eufyCam 2 Pro 2k and the Arlo Ultra 2 are prime examples.
The eufyCam 2 Pro is simply the inferior product when stacked against the Arlo Ultra 2. The Ultra 2 has 4k resolution, a noticeably larger field-of-view, an option for expandable, local storage, supports far more third-party devices, and even matches the eufyCam 2 Pro’s color night vision.
However, do all of these upgrades equate to a $100 increase? The eufyCam 2 Pro 2k still holds its own with outstanding resolution, built-in and expandable local storage, twice the battery life, more complex encryption, and a lower price tag.
Unlike the Arlo Pro 4, the Ultra 2 doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi and requires an Arlo Homebase. Without a Micro SD card, you’ll have to depend on cloud storage, therefore placing your trust outside of your own hands. Also, Arlo’s best features require a subscription, while eufyCams do not.
Ultimately, the Arlo Ultra 2 is far more of a feature-packed security camera than the eufyCam 2 Pro 2k. Despite the higher price, the option to keep your storage local with a Micro SD card puts the Ultra 2 in the top spot.
Which One Is Conclusively Better?
EufyCams and Arlo Cameras are very similar-looking devices. Both are loaded with features and position themselves as genuinely premium products. From a consumer standpoint, Eufy offers a far broader range of devices. RoboVacs, smart lights, smart plugs, regular vacuum cleaners, and even weight scales are all products that are sold under the Eufy brand.
If there is one thing holding Eufy back from ascending to the top of the security camera category, it’s a continued lack of third-party support and substandard integration with smart hubs. Arlo’s major drawback is its premium-priced cameras that still require a subscription plan to access the best features.
In the end, eufyCam’s host of free features and built-in local storage—combined with a premium home security product—gives it a slight edge over Arlo. If Eufy ever decides to embrace third-party support via IFTTT, or something similar, they’ll truly stand tall above a crowded security camera market.
