Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight security camera review

This 2K security camera packs a lot of illumination, but will it work in your home?

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
(Image: © Adam Juniper)

Digital Camera World Verdict

This is one of the best floodlight cameras on the market; as a wireless device it’s an easy DIY job to fit, the battery provides excellent light, and the 2K video is crisp. Arlo’s cloud isn’t free but offers decent AI (low false positives). The ecosystem offers great accessories too one we really wish was in the box!

Pros

  • +

    Up to 3000-lumen brightness

  • +

    Doesn’t require (but can use) Arlo hub

  • +

    Two-way talk and noise-canceling mic

  • +

    Up to 6 months charge

  • +

    Cameras can be charged in-situ

  • +

    Built-in siren

Cons

  • -

    Battery likely to last under a month

  • -

    Hub (required for Homekit) not included

  • -

    Magnetic power cable not included

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The Arlo Floodlight is built around the Pro 3 camera design, a 2K camera, which is echoed in the newer Pro 4 (2K) and Ultra 2 (4K) series from the security firm. Their reputation for quality devices and neat design is well earned, not least by including a bright white LED light in many of their cameras which serve like a mini floodlight, illuminating subjects near the camera and offering color night video.

With other firms in the space offering a variety of real floodlighting options, to be among the best outdoor security cameras, Arlo’s floodlight needed to offer a lot more light, while fitting with their established style. There was also the option of using an Arlo hub for connectivity and local clip storage. In this case, the hub isn’t compulsory (except for HomeKit users), so it isn’t included. Arlo is also known for their glossy design and Magsafe-like power connectors which simplify installation or charging top-ups, but we’ll get to that.

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Adam Juniper
Managing Editor

With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones. 

Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook