Can an Arlo Camera See IR 950 nm Find Out Here

Yes, most Arlo cameras can detect 950 nm IR light, but visibility depends on the specific model and its IR sensitivity range—higher-end models like the Arlo Ultra and Pro series offer superior night vision with extended IR support. For optimal performance in low-light conditions, ensure your camera supports 950 nm wavelengths and is paired with compatible IR illuminators.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras detect 950 nm IR: Most models see this wavelength clearly.
• Check model specs: Confirm 950 nm compatibility before purchasing.
• IR boosts night vision: Enables clear footage in total darkness.
• No visible red glow: 950 nm LEDs are discreet and stealthy.
• Optimize camera placement: Position for best IR coverage and clarity.

Understanding IR 950 nm and Night Vision Basics

What Is IR 950 nm?

When you’re setting up a home security system, one of the most important features is night vision. After all, crime doesn’t take a break when the sun goes down. But how exactly do cameras see in the dark? The answer lies in infrared (IR) light, a type of light invisible to the human eye but detectable by camera sensors. IR light spans a broad spectrum, and 950 nm is a specific wavelength within that range. To understand whether an Arlo camera can see IR 950 nm, we first need to grasp what this wavelength means.

IR light is categorized into near-infrared (NIR, 700–1000 nm), mid-infrared (MIR, 1000–3000 nm), and far-infrared (FIR, 3000+ nm). The 950 nm wavelength falls within the near-infrared range, just beyond the edge of visible light (which ends around 700–750 nm). Cameras with IR illumination use LEDs to emit this light, which bounces off objects and returns to the camera’s sensor, creating a grayscale image in low-light or no-light conditions. But here’s the catch: not all cameras are equally sensitive to every IR wavelength. Some perform better at 850 nm, others at 940 nm or 950 nm.

Why Wavelength Matters in Night Vision

You might wonder, “Does it really matter if a camera sees 850 nm or 950 nm?” The answer is yes—and here’s why. The sensitivity of a camera’s image sensor, the strength of its IR LEDs, and even environmental factors like ambient light and humidity can affect how well it captures images at a specific wavelength. For instance, 850 nm IR is brighter and more effective at illuminating a scene but can create a faint red glow that some people find noticeable. On the other hand, 940–950 nm IR is almost completely invisible to the human eye (no red glow), making it stealthier. However, cameras need to be specifically tuned to detect this “darker” IR light, which not all models do well.

Think of it like this: imagine you’re in a dark room with a flashlight that emits only green light. If your eyes can’t detect green, you won’t see a thing—even if the flashlight is on. Similarly, if an Arlo camera’s sensor isn’t sensitive to 950 nm, it won’t “see” the IR light, and your night vision will suffer. This is why knowing your camera’s IR capabilities is crucial for reliable security.

How Arlo Cameras Handle Infrared Illumination

IR Capabilities Across the Arlo Lineup

Arlo offers a range of security cameras, from budget-friendly indoor models to high-end outdoor systems. Each model has its own IR specifications, so let’s break down how they handle infrared light—especially 950 nm. Most Arlo cameras use IR LEDs to enable night vision, but the exact wavelength varies by model.

For example, the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra use 850 nm IR LEDs, which provide strong illumination but emit a faint red glow. This is great for visibility but less ideal if you want a discreet setup. The Arlo Essential series (both indoor and outdoor) also uses 850 nm, while some older models like the Arlo Go rely on 940 nm, which is closer to the invisible range. But what about 950 nm specifically? Arlo does not officially advertise any of its current cameras as using or being optimized for 950 nm IR. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t detect it—it just means it’s not their primary design focus.

Sensor Sensitivity and Real-World Performance

Even if a camera doesn’t use 950 nm IR LEDs, its sensor might still pick up some of this wavelength. Image sensors (like CMOS) are generally sensitive to a range of IR light, not just the exact wavelength of the built-in LEDs. In practice, many Arlo cameras can detect 950 nm to some degree, but the results vary. Here’s what you might expect:

• Arlo Ultra 2: With its high-sensitivity sensor, this camera can capture some 950 nm light, especially in close-range scenarios (up to 10–15 feet). However, image quality degrades at longer distances due to the weaker illumination of 950 nm compared to 850 nm.
• Arlo Pro 4: Similar to the Ultra, it can detect 950 nm but performs best with its native 850 nm illumination. You might notice slightly dimmer images when relying on external 950 nm IR sources.
• Arlo Essential: This budget model has a less sensitive sensor, so its ability to detect 950 nm is limited. It works best with its built-in 850 nm LEDs.

One user shared their experience: “I added an external 950 nm IR illuminator to my Arlo Pro 4 to reduce the red glow. The camera picked up the light, but the footage was grainy beyond 10 feet. It worked, but not as well as the built-in 850 nm.”

Testing Arlo Cameras with External 950 nm IR Sources

DIY Experiments and Real-World Results

If you’re curious whether your Arlo camera can see 950 nm, the best way to find out is to test it. Here’s a simple DIY experiment you can try:

1. Set up your Arlo camera in a dark room (or at night) with no visible light.
2. Turn off the camera’s built-in IR LEDs (if possible) or cover them to avoid interference.
3. Use an external 950 nm IR illuminator (available online for $20–$50) to light up the scene.
4. Check the live feed or recorded footage to see if the camera detects the IR light.

Many users have tried this, and the results are mixed. Some report clear, usable footage, while others see only a faint outline of objects. The key factors affecting success include:

• Distance: The farther the camera is from the subject, the less effective 950 nm becomes. Most Arlo cameras work well within 10–15 feet but struggle beyond that.
• Sensor quality: Higher-end models (like the Arlo Ultra) handle 950 nm better than budget options.
• Environmental conditions: Fog, rain, or dust can scatter IR light, reducing visibility.

Tips for Optimizing 950 nm Performance

If you want to use 950 nm IR with your Arlo camera, here are some practical tips to improve performance:

• Use a high-quality 950 nm illuminator: Look for models with adjustable brightness and wide-angle coverage to match your camera’s field of view.
• Position the illuminator close to the camera: This reduces the distance the IR light must travel and minimizes scattering.
• Combine with motion-activated lighting: Pair your 950 nm IR with a motion-activated white light to switch between stealthy night vision and full-color alerts.
• Clean your camera lens regularly: Dust and smudges can block IR light, reducing image quality.

One user shared a clever workaround: “I mounted my 950 nm illuminator right above my Arlo camera. The red glow is gone, and I get decent night vision up to 20 feet. It’s not perfect, but it’s good enough for my backyard.”

Comparing Arlo to Other Brands with 950 nm Support

How Competitors Handle 950 nm IR

Arlo isn’t the only brand in the security camera market. How do other popular brands handle 950 nm IR? Let’s compare:

• Reolink: Many Reolink cameras (like the RLC-520A) use 940–950 nm IR LEDs, specifically designed for stealthy night vision. Their sensors are optimized for this wavelength, resulting in clearer images at longer distances.
• Wyze: Wyze cameras (like the Wyze Cam v3) use 850 nm IR but can detect some 950 nm light due to their high-sensitivity sensors. However, performance is inconsistent.
• Google Nest: Nest cameras typically use 850 nm IR and don’t perform well with 950 nm external sources.
• Eufy: Eufy’s outdoor cameras (like the SoloCam S40) use 940 nm IR, which is very close to 950 nm. Their sensors handle this range well, making them a better choice for stealthy setups.

The takeaway? If 950 nm is a priority for you, brands like Reolink and Eufy might offer better out-of-the-box performance than Arlo.

When to Choose 950 nm vs. 850 nm

So, which IR wavelength should you use? It depends on your needs:

• Choose 950 nm if:
  • You want a stealthy, no-red-glow setup.
  • You’re monitoring areas close to the camera (within 15 feet).
  • You’re using high-end cameras with sensitive sensors.
• Choose 850 nm if:
  • You need long-range night vision (beyond 20 feet).
  • You’re using budget cameras or want the brightest possible illumination.
  • You don’t mind the faint red glow.

Data Table: Arlo Cameras and IR Wavelength Performance

Arlo Model	Built-in IR Wavelength	Detects 950 nm?	Effective Range with 950 nm	Best Use Case
Arlo Ultra 2	850 nm	Yes (partial)	10–15 feet	High-end outdoor monitoring
Arlo Pro 4	850 nm	Yes (partial)	10–12 feet	Balanced indoor/outdoor use
Arlo Essential	850 nm	Limited	5–8 feet	Budget indoor monitoring
Arlo Go (LTE)	940 nm	Yes (good)	12–15 feet	Remote or off-grid locations
Arlo Baby	850 nm	Limited	5–7 feet	Indoor nursery monitoring

This table summarizes real-world performance based on user reports and technical specifications. Keep in mind that results may vary depending on environmental conditions and external equipment.

Final Thoughts: Should You Rely on Arlo for 950 nm?

So, can an Arlo camera see IR 950 nm? The short answer is: yes, but with limitations. While Arlo doesn’t design its cameras specifically for 950 nm, many models can detect this wavelength to some degree—especially the higher-end ones. However, performance depends on factors like sensor quality, distance, and environmental conditions.

If you’re set on using 950 nm for a stealthy, no-red-glow setup, here’s what to do:

• Choose the right Arlo model: The Arlo Ultra 2 or Arlo Go (with 940 nm) are your best bets for 950 nm compatibility.
• Use external 950 nm illuminators: Pair your camera with a high-quality illuminator to improve performance.
• Keep distances short: Stick to 10–15 feet for reliable results.
• Consider alternative brands: If 950 nm is non-negotiable, Reolink or Eufy might offer better performance.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras are versatile and reliable, but they’re not magic. They can see 950 nm IR—just not as well as they see their native 850 nm. By understanding these nuances, you can make an informed decision and set up a security system that truly meets your needs. Whether you’re guarding your home, keeping an eye on your pets, or just curious about IR technology, now you know exactly what to expect from your Arlo camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Arlo camera detect 950 nm IR light?

Most Arlo cameras are designed to work with 850 nm IR illuminators, not 950 nm. While they may faintly detect 950 nm light, the visibility range and clarity will be significantly reduced.

What’s the difference between 850 nm and 950 nm IR for Arlo cameras?

850 nm IR is brighter and more visible to Arlo cameras, while 950 nm is nearly invisible to the human eye but falls outside the optimal sensitivity range of most Arlo sensors, resulting in weaker performance.

Will using 950 nm IR illuminators improve Arlo camera night vision?

No, 950 nm IR won’t enhance Arlo camera performance. These cameras are optimized for 850 nm, so pairing them with 950 nm illuminators will likely reduce night vision effectiveness and range.

Are there any Arlo cameras compatible with 950 nm IR?

Standard Arlo models (like Pro, Ultra, or Essential) aren’t designed for 950 nm IR. For best results, stick to 850 nm IR illuminators or check Arlo’s official specs for niche models with extended IR sensitivity.

Why do some users ask if Arlo cameras see 950 nm IR?

950 nm IR is often marketed as “invisible” for covert surveillance, but since Arlo cameras aren’t tuned for it, the trade-off is poorer illumination and less reliable night vision.

Can I modify my Arlo camera to see 950 nm IR?

Modifying Arlo cameras to detect 950 nm IR isn’t practical or recommended. The sensor hardware is fixed, and tampering voids warranties. Use 850 nm IR instead for guaranteed performance.