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“The Arlo Essential XL's extended battery life makes it a standout for locations where charging is inconvenient”
Is the Arlo Essential XL worth it?
The Arlo Essential XL ($79.99) is worth considering with a 7.8/10 consensus score across 9 expert reviews. Experts highlight xl battery lasts up to 12 months and 2k video with color night vision. CNET says: "The Arlo Essential XL's extended battery life makes it a standout for locations ..." Best for: Remote locations, HomeKit camera users, Long battery-life seekers.
Good Value9 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$79.99
Verified 40d ago
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Arlo Essential XL
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Security
SHE ScoreAbove Average
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
6.2/10
9 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth5/10
Setup Ease5.4/10
Reliability6.1/10
Value Rating9.3/10
Future-Proofing5/10
The Arlo Essential XL earns a SHE Score of 6.2/10, driven by strong value (9.3/10) with room to improve in future-proofing (5/10). Based on 9 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 7.8/10 across 9 sources
Updated 3 weeks ago“The Arlo Essential XL's extended battery life makes it a standout for locations where charging is inconvenient”
Key Features
- ✓ 12-month battery
- ✓ Color night vision
- ✓ HomeKit + Alexa + Google
- ✓ Built-in siren
Best For
Remote locationsHomeKit camera usersLong battery-life seekers
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ XL battery lasts up to 12 months
- ✓ 2K video with color night vision
- ✓ Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit
- ✓ Weather-resistant for outdoor use
- ✓ Built-in siren
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Arlo Secure subscription for cloud recordings
- ✗ 1080p on base Essential model
- ✗ Setup requires Arlo app account
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What The Experts Say
Ready to buy the Arlo Essential XL?
Check Price on Amazon$79.99 · 9 expert sources · 7.8/10 consensus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arlo Essential XL worth it?
The Arlo Essential XL earns a 7.8/10 consensus score across 9 expert sources and is rated "Good Value". At $79.99, it is best for Remote locations. CNET notes: "The Arlo Essential XL's extended battery life makes it a standout for locations where charging is inconvenient"
How much does the Arlo Essential XL cost?
The Arlo Essential XL is priced at $79.99. With a 7.8/10 score from 9 expert reviews and a "Good Value" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Security products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Arlo Essential XL best for?
The Arlo Essential XL is best for Remote locations, HomeKit camera users, Long battery-life seekers. Experts rate it "Good Value" with a 7.8/10 consensus across 9 sources.
How does the Arlo Essential XL compare to other Security options?
Among the Security products we have aggregated, the Arlo Essential XL ranks above average with a 7.8/10 score. See our full category comparison for head-to-head details.
What smart home systems does the Arlo Essential XL work with?
The Arlo Essential XL works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
Does the Arlo Essential XL need a hub or a subscription?
Some features (such as cloud storage or advanced alerts) need a paid subscription, so confirm which capabilities are gated behind a plan before buying.
What are the best alternatives to the Arlo Essential XL?
If the Arlo Essential XL ($79.99, 7.8/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Security are Google Nest Cam Outdoor, Eufy SoloCam S340, Blink Outdoor 4. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Arlo Essential XL?
The main strengths of the Arlo Essential XL are xl battery lasts up to 12 months and 2k video with color night vision. The most-cited downside is arlo secure subscription for cloud recordings. Overall, 9 expert sources rate it "Good Value" with a 7.8/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 1 independent expert review into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 9 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Arlo and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Arlo or any other manufacturer named in this article.