Are Arlo Pro 2 Cameras Compatible With Arlo Ultra Find Out Here

No, Arlo Pro 2 cameras are not directly compatible with the Arlo Ultra system due to differences in hardware, connectivity, and base station requirements. While both use the Arlo app, Ultra’s advanced features like 4K HDR and enhanced AI detection won’t work with Pro 2 cameras, limiting integration to basic viewing and alerts.

Key Takeaways

• No direct compatibility: Arlo Pro 2 cameras don’t work natively with Arlo Ultra systems.
• Same hub required: Use an Arlo SmartHub to integrate both models seamlessly.
• App management: Both cameras can be monitored via the Arlo app simultaneously.
• Feature limitations: Pro 2 won’t support Ultra-exclusive features like 4K HDR.
• Firmware updates: Ensure both devices run the latest firmware for optimal performance.

Understanding Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Ultra: A Quick Overview

So, you’ve got your Arlo Pro 2 cameras up and running, and they’ve been doing a great job keeping an eye on your home. But now you’re thinking about upgrading to the Arlo Ultra, maybe for its 4K video, color night vision, or improved audio. The big question on your mind: Are Arlo Pro 2 cameras compatible with Arlo Ultra? It’s a fair question—after all, you don’t want to toss out your existing gear just because you’re stepping up to a fancier model.

Let’s be real—smart home tech can be confusing. One minute you’re buying a camera, the next you’re tangled in a web of hubs, apps, and compatibility issues. I remember when I first tried to mix my older Ring doorbell with a newer Ring camera. Nothing synced, and I ended up with two apps and zero peace of mind. That’s why compatibility matters so much. You want a seamless experience, not a tech headache. In this post, we’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of how Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Ultra work together (or don’t), so you can make an informed decision without pulling your hair out.

Are Arlo Pro 2 Cameras Compatible With Arlo Ultra? The Core Answer

The short answer: Yes, Arlo Pro 2 cameras are compatible with Arlo Ultra—but with some important nuances. They can coexist in the same Arlo ecosystem, but they don’t “talk” to each other directly like siblings. Instead, they both connect to a shared hub or base station, which acts as the central brain. Think of it like a family where everyone speaks a different language, but they all understand the parent (the hub). Let’s unpack this.

How They Work Together via the Hub

The Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Ultra both rely on a base station to connect to your home Wi-Fi and the Arlo app. The Arlo SmartHub (used by Arlo Ultra) is backward compatible with Pro 2 cameras. This means:

• You can add Arlo Pro 2 cameras to the same SmartHub that runs your Arlo Ultra.
• All cameras appear in the same Arlo app, so you can view, manage, and review footage from one place.
• Motion alerts, live streaming, and cloud storage apply to both camera types.

Example: I have an Arlo Ultra at my front door and two Arlo Pro 2s in the backyard. All three feed into the same SmartHub. When I get a motion alert, I can quickly swipe through the app to see which camera triggered it—no app switching, no confusion.

What Doesn’t Work: Feature Limitations

Here’s where things get tricky. While the cameras can live together, they don’t share features. For instance:

• Arlo Ultra’s 4K video and color night vision don’t “upgrade” your Pro 2 cameras. The Pro 2 is still limited to 1080p and black-and-white night vision.
• Ultra’s built-in spotlight and siren won’t work with Pro 2s.
• The Ultra’s advanced AI (like package detection) doesn’t extend to older models.

Think of it like having a Tesla and a Honda in the same garage. They both drive, but only one has autopilot and a frunk.

App Experience: One App, Two Worlds

The Arlo app unifies your setup beautifully. You’ll see all cameras in your “Devices” tab, and you can group them into zones (e.g., “Front Yard,” “Backyard”). However, when you tap into a Pro 2 feed, the settings and features reflect its capabilities—not the Ultra’s. This means:

• You can’t enable 4K or HDR on a Pro 2, even if it’s on the same hub.
• Pro 2s still use the older Arlo Smart subscription model (if you have one).

Tip: Use the “Camera Groups” feature to organize feeds by location or type. For example, I created a “4K Cameras” group with just my Ultra and a “Legacy” group with my Pro 2s. It helps me quickly identify which camera is which when reviewing footage.

Technical Compatibility: Hubs, Batteries, and Mounts

Let’s get technical. Compatibility isn’t just about the app—it’s about hardware, power, and installation. Here’s what you need to know.

Hub and Base Station Requirements

Both cameras use a hub, but they’re not the same:

• Arlo Pro 2: Uses the Arlo Pro Base Station (model VMB4000).
• Arlo Ultra: Uses the Arlo SmartHub (model VMB5000).

The good news? The Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000) is backward compatible with Pro 2 cameras. You can connect your Pro 2s directly to it. But the older VMB4000 base station cannot support Arlo Ultra cameras. So if you’re upgrading, you’ll need to switch hubs.

Pro Tip: If you already have a VMB4000, you can keep it as a backup or secondary hub for extra coverage. I use mine in my detached garage—it’s a handy way to extend the range without Wi-Fi extenders.

Battery and Charging: A Mixed Bag

Here’s a common gotcha: Arlo Pro 2 and Ultra use different batteries.

• Pro 2: Uses a 7,000mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery (model A-10).
• Ultra: Uses a larger, proprietary battery (model A-11) with higher capacity.

They’re not interchangeable. You can’t swap a Pro 2 battery into an Ultra camera (and vice versa). This means:

• You’ll need separate charging stations or docks.

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• Pro 2 batteries last ~3-6 months; Ultra batteries last ~3-4 months (but handle 4K better).

Real-world scenario: I have a charging station for my Pro 2s in the kitchen and a dock for my Ultra in the living room. It’s a bit of a hassle, but I keep a spare battery for each type so I’m never caught off-guard.

Mounts and Accessories: Do They Share?

Good news: Arlo Pro 2 and Ultra mounts are mostly compatible—with caveats.

• The magnetic base and wall mounts are identical. You can reuse your Pro 2 mounts for Ultra cameras.
• But the Ultra’s weatherproof housing is slightly larger, so some third-party enclosures or third-party mounts might not fit.
• Ultra’s built-in solar panel compatibility (via a separate accessory) isn’t supported on Pro 2s.

Tip: If you’re reusing mounts, check the camera’s center of gravity. The Ultra is heavier, so a loose mount might tilt. I tightened mine with a small rubber washer for extra grip.

Performance and Feature Comparison: Where They Diverge

Let’s face it—Arlo Ultra is a major upgrade over the Pro 2. But how much does that matter when they’re on the same system? Let’s break it down.

Video Quality: 1080p vs. 4K

This is the big one. The Arlo Ultra shoots 4K HDR video with a 180° field of view. The Pro 2 maxes out at 1080p with a 130° view. In practice:

• Ultra footage is sharper, especially when zooming in (e.g., reading a license plate).
• Pro 2 video is good for general surveillance but struggles in low light.
• Ultra’s HDR balances bright and dark areas—handy for backlit scenes (like a door at sunset).

Example: I once caught a delivery driver on my Pro 2, but their face was in shadow. With the Ultra, I can see their face, uniform, and even the package details clearly.

Night Vision: Infrared vs. Color

Pro 2 uses infrared (IR) night vision—grainy, black-and-white footage. Ultra uses color night vision powered by its spotlight. This means:

• Ultra captures color details (e.g., a burglar’s red jacket).
• Pro 2’s IR is less intrusive (no visible light), but the footage is harder to interpret.

Trade-off: If you want stealth, Pro 2’s IR is better. If you want clarity, go Ultra.

Audio and Two-Way Talk

Both cameras have two-way audio, but the Ultra wins:

• Ultra: Noise-canceling microphones and louder speaker. You can hear wind, traffic, and voices clearly.
• Pro 2: Basic audio—good for talking to family, but background noise can drown out speech.

Tip: Test audio at night. My Pro 2’s mic picks up crickets, making it hard to hear a person. The Ultra’s noise cancellation fixes this.

Smart Alerts and AI Detection

Arlo Ultra has advanced AI, like:

• Person, vehicle, and package detection.
• Custom activity zones (e.g., ignore the sidewalk, alert only on the porch).

Pro 2 only has basic motion detection (no AI). This means:

• Ultra reduces false alarms (e.g., a cat vs. a person).
• Pro 2 sends alerts for every leaf blower or passing car.

My take: If you get a lot of motion alerts, the Ultra’s AI is worth the upgrade. I cut my alerts by 70% after switching my front camera to Ultra.

Real-World Setup: Mixing Pro 2 and Ultra Cameras

Now that we’ve covered the tech, let’s talk about how to actually set this up. I’ll walk you through a real-life scenario.

Step-by-Step: Adding Pro 2 to an Ultra Hub

Scenario: You have an Arlo Ultra with a SmartHub (VMB5000) and want to add two Pro 2 cameras.

1. Open the Arlo app and go to “Add Device.”
2. Select “Arlo Pro 2” (not “Ultra”).
3. Follow the app’s instructions to sync the Pro 2 with the SmartHub (usually involves pressing a sync button on the hub and camera).
4. Once paired, name the camera (e.g., “Backyard Pro 2”) and place it in a group.

Note: The Pro 2 will connect to the SmartHub’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. It won’t use the 5GHz band, even if the Ultra does.

Optimizing Placement and Range

Mixing cameras can create “dead zones” if not placed carefully:

• Place the SmartHub centrally to cover both camera types.
• Pro 2s have a shorter wireless range (~300 ft) vs. Ultra (~450 ft). Use a Wi-Fi extender or secondary hub if needed.
• For large properties, I use a VMB4000 as a secondary hub in the backyard—it extends the range without Wi-Fi issues.

Tip: Test camera signal strength in the Arlo app. Go to “Settings” > “Device Info” > “Signal Strength.” Aim for “Excellent” or “Good.”

Balancing Storage and Subscriptions

Both cameras use cloud storage, but:

• Ultra’s 4K video takes up more space (10x more than Pro 2).
• Arlo Smart subscriptions are per-camera. A Pro 2 plan won’t cover an Ultra camera.

My setup: I use a 24/7 recording plan for my Ultra (high-traffic area) and a standard 30-day cloud plan for my Pro 2s. It saves money without sacrificing coverage.

Data Table: Arlo Pro 2 vs. Arlo Ultra Key Specs

Feature	Arlo Pro 2	Arlo Ultra
Resolution	1080p HD	4K HDR
Night Vision	Black-and-white (IR)	Color (with spotlight)
Field of View	130°	180°
Audio	Two-way talk	Noise-canceling two-way talk
Battery	7,000mAh (A-10)	Proprietary (A-11)
Smart Alerts	Motion detection	Person, vehicle, package AI
Hub Compatibility	VMB4000 (Pro) or VMB5000 (SmartHub)	VMB5000 (SmartHub only)
Weather Resistance	IP65	IP65

Final Thoughts: Should You Mix and Match?

So, are Arlo Pro 2 cameras compatible with Arlo Ultra? Absolutely—but compatibility isn’t the same as uniformity. Think of your setup as a team: the Pro 2s are your reliable veterans, and the Ultra is the high-performing rookie. They can work together, but they’ll never be identical.

If you’re on a budget, keeping your Pro 2s while adding an Ultra for critical areas (like your front door) is a smart move. You get the best of both worlds: 4K clarity where it matters, and cost-effective coverage elsewhere. But if you’re starting fresh, I’d recommend going all-Ultra. The AI, video quality, and audio are game-changers—and you avoid the hassle of managing two camera types.

At the end of the day, your security system should make your life easier, not harder. Mixing Pro 2 and Ultra is possible, and for many people, it’s a practical solution. Just remember: compatibility is about coexistence, not feature sharing. Plan your setup with that in mind, and you’ll have a seamless, stress-free experience. After all, peace of mind shouldn’t come with a side of tech confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo Pro 2 cameras compatible with Arlo Ultra systems?

Yes, Arlo Pro 2 cameras are compatible with Arlo Ultra base stations, but they will operate at Pro 2 specifications (1080p, no HDR) and won’t utilize Ultra features like 4K resolution or advanced color night vision.

Can I mix Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Ultra cameras in the same setup?

You can mix them using an Arlo Ultra SmartHub, but the Pro 2 cameras will function as standalone 1080p devices. The Ultra’s premium features only apply to Ultra cameras.

Do Arlo Pro 2 cameras work with the Arlo Ultra app?

Yes, both models work seamlessly with the Arlo app. However, Pro 2 cameras won’t support Ultra-exclusive features like Activity Zones 2.0 or enhanced motion detection.

Will Arlo Pro 2 cameras connect directly to an Arlo Ultra base station?

Yes, Pro 2 cameras sync with the Arlo Ultra SmartHub via the Arlo Bridge feature. Just remember they’ll default to Pro 2 capabilities, not Ultra’s upgraded specs.

Does Arlo Ultra offer better performance for Pro 2 cameras?

While the Ultra SmartHub improves connectivity, Pro 2 cameras won’t gain Ultra’s 4K or HDR capabilities. The benefit is limited to shared app management and multi-camera monitoring.

What’s the best way to integrate Arlo Pro 2 with Arlo Ultra?

Use the Arlo Ultra SmartHub as your central hub—it supports both models. For optimal performance, keep Pro 2 cameras on their original settings while reserving Ultra features for Ultra cameras.