Camera Comparison · UK 2026
Arlo Essential 3 Indoor vs Aqara Camera E1

Specs, pros and cons compared side by side

Both the Arlo Essential 3 Indoor and the Aqara Camera E1 are security cameras. This head-to-head sets them side by side using the specs, pros and cons from our full reviews. Arlo specs come from our Arlo review, checked against Arlo’s own pages; Aqara specs come from our Aqara review, checked against Aqara’s own pages.

Quick verdict

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Arlo Essential 3 Indoor

Pick it for: Dual-band Wi-Fi (the E1: 2.4GHz only)

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Aqara Camera E1

Pick it for: 2K pan and tilt in a small body (the Essential 3 Indoor: fixed view) · HomeKit Secure Video with no SmartHub (the Essential 3 Indoor needs an Arlo SmartHub for Apple Home) · microSD up to 512GB (the Essential 3 Indoor: cloud only, subscription needed)

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Quick comparison

Spec Arlo Essential 3 Indoor Aqara Camera E1
Resolution 2K 2K (2304 x 1296), pan and tilt
Power Wired plug-in 5V 2A adapter (not included)
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz or 5GHz 2.4GHz only
Weather rating Indoor use only Indoor use
Storage Cloud only (Arlo Secure) microSD up to 512GB
Smart home Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT, Apple Home (via SmartHub) Apple Home (HomeKit Secure Video), Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
Apple HomeKit Yes, through an Arlo SmartHub Yes ✅ (HomeKit Secure Video)
Arlo Essential 3 Indoor

Pros

  • Simple fixed view
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi
  • Straight to Wi-Fi, no hub needed

Cons

  • Cannot pan or tilt
Aqara Camera E1

Pros

  • 2K pan-and-tilt in a small body
  • HomeKit Secure Video support
  • Large microSD support
  • Shelf, wall or ceiling mounting

Cons

  • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
  • Not a Zigbee hub
  • Power adapter not included (5V 2A)
  • Indoor use only

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Which should you buy?

Why choose the Arlo Essential 3 Indoor

  • Dual-band Wi-Fi (the E1: 2.4GHz only)
Why choose the Aqara Camera E1

  • 2K pan and tilt in a small body (the Essential 3 Indoor: fixed view)
  • HomeKit Secure Video with no SmartHub (the Essential 3 Indoor needs an Arlo SmartHub for Apple Home)
  • microSD up to 512GB (the Essential 3 Indoor: cloud only, subscription needed)

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