The most important thing to know about this comparison: Eufy cameras store video locally for free. Arlo cameras require a subscription to store anything. That single fact drives most buying decisions between these two brands, and it should drive yours too.
Quick answer
- Choose Eufy if: You don't want to pay monthly fees, want local storage, or are adding multiple cameras where subscription costs add up
- Choose Arlo if: Image quality is the priority, you want the most advanced smart detection, or you're in an Apple HomeKit Secure Video household
- Total cost of ownership matters: Arlo's hardware may be similar in price, but 2 years of Arlo Secure costs $300+ on top of the camera price
The subscription comparison
Eufy requires no subscription for full functionality. The SoloCam stores video internally (16GB–32GB built in depending on model). HomeBase-based cameras (EufyCam 2C, 2C Pro) store video on the HomeBase hub. Motion clips, 24/7 recording options, and event history are all available at no cost.
Arlo without a subscription gives you live view only — no stored clips, no way to review what triggered a motion alert. Arlo Secure costs $10/month per camera or $13/month for unlimited cameras. Over 2 years, that's $240–$312 per camera or household beyond the hardware cost.
For households with 3+ cameras, Eufy's no-subscription model becomes dramatically cheaper. For a single camera where subscription cost matters less, Arlo's superior image quality and detection may justify the fee.
Edge: Eufy — no comparison on subscription costs.
Image quality
Arlo Pro 5S shoots 2K HDR with a 180° field of view and a built-in color spotlight for full-color night vision in complete darkness. Arlo consistently produces the best image quality of any major wire-free camera brand. The footage is sharp, the colors are accurate, and the wide field of view eliminates corner blind spots.
Eufy SoloCam S340 shoots 3K with dual lenses — a wide-angle lens and an 8x telephoto zoom that lets you capture detail on vehicles, faces, or packages further from the camera. It also has a built-in spotlight for color night vision. The image quality is genuinely competitive with Arlo, and the dual-lens zoom capability is something Arlo doesn't offer at this price point.
EufyCam 2C Pro shoots 2K with standard infrared night vision — good but not color, and without the spotlight of the SoloCam S340.
Edge: Arlo Pro 5S for overall image quality. Eufy SoloCam S340 for zoom capability.
Smart detection
Arlo has strong on-device computer vision that distinguishes people, vehicles, animals, and packages. With an Arlo Secure subscription, you get specific notifications (e.g., "a person detected at Front Door") and face recognition features. This is Arlo's clearest technical advantage.
Eufy has person and motion detection on most models. The SoloCam S340 and newer cameras add vehicle and pet detection. Detection accuracy is good but lags slightly behind Arlo's CV system, particularly for vehicle and animal classification at a distance.
Edge: Arlo for detection sophistication. The gap is real but narrowing.
Local storage vs cloud
Eufy's local storage means footage is stored on your property — not in someone else's data center. For privacy-conscious buyers, this is a meaningful advantage. Eufy also allows footage export directly from the app without needing a subscription.
Arlo's cloud storage means footage is accessible from anywhere, backed up even if the camera is stolen or damaged, and doesn't require you to manage local storage capacity. The tradeoff is that it only exists as long as you pay for Arlo Secure.
Edge: Eufy for privacy and zero ongoing cost. Arlo for off-site backup and accessibility.
HomeBase range limitation
Eufy HomeBase cameras (EufyCam 2C, 2C Pro, 3) communicate with the HomeBase hub using a proprietary low-power radio. Maximum reliable range is about 30 feet through one exterior wall — a real constraint for larger properties or cameras mounted far from any interior space.
Eufy SoloCam cameras connect directly to your home WiFi, bypassing the HomeBase range limitation. This makes SoloCam cameras more flexible for placement.
Arlo connects directly to WiFi or to the Arlo SmartHub (optional) — no range limitation from a separate hub.
→ Fix: Eufy HomeBase connection failed
Apple HomeKit
Arlo Pro 4, 5S support Apple HomeKit Secure Video — encrypted video processed on-device and stored in iCloud, included with your existing Apple iCloud+ subscription (50GB or higher plan). For Apple households with iCloud+, this eliminates the need for Arlo Secure entirely for one camera.
Eufy supports HomeKit on select models but not HomeKit Secure Video. Eufy cameras with HomeKit integration provide live view in the Home app but don't get the encrypted cloud storage benefit.
Edge: Arlo for Apple HomeKit Secure Video — significant if you already pay for iCloud+.
Our verdict
Get Eufy if: You have multiple cameras, don't want subscriptions, or want local control of your footage. The SoloCam S340 is the standout model — dual-lens zoom, solar charging, no fees, and competitive image quality.
Get Arlo if: Image quality is the top priority, you're in an Apple household with iCloud+, or you have a single camera where the subscription cost is tolerable.
- Eufy SoloCam S340 on Amazon (paid link)
- Arlo Pro 5S on Amazon (paid link)
→ See our full outdoor security camera buying guide
FAQ
Can Eufy cameras work without the HomeBase? SoloCam cameras (SoloCam S340, S220, E20) connect directly to WiFi without a HomeBase. EufyCam 2C and 2C Pro require a HomeBase hub.
Does Eufy sell your data? Eufy had a controversy in 2022 where footage was accessible via their servers despite claiming local storage. Eufy updated their privacy practices and infrastructure afterward. The SoloCam line with local-only storage is now genuinely local — but verify privacy settings in the app after setup.
Will Arlo cameras work without a subscription? You get live view only. No clips are stored, so you can't review what triggered a motion alert. For most people, this makes Arlo cameras without Arlo Secure essentially non-functional as security cameras.
Can I mix Eufy and Arlo in the same home? Yes, they work independently through separate apps. You'd pay for Arlo Secure separately from any Eufy costs.
Which has better customer support? Arlo (now independent from Netgear/Verisure) has had inconsistent support reviews. Eufy (Anker brand) generally has better customer support responsiveness, particularly for hardware issues under warranty.