The Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Security Camera Is $400 Off

The Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Security Camera (three-pack), now down to $249.99 from its usual $649.99, packs some impressive features, making it a tempting option in the smart security market. First off, you’ve got a choice of white or black finishes to blend into your space, and it offers a solid 2K video quality with a 4MP HDR camera that captures clear, detail-rich 160° views. Plus, it’s got an 80dB siren and a motion-activated spotlight for color night vision if you’re after round-the-clock security and high-quality footage. This PCMag review notes that while the nighttime colors aren’t as sharp as what you would get in daylight, they’re still a step up from similar models out there.

It also includes a motion sensor, two infrared LEDs for black-and-white night vision, and a noise-canceling mic with a speaker for real-time interaction. Plus, it supports IFTTT and integrates smoothly with Alexa and Google Assistant, though it’s not compatible with Apple HomeKit. Managing the camera is pretty straightforward with the Arlo Secure app. It lets you choose from preset modes like Arm Away, Arm Home, and Standby for quick and easy selection. Additionally, you can turn the camera on and off, check battery levels, adjust wifi settings, control spotlight brightness, toggle the mic, set up motion zones, and more using the app. And for those who want to extend the camera’s battery life, there’s a low-power mode that can stretch runtime up to eight months.

The Pro 5S keeps you updated with push and email alerts for any detected movement or noise. But if you’re hoping to store footage locally rather than on the cloud, you’ll need Arlo’s Smart Hub, which costs an extra $99.99 (down from $110.46) and works with USB drives. If that sounds a bit much and you’re after something more cost-effective, the TP-Link Tapo C420S2 might be worth a look—it’s cheaper at $125.99 (down from $139.99) and has a built-in microSD slot, so you can skip the hub. And, for those willing to subscribe, Arlo Secure plans (starting at $6.67/month and $10.83/month) give you access to 30 days of recordings for one camera and multiple cameras, respectively. For more advanced features like smart object recognition, professional monitoring, and 24/7 emergency response, you’ll have to subscribe to Arlo’s Plus or Premium plans, which cost $15 and $20.83 per month, respectively.