Arlo Essential Spotlight

No, the Arlo Essential Spotlight connects directly to your home's Wi-Fi router, meaning a separate SmartHub base station is not required. However, connecting it to a compatible SmartHub does allow for local storage via a microSD card. This makes it a very easy and affordable entry point for home security.

While you can view the live feed for free, you need an Arlo Secure subscription to record video clips to the cloud and access smart notifications. Without the subscription, the camera's motion detection will trigger, but you cannot review the captured footage later. The subscription unlocks features like package detection and emergency response.

The integrated rechargeable battery typically lasts between three to six months on a single charge, depending on the amount of motion traffic it records. Frequent activations of the bright LED spotlight will drain the battery faster than standard motion alerts. The battery is recharged using a standard USB cable.

Yes, it features built-in night vision that captures clear video in black and white using infrared sensors. Furthermore, the integrated color spotlight can be triggered by motion, illuminating the area to record full-color video at night. The camera also uses HDR technology to balance high-contrast lighting.