SimpliSafe Doorbell vs. Arlo Doorbell: Which Is Best?

The smart home security market is filled with numerous reputable brands, all of which have similar devices. Sometimes, choosing between these competitors can be a hassle. 

SimpliSafe and Arlo are two such competitors. Both brands offer great video doorbells, any of which would be a good choice for anyone looking to get a smart doorbell to add to their home security system. But which of these two options is best for you? Keep reading to find out.

Meet the Doorbells

SimpliSafe Doorbell at a Glance

SimpliSafe only offers one doorbell at the moment: the Video Doorbell Pro. Featuring a 1080 HDR quality camera and a 162o wide camera angle, this is a video doorbell you can trust to give you uninterrupted high-quality video coverage of whatever doorstep you have the device installed on.

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is a beautifully designed device. With its minimalist look and sleek, curvy frame, this doorbell would look perfect at home in any modern building. 

Features

• 1080p HDR video quality
• 162o wide-angle camera
• Advanced motion detection technology
• Two-way audio
• Infrared night vision
• Compatible with SimpliSafe Home Security App
• Pan and Zoom
• Built for the outdoors
• Wired

Arlo Doorbell at a Glance

Where SimpliSafe offers just one video doorbell, Arlo allows you to choose between two. There are quite a few differences between the Essential Arlo Video Doorbell and the 2nd Gen.

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Features

• 1536p HDR video quality
• 180o wide-angle camera
• Two-way audio (duplex)
• Infrared night vision
• Built-in siren
• Compatible with the Arlo Secure App
• Built for the outdoors
• Wire-free

Arlo Video Doorbell [2nd Gen] Features

• Available in 2K or HD
• 180o wide-angle camera
• Two-way audio
• Infrared night vision
• Built-in siren
• Compatible with the Arlo Secure App
• Built for the outdoors
• Wired

Key Differences

When comparing the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro with the Arlo Doorbell, it all depends on which of the Arlo Doorbells you are comparing the SimpliSafe with. 

In this comparative review, we’ll compare the SimpliSafe Doorbell Pro with both Arlo Doorbells and the Arlo Doorbells with one another. Now, with that said, let’s get to it.

Motion Detection Software

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro and the Arlo Doorbells offer motion detection technology. However, the SimpliSafe has much better Software.

Unlike most other video doorbell cameras (including Arlo Doorbells), SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro comes with two sensors: an IR sensor for detecting heat signatures and an extra sensor dedicated to detecting and recognizing the human form. 

With these dual sensors, the SimpliSafe video camera doesn’t just detect motion within the camera’s line of sight. Still, it distinguishes between motion caused by moving vehicles and pets and motion caused by humans. 

This makes the SimpliSafe a smarter video doorbell, offering more intelligent alerts and fewer false alarms.

This Arlo Video Doorbell isn’t far behind the SimpliSafe Doorbell Pro. While the Arlo Doorbells only have one motion sensor, they have an Advanced AI system that helps the sensor filter out everyday movements like swaying branches in your camera’s line of sight. 

Motion Detection Range and Angle

Between the two brands, Arlo Doorbells have the better motion detection angle. Capable of detecting motion at up to 110o, the Arlo Video Doorbell performs better than the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro’s 90o angle. 

While the Arlo has a better angle, the SimpliSafe performs better when the range is concerned.

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro’s motion detection angle is sensitive to motion at up to 40 ft, a much better feat than the Arlo Video Camera (2nd Gen) ‘s 10ft and the Arlo Video Doorbell’s 16.4ft. 

Power Requirement

When it comes to power requirements, Arlo takes the win. This is because, with Arlo, you have the choice of going for either a wired camera or a wire-free option. The Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is the wire-free option, while the basic Arlo Video Doorbell requires hardwiring. 

With just one SimpliSafe video doorbell, you only get one option, and in this case, it’s a wired device. 

So, if you are looking for a wire-free doorbell, Arlo is the way to go.

Video Resolution

In terms of video resolution, Arlo once again comes out on top. On paper, the Video Doorbell 2nd Gen and the Essential Video Doorbell have better quality video quality than the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro.

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro comes with HDR Imaging and has a 1080p HD resolution. While this isn’t bad, both Arlo Doorbells offer much better video resolutions.

Both Arlo Video Doorbells feature HD resolution with a max resolution of 1536×1536. However, the 2nd Gen Arlo Video Doorbell also has a 2K option. So, suppose you want the doorbell with the best video quality among the three. In that case, the 2nd Gen Arlo Doorbell is undoubtedly the best choice.

Alerts

Both SimpliSafe and Arlo Doorbells will issue notifications to you in one of two cases; 

• When the doorbell’s sensor detects motion
• When the button on your doorbell is pressed

The significant difference here is in HOW they approach alerts.

SimpliSafe’s doorbell, a device designed to pay attention to the human form in particular, focuses on detecting human motion and often ignores things like small pets or automated objects like a vacuum cleaner moving in the background. 

Arlo, on the other hand, doesn’t have a specialized sensor specifically for detecting the human form; as such, it detects motion in general. 

That said, Arlo’s advanced AI has been trained to filter out everyday movements like the swaying of tree branches and other recurring motions. This helps reduce the possibility of receiving unimportant notifications.

One edge Arlo has over SimpliSafe regarding alerts and motion detection is the availability of multiple motion detection alert options. 

With Arlo doorbells, you can choose between the following options:

• Person detection lets you receive real-time alerts when a person is detected at the door. This is a subscription-only feature, however.
• Package detection sends you a special notification when your doorbell detects a package at the door. This is also a subscription-only feature.
• Animal and Vehicle Detection alerts you when an animal or vehicle is detected within the camera’s motion detection range. This, too, is a subscription-only feature. 

That said, all these advanced motion detection options are only available with an Arlo Subscription. Without a subscription, you’d be left with the basic motion detection service. 

So, with a subscription, either of the Arlo Doorbells would offer better motion alert options. However, without an additional subscription to the Arlo doorbells, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro’s more precise human detection makes it the better choice.

Integration with Other Devices and Platforms

Both SimpliSafe and Arlo offer mobile app support. Each doorbell is compatible with its brand’s native app: SimpliSafe has the SimpliSafe Home Security App, and Arlo has the Arlo Secure App. 

Outside their native apps, both devices are also compatible with other devices and platforms. In this regard, however, Arlo comes out on top. 

Where SimpliSafe is currently only compatible with Amazon Alexa, Nest, and Google Home, Arlo also Supports IFTTT, Google Home, Apple Home, and Samsung SmartThings.

Note: While Arlo supports more devices than SimpliSafe, different Arlo devices have various levels of support for other smart home devices and apps.

The Essential Video Doorbell supports Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings.

The Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) supports IFTTT, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa but doesn’t support Apple Home.

Storage

Both SimpliSafe and Arlo offer the opportunity to save your doorbell recordings over cloud storage as a subscription-only feature. 

However, SimpliSafe offers cloud storage for up to 30 days, while Arlo stores the recording for up to 60 days (depending on your subscription plan). 

That being said, both brands let you save your recordings locally, so with a subscription, you can download essential recordings and keep them for as long as you want. 

Installation Ease

Regarding installation ease, the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is the easiest doorbell to install. Being a wireless device, there is no need to open hardwiring, so installing it can be done quickly. 

However, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro and the Arlo Essential Doorbell are a little more complicated to install since they require hardwiring and have specific requirements to be met before installation can be carried out correctly.

Pro Tip: We recommend getting a professional to help install your wired video doorbells, especially if you have no experience with hardwiring electronic devices. 

Pricing

Of the devices considered in this article, the SimpliSafe is the most expensive. Retailing for just under $170, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is much more costly than the cheapest doorbell on this list, the Arlo 2nd Gen Doorbell, which sells for under $130.

The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is more expensive than the 2nd Gen Doorbell and typically costs around $150. That being said, it is possible to find this doorbell on sale for under $100 on platforms like Amazon. 

So, if you choose the Essential Video Doorbell, make sure to check to see if there are any options to buy it on sale on Amazon.

Effectiveness Outside the Brand Ecosystem

Both the SimpliSafe and Arlo doorbells are rather effective outside their respective brand ecosystems. Since these devices can function independently, you can enjoy the experience of using just these doorbells without needing to purchase additional devices from their respective brands.

That said, since Arlo is slightly more compatible with other smart home brands than SimpliSafe, Arlo Doorbells typically have the potential to perform better outside their ecosystem. 

Key Similarities

Despite the many differences between these devices, they share quite a few things. Below are a few of them:

Design

The SimpliSafe and Arlo Doorbells all share a similar design. While there are minor differences in design language and the overall look of these devices, they all still share the same basic design concepts. 

These doorbells feature a modern, minimalist design with a simplistic elegance that fits well in any contemporary home.

Similar Features

Despite the many differences between these devices, they still share all the basic features. Whichever of these doorbells you choose, you can be sure you’ll get HD-quality videos and images, night vision, motion detection features, mobile app support, two-way audio, and so on. 

App Support

Both SimpliSafe and Arlo offer mobile app support. Each doorbell is compatible with its brand’s native app: SimpliSafe has the SimpliSafe Home Security App, and Arlo has the Arlo Secure App. 

With these native apps, you can manage, monitor, and control your home security system from anywhere on the planet. 

Using a SimpliSafe or Arlo Doorbell with the appropriate app, you can view your video doorbell’s live feed, record past events with the doorbell’s camera, and even communicate via the two-way audio feature.

Wi-Fi Connection

Both the SimpliSafe and Arlo doorbells need a Wi-Fi connection to function properly. This connection helps you connect your doorbell’s camera to your mobile phone and the appropriate app. 

They both also require a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection to function correctly. 

Professional Monitoring Support

Both Arlo and SimpliSafe offer Professional monitoring services as a subscription-only service. 

With this service, you get an Arlo or SimpliSafe professional (depending on the device you purchase) to monitor your home security services 24/7. 

This provides even more security to your home and provides you with even more timely alerts in case of emergencies. Should the need ever arise, you can always count on your monitoring agent to contact the appropriate authorities for you. 

Live Streaming and Video Recording

Arlo and SimpliSafe Doorbells allow you to livestream your doorbell’s video feed anytime. You also don’t need a subscription to enjoy this feature.

While you can view your doorbell’s video feed without a subscription, both brands require that you purchase a subscription plan before you can record and save videos your doorbell’s camera captures. 

This means the only way to view an event through these doorbells without a subscription is to view the live feed, i.e., the event while it is still going on. 

Recordings on both devices are automatically saved on the cloud, but you can download and save them locally if you prefer.

Our Take: Simplisafe Doorbell vs. Arlo Doorbell

Both SimpliSafe and Arlo are great brands that offer reliable video doorbells that can take your home security to the next level. 

That being said, each of these devices has its particular strengths and weaknesses. You’d want to consider this when choosing one over the others. Below are our recommendations on which to take. 

• Select SimpliSafe if you want a video doorbell that excels at doing simple things. 

With the doorbell’s additional sensor dedicated to recognizing the human form and the farther motion detection range, this doorbell typically performs better at motion detection.

• Select Arlo if you are looking for a more feature-rich device. 

The brand offers more features than SimpliSafe, including better video quality, additional motion detection features, and the ability to save recordings for up to 60 days. 

That being said, while Arlo could offer many additional features, many of these features are restricted to users with a subscription. This means you’d need to pay more (and on a continuous basis, too) if you want to enjoy these features. 

• Another reason to choose Arlo is if you are looking to spend less on getting a video doorbell. 

With the brand offering the most affordable doorbell on this list, and with the possibility of getting an Essential Vidoe Doorbell for under $100, choosing Arlo would let you get a quality doorbell at a very affordable price.