To be truly effective, a video doorbell must excel in two primary functions: clearly revealing who is at your entrance and facilitating seamless interaction with them. The Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) effectively fulfills both requirements. Originally listed at $129.99, it has been slashed to a record low of $59.99, as confirmed by price tracking websites.

This is a significant price reduction for a doorbell that PCMag recognized as Editor’s Choice and named Best Video Doorbell of the Year 2024. With impressive 2K resolution (1,944 x 1,944 pixels), a wide 180-degree viewing angle, and 12x digital zoom, it allows for comprehensive visibility—from seeing a delivery person’s face to checking the package they leave on your porch. You have the option to hardwire it to an 8-24V transformer for constant trickle charging or use it wirelessly with its built-in battery, which provides up to four months of use per charge via USB.

The recording starts automatically whenever it detects motion or when someone presses the doorbell. Instead of standard push notifications, this doorbell will call your smartphone, allowing you to answer or decline as you would with a regular call. Accepting the call grants you access to a live video stream with two-way audio (or you can send a pre-recorded message if you prefer not to engage in a conversation). A review by PCMag highlights that daytime recordings are rich in detail and color, while nighttime visibility is clear in black and white up to distances of 25 feet. However, it lacks color night vision—if this capability is essential, consider the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, priced at $149.99, as an alternative.

This device does not feature local storage; thus, recorded clips can only be accessed with an Arlo Secure subscription. Plans begin at $7.99 per month for a single camera (or $17.99 for unlimited camera access), providing 60 days of cloud storage, smart alerts, and object detection capabilities. If you require round-the-clock emergency response, the Premium plan is available at $24.99 per month. Users can manage their Arlo Video Doorbell 2K through the Arlo Secure app, which allows for live stream access, two-way audio, motion detection configuration, mode adjustments, voicemail setup, and more.