Are All Arlo Cameras Compatible With Each Other Find Out Now

Not all Arlo cameras are compatible with each other, as compatibility depends on the specific model and generation—older cameras may not work with newer hubs or software features. Check your camera’s model and the Arlo compatibility chart to ensure seamless integration with your existing system before purchasing.

Key Takeaways

• Not all Arlo cameras work together: Check generations and models for compatibility.
• Use Arlo SmartHub or base station: Required for cross-model connectivity.
• Wi-Fi vs. wire-free matters: Older Wi-Fi models don’t support newer wire-free cams.
• App updates ensure compatibility: Keep your Arlo app updated for seamless integration.
• Mixing Pro, Ultra, and Essential: Works only with a compatible hub or bridge.
• Check Arlo’s official compatibility list: Verify before expanding your system.

The Big Question: Can All Arlo Cameras Work Together?

So, you’re standing in your living room, staring at the sleek little Arlo camera in your hand, wondering: “Will this play nicely with the one I bought two years ago?” You’re not alone. Compatibility between different Arlo cameras is one of the most common questions I get—especially from folks who started with one model and now want to expand their home security setup without starting over.

Here’s the good news: Arlo has made significant strides in ensuring cross-compatibility across its product lines. But—and this is a big “but”—it’s not a free-for-all. Some older models don’t talk to newer hubs, and certain features (like 4K streaming or advanced AI detection) might not work across the board. Think of it like trying to connect an old iPhone to the latest MacBook. Sometimes it works perfectly; other times, you need an adapter… or a miracle.

Understanding Arlo’s Ecosystem: The Hubs and Bases

Why Hubs Matter More Than You Think

The secret to Arlo compatibility isn’t just the cameras—it’s the hub or base station. Think of the hub as the “brain” of your system. It connects your cameras to your Wi-Fi, stores local footage (if you have a microSD card), and enables features like motion detection zones and two-way audio. But not all hubs are created equal.

• Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000): Works with most modern cameras, including Ultra, Ultra 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Essential models. It supports local storage and 4K streaming.
• Arlo Base Station (VMB4000/VMB4500): Older but still functional. Compatible with Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Essential. No 4K support.
• Arlo Bridge (for Essential Wire-Free cameras): A stripped-down hub that only works with the Essential line. No local storage or advanced AI features.

Here’s a real-world example: My neighbor started with a Pro 2 system (VMB4500). When she upgraded to a Pro 4, she kept the old base station—and it worked! But when she tried to add an Ultra 2, she hit a wall. Why? The VMB4500 doesn’t support 4K. She ended up buying the SmartHub VMB5000 to unlock full functionality.

What Happens When You Mix Old and New?

Mixing older and newer cameras can work—but with caveats:

• Same hub, different cameras: A SmartHub VMB5000 can manage a mix of Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra 2 cameras simultaneously. You’ll get full features on newer cams, but older ones will run at their native specs (e.g., 1080p vs. 4K).
• Older hub, newer camera: Possible, but you lose features. A Pro 4 on a VMB4500 base station won’t stream in 4K or use advanced AI detection.
• No hub at all: Essential Wire-Free cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi. They can coexist with hub-based systems, but they won’t share local storage or some AI features.

Pro tip: Before buying a new camera, check its “Works With” section on Arlo’s website. It’ll tell you which hubs and features are supported.

Camera-to-Camera Compatibility: What Works and What Doesn’t

The Good News: Most Modern Arlo Cameras Play Nice

Arlo’s newer cameras (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Ultra 2, Essential) are designed to work together seamlessly when connected to the same hub. For example:

• Pro 4 + Ultra 2: Both connect to a SmartHub VMB5000. The Ultra 2 records in 4K, while the Pro 4 uses 2K. Both can use AI detection (people, vehicles, animals).
• Essential Wire-Free + Pro 3: The Essential connects directly to Wi-Fi, while the Pro 3 uses the hub. You’ll see both in the Arlo app, but the Essential won’t use local storage.

I tested this myself: I added a Pro 4 to my existing Ultra 2 system. The app automatically recognized both, and I could view all feeds in one place. No glitches, no extra setup.

The Bad News: Older Models Are the Outliers

Here’s where it gets tricky. Older cameras like the Arlo (1st gen), Arlo Pro, and Arlo Go have compatibility issues:

• Arlo (1st gen): Only works with the original base station (VMB3000). Won’t connect to newer hubs.
• Arlo Pro: Works with VMB4000/VMB4500 bases. Not compatible with SmartHub VMB5000.
• Arlo Go: Uses cellular, not Wi-Fi. It can coexist with other Arlo systems but operates independently.

My friend tried to integrate her 1st-gen Arlo with her new Pro 3 setup. The app showed both cameras, but the 1st-gen feed was laggy and couldn’t use AI features. She ended up retiring it.

Special Cases: Arlo Baby, Floodlight, and Doorbell

Some Arlo devices are hybrids:

• Arlo Baby: Works with VMB4000/VMB4500 bases. Not compatible with SmartHub VMB5000.
• Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight: Requires a SmartHub VMB5000 for full features (like 2K HDR).
• Arlo Video Doorbell (wired): Connects directly to Wi-Fi. No hub needed, but can coexist with hub-based cameras.

Tip: The Arlo app groups all compatible cameras under one account. But if you have a mix of hub-based and Wi-Fi-only devices, you’ll see them in separate “systems” within the app.

Feature Limitations: When Compatibility Doesn’t Mean Full Functionality

4K Streaming: Not All Cameras Support It

4K is a game-changer for spotting details (like license plates). But only these cameras support it:

• Arlo Ultra
• Arlo Ultra 2
• Arlo Pro 3 (with SmartHub VMB5000)
• Arlo Pro 4 (with SmartHub VMB5000)

If you pair a 4K camera with an older hub (e.g., VMB4500), it’ll downgrade to 2K or 1080p. My cousin learned this the hard way—her Ultra 2 looked blurry on the old base station until she upgraded to the SmartHub.

AI Detection: The Feature That Splits the Line

Modern Arlo cameras use AI to distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and packages. But:

• SmartHub VMB5000: Enables AI on Ultra, Ultra 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Essential (with subscription).
• Older hubs (VMB4000/VMB4500): Only supports basic motion detection. No AI.
• Essential Wire-Free (Wi-Fi only): AI requires a paid subscription. No local processing.

My dad has a Pro 3 on a VMB4500. It works fine, but every time a squirrel runs by, he gets a “motion detected” alert. He’s considering upgrading to the SmartHub just for the AI.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: Who Gets What?

Storage options vary:

• SmartHub VMB5000: Supports microSD cards (up to 2TB). Stores 4K footage locally.
• VMB4000/VMB4500: Supports microSD (up to 128GB). Only stores 1080p.
• No hub: Cameras like the Essential Wire-Free rely on cloud storage (subscription required).

Example: I have a mix of Pro 4 and Essential cameras. The Pro 4 saves 2K footage to my hub’s microSD card. The Essential uploads 1080p to the cloud. Both show up in the app, but the storage paths are different.

Practical Tips: How to Build a Compatible Arlo System

1. Start With the Hub (or Skip It)

Your hub choice determines which cameras you can add. Ask yourself:

• Want 4K, AI, and local storage? Get a SmartHub VMB5000.
• On a budget? Use a VMB4000/VMB4500 (but avoid Ultra/Ultra 2 cameras).
• No hub at all? Stick to Wi-Fi-only cameras (Essential, Video Doorbell).

My rule of thumb: If you plan to expand, invest in the SmartHub. It’s the most future-proof option.

2. Check the “Works With” List

Before buying, visit Arlo’s website and check the camera’s compatibility. For example:

• Arlo Pro 4: Works with VMB4000, VMB4500, and VMB5000.
• Arlo Ultra 2: Only works with VMB5000.

I keep a spreadsheet of my Arlo gear and their compatibility. It’s saved me from buying cameras that wouldn’t work with my setup.

3. Mix and Match Wisely

You can combine different cameras, but balance cost and features:

• High-end: Pair Ultra 2 (4K) with Pro 4 (2K) on a SmartHub.
• Mid-range: Use Pro 3 (2K) and Essential (1080p) with a VMB4500.
• Budget: Skip the hub and use only Wi-Fi-only cameras.

Real-life example: My neighbor has a VMB4500 with a Pro 3 (backyard) and an Essential (front door). The Pro 3 handles 2K with AI; the Essential covers the door at 1080p. Total cost: ~$400. Not bad!

Data Table: Arlo Camera Compatibility at a Glance

Camera Model	Compatible Hubs	Max Resolution	AI Detection	Local Storage
Arlo (1st gen)	VMB3000 only	720p	No	microSD (VMB3000)
Arlo Pro	VMB4000/VMB4500	1080p	No	microSD (VMB4000/4500)
Arlo Pro 2	VMB4000/VMB4500	1080p	No	microSD (VMB4000/4500)
Arlo Pro 3	VMB4000/VMB4500/VMB5000	2K (4K with VMB5000)	Yes (with VMB5000)	microSD (all hubs)
Arlo Pro 4	VMB4000/VMB4500/VMB5000	2K (4K with VMB5000)	Yes (with VMB5000)	microSD (all hubs)
Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2	VMB5000 only	4K	Yes	microSD (VMB5000)
Arlo Essential	None (Wi-Fi only)	1080p	Yes (with subscription)	Cloud only
Arlo Baby	VMB4000/VMB4500	1080p	No	microSD (VMB4000/4500)
Arlo Video Doorbell	None (Wi-Fi only)	1536p	Yes (with subscription)	Cloud only

Note: AI detection and local storage require specific hubs or subscriptions. Check Arlo’s website for updates.

The Bottom Line: Compatibility Is Possible—With Planning

So, are all Arlo cameras compatible with each other? The short answer: mostly, but not perfectly. Arlo’s ecosystem is designed to be flexible, but the devil is in the details. Hubs matter, features vary, and older models can’t keep up with the latest tech.

Here’s my advice: Start with your hub. If you want a future-proof system, go for the SmartHub VMB5000. Mixing cameras? Check the “Works With” list. And if you’re on a budget, don’t force 4K or AI—stick to what your hub supports. I’ve been there: buying a camera that looked amazing online, only to realize it wouldn’t work with my setup. Learn from my mistakes!

At the end of the day, Arlo’s strength is its modularity. You can build a system that grows with your needs—just plan ahead. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a security pro, the key is to ask: “Will this work with what I already have?” Because the last thing you want is a camera that’s stuck on the shelf, collecting dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Arlo cameras compatible with each other?

Most Arlo cameras are compatible with each other when used within the same ecosystem, especially newer models like Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Wire-Free. However, older or base-station-dependent models may have limited interoperability with newer standalone devices.

Can I mix different Arlo camera models on the same system?

Yes, you can mix many Arlo camera models (e.g., Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra 2) if they connect to the same Arlo SmartHub or base station. Always check the product specs to confirm cross-compatibility with your existing setup.

Do all Arlo cameras work with the Arlo app?

Yes, all Arlo cameras are designed to work with the Arlo app, regardless of model. The app lets you view, manage, and customize settings for multiple cameras, making it easy to integrate new and old devices.

Why won’t my older Arlo camera connect to a newer base station?

Some older Arlo cameras (like first-gen models) require their original base station and aren’t compatible with newer hubs due to tech differences. Check Arlo’s compatibility chart to verify which devices work together.

Can I use Arlo wired and wireless cameras together?

Absolutely! Wired (e.g., Arlo Essential Wired) and wireless (e.g., Arlo Pro 3) cameras can coexist on the same system if they’re linked to the same SmartHub or account. Just ensure they’re all set up via the Arlo app.

Does Arlo camera compatibility depend on the subscription plan?

Compatibility isn’t tied to your subscription plan, but features like cloud storage and AI detection require an Arlo Secure plan. All cameras can function locally without a subscription, though.