Smart video doorbells have become essential home security devices, offering more than just a way to know when someone's at your door. Today, we'll compare the Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation and Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell & Chime SE, both priced around $80, to help you make an informed decision.
Modern video doorbells serve as your digital doorman, combining a traditional doorbell with a security camera, two-way communication system, and smart home integration. They've evolved from simple video feeds to sophisticated devices that can distinguish between people, packages, and animals, while providing round-the-clock security monitoring.
The Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation stands out with its 1080p resolution and unique 1:1 aspect ratio, which means you get a square view rather than the typical widescreen format. This square format actually makes more sense for a doorbell, as it shows more of your porch vertically - from packages on the ground to tall visitors' faces. The 180-degree field of view ensures you can see everything happening around your entrance.
The Roku Doorbell is less forthcoming about its specifications, which often indicates less competitive features. User reviews suggest that while video quality is acceptable in ideal conditions, it struggles in challenging lighting situations and with subjects not directly in front of the camera.
One of the biggest differentiators between these models is their power options. The Arlo offers both wireless and wired installation, giving homeowners flexibility in placement and setup. The rechargeable battery option means you can install it anywhere, even if you don't have existing doorbell wiring. When hardwired, it can integrate with your existing mechanical chime.
The Roku doorbell requires hardwiring to your home's existing doorbell system (16-24 VAC). While this means no battery charging, it also limits installation options and might require professional installation for homes without existing doorbell wiring.
The Arlo system, released in 2024, showcases the latest in doorbell technology. With an Arlo Secure subscription ($3.99/month), you get:
The Roku doorbell offers more basic smart features:
In practical use, the Arlo's advantages become clear. Its HDR (High Dynamic Range) capability means better video quality in challenging lighting conditions, like bright sunlight or dark porches. The advanced motion detection is more reliable, with fewer false alerts thanks to its AI-powered recognition system.
The built-in siren on the Arlo can serve as a deterrent to suspicious activity, although it's worth noting that in residential areas, you'll want to be judicious with this feature to maintain good neighbor relations.
The Roku doorbell performs adequately for basic monitoring but falls short in several areas:
Both devices require subscriptions for full functionality:
Arlo Secure ($3.99/month):
Roku Smart Home ($3.99/month):
The Arlo Video Doorbell works well as both a standalone device and part of a larger security system. It can trigger other Arlo cameras or lights when motion is detected, creating a comprehensive security network. The mobile app is polished and intuitive, making it easy to check recordings or answer the door from anywhere.
The Roku Doorbell primarily appeals to existing Roku users, as it can display doorbell alerts on Roku TVs and integrate with other Roku smart home devices. However, the ecosystem is less developed compared to Arlo's established security platform.
While both doorbells have similar initial costs (around $80), the total cost of ownership differs:
Arlo:
Roku:
Choose the Arlo if:
Choose the Roku if:
The Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation represents the more capable and flexible option, offering superior video quality, advanced features, and installation flexibility. While it requires a subscription for full functionality, the additional features and reliability justify the cost for most users.
The Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell serves as a budget-friendly alternative, particularly appealing to existing Roku users. However, its limitations in video quality and features make it harder to recommend unless you're specifically looking for basic functionality within the Roku ecosystem.
For most homeowners, the Arlo's superior performance and flexibility make it the better choice, despite the slightly higher total cost of ownership. The peace of mind from reliable operation and better video quality typically outweighs the modest price difference.
| Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation | Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell & Chime SE |
|---|---|
| Resolution - Determines how clearly you can identify visitors and packages | |
| 1080p HD with HDR (clear identification at door range) | Unspecified (reportedly lower quality, especially in challenging light) |
| Field of View - Affects how much of your porch area you can monitor | |
| 180° wide angle (sees entire porch and sides) | Unspecified (reviews suggest narrower view) |
| Power Options - Impacts installation flexibility and maintenance | |
| Battery or hardwired (flexible for any home) | Hardwired only (requires existing doorbell wiring) |
| Smart Detection - Determines accuracy of alerts and notifications | |
| AI-powered person, package, vehicle detection (subscription required) | Basic motion detection only |
| Storage Options - Affects how long you can review past events | |
| 30-day cloud storage with subscription ($3.99/mo) | 14-day cloud storage with subscription ($3.99/mo) |
| Smart Home Integration - Important for automation and convenience | |
| Works with Amazon Alexa | Works with Roku ecosystem |
| Night Vision - Critical for 24/7 monitoring | |
| Advanced night vision with HDR | Basic night vision capability |
| Two-Way Audio - Enables communication with visitors | |
| Clear two-way audio with noise cancellation | Basic two-way audio |
| Additional Security Features - Enhances protection | |
| Built-in siren, custom activity zones, quick replies | None reported |
| Operating Temperature Range - Ensures reliable operation | |
| Not specified | -5°F to 120°F (-20.5°C to 48.5°C) |
| Price - Initial investment | |
| $79.99 | $79.00 |
The Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation is generally better than the Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell, offering superior video quality, flexible installation options, and more advanced features. However, the Roku doorbell may be sufficient if you primarily need basic monitoring and are already invested in the Roku ecosystem.
Both doorbells offer TV integration, but in different ways. The Roku doorbell displays alerts on Roku TVs, while the Arlo can show alerts on TVs through Amazon Alexa devices like Fire TV.
The Arlo Video Doorbell offers superior night vision with HDR capability, providing clearer images in low light conditions compared to the Roku Doorbell's basic night vision.
Yes, both doorbells require subscriptions for full functionality. Arlo charges $3.99/month for 30-day video history and advanced features, while Roku charges $3.99/month for 14-day video history and basic features.
The Arlo offers more flexible installation options with both battery and wired configurations. The Roku doorbell requires hardwiring, which may necessitate professional installation if you don't have existing doorbell wiring.
The Arlo Video Doorbell integrates well with home theater systems through Alexa, allowing doorbell alerts on your home theater screen. The Roku doorbell only displays alerts on Roku TVs.
The Arlo Video Doorbell offers 1080p resolution with HDR and a 180° field of view, providing notably better video quality than the Roku doorbell, which has unspecified resolution and reportedly lower image quality.
The Arlo works with Amazon Alexa but not with Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit. The Roku doorbell primarily works within the Roku ecosystem.
The Arlo Video Doorbell offers advanced AI-powered package detection with its subscription, while the Roku doorbell only provides basic motion detection.
With a subscription, Arlo stores recordings for 30 days, while Roku stores them for 14 days. Neither doorbell offers free cloud storage.
Both doorbells work for live viewing and basic functions without a subscription, but features like video recording and advanced detection require a paid subscription.
While both doorbells cost around $80, the Arlo offers significantly better features and performance for the price. The Arlo Video Doorbell provides better value despite having the same subscription cost as the Roku doorbell.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: security.org - arlo.com - bestbuy.com - androidcentral.com - arlo.com - community.arlo.com - youtube.com - community.arlo.com - community.arlo.com - arlo.com - t-mobile.com - youtube.com - consumerreports.org - forums.wyze.com - community.roku.com - discussions.apple.com - consumerreports.org - ring.com - securitysystemsnews.com - community.roku.com - image.roku.com - droneupdelivery.com - lukoilmarine.com - roku.com
