The Arlo Essential camera offers excellent image quality and responsive performance, making it perfect for monitoring homes. It is easy to set up and has a privacy shield, making it a reliable tool for communication. The Arlo Secure app is a bit confusing to navigate, but it is worth the subscription for additional features and storage. The picture quality is sharp in light scenes or when using the IR mode in the dark. It is a reputable brand known for its product lineup, and customers should have the choice of an external camera system or an Arlo Secure system.