Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen Review: Strong but Flawed
Digging into hundreds of user reports, the Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation & Chime 2 Bundle emerges as a product that blends strong video quality and smart home integration with a few frustrating quirks. Across Amazon, Best Buy, Reddit, and Arlo’s own community, the consensus is that it delivers crisp 2K visuals, a wide field of view, and reliable motion alerts — but installation and connectivity hiccups, especially with the Chime 2, can sour the experience for some. Scoring it on balance, it earns an 8.1/10 from aggregated feedback: praised for its clarity and convenience, but held back by occasional lag and setup challenges.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent for tech-comfortable homeowners or renters willing to tweak settings, but those seeking flawless plug-and-play performance may be frustrated.
| Pros (User-Reported) | Cons (User-Reported) |
|---|---|
| Crisp 2K daytime video quality | Lag in “video call” when doorbell pressed |
| Wide 180° head-to-toe view | Audio interference and delay |
| Accurate motion detection | Chime 2 connectivity issues for some |
| Easy app-based customization | Pricey subscription for full features |
| Works battery-powered or wired | Rainwater can distort lens image |
| Fast connection compared to older models | Night vision less crisp; glare issues |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promises “video call alerts the moment the doorbell is pressed” so users can answer instantly. While some Best Buy reviewers confirm, “I like how you don’t have to open the app to answer… like a phone call,” Homes & Gardens testing found “a lag of five seconds from when the bell is rung… frustrating because I’m used to an instant answer.” The delay is minor for casual use, but for time-sensitive deliveries, it can mean missing a face-to-face interaction.
Arlo advertises “realistic video” and “head to toe viewing angle.” Reddit reviewers back this up, praising “excellent 2K video quality” with detail enough to “see the package even if… placed on the floor.” However, multiple testers noted rainwater distortion, contradicting the impression of weatherproof perfection. One Best Buy customer warned it “doesn’t work when it rains,” a reminder that outdoor placement needs shelter.
Night vision is marketed as clear after dark. In reality, while color night vision is supported, Homes & Gardens reported “nighttime footage is not as crisp… built-in infrared LEDs create a glare… so you can’t make out those details.” This limits forensic-level detail in low light, though most users still found it adequate for security awareness.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The most consistent praise is for daytime video clarity. Best Buy ratings put video quality at 4.7/5, with users describing “very nice and clear video for our safety” and “super clear visually.” This benefits homeowners who rely on visual ID for visitors or deliveries. Reddit feedback highlights the “180-degree field of view” as a game changer for seeing packages on the ground and full-body views.
Ease of installation, especially for renters, is another win. A Best Buy buyer wrote, “Easy installation, nice battery life… hassle-free experience,” while Homes & Gardens reported setup “took under one hour… stress-free” with clear app guidance. The flexible choice between battery or wired power lets renters avoid electrical work, and owners integrate into existing wiring for continuous charging.
Motion detection accuracy also earns high marks. A Best Buy reviewer appreciated “custom motion zones to reduce false alerts,” and Homes & Gardens noted it “has no problem detecting people, vehicles or packages… not overly sensitive,” avoiding nuisance alerts from birds or leaves.
Common Complaints
Connectivity problems with the Chime 2 stand out. Twitter/X threads describe units that “worked for a week and now won’t connect… seeing everyone else’s [wifi] not mine,” with repeated factory resets failing. Even replacement units sometimes failed after 12 hours. This affects users who rely on an audible in-home alert and don’t want to depend solely on phone notifications.
Audio lag and interference are another sore point. Homes & Gardens found “constant interference… conversation feels labored,” and a Best Buy customer noted “audio sounds like a blown speaker.” This impacts real-time visitor conversations and may frustrate users expecting doorbell intercom clarity.
The “video call” activation style divides users. While some enjoy the immediacy, Homes & Gardens called it “over-the-top for a doorbell” and unnecessary — especially with the five-second delay. Those accustomed to instant wired chimes may find this feature slows response.
Divisive Features
Night vision splits opinion. Reddit reviewers praised “color night vision… seeing as clearly after dark as during the day,” but Homes & Gardens testing found black-and-white IR mode with glare issues. Placement and lighting conditions seem to determine satisfaction.
Subscription costs also divide. Some Best Buy reviewers love “no subscription needed” basic use, but advanced features like 30-day video history and smart object detection require Arlo Secure, starting at $7.99/month. For budget-conscious buyers, this feels steep compared to competitors’ plans.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Arlo Community threads reveal prolonged troubleshooting for multi-chime setups. One user spent six weeks trying to make two chimes work, ultimately returning the product after “no luck” and “not a lot of help from Arlo support.” While some issues were traced to non-traditional wiring, the lack of detailed guidance frustrated technically capable users, pushing them to hire electricians.
Long-term durability stories are mixed. Best Buy customers with nearly a year of ownership report “still clear video and easy use,” suggesting solid hardware lifespan. However, intermittent chime failures on otherwise functional doorbells point to potential firmware or compatibility vulnerabilities.
Alternatives
Ring’s wired Doorbell Pro draws favorable comparisons for faster response and slightly crisper night images. Homes & Gardens noted its “subscription plans are a little more affordable” and 180-day event history option. Eufy’s E340 appeals to those avoiding subscriptions entirely, offering “crisp video, clear audio, and easy install” without ongoing fees — but without Arlo’s integrated ecosystem and wide device compatibility.
Price & Value
Current market prices vary widely: Best Buy lists the bundle at $59.99 (often discounted from $129.99), while eBay and other resellers range from $74.99 to $118.35. Buying the bundle is community-endorsed as better value than separate purchases — Reddit and Best Buy reviewers note the chime alone costs $49.99. Resale values hold if purchased below MSRP, but Chime 2 connectivity reputation may dampen second-hand desirability.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the Arlo Video Doorbell without a subscription?
A: Yes — you’ll still get live feed, two-way audio, motion alerts, and remote siren activation. Paid plans add longer video history, smart detection, and activity zones.
Q: Is the battery removable for charging?
A: No, unlike older models. You must remove the entire doorbell to charge, unless wired for continuous power.
Q: Does it work with Apple HomeKit?
A: No — it supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but HomeKit is not compatible.
Q: How weatherproof is it really?
A: Officially outdoor-rated, but multiple users report rainwater distortion on the lens. Sheltering it can help maintain image clarity.
Q: Will the Chime 2 work with any Wi-Fi network?
A: It should, but some users experience issues connecting to certain 2.4 GHz networks, requiring troubleshooting or firmware updates.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a homeowner or renter who values high-quality video, flexible install, and smart home integration — and you’re patient with setup quirks. Avoid if you demand flawless audio and instant wired-like response without tweaking. Pro tip from the community: shelter the lens from rain, and position your router for strong 2.4 GHz coverage before installation.
