Arlo and Ring are in an ongoing battle for smart home security dominance, and this battle extends from cameras into the smart lights that support them. While the smart light offerings from these companies are very similar, we test bothto help you decide which one should illuminate your home.
Ring Smart Lights
Shine bright
$100 at Amazon
Pros
- Base package includes two lights
- Easily group with other Ring smart lights
- Excellent weather resistance
Cons
- Limited to Alexa compatibility
- Larger footprint
Ring has a rather intriguing option here with its new Smart Lights. While sharing many of the same “specs” as the Arlo, Ring includes two lights in its starter pack for less than Arlo’s single-camera setup.
Arlo Smart Security Lights
Wire-free wizard
$105 at Amazon
Pros
- Doesn’t need to be wired to a lighting fixture
- Full-color LED customization
- Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and more
Cons
- Only one light included in the starter pack
- Slightly lower weatherproofing rating
The Arlo Smart Security Light is a great option for those looking to add security lights to their Arlo camera systems. While the light is just as bright as the Ring, there is an added bonus of customizable LED’s, and the ease of a wire-free setup.
On the outside looking, both the Ring and Arlo smart light options seem to be practically interchangeable. But there are a few minor differences that help set the Ring apart from its competition.
Newcomer breakdown
Getting the basics out of the way, the Ring Smart Lights sport (slightly) better weather resistance, although these do not operate at the same temperature range as the Arlo option. Plus, the Ring lights have a larger footprint, which is definitely something to consider when it comes to where you can place these lights.
| Weather Resistance | IP66 | IP66 |
| Max Brightness | 400 Lumens | 400 Lumens |
| Dimensions | 6.42″ x 3.82″ x 4.65″ | 3.9″ x 2.8″ x 2.3″ |
| Operating Temperature | -4°F to 122°F | -14° F to 113° F |
| Adjustable | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Motion Detection | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Wire-free | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Scheduling | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Subscription | ❌ | ❌ |
| Color-changing | ❌ | ✔️ |
Both are wire-free, meaning that you won’t have to worry about trying to hide any ugly wires on the outside of your home. Additionally, both the Ring and Arlo smart lights sport motion detection and are adjustable.
Where the Arlo excels comes regarding the light itself, as there are color-changing LED’s built-in. This is excellent if you want to have a party in the summer and want some different lights to set the mood.
Both of these smart lights have a brightness of 400 lumens, so there is really no difference on that front. Tthe Ring is limited to Alexa and IFTTT, which makes sense considering Ring is now owned by Amazon, but Arlo’s smart light not only supports Alexa and IFTTT also Google Assistant, so you basically have your choice of smart home assistant.
What really keeps standing out with the Ring option is the pricing when compared to Arlo’s smart light. The Ring starter kit includes two spotlights, along with the Bridge that is needed to make all the magic happen. Arlo’s smart light bundle includes just one-light and the Arlo Bridge, which is also needed to make everything work properly.
When looking at the two-pack light bundle from Arlo, the price jumps to $185, which can be a tough pill to swallow for some color-changing LED’s. But let’s be honest, if money is no object, then you really couldn’t go wrong with either the Arlo or Ring.
Ring Smart Lights
Shine bright
Ring’s decision to include two lights in its starter pack proves to be the difference.
$100 at Amazon
The Ring Smart Lighting Spotlight is a great option for those tied to the Ring ecosystem, or are looking to get started. The fact that you get two lights and the Bridge for $100 is tough to pass up on.
Arlo Smart Security Lights
Wire-free wiz
$105 at Amazon
Being able to place the Arlo Smart Lights anywhere on your property is extremely convenient.
Arlo may not have packed as many lights as possible into its Smart Light, but this solution is completely wireless and more customizable.
