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Arlo Essential Plug-In (2025)

Arlo / VMC3081-100NAS, VMC3281-100NAS

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Arlo Essential Plug-In (2025) product photo
Image: Arlo

Does the Arlo Essential Plug-In (2025) work with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home?

The Essential Plug-In is a 2K outdoor camera powered by a USB cable that does not use an Arlo SmartHub.

It suits Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings users, with native support through the maker's cloud. Home Assistant users reach it through an integration (the maker's cloud).

At a glance: works withHow this is decided: cited platform facts only
HomeKit
Unknown
Unknown
Google Home
Yes[1]
Wi-Fi cloud, native
Alexa
Yes[1]
Wi-Fi cloud, native
SmartThings
Yes[1]
Wi-Fi cloud, native
Home Assistant
Yes[2]
Wi-Fi cloud, via twrecked/hass-aarlo

Key facts

Arlo Essential Plug-In (2025) facts

How facts are sourced: every cell cites its source below
FactValue
StatusCurrent[1]
List price$49.99[1] as of
TypePlug-in outdoor camera with spotlight and siren[1][3]
Video2304 x 1296[1]
Field of view130 degree diagonal[1]
PowerPlug-in, 16 ft USB cable and power adapter[1]
Wi-Fi2.4 GHz and 5 GHz[1]
Hub requirementNot supported[1]
Works withAlexa, Google Home, SmartThings and IFTTT[1]
Announced2025-08-26[3]

Integration paths

How the Arlo Essential Plug-In (2025) connects

1 pathHow facts are sourced: every cell cites its source below
PathRequiresiLocaliFeatures lostPlatformsi
Wi-Fi cloudNothing extra[1]unknownunknown
About these columns
Requires
Hardware the path needs beyond the device and a controller.
Local
Yes when control on this path keeps working with the internet down.
Platforms
The platforms that work with the device on this path: Native (out of the box), Via integration (needs an add-on) or Not supported.

Home Assistant and Homey

Ways to add the Arlo Essential Plug-In (2025)

2 routesHow facts are sourced: every cell cites its source below
PlatformLeveliIntegrationDetailsEvidenceLimitations
Home AssistantCommunity[2]twrecked/hass-aarloWi-Fi cloud
  • Quality: Custom[2]
  • IoT class: Cloud Push[2]
  • Works with Home Assistant: Not certified[2]
Product line namedLimited: Unofficial cloud API access; Arlo can break it at any time; Requires two-factor authentication through an email or push channel; Not a core integration; not reviewed by Home Assistant; Most Arlo devices work with the integration, possibly with limited functionality; this model is not among those named[2]
HomeyCommunity app[4]com.creson.arloWi-Fi cloud
  • App: Community[4]
  • Runs on: Homey Pro[4]
Product line namedNone stated
About these columns
Level
How the device gets into the platform on this route. The headline is the best route: local before cloud, direct before bridged, core before community. The methodology page lists every level.

Releases

  1. 2025
    1. Announced [3]

Cite this page

Arlo Essential Plug-In (2025). Smart Home Canon. https://smarthomecanon.com/devices/arlo-essential-plug-in. Last checked 2026-10-20.

Sources

  1. [1]
    MFRus.arlo.com / Arlo Essential (2025 Release) - Arlo US store
    Accessed Back to text
  2. [2]
    DBgithub.com / GitHub: twrecked/hass-aarlo, Supported Devices (HACS default repository)
    Accessed Back to text
  3. [3]
    PRus.arlo.com / Arlo unveils all-new lineup of smart home security solutions (2025-08-26)
    Accessed Back to text
  4. [4]
    DOChomey.app / Homey App Store: Arlo Connect
    Accessed Back to text