PCMag80
The Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a highly capable and affordable wireless doorbell that provides excellent video quality and smart detection features, though it relies on a subscription for full functionality.
Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
4 expert reviews#3 in video doorbellsChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) has a critic score of 77 out of 100 from 4 professional reviews, and 4 of them recommend it. It ranks #3 of 3 video doorbells we score. Critics praise its easy to use and picture quality. The most common complaint is subscription costs.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Image: ArloBudget pick
Our verdict
4 professional reviewers tested the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), and 4 recommend it. Critics praise its easy to use and picture quality. The most common complaint: subscription costs.
The catch: Video history needs a subscription.
Critic agreement: Medium
Scores run from 70 to 80
Early score: only 4 professional reviews so far. Expect it to move as more reviews come in.
2 of these 4 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text and corrected for the known tendency of estimates to run high.
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What do critics say about the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)?
BobVila.com79est.
The Arlo 2nd Gen is a reliable and easy-to-install doorbell with good app integration, though its most useful features are locked behind a subscription.
The Strategist79est.
The Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) is a versatile, cross-platform option that is particularly recommended for Apple Home users, though it requires an additional hub for full functionality.
Android Central70
The Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a reliable and well-performing device that offers good value, though it is significantly hampered by the requirement of a monthly subscription for basic functionality and the lack of local storage.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Easy to use3 of 4
Picture quality2 of 4
Value for money2 of 4
What critics dislike most
Subscription costs4 of 4
Missing features2 of 4
Alternatives
Not sure about the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)?
Common questions
Is the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) worth it?
Most critics think so: 4 of 4 recommend it. Video history needs a subscription.
What do critics dislike about the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)?
Subscription costs (4 of 4 reviews), Missing features (2 of 4 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)?
The Eufy Video Doorbell E340 (critic score 84), no subscription.