Review Arlo Ultra 2 XL security camera

With the Ultra 2 XL, Arlo has a strong asset in the field of security cameras. We know Arlo, for example, from the Arlo Go2 and the 4-star video doorbell. Tip of the veil: the image quality of the Ultra 2 XL is very good and Arlo has listened to feedback from users of Arlo cameras, as the battery life has been greatly improved. Read the pros and cons of the Arlo Ultra 2 XL security camera in our review.

Watch images for free for 7 days
Incidentally, it is important to note that Arlo’s free cloud storage feature will continue to exist, although Arlo recently reported that it would disappear on January 1, 2024. Fortunately, Arlo has returned to this and as a user of an Arlo camera you can also look back on seven days of images without a paid subscription. A huge plus of Arlo, because many other providers of security cameras charge money for this in the form of a subscription. By the way, if you have an Arlo Base Station, you can of course save the recordings locally.

Ultra 2 XL difference with Ultra 2
A good outdoor security camera is almost necessary to properly secure your home. Arlo offers several security cameras for both indoor and outdoor use. For example, the advanced Ultra 2 appeared earlier and the Ultra 2 XL is also available. There is not much difference in itself, but there is a very important difference: the battery life has been greatly improved and according to Arlo it will now last a year before you have to charge it.

Arlo Ultra 2 XL specifications
For many people, the price tag of the Ultra 2 XL will deter the purchase. It is important to know that for 739 euros you get the starter kit with 2 Arlo 2 XL security cameras and a hub. If you already have an Arlo hub, you only have to buy an Arlo Ultra 2 XL camera for … 369.99 euros. Please note: you can also connect the Arlo Ultra 2 XL security cameras directly to WiFi, but then to the 2.4GHz WiFi network. You don’t need a Smart Hub and the installation is then twice as fast.
The Arlo Ultra 2 XL has a 180-degree field of view that gives a wide perspective, while the 12x digital zoom and enhanced color night vision provide a detailed view, even in the dark. It is also 100% wireless (because it has a huge battery) and weatherproof, and there is the option to connect to your smartphone to receive motion alerts directly to your phone via Arlo Secure. In addition, you can adjust the security according to your own insight and needs, for even better protection. Finally, the advanced two-way audio with noise reduction and a built-in siren and spotlight with deterrent effect should provide the best protection for your belongings.

Design Arlo Ultra 2 XL
In terms of color, the Arlo Ultra 2 XL weighs almost 500 grams and is available in the signature Arlo white. With dimensions of 12 cm x 6.4 cm x 8.6 mm, the Arlo Ultra 2 XL camera is not a small one, but that is of course due to the large battery. The front of the waterproof housing houses the lens, LED lights for illumination and two status lights. At the bottom is a button that allows you to remove the housing and access the battery to remove it and charge it.

Install Arlo Ultra 2 XL
The starter kit box contains two cameras, a smart hub, a battery charger and two mounting brackets. You can easily screw it on with the included mounting brackets. Installing the Arlo Ultra 2 XL is quite easy, thanks in part to the user-friendly Arlo Secure app. This nicely organized display shows your devices in the home screen, mostly cameras (also possibly from the video doorbell), which are neatly arranged with images; The gong (without image) is also there if you have it.
You’ll have it up and running in a few minutes if you’re a little adept with these types of devices. Once in place, aim the camera at the zone(s) it needs to monitor. If the camera needs to be charged, you have to move it a bit and then the correct zones may no longer be in the picture, as happens with my current Arlo cameras. An additional advantage of the long battery life is that you only have to reset it once a year.

Test Arlo Ultra 2 XL
The ultra-wide 180-degree viewing angle provides a clear view of and captures movement even when not in direct line of the camera. The 4K video with HDR provides excellent image quality on which you can see many details, making blurry videos a thing of the past. Thanks to the 12x digital zoom, the camera can (automatically) zoom in properly, but no 4K recordings are possible. If you want to save bandwidth anyway, you can also save in 2K.
What’s important is how the camera performs in the dark and it does that very well, thanks in part to the integrated strong floodlight and the color night vision. You can see very clearly when someone comes into view and that person is also clearly visible: in the event of a burglary, these images can be used very well. We recommend that you use that floodlight, despite the fact that this will shorten the battery life (considerably). Such a bright lamp will deter uninvited visitors and if you have trouble finding the keyhole in the dark, this lamp will help you.
I am also satisfied with the sound: you can be heard clearly through the speaker and a visitor can also be heard clearly thanks to the built-in microphone, just like with the video doorbell.
In terms of battery life: with other Arlo cameras, it emerged that the battery had to be recharged after more than a month. For the time being, the extended battery of this external security camera should provide you with protection for a year without having to recharge it. This of course depends on the use and therefore how you set it up.

Conclusion Arlo Ultra 2 XL
All in all, the sturdy Arlo Ultra 2 XL is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a very good security camera: you can hang this cable-free and waterproof camera in many places and it also shows a very sharp image in the dark. Add to that the good wide viewing angle, zoom function, floodlight, sound and battery life, and you don’t have much left to be desired… Only the price deducts it half a star; if you have plenty of money, we highly recommend the Arlo Ultra 2 XL.

Arlo Ultra 2 XL – 2-CAM starter kit (see above)
MSRP: € 739.99, (additional camera € 369.99)

+ excellent image quality, even in the dark
+ wide viewing angle and good zoom function
+ very long battery life, good sound
+ good app and spotlight
– price…