Are Arlo Pro Cameras Compatible with Your Smart Home Setup

Yes, Arlo Pro cameras are highly compatible with most major smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, enabling seamless voice control and automation. They also integrate effortlessly with IFTTT and Samsung SmartThings, making them a flexible choice for custom smart home setups.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Pro cameras work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for seamless smart home control.
• No hub required—connect directly to Wi-Fi for easy setup and integration.
• IFTTT support enables custom automations with other smart devices and platforms.
• 2-way audio and motion alerts sync effortlessly with most smart home ecosystems.
• Subscription may be needed for full cloud storage and advanced features.
• Check firmware updates regularly to ensure ongoing compatibility and security.

Are Arlo Pro Cameras Compatible with Your Smart Home Setup?

Let’s be honest—setting up a smart home can feel like trying to solve a puzzle where half the pieces keep changing shape. You buy one device, only to realize it doesn’t talk to the others. Maybe your smart lights won’t sync with your voice assistant, or your thermostat ignores your phone’s commands. It’s frustrating, and it makes you wonder: Will this even work together?

If you’re considering Arlo Pro cameras, that same question probably keeps popping up: Are Arlo Pro cameras compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem? Whether you’re already deep into Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or you’re just starting with a smart speaker and a few smart bulbs, compatibility matters. I’ve been there—installing cameras that looked great on paper but turned into digital ghosts in my smart home network. After testing multiple Arlo Pro models and integrating them with different platforms, I’ve got real-world insights to share. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a no-nonsense breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and how to make your Arlo Pro cameras play nice with your tech.

Understanding Arlo Pro Camera Models and Their Compatibility

First things first: not all Arlo Pro cameras are created equal. The Arlo Pro lineup includes several models—Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Pro 4, and Arlo Pro 5S—each with different features and compatibility profiles. Jumping in without knowing the differences can lead to costly mistakes. Let’s break it down.

Arlo Pro vs. Pro 2: The Early Years

The original Arlo Pro (released in 2016) and Arlo Pro 2 (2017) are Wi-Fi-based, battery-powered cameras that connect to a central base station. They support 720p (Pro) and 1080p (Pro 2) video, motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision. Both work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for basic voice commands like “show the front door camera” on an Echo Show or Nest Hub.

But here’s the catch: neither supports Apple HomeKit or Matter. They also require the Arlo SmartHub (base station) to connect to your home network. If you’re using a mesh Wi-Fi system, you may need to adjust your network settings to ensure the base station has a strong connection.

Pro tip: If you’re using an older router, consider placing the Arlo SmartHub close to it. I once had Pro 2 cameras disconnecting randomly—turns out, the base station was in a basement corner with weak signal. Moving it to the living room fixed the issue overnight.

Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4: The Leap Forward

The Arlo Pro 3 (2019) and Arlo Pro 4 (2020) are major upgrades. They offer 2K HDR video, color night vision, integrated spotlights, and wire-free setup (no base station required). Both connect directly to your Wi-Fi, which simplifies installation.

Compatibility-wise, they support:

• Amazon Alexa (voice and video display on Echo devices)
• Google Assistant (voice and Nest Hub display)
• Apple HomeKit (via a firmware update in 2020—this was a game-changer for iPhone users)
• IFTTT (for custom automations)

The Pro 4 adds a built-in siren and improved motion detection zones, making it more suitable for larger properties. But both still don’t support Matter—a newer smart home standard we’ll cover later.

Arlo Pro 5S: The Latest and Greatest

Released in 2023, the Arlo Pro 5S is the most advanced in the Pro series. It features 2K HDR video, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), and optional HomeKit support via a HomeKit hub (like an Apple TV or HomePod). It also includes advanced AI detection (people, packages, vehicles) and better battery life.

What’s new? The Pro 5S is Matter-ready—but not fully Matter-enabled yet. Arlo has confirmed future firmware updates will add Matter support, which could allow seamless integration with any Matter-compatible platform (Google, Amazon, Apple, Samsung, etc.). This is a big deal for future-proofing your smart home.

Voice Assistant Compatibility: Alexa, Google, and Siri

One of the most common questions I get is: “Can I use my Arlo Pro camera with Alexa/Google/Siri?” The short answer is yes—but with caveats depending on the model and your setup.

Amazon Alexa: The Most Seamless Experience

Arlo Pro cameras have strong Alexa integration. Here’s what you can do:

• Use voice commands: “Alexa, show me the backyard camera.”
• Stream live video on Echo Show, Fire TV, or Fire Tablet.
• Trigger routines: “When Arlo detects motion, turn on the porch light.”
• Get Alexa announcements: “Alexa, announce: Front door motion detected.”

I’ve used this setup for over a year. When my Arlo Pro 3 detects someone at the front door, Alexa announces it on every Echo device and turns on the smart porch light. It’s saved me from missing deliveries and even caught a package thief once.

Tip: Make sure your Arlo account is linked to Alexa in the Alexa app. Go to Skills & Games > Search “Arlo” > Enable. Then discover devices. If a camera doesn’t show up, try restarting your router or re-linking the skill.

Google Assistant: Solid, but Slightly Less Flexible

Google Assistant works well with Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5S. You can say:

• “Hey Google, show the driveway camera on the living room TV.”
• “Hey Google, is there motion at the back gate?”

However, Google Assistant doesn’t support live video streaming on Nest Hubs as smoothly as Alexa does. Sometimes there’s a 2-3 second delay, and the video quality can drop during peak hours. I noticed this during a family gathering when multiple people asked Google to show different cameras—it got confused and showed the wrong feed.

Also, Google Assistant can’t trigger automations based on Arlo events (like motion) as easily as Alexa or IFTTT. You’ll need to use the Google Home app’s automation section, which is less intuitive.

Siri and Apple HomeKit: The iPhone Advantage

If you’re an iPhone user, Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5S are your best bet. After enabling HomeKit in the Arlo app (Settings > HomeKit Setup), your cameras appear in the Apple Home app.

With HomeKit, you get:

• Secure, end-to-end encrypted video (a privacy win)
• Siri voice commands: “Hey Siri, show me the backyard camera.”
• Automations: “When I leave home, turn on all Arlo cameras.”
• Face recognition (if you have a HomePod or Apple TV as a hub)

I love using Siri with my Pro 4. I can ask, “Hey Siri, is the garage door closed?” and she checks the camera feed. It’s not perfect—Siri sometimes mishears “backyard” as “barking dog”—but it’s reliable enough for daily use.

Important: HomeKit requires a Home Hub (Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad left at home). Without it, automations and remote access won’t work.

Smart Home Ecosystems: IFTTT, Home Assistant, and More

Voice assistants are just the tip of the iceberg. For power users, deeper integrations with platforms like IFTTT, Home Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings can unlock advanced automations.

IFTTT: The Swiss Army Knife of Smart Homes

IFTTT (If This Then That) lets you create custom applets using Arlo as a trigger or action. For example:

• “If Arlo detects motion, send a text to my phone.”
• “If Arlo records a video, save it to Google Drive.”
• “If Arlo camera battery is low, turn on a red smart bulb as a warning.”

I use an IFTTT applet to log every motion event in a Google Sheet. It helps me track when my dog gets out or if the mail arrives early. The downside? IFTTT applets can have delays (up to 15 seconds) and sometimes fail silently.

Tip: Use IFTTT for non-critical tasks. For security alerts, stick to Arlo’s native notifications.

Home Assistant: The Ultimate Customization

Home Assistant (HA) is for tech-savvy users who want full control. With the Arlo integration (via the arlo component), you can:

• View live camera feeds in the HA dashboard
• Create automations based on camera events
• Integrate with other HA-compatible devices (Zigbee, Z-Wave, etc.)

I set up a HA automation where my Arlo Pro 3 triggers a Zigbee siren and sends a push notification if it detects a person at 3 AM. It’s overkill, but it gives me peace of mind.

The downside? Home Assistant is complex. You’ll need a Raspberry Pi or a dedicated server, and setup takes time. But if you’re building a custom smart home, it’s worth the effort.

Samsung SmartThings and Other Platforms

Arlo Pro cameras don’t natively support SmartThings, but you can use IFTTT or a third-party integration (like Webhooks) to connect them. I tried this with a SmartThings motion sensor—when the sensor detects motion, it triggers the Arlo camera to record. It worked, but the delay was about 10 seconds, so it wasn’t ideal for real-time alerts.

Other platforms like Hubitat and OpenHAB have community-developed integrations, but they’re not officially supported. Proceed with caution.

Network and Technical Requirements

Compatibility isn’t just about software—it’s also about hardware and network setup. Even the best Arlo Pro camera can fail if your network isn’t up to the task.

Wi-Fi vs. Base Station: What’s the Difference?

Older Arlo Pro models (Pro and Pro 2) require a SmartHub (base station) to connect to your network. The hub acts as a bridge between your cameras and Wi-Fi. This can be a problem if:

• Your router is far from the hub
• You have a weak Wi-Fi signal
• You’re using a mesh system (some hubs don’t play nice with mesh)

Newer models (Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S) connect directly to Wi-Fi, which simplifies setup. But they still need a strong 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz signal. I recommend placing cameras within 30 feet of your router or using Wi-Fi extenders.

Bandwidth and Storage

Arlo Pro cameras stream HD video, which uses bandwidth. If you have multiple cameras, you could be using 2-5 Mbps per camera during live streaming. For example:

• 1 camera: ~2 Mbps (720p)
• 3 cameras: ~6-8 Mbps (1080p/2K)
• 5+ cameras: 10+ Mbps

Most home internet plans can handle this, but if you’re on a slow connection (under 25 Mbps), you might see lag or dropped frames. I once had a Pro 3 camera freeze during a storm because our internet slowed down.

For storage, Arlo offers cloud plans (starting at $2.99/month for one camera) or local storage (via a microSD card in the SmartHub). I use cloud storage for backup and a microSD card for 24/7 recording. It’s the best of both worlds.

Power and Battery Life

Arlo Pro cameras are battery-powered, which is great for placement flexibility. But battery life varies:

• Arlo Pro: 3-6 months
• Arlo Pro 2: 4-6 months
• Arlo Pro 3/4/5S: 6-8 months (with typical use)

Factors that drain battery faster:

• Frequent motion alerts
• Live streaming
• Extreme temperatures (below 32°F or above 113°F)

I use solar panels for my outdoor cameras. They keep the batteries charged and reduce maintenance. Just make sure the panel gets 4+ hours of direct sunlight daily.

Future-Proofing: Matter and Upcoming Updates

Smart home tech changes fast. Today’s “must-have” feature might be obsolete in a year. So how do Arlo Pro cameras stack up for the future?

Matter: The New Standard

Matter is a new smart home protocol backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, and others. It promises seamless compatibility across brands. Arlo has confirmed that the Pro 5S will support Matter via a firmware update (expected late 2024).

Why does this matter? With Matter, your Arlo Pro 5S could work with any Matter-compatible platform—even ones that don’t exist yet. You won’t need to reconfigure your camera if you switch from Alexa to Google or vice versa.

Older models (Pro 3 and below) won’t get Matter support. If you’re buying today and want long-term compatibility, the Pro 5S is the safest bet.

Arlo’s Software Updates

Arlo regularly releases firmware updates to improve performance and add features. For example, the Pro 4 recently got AI-based package detection. But updates aren’t guaranteed forever. The original Arlo Pro (2016) no longer receives major updates, which means it won’t support new integrations.

Tip: Check Arlo’s support page for your camera model. Look for “End of Life” dates. If it’s within 1-2 years, consider upgrading.

Final Thoughts: Are Arlo Pro Cameras Compatible with Your Setup?

So, back to the original question: Are Arlo Pro cameras compatible with your smart home? The answer is a resounding it depends—but in most cases, yes.

If you’re using Amazon Alexa, almost every Arlo Pro model works well. For Google Assistant, stick to Pro 3 and newer. Apple HomeKit users should go for Pro 3, Pro 4, or Pro 5S. And if you’re into custom automations, IFTTT and Home Assistant open up endless possibilities.

The key is choosing the right model for your ecosystem. Don’t buy an Arlo Pro 2 if you’re all-in on Apple HomeKit. Don’t pick the Pro 5S if you only need basic Alexa commands and want to save money.

Here’s my final checklist:

• For Alexa users: Arlo Pro 3 or Pro 4 (great balance of price and features)
• For Google Assistant: Arlo Pro 4 or Pro 5S (better video quality and AI)
• For Apple HomeKit: Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, or Pro 5S (HomeKit support required)
• For future-proofing: Arlo Pro 5S (Matter support coming soon)

And remember: compatibility isn’t just about the camera. Your Wi-Fi, router, and other smart devices play a role. Test your setup before installing cameras in hard-to-reach places. A little planning now can save you hours of frustration later.

At the end of the day, Arlo Pro cameras are some of the most versatile smart home devices out there. With the right model and setup, they’ll fit seamlessly into your ecosystem—and help you keep an eye on what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo Pro cameras compatible with my existing smart home devices?

Yes, Arlo Pro cameras are compatible with major smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit (select models). You can integrate them seamlessly for voice control and automation.

Can I use Arlo Pro cameras with non-Arlo systems or hubs?

Arlo Pro cameras are designed to work best with Arlo SmartHub or Base Station, but they support third-party integrations via IFTTT and ONVIF (Pro 3 and later). This allows limited functionality with other security systems.

Are Arlo Pro cameras compatible with older Arlo models and accessories?

Most Arlo Pro cameras are cross-compatible with older Arlo mounts, batteries, and solar panels. However, newer Pro models may require updated accessories for full feature support, like 2K HDR or color night vision.

Do Arlo Pro cameras work with my phone and preferred apps?

Absolutely. The Arlo app is available for iOS and Android, and Arlo Pro cameras are compatible with smartphones for live streaming, alerts, and recordings. Some features may require a subscription.

Can I link Arlo Pro cameras to my existing Wi-Fi network?

Yes, but for optimal performance, Arlo Pro cameras (especially Pro 3/4) work best with an Arlo SmartHub. Direct Wi-Fi setup is possible, but may limit range and battery life.

Are Arlo Pro cameras compatible with 5GHz Wi-Fi networks?

Most Arlo Pro cameras only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, as it provides better range for outdoor use. The Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 5S are exceptions, offering dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz compatibility for faster connections.