Arlo Wired Video Doorbells: 2K vs Essential and Chimes

Best for
Flexible install on a smaller spend

Best for
Gadget fans wanting the sharpest doorbell view

The Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) is the flagship of this comparison. It records 2K video with a 180 degree field of view that captures visitors from head to toe, which is exactly what you want for spotting parcels left on the mat. It has night vision, two-way audio, a remote siren and IP65 weather resistance. You can run it wire-free on its rechargeable battery, or hardwire it to existing doorbell wiring so it trickle charges and never needs to come off the wall.

Smart alerts include person, vehicle, package and pet detection, with custom activity zones for the door and path and privacy zones to block areas like a neighbor’s window. The app lets you answer with quick replies or take the ring as a video call on your phone. It works with Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT for routines like switching on porch lights when someone approaches.

Be clear about the subscription. Live streaming and basic alerts work without one, but 60-day video history, AI detection and emergency response require a paid Arlo Secure plan after the trial. For gadget fans who want the most detail and the most flexible install, this is the one to get.

• 2K video with 180 degree head-to-toe view
• Wired trickle charge or wire-free battery
• Person, vehicle, package and pet detection
• IP65 weather resistance and remote siren

Best for
Homes with existing doorbell wiring

The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is sold renewed through Amazon Renewed, model AVD1001. It is a wired-only doorbell that connects directly to Wi-Fi with no hub, and it records HD video with HDR to help in both bright sun and low light. The title lists a 180 degree view and night vision.

You can talk to visitors with two-way audio or send pre-recorded quick replies, and a built-in siren can trigger manually or automatically during an event. The listing says it is built to withstand heat, cold, rain and sun, though it does not give an IP rating. The spec sheet dimensions of 1.8 by 1 by 1.5 inches look too small for a doorbell and are likely an error, so check the product photos for size.

This suits a home with working doorbell wiring where you want a straightforward replacement for the old button. Buyers who want 2K detail, package detection or the option to run on battery should step up to the Video Doorbell 2K.

• HD video with HDR and night vision
• Wired install, direct to Wi-Fi
• Two-way audio and quick replies
• Built-in siren

The Arlo Video Doorbell HD (2nd Gen) is also renewed. It offers HD video, night vision and the same 180 degree head-to-toe framing as the 2K model, with a wireless or wired installation option and an integrated siren. It connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi with encrypted transmission and works with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT.

The Arlo app provides real-time alerts, live streaming, remote siren activation and customizable activity zones. An optional Arlo Secure plan adds cloud storage, AI object detection and 24/7 emergency response. You can expand the system with other Arlo cameras. It is a good middle ground: more install flexibility than the Essential Wired, less resolution than the 2K. If you are also planning cameras around the house, our guide to outdoor security cameras covers what to look for.

• HD video with 180 degree view
• Wireless or wired installation
• Integrated siren and activity zones
• Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT

Best for
Adding a second chime affordably

Best for
Hearing rings anywhere in the house

The Arlo Chime 2 is a plug-in indoor chime that connects directly to Wi-Fi with no base station. It plays an audible alert when someone rings your Arlo doorbell, and it can also sound for motion from Arlo cameras. You can choose from a variety of melodies, adjust volume or set it to silent mode.

It doubles as a security device thanks to an 80-plus decibel siren that can trigger automatically on motion or audio, or manually from the app. The listing names compatible models including the Video Doorbell 2nd Gen, the Essential Wire-Free and Wired doorbells and the Audio Doorbell. There is a contradiction, though: the title says it does not work with Pro and Ultra, while the compatibility list names Ultra 3rd Gen and Pro 6th Gen. If you own those cameras, confirm before buying. It is ideal for anyone who games or works in a room far from the front door.

• Plugs into an outlet, no base station
• 80+ dB siren
• Custom melodies, volume and silent mode
• Alerts for doorbell rings and camera motion

Best for
Existing Arlo base station owners

The Arlo Audio Doorbell, model AAD1001, is an older wire-free doorbell without its own camera. When a visitor presses it, you get a call on your phone or tablet and can talk to them remotely, and visitors can leave a message for you to hear later. Paired with a compatible Arlo wire-free camera, it gives you a view of who is at the door. It runs on two included AA batteries, is weather resistant and operates from 4 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

The key requirement is an existing Arlo base station, and it is not compatible with Arlo Go, Arlo Q or Arlo Baby cameras. It works with your existing chime or a separate Arlo chime. Most new buyers are better served by a video doorbell, but owners of an older base station system can add a doorbell button without wiring.

The Arlo Chime 2 with Built-in Siren is a renewed version of the Chime 2, with the same melodies, volume control, silent mode and 80-plus decibel siren, and the same compatibility list. It connects to Wi-Fi without a base station. It weighs 3.2 ounces and measures about 1.22 by 1.76 by 3.6 inches. The spec sheet lists self adhesive installation, while the features describe plugging into an outlet, so expect to plug it in. It is a sensible way to add a second chime upstairs or in a basement game room.