This Affordable Security Cam Does Everything I Need, and It’s 51% Off for Amazon’s Spring Sale

I’ve been testing security cameras for years, and one rule consistently holds true: If you want a cam with higher-end features, it’s bound to come with a hefty price tag. That means it’s easy to drop $200 or more for just a single camera. So when I tested the second-gen Arlo Essential 2K cam, I was impressed to find that it remains amazingly affordable for a do-it-all battery camera. 

And right now, the Arlo Essential is even more budget friendly since it’s down to an all-time low price for Amazon’s Spring Sale at just $49 today. That’s a good price for a camera that offers many of the same excellent features of Arlo’s highest-end models.

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Arlo cams for yourself or others

With Arlo’s easy and informative setup process, the Essential camera is a great choice even if you or your family haven’t tried a security camera before. As long as a user is comfortable trying out a new app and following the instructions, Arlo is an excellent experience. I rate the app and user-friendliness around Blink’s level, another one of my favorite camera apps. 

With indoor/outdoor placement, the camera is also versatile, so you don’t have to worry about people not finding a place to use it. You could also spend a bit more to upgrade the camera with an extended battery and a solar panel, an effective combo if you want to avoid manually charging the battery as much as possible. It still needs a Wi-Fi connection, but this combo is great for out-of-the-way spots like above my garage door or a high point on roof eaves.

If you’re thinking about getting this Arlo Essential camera as a gift, keep in mind Arlo locks quite a few important features behind its $8-plus monthly subscription, including smart alerts with object recognition and cloud video storage. So while the camera is usable without fees, there’s a strong incentive to pay. 

Arlo does offer a free trial of its services, but that could feel like a bait-and-switch to gift recipients who aren’t expecting a security camera. If you want to give the cam as a gift, you may want to add some PayPal or Venmo cash to cover at least several months of a subscription. 

If you’re looking for more affordable tech, check out Amazon’s Spring Sale deals on Anker devices. Plus, here’s our full list of the best home security cameras of 2025.