6 Best Arlo Solar Powered Security Cameras, Compared
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Arlo sells solar in two forms: cameras with a panel built in, and kits that pair cameras with separate panels. Our top pick is the Pro 2K HDR (6th Gen) two-camera kit with a panel for each camera, swappable batteries and six months of Secure Plus included. The Essential Solar 2K is the tidier choice if the camera spot gets sun, and the Essential 3rd Gen kit is the cheapest route. Our 6 picks rest on Arlo listings and a recent price check, not testing. Note that the Pro 5S three-pack comes with only one panel.
Our top pick: Arlo Pro 2K HDR 2-Camera System with Solar Panels.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- Pro features with no charging Arlo Pro 2K HDR 2-Camera System with Solar Panels Two Pro 6th Gen cameras, two panels.
- No separate panel to mount Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera 2K - Outdoor, Wireless Charging, 2-Cam | Solar-Powered; Wire-Free; 2K & Color Night Vision; Person & Vehicle Detection; 2-Way Audio & Siren; 1-mo Secure plan incl. Panel built into the Essential Solar.
- The lowest-cost Arlo solar kit Arlo Essential 2K 2-Cam Solar Bundle Essential 3rd Gen with two panels.
- A bright light on a dark driveway Arlo Wireless Floodlight Cam 2K HDR Wireless Floodlight with solar panel.
- 4K across 180 degrees Arlo Ultra 4K 3-Cam Solar Set Ultra 3rd Gen system with SmartHub.
Our 6 picks
Arlo Pro 2K HDR 2-Camera System with Solar Panels
Best for: Hands-off Pro
- Power Source
- Solar Powered (what this guide is about)
- Video Resolution
- 2K HDR
- Connectivity
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- Placement
- Outdoor
- Camera Count
- 2 Cameras
- Color
- White
View on Amazon: Arlo Pro 2K HDR 2-Camera System with Solar Panels Affiliate link
Two current Pro cameras, each with its own solar panel, and six months of Arlo Secure Plus included. They record 2K HDR across 160 degrees with auto zoom and tracking, and keep swappable batteries for cloudy spells. With the plan, you can set custom detections such as a garage door opening, read event captions and search clips by keyword; emergency response sends prefilled details like gate codes.
Pros
- A panel for every camera
- Swappable batteries as backup
- Six months of Secure Plus
Cons
- Plan required after six months
- Panels add mounting work
Good fit if
- You want Pro cameras you never have to charge
Skip if
- You do not plan to pay for Arlo Secure
Verdict: The most complete Arlo solar setup for the money.
Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera 2K - Outdoor, Wireless Charging, 2-Cam | Solar-Powered; Wire-Free; 2K & Color Night Vision; Person & Vehicle Detection; 2-Way Audio & Siren; 1-mo Secure plan incl.
Best for: Sunny walls
- Power Source
- Solar Powered (what this guide is about)
- Placement
- Outdoor
- Resolution
- 2K
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Features
- Night Vision, Color Night Vision, Siren, Two-Way Audio
- Camera Count
- 2 Cameras
Two Essential cameras with the solar panel built into the housing, so there is no separate panel or cable to mount. Arlo says about two hours of direct sun a day keeps them running and a full battery lasts up to six months without sun. They record 2K across 130 degrees with colour night vision, a siren and two-way audio.
Pros
- No separate panel to mount
- Up to six months without sun
- Siren and two-way audio
Cons
- Camera must face the sun
- 130-degree view
Good fit if
- Your camera spots also get sun
Skip if
- You want the camera in shade under an eave
Verdict: The neatest solar install Arlo sells.
Arlo Essential 2K 2-Cam Solar Bundle
Best for: Low cost
- Power Source
- Solar Powered (what this guide is about)
- Video Resolution
- 2K
- Connectivity
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- Night Vision Type
- Color night vision
- Camera Count
- 2-Cam
- Color
- White
View on Amazon: Arlo Essential 2K 2-Cam Solar Bundle Affiliate link
Two Essential 3rd Gen battery cameras with two add-on solar panels and six months of Secure Plus. Video is 2K over 130 degrees, and with the plan you get people, vehicle, pet and package detection and 60-day history. Animated previews show events on a locked phone. Stock was marked low.
Pros
- Cheapest Arlo solar kit here
- Plan included for six months
- Panels can sit apart from cameras
Cons
- Limited stock
- Built-in batteries
Good fit if
- You want two solar Arlo cameras at the lowest cost
Skip if
- You need Pro features like auto tracking
Verdict: Entry-level Arlo solar with a plan trial.
Arlo Pro 5S 3-Cam Solar System
Best for: Mixed setups
- Power Source
- Solar Powered (what this guide is about)
- Placement
- Outdoor
- Resolution
- 2K
- Features
- Night Vision, Color Night Vision, Spotlight
- Color
- White
- Dimensions
- 14.6 × 10.4 × 9.57 inches
View on Amazon: Arlo Pro 5S 3-Cam Solar System Affiliate link
Three Pro 5S cameras with spotlights, colour night vision and dual-band Wi-Fi, but only one solar panel, which the listing says keeps one camera powered. The other two use their rechargeable batteries. Basic motion alerts and live view work without a plan; premium features need Arlo Secure.
Pros
- Three Pro-class cameras
- Spotlight on each
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- Only one camera is solar-charged
- Others need manual charging
Good fit if
- One camera is hard to reach and two are easy to charge
Skip if
- You want every camera on solar
Verdict: Most cameras, but only partly solar.
Arlo Wireless Floodlight Cam 2K HDR
Best for: Dark driveways
- Power Source
- Solar Powered (what this guide is about)
- Video Resolution
- 2K HDR
- Placement
- Exterior & interior
- Night Vision Type
- Color night vision
- Camera Count
- 1-Cam
- Weather Rating
- IP65
View on Amazon: Arlo Wireless Floodlight Cam 2K HDR Affiliate link
A battery floodlight camera rated at 2000 to 3000 lumens with 2K HDR, a 160-degree view and 12x zoom, sold with a solar panel that charges its battery. It is IP65, has a remote siren and colour night vision. It covers driveways and alleys without any wiring.
Pros
- Very bright floodlight
- Solar charging
- 12x zoom
Cons
- Single camera
- Lights use battery quickly
Good fit if
- A dark driveway has no power
Skip if
- Mains wiring already reaches the spot
Verdict: Wire-free floodlight power.
Arlo Ultra 4K 3-Cam Solar Set
Best for: Maximum detail
- Power Source
- Solar Powered (what this guide is about)
- Video Resolution
- 4K HDR
- Placement
- Outdoor
- Camera Count
- 3 Cameras
- Color
- White
- Dimensions
- 2.06 × 5.51 × 6.02 inches
View on Amazon: Arlo Ultra 4K 3-Cam Solar Set Affiliate link
Three Ultra cameras with 4K HDR and a 180-degree view, three solar panels, a SmartHub and six months of Secure Plus. Custom modes, routines and geofencing arm and disarm the system automatically. Emergency response contacts help at the camera's address with prefilled details.
Pros
- 4K HDR with 180 degrees
- SmartHub included
- A panel for each camera
Cons
- Highest price here
- Plan needed after six months
Good fit if
- You want the sharpest Arlo system on solar
Skip if
- 2K is enough for your property
Verdict: Arlo's top-end solar system.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Arlo Pro 2K HDR 2-Camera System with Solar Panels | Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera 2K - Outdoor, Wireless Charging, 2-Cam | Solar-Powered; Wire-Free; 2K & Color Night Vision; Person & Vehicle Detection; 2-Way Audio & Siren; 1-mo Secure plan incl. | Arlo Essential 2K 2-Cam Solar Bundle | Arlo Pro 5S 3-Cam Solar System | Arlo Wireless Floodlight Cam 2K HDR | Arlo Ultra 4K 3-Cam Solar Set |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 2K HDR | not stated | 2K | not stated | 2K HDR | 4K HDR |
| Power Source | Solar power, rechargeable battery | not stated | Rechargeable, solar panel | not stated | Battery charged with solar panel | not stated |
| Connectivity | Dual-Band Wi-Fi | not stated | Dual-Band Wi-Fi | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Placement | Outdoor | not stated | not stated | not stated | Exterior & interior | Outdoor |
| Night Vision Type | not stated | not stated | Color night vision | not stated | Color night vision | not stated |
| Camera Count | 2 Cameras | not stated | 2-Cam | not stated | 1-Cam | 3 Cameras |
| Weather Rating | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | IP65 | not stated |
| Resolution | 2K | 2K | 2K | 2K | 2K | 4K |
| Features | not stated | Night Vision, Color Night Vision, Siren, Two-Way Audio | Night Vision, Color Night Vision | Night Vision, Color Night Vision, Spotlight | Night Vision, Color Night Vision, Floodlight | not stated |
| Color | White | White | White | White | White | White |
| Dimensions | 3.43 × 2.05 × 3.09 inches | 4.06 × 5.51 × 1.54 inches | 2.34 × 2.09 × 3.68 inches | 14.6 × 10.4 × 9.57 inches | 7 × 6 × 2 inches | 2.06 × 5.51 × 6.02 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 1.04 pounds | not stated | 4.66 pounds | not stated | not stated |
| Size | 2 Cameras | 2 Cameras | 2 Cameras | not stated | Wireless | 3 Cameras |
| Model | VMC4070P | VMC3090 | VMC3080 | VMK4360P-1SCNAS | FB1001 | VMC5050 |
Choosing Arlo Solar
-
Built-in vs separate panels
Built-in panels need the camera in sun; separate panels let the camera sit in shade.
-
Plan bundles
Several kits include six months of Secure Plus; after that a paid plan is needed for history and smart alerts.
-
Battery backup
Pro and Ultra cameras keep swappable batteries, useful in long cloudy spells.
-
Floodlights drain faster
A 2000 to 3000 lumen light uses more power, so give the floodlight panel the sunniest spot.
Frequently asked questions
Which Arlo solar camera is best?
The Pro 2K HDR (6th Gen) kit with a solar panel for each camera.
Does the Arlo Essential Solar need a separate panel?
No, its panel is built into the camera.
How many panels come with the Arlo Pro 5S three-pack?
One. The listing says it keeps one camera charged.
Do Arlo solar kits need a subscription?
Live view and basic alerts are free; history and smart detection need Arlo Secure after any included trial.