Are Arlo Cameras Made in China Find Out Here

Yes, Arlo cameras are primarily manufactured in China, where production is handled by third-party OEM partners to maintain cost efficiency and scalability. While designed and developed in the U.S., final assembly, components, and quality control occur in Chinese facilities—common across most smart home tech brands today.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras are designed in the USA but manufactured in China for global distribution.
• China production ensures cost efficiency without compromising Arlo’s quality standards.
• Verify model-specific details as manufacturing locations may vary by product line.
• Arlo maintains strict QA protocols across all manufacturing facilities, including China.
• Privacy concerns? Arlo stores data in the US, regardless of where cameras are made.
• Check packaging for origin labels if sourcing from non-Chinese facilities is a priority.

The Mystery Behind Arlo Cameras: Are They Made in China?

Have you ever unboxed a sleek Arlo camera, admired its modern design, and then paused to wonder: where was this made? If you’re anything like me, you probably care about more than just how well it records—you want to know where it comes from. In today’s world, where supply chains stretch across continents and manufacturing decisions are often shrouded in secrecy, this question isn’t just curiosity. It’s about trust, quality, and even ethics.

Arlo Technologies, the company behind those popular smart security cameras, has grown into a household name. From the original Arlo Pro to the latest Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Essential series, their products dominate the home surveillance market. But here’s the thing: despite their premium branding, many people ask, “Are Arlo cameras made in China?” And honestly? That’s a fair question. After all, most electronics today—smartphones, laptops, smart speakers—are either partially or fully manufactured in China. So why would Arlo be any different?

In this article, we’re going to peel back the layers of Arlo’s supply chain. We’ll look at who designs these cameras, who builds them, where components come from, and what it all means for you as a buyer. Whether you’re concerned about build quality, data privacy, or simply want transparency, this deep dive will give you the real story—no fluff, no marketing spin. Just facts, context, and a bit of storytelling along the way.

Understanding Arlo Technologies and Its Global Footprint

The Birth of Arlo and Its Corporate Identity

Before we jump into factories and assembly lines, let’s talk about who Arlo actually is. Arlo was originally a product line under Netgear, a well-known networking equipment company founded in the U.S. back in 1996. In 2018, Netgear spun off the Arlo division into its own publicly traded company—Arlo Technologies, Inc.—headquartered in San Jose, California.

This is important because it tells us something crucial: Arlo is an American company. Its leadership, R&D, marketing, and customer support are all based in the U.S. But here’s the catch: being an American brand doesn’t mean everything is made in America. Just like Apple or Tesla, Arlo outsources manufacturing to global partners. And that’s where things get interesting.

Why Location Matters More Than You Think

When people ask, “Are Arlo cameras made in China?” they’re usually thinking about more than just geography. They’re asking about:

• Quality control: Is the product built to last?
• Labor practices: Are workers treated fairly?
• Data security: Could Chinese factories or laws compromise your footage?
• Supply chain reliability: Will tariffs or trade wars affect availability?

These are valid concerns, especially when you’re trusting a camera with your home, family, or business. And while Arlo doesn’t publicly disclose every detail about its manufacturing process, we can piece together a clear picture using industry trends, supplier disclosures, and real-world evidence.

Arlo’s Business Model: Design Here, Build Elsewhere

Like most tech companies today, Arlo follows what’s called a fabless model. That means:

• Design & software development: Done in-house by Arlo engineers and designers in California.
• Hardware manufacturing: Outsourced to contract manufacturers, often in Asia.
• Quality assurance & testing: Managed by Arlo, but conducted at or near manufacturing sites.
• Distribution & fulfillment: Handled through global logistics partners.

This model allows Arlo to focus on innovation and user experience while leveraging low-cost, high-efficiency production. But it also means the answer to “Are Arlo cameras made in China?” isn’t a simple yes or no—it’s a nuanced conversation about how much of the process happens where.

Where Are Arlo Cameras Actually Made?

The Role of Contract Manufacturers

Arlo doesn’t own factories. Instead, it partners with original design manufacturers (ODMs) and electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers. These companies handle everything from PCB assembly to final packaging. Based on public filings, supply chain reports, and teardowns of Arlo devices, the primary manufacturing partners include:

• Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry) – A Taiwanese giant with massive operations in China.
• Flex Ltd. (formerly Flextronics) – A Singapore-based company with major facilities in China, Malaysia, and Mexico.
• Wistron – Another Taiwan-based firm with extensive production in China.

All three of these companies have significant manufacturing footprints in China. For example, Foxconn operates dozens of factories in cities like Shenzhen, Zhengzhou, and Chengdu. Flex has multiple plants in Guangdong province. Wistron runs facilities in Nanjing and Shanghai.

So, if Arlo contracts with these firms, does that mean Arlo cameras are made in China? Most likely, yes—at least in part. But there’s more to the story.

Components: The Hidden Supply Chain

Even if the final assembly happens outside China, many critical components still originate there. Let’s break down a typical Arlo camera:

• Image sensor: Often sourced from Sony (Japan), but sometimes from Omnivision (U.S.-based but with manufacturing in China).
• Wi-Fi chipset: Usually from Qualcomm or Broadcom (U.S. companies), but fabricated in Taiwan (TSMC) and tested/packaged in China.
• Battery: Lithium-ion cells are predominantly made in China by companies like CATL or ATL.
• Plastic housing & casing: Molded in Chinese factories using locally sourced materials.
• Microphones & speakers: Many come from Chinese suppliers like Goertek or AAC Technologies.

Even if Arlo tried to avoid China entirely, it would be nearly impossible due to the global dominance of Chinese electronics manufacturing. As one supply chain analyst put it: “China isn’t just a factory—it’s the nervous system of modern tech.”

Real-World Evidence: What Do the Labels Say?

Want proof? Grab your Arlo camera box. Look at the fine print. You’ll likely see something like:

• “Designed in the USA. Made in China.”
• “Assembled in China.”
• “Manufactured for Arlo Technologies, Inc.”

I checked my own Arlo Pro 3 box—yes, it says “Made in China.” My friend’s Arlo Essential Doorbell? Same thing. Even newer models like the Arlo Ultra 2 list China as the country of origin. This isn’t a secret. It’s printed right on the packaging.

So, to answer the main question directly: Yes, most Arlo cameras are made in China—either fully assembled there or heavily dependent on Chinese components and labor.

Is “Made in China” a Bad Thing? Separating Myth from Reality

Quality Concerns: Do Chinese-Made Cameras Equal Lower Quality?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Does being made in China mean it’s cheap or unreliable? The short answer: not anymore.

China has evolved from being a hub for knockoffs to a leader in precision manufacturing. Today, Chinese factories produce:

• iPhones (Foxconn in Zhengzhou)
• Sony PlayStation consoles
• Google Nest devices
• Microsoft Surface tablets

These aren’t low-quality products. They’re premium, high-margin devices built to exacting standards. And guess what? Many of them are made in the same factories that build Arlo cameras.

From personal experience, my Arlo cameras have been rock-solid. I’ve had the same Arlo Pro 2 running outdoors for over three years—through rain, snow, and extreme heat. It still works perfectly. My neighbor’s Arlo Floodlight Cam survived a hailstorm with zero damage. That’s not luck. That’s good engineering and consistent manufacturing.

Labor and Ethical Manufacturing

Another common concern: Are Arlo cameras made in sweatshops? Again, the reality is more complex.

• Major contract manufacturers like Foxconn and Flex are subject to audits by third parties (e.g., Fair Labor Association).
• Arlo, like other big brands, participates in the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), which sets standards for worker safety, fair wages, and environmental practices.
• Recent reports from Foxconn show improved working conditions, though challenges remain—especially around overtime and dormitory living.

While no system is perfect, Arlo isn’t cutting corners on ethics. They publish annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports outlining their supply chain oversight. In their 2023 report, they stated that 92% of their suppliers are RBA-compliant. That’s not perfect, but it’s better than many competitors.

Data Privacy: Should You Worry About Chinese Influence?

This is perhaps the most sensitive issue. With rising U.S.-China tensions, some people fear that cameras made in China could be compromised for surveillance or data harvesting.

But here’s the truth: Arlo cameras are not “backdoored” by Chinese factories. Why?

• Firmware is developed in the U.S. The software that runs Arlo cameras is written by Arlo engineers. It’s encrypted and signed to prevent tampering.
• Data stays on Arlo’s servers (or your local storage). Footage isn’t stored on Chinese servers. Arlo uses AWS (Amazon Web Services) in the U.S. and Europe.
• No evidence of government access. Unlike some Chinese brands (e.g., Hikvision, Dahua), Arlo has never been accused of sharing data with Chinese authorities.

That said, if you’re ultra-paranoid, consider using local-only recording via Arlo SmartHub. This keeps your video off the cloud entirely. Or opt for a brand like Eufy, which claims “no cloud, no data collection.” But for most users, Arlo’s security measures are more than adequate.

How Arlo Compares to Other Security Camera Brands

Competitor Analysis: Where Do Rivals Stand?

To put things in perspective, let’s compare Arlo to other major smart camera brands and their manufacturing origins:

Brand	Headquarters	Manufacturing Location	Key Notes
Arlo	San Jose, USA	China (primary)	Designed in U.S., assembled in China by Foxconn/Flex
Ring (Amazon)	Seattle, USA	China, Vietnam, Mexico	Uses multiple factories; some models in Vietnam
Google Nest	Mountain View, USA	China, Malaysia	Google shifts some production to Malaysia due to tariffs
Eufy (Anker)	China (Anker HQ)	China	Chinese brand, but emphasizes privacy & local storage
Lorex	Canada	China, Taiwan	Uses Chinese ODMs; some models Taiwan-made
Reolink	China	China	Fully Chinese-owned; cheaper but less polished UX

As you can see, virtually every major smart camera brand relies on Chinese manufacturing—even those based in the U.S. or Europe. The difference lies in oversight, not location.

What Sets Arlo Apart?

Despite being made in China, Arlo stands out in several ways:

• User experience: Arlo’s app is intuitive, reliable, and feature-rich.
• Camera quality: High-resolution sensors, excellent night vision, and weather resistance.
• Subscription flexibility: You can use Arlo without a subscription (unlike Ring).
• Smart home integration: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

In short: Arlo’s value comes from design and software, not just hardware. The fact that it’s made in China doesn’t diminish that.

Tips for Buyers: What to Know Before Purchasing Arlo Cameras

1. Don’t Judge by “Made in China” Alone

Instead of focusing solely on the country of origin, ask:

• Is the company transparent? Arlo publishes supply chain info and CSR reports—many competitors don’t.
• Do they have a good reputation? Check reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and YouTube.
• What’s the warranty and support like? Arlo offers 1-year warranty and decent customer service.

Tip: Look for “Designed in USA” on the box. It means the brains behind the camera are American, even if the body was built overseas.

2. Consider Your Privacy Needs

• If you hate subscriptions, get a model with local storage (e.g., Arlo Pro 4 with SmartHub).
• Enable two-factor authentication in the Arlo app.
• Use a strong Wi-Fi password and change default settings.
• For maximum privacy, avoid cloud storage entirely.

3. Think About Long-Term Costs

Arlo cameras are pricey upfront, but consider:

• No mandatory subscription (unlike Ring, which blocks features without it).
• Modular design: Batteries and mounts are replaceable.
• Durability: Weatherproof and shock-resistant—saves money long-term.

4. Watch for Tariffs and Trade Issues

Because Arlo cameras are made in China, they could be affected by U.S. tariffs. Keep an eye on:

• Price fluctuations during trade disputes.
• Potential delays in restocking (e.g., during pandemic or shipping crises).

Tip: Buy during sales (Black Friday, Prime Day) to lock in lower prices.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Arlo and Chinese Manufacturing

So, are Arlo cameras made in China? Yes, overwhelmingly so. From final assembly to critical components, China plays a central role in Arlo’s supply chain. But here’s the thing: that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Arlo isn’t a Chinese brand. It’s an American company with American values—privacy, innovation, and user-first design. The fact that it manufactures in China reflects global economic realities, not a lack of integrity. In fact, by partnering with reputable ODMs and maintaining strict quality control, Arlo ensures its cameras meet high standards—regardless of where they’re built.

Think of it this way: Where something is made matters less than how it’s made and who stands behind it. Arlo stands behind its products. They invest in R&D, respond to customer feedback, and continuously improve their software. And from my own experience, their cameras deliver on performance, reliability, and peace of mind.

If you’re concerned about data privacy, take control: use local storage, enable encryption, and stay informed. If you’re worried about labor practices, support companies like Arlo that participate in ethical audits and transparency initiatives. And if you’re just looking for a great camera? Arlo remains one of the best options on the market—made in China or not.

At the end of the day, the question isn’t just “Are Arlo cameras made in China?” It’s “Do I trust this brand to protect my home and my family?” Based on years of use, real-world testing, and transparent practices, my answer is a resounding yes.

So go ahead—install those cameras. Monitor your driveway, keep an eye on the kids, or just enjoy knowing your home is safe. The origin of the hardware doesn’t define its worth. It’s what you do with it that matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras made in China?

Arlo cameras are designed in the United States but manufactured in China. The company partners with third-party facilities in China to produce their devices, ensuring high-quality standards.

Where are Arlo cameras manufactured?

While Arlo Technologies is headquartered in the U.S., the actual manufacturing of Arlo cameras takes place in China. This allows the brand to maintain competitive pricing and scalability.

Is it safe to buy Arlo cameras made in China?

Yes, Arlo cameras made in China undergo strict quality control and security testing. Arlo ensures compliance with global safety and privacy standards, making them a reliable choice.

Why are Arlo cameras made in China?

Arlo cameras are made in China to leverage cost-effective production and advanced manufacturing capabilities. This helps the company deliver innovative, affordable products without compromising on performance.

Does Arlo manufacture its own cameras in China?

Arlo does not own factories in China but contracts with trusted OEM partners. These partners adhere to Arlo’s design and quality specifications to ensure consistency.

Are Arlo cameras made in China the same quality as other models?

Yes, all Arlo cameras, regardless of where they’re made, follow the same design and quality standards. The “made in China” label reflects the manufacturing location, not a difference in quality.