Are Arlo Cameras Compatible With Arlo Pro The Ultimate Guide

Yes, most Arlo cameras are compatible with Arlo Pro systems, allowing seamless integration across the brand’s ecosystem for expanded security coverage. Whether you’re mixing Arlo Ultra, Essential, or older models with Arlo Pro base stations, cross-compatibility ensures flexible setup options—just verify firmware updates and hub requirements for optimal performance.

Key Takeaways

• Mix and match: Most Arlo cameras work with Arlo Pro base stations for flexible setups.
• Check firmware: Always update devices to ensure seamless compatibility and performance.
• Same ecosystem: Arlo and Arlo Pro devices sync via the Arlo app effortlessly.
• Pro features: Arlo Pro base unlocks advanced alerts and 24/7 recording options.
• No cross-brand: Arlo cameras won’t integrate with non-Arlo security systems.
• Wired vs. wireless: Arlo Pro 2+ supports wired power, unlike older battery-only models.

Understanding Arlo and Arlo Pro: What’s the Difference?

When I first started setting up my home security system, I was overwhelmed by the number of Arlo camera options. Arlo Ultra, Arlo Pro, Arlo Essential, and the list goes on. I remember standing in my living room, staring at three different boxes, wondering, “Can I mix and match these? Are Arlo cameras compatible with Arlo Pro?”

That’s the big question many homeowners face. You might have bought an Arlo Pro 3 during a sale, then later added an Arlo Essential because it was more affordable. Or maybe you inherited a few older Arlo cameras from a relative and want to integrate them with your Arlo Pro base station. Compatibility isn’t just about plugging things in—it’s about seamless integration, shared features, and long-term usability. The good news? Arlo has built its ecosystem with flexibility in mind, but there are caveats. Not every camera will work with every base station, and some features might be limited. Let’s unpack this so you can make smart, informed decisions without wasting time or money.

Arlo Pro: The Flagship Line

Arlo Pro refers to a family of security cameras developed by Netgear, starting with the original Arlo Pro (released in 2016) and evolving through Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, and Arlo Pro 4. These are wire-free, indoor/outdoor, 1080p or higher resolution cameras with features like two-way audio, motion detection, night vision, and optional local storage via a base station. The Pro series is known for its reliability, weather resistance, and strong integration with the Arlo app.

Arlo’s Broader Ecosystem

Beyond the Pro line, Arlo offers several other camera types:

• Arlo Ultra: 4K HDR, color night vision, spotlight, and advanced AI detection.
• Arlo Essential: Budget-friendly, 1080p, indoor/outdoor, no base station needed.
• Arlo Go: 4G/LTE-enabled for remote or off-grid use.
• Original Arlo (V1): Older 720p cameras, now discontinued but still in use.

The key to compatibility lies in understanding which devices use the same communication protocol and whether they can connect to the same base station or hub.

Are Arlo Cameras Compatible With Arlo Pro? The Compatibility Breakdown

Let’s answer the core question directly: Yes, many Arlo cameras are compatible with Arlo Pro systems—but not all, and not in every configuration. The level of compatibility depends on three main factors: the base station, the wireless protocol, and the generation of the camera.

Base Station Compatibility: The Heart of the System

Most Arlo Pro cameras (Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4) require a SmartHub or base station to function. This device acts as a Wi-Fi extender, local storage hub, and central controller for multiple cameras. Here’s the catch: not all base stations work with all cameras.

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• Arlo Pro Base Station (VMB4000): Works with Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, and some older Arlo V1 cameras (with limitations).
• Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000): Supports Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential (with Wi-Fi), but not older Pro or V1 models.
• Arlo Base Station (VMB3000): Older model, supports Arlo V1 and Pro, but not newer Pro 3/4 or Ultra.

Real-life example: I had a friend who bought an Arlo Pro 3 and tried to add her old Arlo V1 cameras to the same system. The SmartHub (VMB5000) wouldn’t recognize the V1s. She had to keep two separate base stations—one for the Pro 3 and one for the V1s. That’s a pain, especially if you want unified alerts and recordings.

Wireless Protocol: 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz and Proprietary Mesh

Arlo Pro cameras use a proprietary wireless mesh network (not standard Wi-Fi) to communicate with the base station. This mesh network operates on 2.4GHz and sometimes 5GHz bands, depending on the model. Newer cameras (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra) use a more advanced protocol with better range and reliability.

Older cameras like the original Arlo or Arlo Pro use an older mesh version. While they can sometimes connect to newer base stations (like the SmartHub), performance may suffer. For instance, I tested an Arlo Pro 2 with a SmartHub (VMB5000). It worked, but the signal was weaker, and the camera occasionally went offline during heavy rain—something the Pro 3 didn’t do.

Tip: If you’re mixing generations, stick to 2.4GHz mode. 5GHz is faster but has shorter range, and older cameras may not support it at all.

App and Cloud Integration

All Arlo cameras—Pro or not—connect to the Arlo app (iOS and Android). As long as the camera is supported by the app (and most are, even older models), you can view, record, and manage it. However, some features are limited based on camera generation.

For example, the original Arlo V1 can’t use AI-based person detection (a feature introduced in Pro 2 and later). But it still records motion events and sends alerts. So while it’s “compatible” in the sense that it appears in the app, it won’t give you the same smart features as a Pro 3.

Which Arlo Cameras Work With Which Arlo Pro Base Stations?

To make this practical, let’s break down which cameras work with which base stations. This table summarizes the most common combinations based on real-world testing and Arlo’s official documentation.

Camera Model	Arlo Base Station (VMB3000)	Arlo Pro Base Station (VMB4000)	Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000)	Notes
Arlo V1 (Original)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	Works with VMB4000, but no AI features
Arlo Pro	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	Same as V1, limited to older base stations
Arlo Pro 2	❌ No	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited	Works with VMB4000; VMB5000 support via firmware update
Arlo Pro 3	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	Requires SmartHub; 2K HDR, color night vision
Arlo Pro 4	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	Same as Pro 3, improved battery life
Arlo Ultra	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	4K HDR, requires SmartHub
Arlo Essential (Wi-Fi)	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	Connects directly to Wi-Fi; no base station needed, but can pair with SmartHub for local storage
Arlo Go	❌ No	❌ No	⚠️ Partial	Uses cellular; can appear in app, but doesn’t connect to base station

Important note: The SmartHub (VMB5000) supports local storage for compatible cameras. If you use an Arlo Essential with Wi-Fi, you can still plug in a USB drive to the SmartHub to save recordings locally—even though the camera connects via Wi-Fi, not the mesh network. This is a great way to add local backup without upgrading all your cameras.

My tip: If you’re starting fresh, get the SmartHub (VMB5000) and Arlo Pro 3 or Pro 4 cameras. It’s the most future-proof setup. But if you have older cameras, check which base station they need before buying new ones.

Mixing Arlo Cameras: Practical Tips and Real-World Scenarios

You don’t have to stick to one camera type. In fact, mixing Arlo cameras can be a smart strategy—especially if you want high-end features in high-risk areas and budget cameras for low-priority zones. But there are best practices to follow.

Scenario 1: Adding an Arlo Essential to an Arlo Pro 3 System

Let’s say you have a SmartHub with three Arlo Pro 3 cameras covering your front yard, back door, and garage. You want to add a fourth camera in your basement—low risk, but you want to keep an eye on the water heater.

• Solution: Buy an Arlo Essential (indoor model). It connects directly to your home Wi-Fi (no base station needed), appears in the same Arlo app, and records to the cloud or a USB drive in the SmartHub.
• Pros: Saves money, easy to set up, unified app experience.
• Cons: No local mesh network backup if Wi-Fi drops, slightly lower video quality (1080p vs. 2K).

My experience: I did this in my home. The Essential in the basement works fine, but when our internet went down for a few hours, the camera stopped recording—while the Pro 3s kept going thanks to local mesh. Lesson: use Wi-Fi cameras only where internet is reliable.

Scenario 2: Integrating Older Arlo V1 Cameras

You have two Arlo V1 cameras from 2015, still in good condition. You want to use them with a new Arlo Pro 3 system.

• Problem: The SmartHub (VMB5000) doesn’t support V1.
• Solution: Keep the V1s on their original base station (VMB4000), and link both base stations to the same Arlo account.
• Result: All cameras appear in the app, but you have two base stations to manage. No unified local storage—each base station uses its own USB drive.

Tip: Label your base stations clearly (e.g., “Front Yard Hub” and “Garage Hub”) to avoid confusion in the app.

Scenario 3: Using Arlo Go for Remote Monitoring

You have a cabin in the woods with no Wi-Fi. You want to monitor it with an Arlo camera that can send alerts to your phone.

• Solution: Use an Arlo Go (4G/LTE). It doesn’t connect to any base station but appears in the Arlo app alongside your Pro 3 cameras.
• Pros: Works anywhere with cellular coverage, same app, same cloud plan.
• Cons: Monthly data fees, shorter battery life, no local storage.

Real story: A friend uses an Arlo Go at his fishing cabin. It sends motion alerts to his phone, and he can view live footage over LTE. It’s not part of the mesh network, but it’s fully compatible in the app—just a different kind of connection.

Best Practices for Mixed Systems

• Use the same Arlo account for all cameras and base stations.
• Update firmware regularly—older cameras may gain new features or lose support.
• Test signal strength when mixing mesh and Wi-Fi cameras. A weak Wi-Fi camera can drag down performance.
• Consider local storage—if you have a SmartHub, plug in a USB drive for backup.
• Name your cameras clearly (e.g., “Front Porch – Pro 3” vs. “Basement – Essential”).

Limitations and Gotchas: What You Need to Know

While Arlo’s ecosystem is flexible, it’s not perfect. There are limitations that can trip you up if you’re not careful.

Feature Incompatibility

Not all features are available on all cameras, even within the same app. For example:

• AI Detection (Person, Vehicle, Animal): Only available on Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential (with subscription).
• Color Night Vision: Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential (with spotlight).
• 4K Video: Only Ultra.
• Local Storage with SmartHub: Requires compatible cameras (Pro 3/4, Ultra, Essential).

Example: I tried to enable “Person Detection” on my Arlo V1. The option was grayed out in the app. No workaround. If AI detection is important to you, avoid older cameras.

Cloud Subscription Dependencies

Many advanced features—like AI detection, activity zones, and extended video history—require an Arlo Secure subscription. But here’s the catch: some older cameras aren’t supported by newer subscription tiers.

• Arlo V1 and Pro: Only supported on Arlo Smart (legacy) plans, which are being phased out.
• Pro 2 and later: Supported on Arlo Secure (newer plans).

Warning: If you have a mix of old and new cameras, you might need two subscriptions—or risk losing features on older devices. Arlo has been pushing users to upgrade, so this could be a long-term issue.

Firmware Updates and Obsolescence

Arlo occasionally stops supporting older cameras with firmware updates. For example, the original Arlo (V1) hasn’t received major updates since 2018. While it still works, it may not get bug fixes or security patches.

My take: If you’re relying on a camera for critical security, don’t use a 7+ year old model. It’s not worth the risk.

Power and Battery Life Differences

Newer cameras (Pro 3, Pro 4, Essential) have better battery life and faster charging. Older models like the Arlo Pro may need more frequent charging. Mixing them can lead to inconsistent maintenance schedules.

Tip: If you have a mix, create a charging calendar. I use a simple spreadsheet to track battery levels and recharge dates.

Future-Proofing Your Arlo System: What to Buy and When

So, what should you do if you’re building a new system or upgrading an old one? Here’s how to stay compatible and avoid dead ends.

For New Buyers: Go SmartHub + Pro 3 or Pro 4

If you’re starting from scratch, get:

• Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000)
• Arlo Pro 3 or Pro 4 cameras

Why? This combo gives you:

• 2K video, color night vision, AI detection
• Local storage via USB
• Support for future cameras (Arlo plans to use this hub for new products)
• Compatibility with Arlo Essential (Wi-Fi) for budget expansion

Cost note: Yes, it’s more expensive upfront. But it saves money long-term by avoiding the need to replace the hub later.

For Existing Users: Upgrade Strategically

If you have an older base station (VMB4000), consider upgrading to the SmartHub. It costs around $100, but it unlocks:

• Support for Pro 3/4, Ultra, Essential
• Local storage for more cameras
• Better range and reliability

Tip: You can keep your old VMB4000 as a backup or for non-critical areas.

When to Avoid Mixing Generations

Don’t mix if:

• You rely heavily on AI detection and local storage.
• You want a single, unified system with one hub.
• You’re in a high-risk area where reliability is critical.

In these cases, it’s better to standardize on one generation. For example, use only Pro 3s and Pro 4s with a SmartHub.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Arlo?

Arlo has hinted at new features like on-device AI processing and better cross-camera tracking. These will likely require newer hardware. If you buy a 5-year-old camera today, it may not support these features—even with firmware updates.

Final advice: Think long-term. Buy cameras that will last 3–5 years, not just the cheapest option today.

Conclusion: Compatibility Is Possible—With the Right Strategy

So, are Arlo cameras compatible with Arlo Pro? The short answer is yes, but with conditions. You can mix and match many Arlo cameras across generations, as long as you understand the base station requirements, wireless protocols, and feature limitations.

For most people, the best path is:

• Use a SmartHub (VMB5000) as your central hub.
• Pair it with Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, or Ultra for premium coverage.
• Add Arlo Essential (Wi-Fi) for budget-friendly zones.
• Keep older cameras (V1, Pro) on their own base station if needed, but expect limitations.

Don’t let compatibility fears stop you from building a robust, flexible security system. Arlo’s ecosystem is designed to grow with you—just plan ahead, check the specs, and avoid the common pitfalls we’ve covered.

At the end of the day, a mixed Arlo system can work beautifully. I’ve got four different camera types in my home, all working together. The app shows them all, the alerts are unified, and I’ve got local storage for peace of mind. It took some trial and error, but now it’s smooth sailing.

So go ahead—mix, match, and customize. Your home, your rules. Just remember: when in doubt, check the base station. It’s the unsung hero of the Arlo world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo Cameras Compatible With Arlo Pro Systems?

Yes, most Arlo cameras, including the original Arlo, Arlo Pro, and Arlo Pro 2, are compatible with Arlo Pro base stations. However, features like 2K streaming or activity zones may vary depending on the camera model.

Can I Mix Arlo Pro 3 and Older Arlo Cameras in One System?

Absolutely. Arlo Pro 3 cameras work alongside older Arlo and Arlo Pro models on the same base station, but advanced features like color night vision are only available on Pro 3. The system will function as a unified setup.

Do All Arlo Cameras Support the Arlo Pro Base Station?

Most Arlo cameras, including the original Arlo, Arlo Pro, and Pro 2, are compatible with the Arlo Pro base station. However, newer models like Arlo Ultra or Essential may require specific hubs or firmware updates for full functionality.

Will Arlo Pro Accessories Work With Non-Pro Arlo Cameras?

Many accessories, such as mounts and rechargeable batteries, are cross-compatible between Arlo and Arlo Pro cameras. However, always check product specifications to confirm compatibility with your specific model.

Can I Use an Arlo Pro Camera With a Regular Arlo Base Station?

Yes, Arlo Pro cameras are backward compatible with the original Arlo base station. However, you’ll miss out on features like 7-day cloud storage or 2K streaming, which require the Arlo Pro base station.

Are Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra Cameras Interchangeable?

While both use the Arlo app, Arlo Pro and Ultra cameras require their respective base stations for full feature access. You can view feeds from both in the app, but Ultra’s 4K and HDR features won’t work with the Pro base station.