These new home security cameras use AI to identify people, packages, vehicles, and pets – and even alert you to house fires

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The cameras are affordably priced, though AI features are only for subscribers

Split image of two Arlo home security cameras
(Image credit: Arlo)
  • Arlo has launched a new set of five home security cameras with AI features
  • The cameras can identify familiar people and vehicles, and even detect fires
  • Their most advanced features are only available to Arlo Secure subscribers

Arlo, maker of some of the best video doorbells we've tested, has just launched five new security cameras that can use AI to recognize visitors, detect packages, and even warn you about house fires by identifying flames.

The Essential 3 camera series includes two indoor cameras and three weather-resistant outdoor cams, with both wired and wireless versions. All are available to pre-order now, for dispatch on October 1.

The Essential 3 Outdoor Pan Tilt Zoom is a wired camera with a 130-degree field of vision, and it can pan and tilt to follow subjects without blind spots. Prices start at £129.99 for a single 2K-resolution camera. The Arlo Essential 3 Indoor Pan Tilt Zoom has very similar features, and will 'look away' when disarmed to protect your privacy. It costs £89.99 for one camera, or £129.99 for two.

There's also the wireless Arlo Essential 3 Outdoor with siren and spotlight, which starts at £99.99, and the Arlo Essential 3 Outdoor XL with extended battery life, starting at £169.99 for a bundle of two. Finally, there's the wired Essential 3 Indoor, with a physical privacy shield that engages when the camera is disarmed. This costs £79.99 for one, or £99.99 for a twin pack.

All are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT, but not Matter at the time of writing.

Arlo app with animal detection

(Image credit: Arlo)

Subscription plans

That initial cost is quite low for a home security camera, but bear in mind that you'll also need an Arlo Secure subscription to unlock the AI features.

In the UK, there are three subscription tiers: Secure Single Cam, Secure Multi Cam, and Early Warning System. All three will store your videos in the cloud, detect people, animals, vehicles, and packages, and provide a replacement cam if yours is stolen, but only the top tier will identify specific people and cars and alert you to fires. Arlo Secure Early Warning System costs £16.99 per month or £169.90 per year,

If you're looking for a security cam without any extra fees, take a look at my guide to the best subscription-free home security cameras. None of these offer the same package of AI-powered features as Arlo's new cams, but all can store your video clips locally and have no key features hidden behind a paywall.

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Cat Ellis
Cat Ellis
Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, having worked on print magazines including PC Plus and PC Format, and is a Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista. Whether you want to invest in some smart lights or pick up a new espresso machine, she's the right person to help.

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