Looking for a reliable cellular security camera for remote locations seemed impossible. That changed after I spent three months testing the Arlo Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi Security Camera.
My extensive field testing helped me find why this camera outperforms its competitors. The camera captures everything with its crystal-clear 1080p HD video and wide 130-degree field of view. The sort of thing I love about it is its versatility – it connects to both LTE and Wi-Fi networks. This makes it ideal for construction sites, vacation properties, or anywhere traditional security cameras don’t work.
The battery performance is a big deal as it means that you can get up to 8 months on Wi-Fi or 2.6 months using LTE, based on your settings. The color night vision with integrated spotlight proved invaluable in my tests. It showed clear details even in complete darkness. I could talk directly with visitors using the two-way audio feature. The camera’s IP65 weather resistance handled rain and temperatures from -4°F to 113°F without issues.
This camera solves real-life security challenges for outdoor enthusiasts, frequent travelers, or anyone securing a remote location. Want to know if it’s worth the investment? Let me share what I found during my 3-month evaluation.
Arlo Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi Camera: Specs, Price, and Setup
Image Source: Reviewed
The Arlo Go 2’s portable design packs impressive specifications that make it stand out from other cellular security cameras. The device’s robust construction caught my attention right after unboxing. Let me share the features that make this camera a great investment.
Video: 1080p HD with 130° Field of View
The Arlo Go 2 delivers crisp 1080p HD video resolution, which is crucial for security footage. The camera’s 12X digital zoom maintains enough detail to identify people and objects clearly. A wide 130° horizontal field of view covers extensive areas, so you can monitor your entire driveway or backyard with just one well-placed camera.
Connectivity: LTE Bands + 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
This camera’s dual connectivity sets it apart from standard security options. The device works with both 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and cellular LTE networks, giving you unmatched flexibility. Support for multiple 4G LTE bands (B2/B4/B5/B12/B14/B66/B71) and 3G bands (B2/B4/B5) ensures strong coverage with various carriers.
T-Mobile, Verizon, and US Cellular work with the camera, though a separate data plan is needed. The device switches smoothly between Wi-Fi and LTE backup when connections fail. Battery life improves when you disable Wi-Fi searching in off-grid locations.
Battery Life: Up to 8 Months on Wi-Fi
The camera’s battery performance really impressed me with its 13,000mAh rechargeable power source. Wi-Fi connection allows up to 8 months of battery life, though usage patterns, settings, and temperature affect this. LTE usage reduces battery life to about 4 months with full-time cellular connection, or roughly 2.5 months based on my tests.
Arlo’s optional solar panel ($59.99) eliminates battery concerns by keeping the camera powered continuously. Remote installations benefit greatly from this addition since regular battery changes become unnecessary.
Price: $199.99 + $35 Activation Fee
Verizon sells the Arlo Go 2 for $199.99, with slight price variations between retailers. T-Mobile runs occasional promotions, like their $99 offer with new qualifying line activation. You’ll need to add a one-time $35 activation fee and ongoing data costs to your budget.
Monthly data use ranges from 700MB to 2GB, depending on motion triggers and recording length. This means a modest data plan works well, though carrier costs vary. Arlo Secure cloud storage starts at $2.99 monthly per camera if you want that option.
SIM Card and MicroSD Slot Setup
The camera’s setup process is straightforward. A button near the magnetic charging port releases the camera from its housing. The activated SIM card fits into its slot after removing the battery, with the notched corner lined up correctly. You’ll hear a click when the card seats properly.
Local storage options exist through the camera’s microSD slot, offering subscription-free recording. My testing showed that cloud storage provides better features and remote access. The Arlo Secure App guides you through device setup, offering LTE-only or Wi-Fi configuration paths. Setup completes after scanning a QR code with the camera.
Key Features That Set It Apart
Image Source: CDW
My extensive testing revealed several outstanding features that make the Arlo Go 2 better than other cellular security cameras available today. These capabilities solve real problems in remote monitoring where regular cameras just don’t work.
Color Night Vision with Integrated Spotlight
The Arlo Go 2’s night vision capabilities are nowhere near what you get with standard cameras. Most security cameras give you grainy black-and-white footage at night, but this device captures color video even in low-light conditions. You can activate the integrated spotlight through the app or let it turn on automatically when it detects motion. This reveals important details that would stay hidden otherwise.
The color night vision is a great way to get clear details of vehicles, clothing, and facial features in complete darkness. The spotlight does double duty – it improves video quality and scares off potential intruders. You can switch between regular infrared (monochrome) night vision, color night vision with spotlight, or use both based on what you need.
2-Way Audio and Built-in Siren
The communication features make this camera stand out from simple security options. The full-duplex two-way audio system lets you have natural conversations with visitors. It works just like a doorbell intercom but for remote locations. The audio stayed clear even on windy days, and I could hear and talk to delivery people from miles away.
The built-in siren is a vital security feature. The app lets me trigger it remotely or set it to activate when motion is detected. It’s loud enough to surprise unwanted visitors and alert people nearby about security issues. These combined features give you detailed protection beyond just recording video.
GPS Tracking for Camera Recovery
The built-in GPS positioning sets this camera apart. This feature helps find the camera if someone steals it and makes it easier to manage multiple devices on large properties.
The Arlo Secure App shows the camera’s exact location on my phone’s map. This helped me track where I had placed cameras across a big property. The GPS feature gives you peace of mind since these cameras are portable and often used in remote places.
Weather Resistance: IP65 Certified
The Arlo Go 2 combines advanced technology with impressive durability. Its IP65 weather-resistance rating means dust can’t get in, and it handles water jets from any direction. This means:
- Works in temperatures from -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C)
- Handles rain, snow, and other weather
- Resists humidity, heat, and cold
The camera worked perfectly through heavy rainstorms, freezing cold, and intense heat. Its performance and build quality never suffered.
Local and Cloud Storage Options
Storage options make this camera work for different security needs. The microSD card slot lets you store footage locally without a subscription. This helped a lot in places with spotty internet since it keeps recording no matter what.
Arlo’s cloud storage subscription starts at $2.99 monthly per camera. This adds features like person, package, vehicle, and animal detection with smart alerts. You get a free 3-month Arlo Secure subscription, and some stores offer vouchers for 24 more months.
These storage choices ensure you’ll capture everything important, even if your internet or cellular service drops out temporarily.
3-Month Field Test: Real-World Performance
Image Source: PCMag
My ground testing showed how the Arlo Go 2 works when pushed to its limits. I spent three months testing it in tough environments and found both its strong points and limitations.
Rural Property Monitoring Without Wi-Fi
The Arlo Go 2 worked great for off-grid monitoring. I set it up at a remote rural property with no internet access. The camera kept its 4G LTE connection strong and sent clear 1080p footage to my smartphone whatever my location. A property owner said that “real-time viewing of inclement weather has surpassed the cost of the camera by saving on labor & fuel”. The camera managed to keep watching reliably even when the network wasn’t perfect.
Construction Site Surveillance with LTE
Security at construction sites was a bigger test. I put the camera at three busy job sites and watched them from 6 PM to 6 AM daily. The results looked good – after setup, “we have lost no materials to theft“. The camera’s motion detection sent alerts right away and stopped thieves while giving us proof when we needed it. The built-in 4G LTE let us check footage right away at sites with no internet.
Battery Drain in Cold Weather Conditions
Cold weather showed us some key limits with the battery. The Go 2’s temperature range (-4°F to 113°F) was spot on, but freezing temps cut battery life by a lot. I found that the battery won’t charge at all below freezing – even when plugged in. Arlo suggests bringing cameras inside to charge when it’s very cold. We started rotating spare batteries to keep watching in winter.
Motion Detection Accuracy and Alerts
The motion detection worked better than expected once set up right. The Arlo Go 2 uses passive infrared tech to detect heat changes. This helps it spot people and vehicles while avoiding false alarms. At first, the camera sent alerts for every little thing like leaves moving in the wind. The alerts became much more accurate after I adjusted the sensitivity in both the device menu and app’s Mode section. The system could tell important events from background movement and sent notifications quickly through email and push alerts.
User Experience and App Functionality
Image Source: Arlo
The Arlo Secure App acts as the command center for the Go 2 cellular security camera with a user-friendly interface and robust customization options. My testing showed that the app’s capabilities matched the camera’s hardware performance in importance.
Arlo App Setup and Camera Controls
The camera setup through the Arlo Secure App starts with downloading the app and creating an account. You’ll find “Add New Device” at the bottom of the screen. The app walks you through scanning a QR code with the camera after you select your model. This pairs your device quickly. The LTE setup was straightforward – I put in the activated SIM card and followed the prompts. The main Device screen shows your last recorded event’s thumbnail and status icons that display Wi-Fi/cellular connectivity, battery level, and microSD card status.
Live View, Snapshots, and Recordings
The live stream starts when you tap the play button. You’ll see controls for two-way talk, spotlight toggling, snapshot capture, and manual recording. A siren button sits in the corner ready for security events. The Go 2 stands out from simple cameras because you can capture snapshots while recording video. Everything saves to your cloud library or microSD card for easy access later.
Activity Zones and Signal Strength Tools
Activity Zones help you focus motion detection on specific areas in the camera’s view, which substantially reduces false alerts. You can set up these zones through Settings > Zones > Activity and use anchor points to adjust their size and shape. Each camera supports up to three zones that you can name for quick reference. The app’s signal strength meter suggests keeping at least three bars to work best. My tests showed that moving the camera even a few feet could improve the connection quality.
Granting Access to Friends and Family
Camera sharing starts in Settings > Grant Access > Add where you enter the recipient’s details. You choose which cameras to share and decide if others should have administrative rights. Recipients get an email with steps to create their Arlo account. This lets them watch live streams and recordings from shared cameras. This feature was a great way to get family members to check our vacation property during our absence.
Subscription Plans and Value Analysis
Image Source: The Verge
The cost of running a cellular security camera matters just as much as its tech features. My tests of various subscription plans for the Arlo Go 2 showed big differences in value based on how you plan to use it.
Arlo Secure: $7.99/mo for Cloud Storage
The Arlo Secure subscription for one camera costs $7.99 monthly with annual billing, or $9.99 if you pay month-to-month. This plan has 30 days of cloud storage for videos up to 2K resolution and advanced features like person, package, vehicle, and animal detection. Users also get activity zones, interactive notifications, and smoke/CO alarm detection features.
Users with multiple cameras should look at the Unlimited Camera plan at $17.99 monthly with annual billing or $19.99 month-to-month. This plan makes sense if you have more than two cameras.
What Works Without a Subscription?
The Arlo Go 2 works well even without monthly fees. You can still use live streaming, two-way audio, simple motion detection alerts, and battery life warnings. A microSD card (up to 128GB) lets you record locally without any subscription costs. The only catch is that you’ll need to take out the card and plug it into a computer to watch your recordings.
Best Plan for LTE-Only Users
Locations that only use cellular connections work best with an Arlo Secure plan paired with the right data plan. The Arlo Mobile plan handles LTE data just for Go 2 cameras, while Arlo Secure gives you cloud storage and advanced features. The single-camera Arlo Secure plan at $7.99 monthly works great for occasional monitoring.
Verizon vs T-Mobile Data Plans
Your choice of carrier makes a big difference in running costs. Verizon usually has the best rural coverage but charges more. T-Mobile costs less, but users say “their monthly fees were too high to make this camera a smart choice” compared to other providers.
The camera uses about 700MB to 2GB monthly, based on motion triggers and recording time. Most users can get by with basic data plans. If you only need occasional monitoring, a short-term pre-paid plan gives you flexibility without long commitments.
Conclusion
My three-month test of the Arlo Go 2 in different settings proves it’s the most versatile remote monitoring camera out there. Most security systems struggle with reliable internet. This camera solves that problem with both LTE and Wi-Fi connections. You’ll never lose track of what’s important, no matter where you are.
The camera lives up to its promise with sharp 1080p video and quick motion detection. I was really impressed by how well it handled tough conditions. It worked great in freezing temperatures at rural spots and stayed reliable at dusty construction sites. The battery life took a hit in extreme cold, but the camera kept working consistently.
The $199.99 price tag plus data plan might look steep at first. But the peace of mind you get makes it worth every penny if you need to secure remote spots. You can check your property instantly, talk to visitors through two-way audio, and scare off intruders with the spotlight or siren. These features really change how you handle security.
You’ll have to figure out if the Arlo Secure subscription works for you. The advanced detection features and cloud storage boost the camera’s performance by a lot, especially for properties you don’t visit often. The option to use local storage with a microSD card gives you good flexibility without a subscription.
This camera fills a gap that regular security cameras don’t cover. Anyone who needs to secure remote properties, construction sites, or off-grid locations should put the Arlo Go 2 at the top of their list. It offers reliable, feature-packed monitoring that doesn’t cut corners.
FAQs
Q1. What makes the Arlo Go 2 unique among security cameras?
The Arlo Go 2 stands out due to its dual connectivity (LTE and Wi-Fi), allowing it to function in remote locations without traditional internet. It also features color night vision, two-way audio, and a built-in spotlight and siren for enhanced security.
Q2. How long does the battery last on the Arlo Go 2?
The battery life varies depending on usage and connectivity. On Wi-Fi, it can last up to 8 months, while on LTE, it typically lasts around 2.5 to 4 months. An optional solar panel is available for continuous power in remote locations.
Q3. Does the Arlo Go 2 require a subscription?
While a subscription isn’t mandatory, the Arlo Secure plan ($7.99/month for one camera) provides cloud storage and advanced features like person and package detection. Without a subscription, you can still use live streaming, two-way audio, and local storage via microSD card.
Q4. How does the camera perform in extreme weather conditions?
The Arlo Go 2 is IP65 weather-resistant, functioning in temperatures from -4°F to 113°F. It withstands rain, snow, and humidity. However, extremely cold temperatures can affect battery performance, sometimes requiring the camera to be brought indoors for charging.
Q5. What are the ongoing costs associated with using the Arlo Go 2?
Besides the initial $199.99 purchase price, ongoing costs include a data plan for LTE connectivity (usage typically ranges from 700MB to 2GB monthly) and potentially an Arlo Secure subscription for cloud storage and advanced features. Costs vary based on the chosen carrier and subscription plan.
