Are Arlo Cameras Made by Netgear The Truth Revealed

Arlo cameras are no longer made by Netgear—the brand was spun off into an independent company, Arlo Technologies, in 2018. While Netgear originally developed and launched Arlo as its smart home division, Arlo now operates separately, designing, manufacturing, and supporting its security cameras and ecosystem independently. This shift means current Arlo products are not made or backed by Netgear, despite the shared history.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo was once owned by Netgear: Spun off in 2018, now an independent company.
• No longer manufactured by Netgear: Arlo handles its own production and R&D.
• Brand continuity matters: Existing users retain support, warranties, and cloud services.
• Check labels for clarity: Older models may still carry Netgear branding.
• Future products are Arlo-exclusive: All new releases are under Arlo’s full control.

Are Arlo Cameras Made by Netgear? The Truth Revealed

Let’s be honest — when you’re shopping for home security cameras, you don’t want to waste time guessing who’s really behind the brand. You want clarity. You want to know if the company you’re trusting with your family’s safety is solid, reliable, and actually responsible for the product you’re buying. That’s why so many people ask: Are Arlo cameras made by Netgear?

It’s a fair question. Arlo and Netgear both show up in electronics stores, online marketplaces, and smart home forums. They both make Wi-Fi gear. They both have similar-sounding names. And if you’ve ever seen an Arlo camera box, you might have noticed a small Netgear logo somewhere in the fine print. But does that mean they’re the same company? Or just distant cousins in the tech world? In this post, I’m going to walk you through the full story — not just the corporate history, but what it means for you as a real-world user. Whether you’re setting up your first security system or upgrading your existing gear, you’ll walk away knowing exactly who’s behind Arlo, how they’re connected to Netgear, and whether that matters for your purchase decision.

The Arlo and Netgear Connection: A Family Tree Explained

Arlo Started as a Netgear Division

Here’s the short version: Yes, Arlo cameras were originally made by Netgear — but not anymore. Arlo began life as a division of Netgear in 2014, focused entirely on smart home security. Think of it like how Google owns YouTube or Apple owns Beats. Netgear created Arlo to tap into the booming market for wireless, cloud-connected security cameras. At the time, Netgear was already known for routers and networking gear, but they saw a huge opportunity in home automation and security.

Arlo’s first product? The Arlo Smart Home Security Camera — a sleek, weatherproof, battery-powered camera with night vision and motion detection. It was a hit. It was easy to install, didn’t need wires, and worked with your existing Wi-Fi. Netgear poured resources into R&D, marketing, and distribution, helping Arlo grow quickly. For the first few years, Arlo operated as a brand under Netgear’s umbrella — meaning all Arlo cameras were designed, manufactured, and sold by Netgear.

The Big Split: Arlo Spins Off as Its Own Company

But in 2018, something big happened: Netgear spun off Arlo as a completely separate, publicly traded company. It was a strategic move. Netgear wanted to focus on its core networking business — routers, modems, mesh Wi-Fi systems — while Arlo could go all-in on smart home security, AI, and subscription services.

The spin-off was more than just a name change. Arlo got its own CEO, its own board of directors, its own stock ticker (ARLO on the NYSE), and its own R&D and customer support teams. The legal and financial separation was total. From that point on, Arlo was no longer a Netgear product — it was a standalone brand with its own strategy, roadmap, and priorities.

Why Does This Matter to You?

You might be thinking, “Okay, cool corporate history — but what does this mean for me?” Great question. Here’s the practical takeaway:

• Pre-2018 Arlo cameras (VMC3030, VMC3040, etc.) were made by Netgear. You might still find these on the secondhand market. They work fine, but support and firmware updates may be limited now.

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• Post-2018 Arlo cameras (Ultra, Pro 4, Essential, etc.) are made and supported by Arlo Technologies, Inc. They get regular updates, new features, and better cloud integration.
• If you’re buying new, you’re buying from Arlo — not Netgear. The brand, the warranty, the app, and the customer service all belong to Arlo now.

So, to answer the original question: Were Arlo cameras made by Netgear? Yes — but only until 2018. Today? Arlo is its own company, and that has real implications for your experience.

How the Split Changed Arlo’s Product Development

More Focus on AI and Smart Features

After the split, Arlo could finally focus 100% on what it does best: smart security. Without being tied to Netgear’s networking roadmap, Arlo started investing heavily in AI, computer vision, and machine learning. The result? Smarter cameras that can tell the difference between a person, a pet, a package, and a passing car.

For example, the Arlo Pro 4 (released in 2020) introduced:

• Person, vehicle, and package detection (no more false alerts from swaying trees)
• 2K HDR video with color night vision
• Built-in spotlight and siren
• No hub required — connects directly to Wi-Fi

Compare that to the early Netgear-era Arlo models, which had basic motion detection and lower resolution. The jump in intelligence and image quality is night and day — and it’s all because Arlo could now build its own vision from the ground up.

Better Integration with Smart Home Ecosystems

As a standalone company, Arlo also got more freedom to partner with other tech giants. Today, Arlo cameras work seamlessly with:

• Amazon Alexa (view feeds on Echo Show, use voice commands)
• Google Assistant (“Hey Google, show me the backyard camera”)
• Apple HomeKit (secure, end-to-end encrypted video via Home app)
• IFTTT (create custom automations like “if front door detects motion, turn on porch light”)

During the Netgear years, Arlo was more limited in its integrations. Netgear had its own ecosystem (Orbi, Nighthawk), and cross-brand compatibility wasn’t a priority. Now, Arlo plays nice with everyone — which is a huge win for smart home users.

Subscription Services: A Double-Edged Sword

One of the biggest changes post-split? Arlo doubled down on cloud storage and AI features via subscription. The Arlo Secure plan (starting at $2.99/month) gives you:

• 30-day cloud video history
• Smart object detection (person, package, vehicle)
• Activity zones
• 24/7 emergency response (in select areas)

Is it worth it? For most users, yes — especially if you want reliable, searchable video history and fewer false alerts. But some people miss the days when Arlo offered local storage without a subscription. (Note: You can still use a microSD card in some models, but AI features still require the cloud.)

Still, the shift to a subscription model is a sign of Arlo’s independence. Netgear never had the resources or focus to build a full smart home service. Arlo does — and it’s using that freedom to deliver better user experiences.

Manufacturing and Hardware: Who Makes the Cameras Now?

Arlo Designs, But Doesn’t Manufacture

Here’s a common misconception: people assume that because Arlo is a tech company, it builds its own cameras. But like Apple, Google, and most smart home brands, Arlo designs the hardware and software, but outsources manufacturing.

Arlo works with contract manufacturers — often in Asia — to produce its cameras, hubs, and accessories. These factories handle everything from PCB assembly to final quality control. But Arlo retains full control over:

• Design and industrial engineering
• Software and firmware
• User experience (UX) and app development
• Branding, packaging, and customer support

This is standard practice in the tech world. Even Netgear doesn’t make its own routers — they’re designed in California and manufactured overseas. The key difference now is that Arlo has its own engineering teams in San Jose, California, and other locations, focused entirely on security products.

Quality Control and Reliability

So, how do Arlo’s cameras stack up in terms of build quality? From my experience (and from reading thousands of user reviews), they’re generally reliable — but not perfect.

Pros:

• Solid weatherproofing (IP65 rating on most models)
• Long battery life (6–12 months, depending on usage)
• Easy magnetic mounts and tool-free installation
• Consistent app updates and feature improvements

Cons:

• Some users report Wi-Fi connectivity drops (especially on 2.4 GHz networks)
• Occasional firmware bugs (usually fixed within a few weeks)
• Higher-end models (like the Ultra 2) can be pricey

One thing I’ve noticed: since the split, Arlo has been faster to release firmware fixes and new features. That suggests they’ve built a stronger internal engineering culture — no longer constrained by Netgear’s broader priorities.

Warranty and Support: Who Do You Call?

Here’s a crucial point: All Arlo cameras, even older Netgear-era models, are now supported by Arlo Technologies. You don’t call Netgear for help — you contact Arlo directly.

Arlo offers:

• 1-year limited warranty (extendable with Arlo Secure+)
• 24/7 customer support via chat, phone, and email
• Detailed online guides and troubleshooting tools

From what I’ve seen, Arlo’s support is generally responsive — though like any tech company, wait times can be long during peak hours. The good news? Since Arlo is now a dedicated security brand, their support reps are trained specifically on cameras, sensors, and smart home integration — not routers or modems.

Comparing Arlo to Netgear’s Other Products

Arlo vs. Netgear’s Own Security Cameras

You might not know this, but Netgear still sells its own security cameras — under the Netgear Arlo and Netgear Arlo Pro names? No. That’s confusing, right? But after the spin-off, Netgear kept a few legacy products in the market, like the Netgear Arlo Baby and Netgear Arlo Q. These are older models, often rebranded versions of pre-2018 Arlo cameras.

But here’s the catch: Netgear no longer develops new security cameras. Their focus is back on networking — Wi-Fi 6 routers, mesh systems, and 5G hotspots. So if you see a “Netgear Arlo” camera today, it’s likely:

• An older model (pre-2018)
• Being sold by third-party retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, etc.)
• Supported by Arlo, not Netgear

For example, the Netgear Arlo Q (indoor Wi-Fi camera) is functionally identical to the Arlo Q — same specs, same app, same cloud service. The only difference is the box and the branding. But again: support, firmware, and future updates all come from Arlo.

Arlo vs. Netgear’s Networking Gear

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Can Arlo cameras work well with Netgear routers? Absolutely — and in many cases, they work better than with other brands.

Why? Because Arlo and Netgear still share some engineering DNA. For example:

• Arlo cameras are optimized for Netgear’s Orbi mesh Wi-Fi systems, which provide strong, consistent coverage — crucial for outdoor cameras.
• Netgear’s Nighthawk routers have strong 5 GHz bands, which help reduce interference for high-resolution video streaming.
• Some Netgear routers have Quality of Service (QoS) settings that let you prioritize Arlo traffic, reducing lag and buffering.

I’ve set up Arlo systems on Netgear routers dozens of times — and they’re usually the most stable setups I’ve seen. That said, Arlo works just fine with other brands (like TP-Link, ASUS, or Google Nest Wifi). But if you’re building a new smart home, pairing Arlo with a Netgear Orbi system is a solid, reliable combo.

What This Means for Buyers in 2024 and Beyond

Should You Buy Arlo Cameras Today?

Short answer: Yes — if you want a modern, smart, reliable security system. Arlo has come a long way since the Netgear days. Their cameras are:

• Easier to install (no hubs needed on newer models)
• Smarter (AI detection, color night vision, two-way audio)
• More integrated (works with Alexa, Google, Apple, and more)
• Better supported (dedicated Arlo team, regular updates)

But there are a few things to consider:

• Subscription costs add up — $3–$10/month per camera. If you don’t want to pay, look for models with microSD slots (like the Arlo Essential).
• Wi-Fi range matters — outdoor cameras need strong signal. Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system if needed.
• Check compatibility — not all Arlo cameras work with all hubs or apps. Always verify before buying.

Tips for Getting the Best Experience

Here are a few practical tips from my own setups:

• Use the Arlo app, not Netgear’s — even if you have a Netgear router. The Arlo app is updated more frequently.
• Enable activity zones — this cuts down on false alerts (e.g., ignore the street, focus on the driveway).
• Pair with a smart plug — if you have a wired model (like the Arlo Pro 4 Wired), use a smart plug to turn it off when you’re home.
• Consider the Arlo Secure plan — it’s worth it for the AI features, especially if you have kids or pets.

Future Outlook: Where Is Arlo Headed?

Arlo’s recent moves suggest they’re doubling down on AI, privacy, and ecosystem integration. They’ve launched:

• Arlo Safe — a personal safety app with emergency alerts and location sharing
• Arlo Home Security System — a full suite of sensors (door/window, motion, leak) with professional monitoring
• End-to-end encryption — for users who want maximum privacy (available with HomeKit)

They’re no longer just a camera company — they’re a full smart home security brand. And that’s only possible because they’re independent from Netgear.

Data Table: Arlo vs. Netgear Era Comparison

Feature	Netgear Era (Pre-2018)	Arlo Era (2018–Present)
Company	Netgear Inc.	Arlo Technologies, Inc.
Ownership	Netgear division	Independent, publicly traded
AI Features	Basic motion detection	Person, package, vehicle detection
Cloud Storage	Optional, limited retention	30-day history with Arlo Secure
Smart Home Integration	Limited (Alexa only)	Alexa, Google, Apple, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings
Customer Support	Netgear support (general tech)	Arlo support (security-specific)
Firmware Updates	Infrequent	Regular, feature-rich

Final Thoughts: The Bottom Line

So, are Arlo cameras made by Netgear? No — not anymore. They were, for a few important years, but that chapter ended in 2018. Today, Arlo is a completely independent company with its own vision, team, and technology.

The split was a turning point. It allowed Arlo to innovate faster, focus on AI, and build a smarter, more integrated security ecosystem. For you, the buyer, that means better cameras, better apps, and better support — even if you still see a Netgear logo on an old box.

When you buy an Arlo camera today, you’re buying from Arlo — a company that’s all-in on smart home security. And in my experience, that focus makes all the difference. Whether you’re protecting your home, monitoring your kids, or keeping an eye on your pets, Arlo delivers — not because of its past with Netgear, but because of its future as a standalone leader.

So go ahead, set up your system. Pair it with a Netgear router if you want — they still play well together. But rest easy knowing: Arlo is in charge now. And that’s a good thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras made by Netgear?

Arlo cameras were originally developed and manufactured by Netgear, but in 2018, Arlo Technologies, Inc. became an independent company. While Netgear still provides some support, Arlo now handles its own production and development.

Is Arlo a Netgear brand?

Arlo was once a subsidiary of Netgear but now operates as a standalone company. The split allowed Arlo to focus exclusively on smart home security products while Netgear shifted to networking hardware.

Who manufactures Arlo cameras today?

After the spin-off from Netgear, Arlo Technologies, Inc. manages its own manufacturing and supply chain. The brand continues to design and produce high-quality wireless security cameras independently.

Did Netgear sell Arlo?

Netgear didn’t sell Arlo but spun it off as a separate, publicly traded company in 2018. This allowed both brands to specialize—Netgear in routers and Arlo in smart security systems.

Are Arlo cameras still compatible with Netgear products?

Arlo cameras are not officially designed to integrate with Netgear hardware like routers. However, they work on standard Wi-Fi networks, so they can technically connect to any router, including Netgear models.

Why did Netgear create Arlo cameras?

Netgear launched the Arlo line to enter the growing smart home security market, leveraging their tech expertise. The success of Arlo cameras by Netgear led to the brand’s eventual independence for greater market focus.