Smart Home
Arlo Pro 5S Review: The Critics’ Clear Verdict
“Crisp and detailed” video, says WIRED; “high subscription costs” are the catch, says Tom’s Guide.
No single aggregate score — here's what the reviewers agree on, below.
The short version
Reviewers agree that the Arlo Pro 5S delivers excellent 2K video, unusually capable color night vision, fast notifications, and flexible security automations. WIRED rated it 9/10 and praised its handling of difficult lighting, while Tom’s Guide called it a stellar camera for buyers who accept the cost. That cost is the problem: the camera was listed at $250, and many desirable features sit behind an ongoing Arlo Secure subscription.
What reviewers loved
- Sharp 2K video, 12X zoom, and strong HDR make people and other details easier to identify, even in scenes with direct sunlight and deep shadows.
- Color night vision is among the best WIRED’s reviewer had seen and can work without activating the spotlight.
- Fast, information-rich phone and smartwatch alerts help users assess an event without waiting for the full app to load.
- Arlo Secure offers deep automation, including control over camera behavior based on factors such as whether anyone is home.
What held it back
- The $250 single-camera price and subscription starting at $5 per month make it an expensive long-term system; Tom’s Guide says Ring costs less upfront and over time.
- Moving subjects can look blurry in color night recordings.
- Using maximum resolution, the widest view, and HDR requires a strong internet connection and increases battery and bandwidth demands.
Buy it if excellent video, strong night vision, quick alerts, and flexible automations matter more to you than keeping hardware and subscription costs low.
Skip it if you want an affordable multi-camera system or dislike paying a recurring fee for the features you are likely to want.
What the reviewers say
WIRED reports that the Pro 5S combines crisp 2,560 x 1,440 video with excellent HDR, a broad 160-degree view, and fast rich notifications. Its reviewer also found the enhanced color night vision among the best they had seen, although moving subjects could appear blurry. WIRED’s verdict was blunt: the camera is premium-priced and the subscription is essential, but its video and alerts make it a top outdoor option.
Tom’s Guide reaches a similar conclusion. It praises the clear 2K video and extensive Arlo Secure automation, including behavior that can change depending on whether the user is home. The main reservation is value. At $250 per camera plus a subscription starting at $5 per month, Tom’s Guide says Ring offers a comparable portfolio for less. PCMag also highlights the Pro 5S’s simple setup, color night vision, 12X zoom, two-way audio, weather-ready design, and Alexa support.
⚙ Best settings — dial it in
WIRED provides practical setup guidance rather than fixed calibration numbers. Its review suggests preserving the camera’s strongest video features when your connection and battery needs allow. For fully calibrated values, see WIRED.
| Video resolution | Use up to 2,560 x 1,440 for maximum recorded detail and the most useful 12X zoom. |
|---|---|
| HDR | Keep HDR enabled when dealing with bright sunlight and dark shadows, provided your connection is strong enough. |
| Viewing width | Use the maximum 160-degree view when broad coverage matters; reduce it if you need to conserve bandwidth or battery. |
| Night vision | Choose enhanced color night vision for color detail without a spotlight. Try the spotlight or black-and-white mode if moving subjects appear too blurry. |
| Brightness | Adjust brightness in the Arlo app to suit the scene; WIRED does not provide a universal numeric value. |
| Wi-Fi setup | Connect through the 2.4-GHz band during initial setup. The camera supports both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands afterward. |
The competition
Ring security cameras
Tom’s Guide says Ring has a similar product portfolio but costs less both upfront and over time.
Should you buy it?
Yes, if image quality and useful alerts are your priorities and you are comfortable paying for Arlo Secure. Critics consistently praise the Pro 5S’s detailed 2K picture, difficult-light handling, color night vision, and automation tools. Buyers building a larger system should price the full hardware and subscription commitment first, because cheaper alternatives exist. RightWei summarizes independent reviewers’ hands-on testing and does not test review units ourselves.
Sources
RightWei aggregates and summarizes independent reviews — we link to the original hands-on tests so you can go deeper. We don't test units ourselves.