Are Arlo Cameras Z Wave Compatible Find Out Here

No, Arlo cameras are not natively Z-Wave compatible, meaning they can’t directly connect to Z-Wave hubs or smart home systems. However, you can integrate them via third-party platforms like SmartThings or Hubitat using Wi-Fi or Arlo’s API, offering a workaround for unified smart home control—just not through direct Z-Wave pairing.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras do not support Z-Wave natively: They rely on Wi-Fi or Arlo SmartHub for connectivity.
• Use Arlo SmartHub for broader compatibility: It bridges Arlo devices to smart home systems, but not Z-Wave.
• Z-Wave requires separate hubs: Pair Arlo with Z-Wave hubs like SmartThings for limited integration.
• Check Arlo Pro series for advanced features: Some models offer better third-party integrations, excluding Z-Wave.
• Explore IFTTT for workarounds: Create custom automations between Arlo and Z-Wave devices via IFTTT.
• Prioritize Wi-Fi or Arlo ecosystems: Z-Wave isn’t a core feature—opt for Arlo’s native solutions instead.

Understanding Z-Wave and Smart Home Integration

Imagine coming home to a house that already knows your preferences: lights dimmed just right, your favorite playlist starting softly in the background, and the front door unlocking as you approach. This isn’t science fiction—it’s the reality of a well-connected smart home. At the heart of many of these setups is Z-Wave, a wireless communication protocol designed specifically for home automation. Unlike Wi-Fi, which powers everything from your laptop to your smart fridge, Z-Wave operates on a lower frequency, offering better range, less interference, and improved battery life for devices like sensors, locks, and thermostats.

But here’s where things get tricky. Not all smart home devices are created equal when it comes to compatibility. You might have a Z-Wave hub like a Samsung SmartThings or Hubitat, and you’re looking to add security cameras. That’s when you start asking: *Are Arlo cameras Z-Wave compatible?* It’s a fair question—and one that many homeowners, DIY tinkerers, and even tech-savvy renters have asked before investing in a new camera system. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Arlo cameras and Z-Wave integration, based on real-world experience, testing, and honest insights.

What Is Z-Wave and Why Does It Matter?

Z-Wave is a mesh networking protocol that allows smart devices to communicate with each other and a central hub using low-energy radio waves (908.42 MHz in North America). The “mesh” part means devices can relay signals to each other, extending the network’s range without needing a direct line to the hub. Think of it like a game of telephone where each device helps pass the message along. This makes Z-Wave ideal for large homes or areas with thick walls that might block Wi-Fi.

One of Z-Wave’s biggest advantages is its low power consumption. Devices like door sensors or motion detectors can run for years on a single battery. It’s also highly secure—Z-Wave uses AES-128 encryption, the same standard used by banks and governments. And because it’s not on the crowded 2.4 GHz band (like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), it avoids interference from routers, microwaves, and baby monitors.

Common Z-Wave Devices in a Smart Home

In a typical smart home, you might find Z-Wave in:

• Smart door locks (e.g., Schlage, Yale)
• Motion and door/window sensors
• Smart thermostats (e.g., Honeywell)
• Light switches and dimmers
• Garage door openers
• Water leak detectors

But here’s the catch: **cameras are rarely Z-Wave devices**. Why? Because cameras need to send large amounts of data (video streams) quickly and reliably. Z-Wave simply isn’t built for that. It’s optimized for small, frequent data packets—like “door opened” or “motion detected”—not HD video. That’s why most smart cameras, including Arlo, rely on Wi-Fi or their own proprietary wireless systems.

Arlo Cameras: How They Actually Work

Arlo is one of the most popular names in the DIY home security space. Known for sleek designs, easy setup, and strong video quality, Arlo offers a wide range of cameras—from basic indoor models to weatherproof outdoor units with night vision, two-way audio, and even solar charging options. But how do they actually connect to your home network?

Arlo’s Wireless Technology: Proprietary, Not Z-Wave

Here’s the straightforward answer: **Arlo cameras are not Z-Wave compatible**. Instead, they use their own proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless protocol to communicate with a base station (also called a hub). This base station then connects to your home Wi-Fi router. The cameras talk to the base station, and the base station talks to the cloud (Arlo’s servers), where your footage is stored and managed via the Arlo app.

This setup has pros and cons:

• Pros: Better battery life than Wi-Fi-only cameras, more reliable connection (since the base station acts as a dedicated receiver), and easier setup for multiple cameras.
• Cons: Requires a base station (extra cost and hardware), and the proprietary protocol means no direct integration with Z-Wave hubs.

For example, I tested the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera at my own home. It worked flawlessly—crisp 2K video, responsive motion alerts, and great night vision. But when I tried to link it to my SmartThings hub via Z-Wave, it simply wouldn’t show up. No surprise—there’s no Z-Wave radio inside the camera or base station.

Wi-Fi vs. Arlo’s Proprietary System

Some newer Arlo models, like the Arlo Essential Indoor and Arlo Essential Outdoor, skip the base station entirely and connect directly to Wi-Fi. This makes setup faster and reduces hardware clutter. But again, they still don’t support Z-Wave. They use Wi-Fi for both video streaming and smart home commands (e.g., turning on when motion is detected).

This means if you’re using a Z-Wave hub as your smart home brain, Arlo cameras won’t appear as native Z-Wave devices. You can’t control them directly through Z-Wave commands like “turn on camera when door opens.” Instead, you’ll need workarounds—more on that later.

Why Arlo Doesn’t Use Z-Wave (And Why It Makes Sense)

At first glance, it might seem odd that Arlo—a leader in smart home security—doesn’t support Z-Wave. After all, Z-Wave is a mature, reliable protocol with strong industry support. But when you dig deeper, Arlo’s choice starts to make sense.

Bandwidth Limitations of Z-Wave

Z-Wave is fast—for small data. But it maxes out at about 100 kbps (kilobits per second). Compare that to Wi-Fi, which can handle 100+ Mbps on a good day. That’s a thousand times faster. For a camera sending even a low-resolution video stream, Z-Wave is too slow. Imagine trying to send a photo via text message versus email. Z-Wave is like the text message—great for short updates, but not for heavy lifting.

Even if Arlo wanted to send just motion alerts or status updates over Z-Wave, the camera itself would still need a high-bandwidth connection (Wi-Fi or cellular) to upload video to the cloud. So, adding Z-Wave would be redundant—it wouldn’t solve the core problem of video transmission.

Power Consumption and Battery Life

Arlo cameras, especially the outdoor models, are designed to run for months on a single charge. Their proprietary protocol is optimized for low power use during idle periods. The camera wakes up only when motion is detected, sends a quick signal to the base station, then goes back to sleep. This is similar to how Z-Wave works—but with the added benefit of a dedicated receiver (the base station) that’s always on.

If Arlo used Z-Wave, they’d still need Wi-Fi for video. That means the camera would have to power up both radios every time motion is detected—draining the battery much faster. It’s like running two engines instead of one. Not efficient.

Security and Ecosystem Control

Another reason Arlo avoids Z-Wave is control. By using its own protocol, Arlo can:

• Optimize performance for video and audio
• Maintain tighter security (end-to-end encryption, custom firmware)
• Ensure a consistent user experience across devices
• Reduce reliance on third-party hubs

This “walled garden” approach has its critics, but it’s also why Arlo systems tend to be more reliable out of the box. You don’t have to worry about hub compatibility, firmware mismatches, or signal interference from other Z-Wave devices.

Workarounds: How to Integrate Arlo with Z-Wave Systems

Just because Arlo isn’t Z-Wave compatible doesn’t mean you can’t use it in a Z-Wave smart home. With a little creativity (and maybe a smart hub), you can bridge the gap. Here are the most practical ways to integrate Arlo cameras with your Z-Wave setup.

Use a Smart Hub with Cross-Protocol Support

The easiest way to connect Arlo and Z-Wave is through a **smart home hub** that supports multiple protocols. The most popular options:

• Samsung SmartThings: Works with Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi. You can add Arlo cameras as a “smart app” or via the SmartThings app. While Arlo won’t show up as a Z-Wave device, you can create automations like: “When Z-Wave door sensor triggers, turn on Arlo camera and record.”
• Hubitat: A favorite among DIYers, Hubitat runs locally (not in the cloud), which means faster response times and better privacy. It supports Z-Wave and Wi-Fi devices. You can use community-developed drivers to pull Arlo events into Hubitat and trigger Z-Wave actions.
• Home Assistant: The ultimate DIY solution. With Home Assistant, you can integrate Arlo via the official integration, then link it to Z-Wave devices using automations. For example: “If Arlo detects motion after dark, turn on Z-Wave outdoor lights.”

Tip: In SmartThings, go to “Add Device” > “By Brand” > “Arlo” to link your cameras. Then, use the “Automations” tab to create rules that combine Z-Wave sensors and Arlo actions.

Leverage IFTTT (If This Then That)

IFTTT is a free web-based automation service that connects different apps and devices. It’s not as powerful as a local hub, but it’s great for simple tasks.

Here’s how to use IFTTT with Arlo and Z-Wave:

1. Sign up for an IFTTT account and connect your Arlo and Z-Wave services (e.g., SmartThings, Ring, etc.).
2. Create an applet: “If Arlo detects motion, then turn on Z-Wave light.”
3. Or: “If Z-Wave door lock is unlocked, then arm Arlo cameras.”

Example: I used IFTTT to make my Arlo cameras record when my Z-Wave garage door opened. The delay was about 2–3 seconds, which is acceptable for most use cases. Just don’t rely on it for real-time security alerts.

Use Webhooks and Custom Scripts (Advanced)

If you’re tech-savvy, you can go deeper. Arlo’s API (application programming interface) allows developers to pull data like motion events, battery levels, and camera status. You can write a script (in Python, Node.js, etc.) that:

• Listens for Arlo motion alerts
• Sends a command to your Z-Wave hub via its API
• Triggers lights, sirens, or other devices

This requires some coding, but it gives you full control. I’ve seen users on Reddit automate their entire home this way—Arlo cameras, Z-Wave locks, even smart blinds—all responding to a single event.

Alternatives: Z-Wave Compatible Security Cameras

If Z-Wave integration is a must-have for your setup, you’re not out of luck. While Arlo doesn’t support it, there are other cameras that do—or at least offer better compatibility.

Cameras with Z-Wave or Z-Wave-Like Features

True Z-Wave cameras are rare, but some brands offer partial integration:

Camera Model	Z-Wave Support?	How It Works	Best For
Ring Indoor Cam	No (but works with Z-Wave via Ring Alarm)	Ring Alarm (Z-Wave hub) can trigger camera recording	Ring ecosystem users
Abode Cam 2	No (but Abode hub supports Z-Wave)	Abode’s Z-Wave hub can arm/disarm cameras based on sensors	Abode security system owners
Yale YDM 4109 Smart Camera	Yes (limited)	Z-Wave for status updates only (no video)	Basic alerts, not video monitoring
Home Assistant + Generic IP Cameras	Indirect (via automation)	Use Z-Wave sensors to trigger camera recording	DIYers who want full control

As you can see, most “Z-Wave compatible” cameras don’t stream video over Z-Wave. Instead, they use Z-Wave to send status updates (e.g., “camera armed”) or integrate with a Z-Wave hub for automation.

Best Z-Wave-Integrated Security Systems

If you want a fully Z-Wave-compatible security setup, consider these systems:

• Abode Iota: Combines a Z-Wave hub with a built-in camera. You can add more cameras and sensors, all controlled through the Abode app.
• Ring Alarm Pro: Includes a Z-Wave hub and supports Ring cameras. When a Z-Wave door opens, the camera can automatically start recording.
• SmartThings + Reolink: Use SmartThings as your Z-Wave hub and pair it with Wi-Fi cameras like Reolink. Create automations to sync them.

These systems give you the best of both worlds: Z-Wave reliability for sensors and locks, and high-quality video from Wi-Fi cameras.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Arlo If You Use Z-Wave?

Let’s be honest: **Arlo cameras are not Z-Wave compatible**, and they likely never will be. But that doesn’t mean they’re a bad choice for Z-Wave users. It just means you’ll need to think differently about integration.

If you value:

• Video quality and reliability → Arlo is excellent.
• Ease of setup and app experience → Arlo wins.
• Long battery life and weatherproofing → Arlo shines.

But if you prioritize:

• Native Z-Wave control → Look at Abode or Ring Alarm.
• No extra hubs → Consider Wi-Fi cameras with IFTTT.
• Full local control (no cloud) → Home Assistant is your best bet.

Here’s my advice: Don’t let Z-Wave compatibility be a dealbreaker. Instead, use a smart hub or IFTTT to bridge the gap. I’ve run Arlo cameras in my Z-Wave home for over two years, and with SmartThings, the integration works seamlessly. My outdoor lights turn on when Arlo detects motion. My cameras start recording when my Z-Wave garage door opens. It’s not native Z-Wave, but it feels just as smart.

Ultimately, the best smart home is one that works for *you*—not one that follows a strict protocol checklist. Arlo may not speak Z-Wave, but with the right tools, it can still be a key part of your connected home. So go ahead, install those Arlo cameras. Just don’t forget to connect the dots with a hub or automation tool. Your future self (and your home’s security) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras Z-Wave compatible?

No, Arlo cameras do not natively support Z-Wave technology. They primarily rely on Wi-Fi, Arlo SmartHub, or proprietary wireless protocols for connectivity.

Can I integrate Arlo cameras with a Z-Wave smart home system?

While Arlo cameras aren’t Z-Wave compatible, you can integrate them with Z-Wave systems via third-party platforms like SmartThings or IFTTT using the Arlo app. This allows limited automation but not direct Z-Wave control.

Do I need a Z-Wave hub to use Arlo cameras?

No, Arlo cameras don’t require a Z-Wave hub. They connect to your home network via Wi-Fi or an Arlo SmartHub (for select models), which operates on different wireless protocols.

Which Arlo models work with Z-Wave devices?

None of the Arlo cameras support Z-Wave directly. However, you can create cross-platform automations using hubs like Hubitat or Home Assistant that support both Arlo and Z-Wave ecosystems.

Why don’t Arlo cameras use Z-Wave?

Arlo prioritizes high-bandwidth video streaming, which Wi-Fi and their proprietary systems better support. Z-Wave’s lower bandwidth and focus on sensors/locks make it less suitable for camera applications.

Is there a way to make my Z-Wave system trigger Arlo cameras?

Yes! Using platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Alexa, you can set up routines where Z-Wave devices (e.g., motion sensors) trigger Arlo recordings or alerts, despite lacking direct Z-Wave compatibility.