In recent years, video doorbells have evolved from simple monitoring devices into sophisticated home security hubs. Today we'll compare two notable options: the recently released Eufy Security E340 2K Dual Camera Video Doorbell ($179.99) and the more established Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell ($59.99).
Video doorbells have come a long way from basic video feeds. Modern devices now incorporate AI-powered detection, smart home integration, and advanced security features. The key improvements we've seen focus on video quality, field of view coverage, and intelligent notifications that reduce false alerts.
The E340 introduces an innovative dual-camera system - a feature that sets it apart in the market. The main camera provides 2K resolution for face-level viewing, while a second downward-facing camera ensures package visibility. This dual approach solves a common problem with traditional doorbells: the blind spot directly below the camera.
The Arlo Essential takes a different approach, using a single camera with a 180-degree field of view and 1536x1536 resolution. While the resolution is lower than the E340, its square aspect ratio and wide viewing angle help capture most of what happens at your doorstep.
Installation flexibility can be crucial for many homes. The E340 offers both battery and hardwired options, making it versatile for various situations. The battery version runs up to 6 months on a charge, and the removable battery means you can keep a spare ready.
The Arlo Essential requires hardwiring, which might limit installation options but ensures constant power. This approach eliminates battery maintenance but requires existing doorbell wiring or professional installation.
Storage approaches differ significantly between these models. The E340 includes 8GB of local storage, storing footage directly on the device. This means no subscription fees and better privacy, as your footage stays in your control.
Arlo's cloud-based approach requires a subscription for video storage and advanced features. While this means additional cost, it provides easier access to footage from anywhere and automatic backup.
Both doorbells incorporate AI detection, but implementation varies:
The E340 includes:
The Arlo Essential offers:
Night vision implementation shows significant differences. The E340 uses dual LED spotlights for full-color night vision up to 16 feet, while the Arlo Essential relies on infrared LEDs for traditional black-and-white night vision.
Both devices work with major smart home platforms:
The E340 adds standalone functionality through Eufy's app, while Arlo requires their hub for full feature access.
In practical use, the E340's 2K resolution provides noticeably sharper images, especially when zooming in on details like package labels or face features. The dual-camera system proves particularly useful for package monitoring, eliminating the common blind spot issue.
The Arlo Essential's HDR capability helps balance bright and dark areas, which can be crucial for doorways with strong backlighting. While its resolution is lower, the image quality remains clear enough for most security purposes.
The E340's dual-camera system enables more accurate motion detection, as it can track movement across both cameras. This reduces false alerts from things like passing cars or swaying branches.
Arlo's system, while simpler, proves reliable for basic motion detection. However, accessing advanced detection features requires their subscription service.
When considering value, factor in both upfront and ongoing costs:
E340:
The E340 provides all features out of the box, while Arlo gates advanced features behind their subscription. This difference becomes significant over time, potentially making the E340 more cost-effective despite its higher initial price.
The Eufy Security E340 represents the newer generation of video doorbells, with its dual-camera system and comprehensive feature set making it a strong choice for those wanting complete coverage without subscription fees. While the upfront cost is higher, the included features and lack of required subscriptions provide better long-term value for most users.
The Arlo Essential offers a more traditional approach at a lower entry price. It's a solid choice for basic monitoring needs or those already using Arlo products, though the subscription requirement should factor into long-term cost calculations.
Both products effectively serve their core purpose of doorbell monitoring, but their different approaches to features, storage, and pricing mean the best choice depends largely on your specific needs and preferences.
| Eufy Security E340 2K Dual Camera Video Doorbell | Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment and ongoing costs | |
| $179.99, no required subscription | $59.99, subscription required for advanced features |
| Camera System - Determines coverage and blind spots | |
| Dual cameras: front-facing 2K + downward package view | Single camera with 180° field of view |
| Video Resolution - Impacts ability to identify faces and read labels | |
| 2K (2560 x 1920) with dual views | 1536 x 1536 with HDR |
| Power Options - Affects installation flexibility | |
| Battery (6 months per charge) or hardwired | Hardwired only |
| Storage - Impacts ongoing costs and privacy | |
| 8GB local storage included, optional cloud | Cloud storage only (subscription required) |
| Night Vision - Critical for 24/7 monitoring | |
| Color with dual LED spotlights, 16ft range | Black & white infrared LED |
| AI Features - Reduces false alerts and improves security | |
| Person, package, face recognition included | Basic motion detection, advanced features require subscription |
| Smart Home Integration - Enables automation and remote viewing | |
| Alexa, Google Assistant, standalone operation | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit |
| Weather Protection - Ensures reliable operation | |
| IP65 rated | Weather-resistant (specific rating not provided) |
| Installation Requirements - Consider setup complexity | |
| DIY installation, flexible mounting options | Requires existing doorbell wiring or professional install |
| Audio Features - Important for visitor interaction | |
| Two-way audio with noise reduction, 6 quick replies | Two-way full-duplex audio with quick replies |
The Eufy Security E340 2K Dual Camera Video Doorbell ($179.99) offers more features and better video quality, while the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell ($59.99) provides a more budget-friendly option. The E340's dual-camera system and subscription-free service make it a better overall value despite the higher upfront cost.
The E340 costs $179.99 upfront with no required subscription, while the Arlo Essential costs $59.99 but requires a subscription for advanced features and video storage.
Both doorbells can display video feeds on smart TVs and streaming devices through Alexa or Google Assistant. The E340 works particularly well with home theater setups as it doesn't require additional hubs or subscriptions.
The E340 offers superior 2K resolution and dual-camera coverage, while the Arlo Essential provides 1536x1536 resolution with HDR. For home theater viewing, the E340's higher resolution provides noticeably better quality on large screens.
The E340 includes all features and local storage without a subscription. The Arlo Essential requires a subscription for video storage and advanced features like person detection.
The E340 offers more flexible installation with both battery and hardwired options. The Arlo Essential requires hardwiring, which may need professional installation if you don't have existing doorbell wiring.
Yes, both doorbells support viewing on smart TVs through Alexa or Google Assistant. The E340 offers clearer footage on large screens due to its higher resolution.
The E340 features color night vision with dual LED spotlights, offering better clarity up to 16 feet. The Arlo Essential uses traditional infrared for black-and-white night vision.
Both doorbells support Alexa and Google Assistant. The Arlo Essential adds Apple HomeKit support, while the E340 offers more standalone functionality.
The E340 excels at package monitoring with its dedicated downward-facing camera. The Arlo Essential offers package detection but requires a subscription and lacks the dedicated downward view.
The E340 includes 8GB of local storage with optional cloud backup. The Arlo Essential relies entirely on cloud storage through a paid subscription.
Despite its higher upfront cost, the E340 provides better long-term value with no required subscription fees and more included features compared to the Arlo Essential, which has ongoing subscription costs.
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: t3.com - eufy.com - youtube.com - trustedreviews.com - youtube.com - homedepot.com - eufy.com - costco.com - eufy.com - eufy.com - eufy.com - safehome.org - arlo.com - arlo.com - bestbuy.com - arlo.com - wasserstein-home.com - arlo.com - arlo.com - prnewswire.com - telquestintl.com
