Arlo Home Security: Alarm Kits, Cameras and Add-Ons Compared

The Arlo Home Security System SS1501 is the larger of the two Arlo alarm system kits. It pairs the plug-in Keypad Sensor Hub with five 8-in-1 sensors and a yard sign. The hub is described as 6-in-1, with an integrated siren, motion detection and smoke/CO alarm listening, plus buttons to arm away, arm home or go to standby. One Tap Emergency Response buttons can send fire, police or medical responders.

Each All-in-One Sensor can detect motion, open/close, leak, freeze, tilt, ambient lighting and the sound of smoke or CO alarms from existing detectors. You choose which functions each sensor uses in the app, so the same sensor can guard a door, watch a hallway or sit under a water heater. Arlo’s SecureLink is listed for extended range and longer battery life. Setup is DIY with self-adhesive sensors and no contract.

Know the subscription picture: 30-day video cloud storage, object detection, professional monitoring and 24/7 emergency response require a paid Arlo Secure plan after the trial. The listing also includes a 1080p video spec and a 230-volt figure that do not fit an alarm kit without a camera, so treat those fields with caution. This kit suits larger homes; it gives way to the SS1201 when you only need to cover a couple of entry points.

• Keypad Sensor Hub with siren and emergency buttons
• Five 8-in-1 All-in-One Sensors
• Yard sign included
• SecureLink connectivity

The Arlo Home Security System SS1201 uses the same hub and sensors in a smaller bundle: one wired Keypad Sensor Hub and two 8-in-1 sensors. The listing covers the same detection functions, the same arm, arm home and standby modes, and One Tap Emergency Response buttons.

This listing adds detail on professional monitoring. It highlights 24/7 Live Security Experts and Priority Dispatch, where Video and Image Verification helps confirm emergencies and reduce false alarms. You can also pick dashboard widgets and customize sensor behavior in the app. The listing does not specify which subscription tier these need, but the SS1501 listing makes clear premium monitoring requires a paid plan after trial.

The SS1201 suits apartments, dorm-style rentals or anyone testing the Arlo alarm system before expanding. With only two sensors, a front door and one other entry point is a realistic coverage plan. It gives way to the SS1501 once you want most doors and windows covered on day one. It is also a natural hub for the add-on keypad below.

Best for
Detail-focused buyers wanting 4K video

The Arlo Ultra bundle here is a renewed Arlo Ultra 4K camera system, model VMS534, sold under the Amazon Renewed brand. It includes three wire-free cameras for indoor or outdoor use, each recording 4K UHD video with HDR and a 180-degree diagonal field of view that Arlo says reduces fisheye distortion. Color night vision, a spotlight, a siren and two-way audio are listed.

The cameras run on rechargeable batteries and connect over Wi-Fi, with Alexa and Apple HomeKit support. Specs list 30 fps and 2160p capture. Because it is renewed, the listing states a 90-day warranty, far shorter than new gear typically carries, and it does not specify battery condition. It suits enthusiasts who want the most detail, such as reading plates or faces at a distance. If you would rather buy new, the Essential 2K pack is the alternative. For more on the Ultra line and how Arlo cameras compare, see our Arlo smart home security cameras guide.

• 4K UHD video with HDR
• 180-degree diagonal view
• Color night vision, spotlight and siren
• Works with Alexa and HomeKit

Best for
Outdoor coverage with smart detection

The Arlo Essential Battery 2K Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor three-pack is the Arlo Essential Battery 2K, 3rd Gen. Each rechargeable camera records 2K video with a 130-degree field of view, 12x zoom, color night vision, a spotlight, a siren and two-way audio, and it is listed as weather resistant for outdoor use. Dual-band Wi-Fi connects to the stronger signal.

Smart alerts cover person and vehicle recognition plus pet and package detection, with animated previews. Live streaming and basic alerts work without a subscription, while 60-day video history, AI detection and emergency response need an Arlo Secure plan after a one-month trial. It works with Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT.

Next to the Ultra, the Essential trades 4K and 180-degree coverage for a new unit with smart detection and broader platform support. It suits most homes covering doors, driveways and yards. Our Arlo home security camera breakdown goes deeper on placement.

Best for
Adding a second arming point

The Arlo Wire-Free Keypad for Arlo Home Security System, model KB1001, is an add-on, not a standalone system. It pairs with the Arlo Home Security System through SecureLink and lets you arm or disarm, press the panic alarm or use emergency buttons from another room.

It runs on lithium batteries, mounts magnetically so you can pop it off to change batteries, and includes an integrated siren. Emergency Response requires an Arlo Secure plan after trial. It suits anyone with an SS1501 or SS1201 who wants a second control point by the back door or bedroom. It does nothing without one of those kits.