Are Arlo Cameras ONVIF Compatible Find Out Here

Most Arlo cameras are not ONVIF compatible, meaning they can’t be integrated with third-party NVRs or ONVIF-compliant systems. While select newer models, like the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra, support ONVIF Profile S for basic interoperability, full functionality and plug-and-play setup are not guaranteed. Always verify model-specific specs before relying on ONVIF integration.

Key Takeaways

• Most Arlo cameras lack ONVIF support: Only select models work with ONVIF protocols.
• Check model specifications first: Verify ONVIF compatibility before purchasing Arlo cameras.
• Use Arlo Pro 4/Ultra for ONVIF: These models offer limited ONVIF Profile S support.
• Third-party NVRs may not work: Arlo’s ecosystem restricts seamless third-party integrations.
• RTSP is a viable alternative: Some Arlo cameras support RTSP for broader compatibility.
• Firmware updates matter: Ensure your camera runs the latest firmware for ONVIF features.

Are Arlo Cameras ONVIF Compatible? Let’s Break It Down

If you’re shopping for a security camera system, you’ve probably heard of ONVIF—a universal standard for IP cameras and video management software. It’s like the USB port for security gear: plug in any device, and it just works. But here’s the million-dollar question: Are Arlo cameras ONVIF compatible?

As someone who’s set up dozens of home security systems (including my own), I’ve wrestled with this exact dilemma. Arlo cameras are sleek, reliable, and packed with smart features—but their compatibility with third-party software? That’s a gray area. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a small business owner, or just someone who wants flexibility, this guide will cut through the noise. We’ll explore Arlo’s ONVIF support (or lack thereof), workarounds, and what it means for your setup. No fluff—just real talk.

What Is ONVIF, and Why Does It Matter?

Understanding the ONVIF Standard

Imagine you buy a camera from Brand A, a recorder from Brand B, and software from Brand C. Without a common language, they’d never communicate. That’s where ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) comes in. It’s a global standard that lets devices from different manufacturers talk to each other. Think of it as a universal translator for security gear. ONVIF ensures your camera can:

• Connect to NVRs (network video recorders) from other brands.
• Integrate with third-party software (like Blue Iris or Milestone).
• Stream video to apps or platforms outside the manufacturer’s ecosystem.

For example, if your Arlo camera were ONVIF-compliant, you could use it with a Synology NVR or a home automation system like Home Assistant. But here’s the catch: Arlo doesn’t fully support it.

Why ONVIF Compatibility Is a Game-Changer

Let’s say you run a small business with 10 cameras from three brands. ONVIF means you can manage them all in one interface. No juggling apps, no proprietary software, and no vendor lock-in. For homeowners, it means freedom: you’re not stuck with Arlo’s cloud plans or app if you later want to switch to local storage or a different ecosystem.

But there’s a flip side. Some brands (like Arlo) prioritize their own ecosystem to keep you invested in their hardware, software, and subscriptions. It’s a trade-off between convenience and control.

The Truth About Arlo Cameras and ONVIF Support

Arlo’s Official Stance

Arlo’s website doesn’t list ONVIF as a feature—and for good reason. Most Arlo cameras are NOT ONVIF compliant. This includes popular models like:

• Arlo Pro 3/4
• Arlo Ultra
• Arlo Essential
• Arlo Go (LTE)

Why? Arlo uses its own proprietary protocols for video streaming, motion detection, and device management. For instance, Arlo’s cameras connect to your home network via Wi-Fi or a dedicated hub (like the Arlo SmartHub), but they don’t expose the RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) or ONVIF endpoints that third-party systems need.

Exceptions and Workarounds

Wait—there’s hope! Some Arlo cameras *do* have limited ONVIF-like capabilities, but they’re not officially supported. Here’s what I’ve found:

• Arlo Pro 2 (wired models): A few users report success with ONVIF using third-party tools like ONVIF Device Manager. But it’s hit-or-miss and requires technical tweaking.
• Arlo Pro 3/4 with Base Station: The base station (not the camera) has an ONVIF profile for the base station’s built-in camera (if it has one). The external Arlo cameras connected to it? Still not ONVIF.
• RTSP Streams (Rare): A few older Arlo models (like the original Arlo Pro) let you enable RTSP via firmware hacks. But Arlo has disabled this in newer firmware updates.

Pro Tip: If you’re tech-savvy, you can try using tools like FFmpeg to pull video streams from Arlo’s cloud API. But this is complex, unreliable, and may violate Arlo’s terms of service.

What This Means for Your Security Setup

Pros of Sticking with Arlo’s Ecosystem

Arlo’s lack of ONVIF might seem limiting, but their ecosystem has perks:

• Seamless Integration: All Arlo devices work flawlessly with the Arlo app. No configuration headaches.
• Smart Features: AI-powered motion detection, person/vehicle recognition, and 24/7 cloud storage (with a subscription).
• Reliability: Arlo’s cameras are weatherproof, easy to install, and have excellent battery life (for wireless models).

For example, my Arlo Pro 4 cameras instantly notify my phone when they detect a person—even in the rain. The app’s interface is intuitive, and I don’t need to fiddle with IP addresses or ports.

Cons: The Flexibility Trade-Off

But here’s where it stings:

• Vendor Lock-In: You’re tied to Arlo’s app, cloud plans, and hardware. Want local storage? You’ll need an Arlo SmartHub (which isn’t cheap).
• No Third-Party Integrations: You can’t use Arlo cameras with popular platforms like Blue Iris, SecuritySpy, or Home Assistant without workarounds.
• Subscription Costs: Arlo’s cloud storage plans add up over time. A 24/7 plan for three cameras costs ~$10/month.

Imagine you’re building a smart home with Home Assistant. Without ONVIF, you’d need to use Arlo’s clunky API or a third-party plugin—which breaks if Arlo changes their backend. Not ideal.

Alternatives: ONVIF-Compliant Cameras for Flexibility

Top ONVIF-Compatible Brands

If ONVIF is a priority, consider these brands:

• Reolink: Affordable, ONVIF-compliant cameras with 4K resolution and no subscription fees.
• Hikvision: Enterprise-grade cameras with robust ONVIF support (but check privacy concerns).
• Axis: High-end cameras with full ONVIF Profile S/T support.
• Amcrest: Budget-friendly ONVIF cameras with local and cloud storage options.

For example, a Reolink RLC-520A can stream to your NVR, integrate with Home Assistant, and even trigger alerts via IFTTT. All without a subscription.

Hybrid Solutions (Arlo + ONVIF)

Want the best of both worlds? Use Arlo for critical areas (like your front door) and ONVIF cameras for others (like your backyard). Here’s how:

1. Use Arlo cameras for AI features (e.g., person detection).
2. Use ONVIF cameras for local storage and third-party integrations.
3. Combine feeds in a universal app like Blue Iris or SecuritySpy.

Real-World Example: A friend runs a small store with Arlo Pro 4 cameras at the entrance (for facial recognition) and Reolink cameras in the warehouse (for local storage). The Reolink cameras connect to a Synology NVR, while the Arlo cameras feed into the Arlo app.

Workarounds for Arlo Users (When You Need ONVIF)

Using Arlo with NVRs and Third-Party Software

While Arlo cameras aren’t ONVIF-compliant, you can still integrate them with third-party systems—with caveats:

• Arlo Cloud API: Tools like Home Assistant or IFTTT can pull data from Arlo’s cloud. But video streams are limited to 15-second clips (not live feeds).
• RTSP Hacks (Unreliable): Some users reverse-engineer Arlo’s streams using tools like FFmpeg. But Arlo frequently patches these methods.
• Screen Scraping: Capture the Arlo app’s video feed via screen mirroring (e.g., using OBS Studio). Clunky, but it works.

Tip: For Home Assistant, use the Arlo integration (built-in) to get motion alerts, but pair it with a local ONVIF camera for live video.

Local Storage Options

Arlo’s cloud dependency is frustrating. But you have options:

• Arlo SmartHub: Lets you store footage locally (up to 200GB). But it’s $100+ and only works with select Arlo models.
• SD Cards: Some Arlo cameras (like the Essential) support microSD cards. But max capacity is 256GB, and it’s not continuous recording.
• Third-Party Recorders: Use a NAS (like Synology) with Arlo’s API to save clips. Requires technical know-how.

For example, I use a Synology NAS with Arlo’s API to back up my clips. It’s not perfect, but it’s cheaper than a cloud subscription.

Data Table: Arlo vs. ONVIF-Compliant Cameras

Feature	Arlo Pro 4	Reolink RLC-520A	Hikvision DS-2CD2347G2-LU
ONVIF Support	❌ No	✅ Yes (Profile S)	✅ Yes (Profile S/T)
Local Storage	MicroSD (256GB max) or SmartHub	MicroSD (256GB) + NVR	MicroSD (256GB) + NVR
Cloud Subscription	Required for AI features	Optional (free 7-day cloud)	None (local only)
Third-Party Integration	Limited (API only)	Full (RTSP/ONVIF)	Full (RTSP/ONVIF)
Price (1 Camera)	$150	$120	$200

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Arlo?

So, are Arlo cameras ONVIF compatible? The short answer: not really. But that doesn’t mean they’re a bad choice. It depends on your needs:

• Choose Arlo if: You want plug-and-play simplicity, AI features, and don’t mind being tied to their ecosystem.
• Avoid Arlo if: You need ONVIF for third-party software, local storage, or future-proofing your setup.

For me, Arlo’s cameras are great for my home—but I use ONVIF cameras for my garage (where I need local storage). The key is knowing your priorities. If flexibility is your top concern, skip Arlo. But if you value ease of use and smart features, they’re still a solid option.

At the end of the day, no camera is perfect. The best system is the one that fits your life—whether that’s Arlo, ONVIF, or a mix of both. Happy installing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras ONVIF compatible?

No, Arlo cameras do not natively support ONVIF compatibility. Arlo uses its own proprietary system for integration, which limits direct ONVIF support for most models.

Can I integrate my Arlo camera with an ONVIF-supported NVR?

Unfortunately, direct integration with ONVIF-supported NVRs isn’t possible due to Arlo’s closed ecosystem. However, you may use workarounds like RTSP feeds (available on select newer models) for limited third-party compatibility.

Which Arlo models have ONVIF compatibility?

As of now, no Arlo cameras are officially ONVIF Profile S or Profile G certified. Some users report partial functionality with third-party software, but this isn’t guaranteed or supported by Arlo.

Why doesn’t Arlo support ONVIF for its cameras?

Arlo prioritizes its cloud-based ecosystem and app-controlled security over open standards like ONVIF. This ensures tighter control over features, privacy, and user experience but limits interoperability with other systems.

Is there a workaround to use Arlo cameras with ONVIF devices?

Limited workarounds exist, such as using RTSP feeds (on supported models like Arlo Ultra or Pro 3) to stream to some ONVIF-compatible systems. However, advanced features like PTZ or two-way audio may not function properly.

Will Arlo add ONVIF compatibility in the future?

Arlo hasn’t announced plans to add ONVIF support. While demand exists, the company’s focus remains on proprietary integrations. Check Arlo’s official updates for any changes to their compatibility roadmap.