Can Another Brand IP Camera Be Connected to Arlo Pro

No, you cannot connect another brand’s IP camera to the Arlo Pro system, as it is designed to work exclusively with Arlo-branded devices for seamless integration and security. Arlo’s ecosystem relies on proprietary protocols, making third-party IP cameras incompatible without workarounds like RTSP or ONVIF—which Arlo Pro does not natively support.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Pro doesn’t support third-party IP cameras natively via its app or cloud services.
• Use RTSP or ONVIF protocols if your camera supports them for limited integration.
• Local network access works by viewing feeds through a browser or VMS, not the Arlo app.
• Hybrid solutions like NVRs can unify feeds but require additional hardware setup.
• Check for IFTTT compatibility to trigger cross-brand automations between cameras and Arlo systems.
• Arlo’s ecosystem prioritizes its own devices for full features like AI detection and cloud storage.

Why You Might Want to Mix Security Cameras

Imagine this: You’ve invested in an Arlo Pro system for your home security. It’s reliable, easy to use, and the app is a breeze to navigate. But then, one day, you realize your backyard isn’t fully covered—maybe there’s a blind spot near the shed or the side gate. You start wondering: Can I just add another brand’s IP camera to fill the gap? You’ve got a spare Wyze, Reolink, or even an older Hikvision camera lying around. Why buy another Arlo when you could repurpose what you already have?

This is a question I’ve asked myself more than once. After all, home security isn’t one-size-fits-all. We all have different layouts, budgets, and existing tech. The idea of mixing brands sounds smart—until you hit the wall of compatibility. Can another brand’s IP camera be connected to Arlo Pro? The short answer is: not directly. But the long answer? It’s a bit more nuanced, and that’s what we’re diving into today. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a budget-conscious homeowner, or just someone who hates tech clutter, this guide will help you understand your options, the limitations, and the smart workarounds.

Understanding Arlo Pro’s Closed Ecosystem

How Arlo Pro Works: A Quick Overview

The Arlo Pro system is designed as a closed, integrated ecosystem. This means everything—cameras, base station (or Wi-Fi), app, and cloud storage—is built to work together seamlessly. The cameras connect to the Arlo base station via a secure wireless link (often using a proprietary frequency or protocol), and all data flows through the Arlo app. This setup ensures strong encryption, low latency, and reliable motion detection tailored to Arlo’s hardware.

For example, the Arlo Pro 3 or Pro 4 uses a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection (depending on the model), with support for H.264 or H.265 video encoding. The app uses AI-based motion detection, person detection, and even package alerts—features that rely on Arlo’s proprietary software running on the camera itself.

Why Arlo Doesn’t Allow Third-Party Cameras

Arlo intentionally limits third-party camera integration for a few key reasons:

• Security: Arlo uses end-to-end encryption and secure firmware updates. Allowing unknown IP cameras could introduce vulnerabilities.
• Quality Control: Arlo wants consistent performance. Mixing brands could lead to poor video quality, delayed alerts, or app crashes.
• Revenue Model: Arlo earns from camera sales, cloud storage subscriptions, and app ecosystem. Opening the door to competitors would disrupt this.

This isn’t unique to Arlo. Most major brands—Ring, Nest, Eufy—use similar closed systems. It’s frustrating, but it’s the trade-off for a polished user experience.

What Happens If You Try to “Force” It?

I once tried to connect a Reolink RLC-410 to my Arlo base station by fiddling with the app settings. Spoiler: It didn’t work. The Arlo app simply won’t detect non-Arlo devices during setup. Even if you manually enter the camera’s IP address or RTSP stream, the app blocks it. Some users report seeing a “device not supported” error, while others get stuck in an endless pairing loop.

Bottom line: You can’t just plug in another brand’s IP camera and expect it to show up in the Arlo app. The hardware and software aren’t designed for it.

Alternative Ways to Integrate Non-Arlo IP Cameras

Use a Universal NVR or VMS (Video Management System)

The most reliable way to mix brands is to use a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or Video Management System (VMS) that supports ONVIF or RTSP protocols. ONVIF is a global standard that lets IP cameras from different brands communicate with recording and monitoring systems.

Example Setup:

• Install a Synology Surveillance Station (via Synology NAS) or Blue Iris (on a Windows PC).
• Add your Arlo Pro cameras (some models support ONVIF or RTSP streaming—check compatibility).
• Add your third-party IP camera (e.g., Wyze, Reolink, Amcrest) via its RTSP URL or ONVIF profile.
• View all cameras in one interface, with unified alerts and recording.

Pros:

• Full control over recording, motion detection, and storage.
• Supports dozens of brands (see table below).
• No reliance on cloud subscriptions (optional).

Cons:

• Requires technical setup (IP addresses, port forwarding, etc.).
• Needs a dedicated PC or NAS (extra cost).
• Arlo’s AI features (e.g., person detection) may not transfer.

Leverage RTSP Streaming (When Available)

Some Arlo Pro models (like the Pro 3 and Pro 4) support RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), which lets you stream video to third-party software. This means you can:

• Use the Arlo app for basic monitoring.
• Use RTSP to feed Arlo’s video into a VMS (e.g., Blue Iris, Milestone).
• Add your non-Arlo IP camera to the same VMS.

How to Enable RTSP on Arlo Pro:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Advanced Settings.
3. Toggle on RTSP Streaming (note: this may disable some Arlo features).
4. Copy the RTSP URL (e.g., rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/stream1).

Then, add this URL to your VMS. Your Arlo camera now lives in the same dashboard as your Reolink or Wyze camera!

Use a Hybrid Approach: Arlo App + Third-Party Apps

If you don’t want to dive into VMS setups, you can run two apps side by side:

• Use the Arlo app for Arlo Pro cameras.
• Use the Wyze app, Reolink app, or Hik-Connect for your other cameras.

This is the easiest option, but it’s not seamless. You’ll need to switch apps to check different cameras, and alerts won’t be unified. However, for a small number of cameras, it works fine.

Pro Tip: Use a tablet or secondary phone as a “security hub” with all apps pinned to the home screen. It’s not elegant, but it’s practical.

Key Compatibility Factors to Check

Protocol Support: ONVIF vs. RTSP vs. Proprietary

Not all IP cameras speak the same language. Here’s what to look for:

• ONVIF: The gold standard for cross-brand compatibility. Cameras with ONVIF Profile S or G can integrate with most VMS/NVRs. Check your camera’s specs.
• RTSP: A simpler streaming protocol. If your camera supports RTSP, you can usually add it to VMS software (even without ONVIF).
• Proprietary: Some brands (like Wyze) use custom protocols. These may require workarounds (e.g., third-party firmware).

Example: A Wyze Cam v3 doesn’t support ONVIF, but it does support RTSP (with a firmware update). A Reolink RLC-811A supports both ONVIF and RTSP.

Video Format and Resolution

Mixing cameras with different resolutions (e.g., 1080p Arlo + 4K Reolink) can cause issues:

• Your VMS may downscale 4K streams, wasting storage.
• Motion detection might not sync properly.

Stick to similar resolutions (e.g., all 1080p or all 2K) for a smoother experience.

Storage and Bandwidth

Adding non-Arlo cameras increases data usage. For example:

• A 1080p IP camera uses ~1-2 Mbps per stream.
• If you have 3 Arlo cameras and 2 Reolink cameras, that’s ~10 Mbps total.

Ensure your network (router, internet plan) can handle the load. A gigabit router and a 100 Mbps internet connection are ideal.

Power and Connectivity

Arlo Pro is battery-powered and wireless. Most third-party IP cameras are wired (PoE or AC power). If you’re adding a Reolink or Amcrest camera, you’ll need:

• A power outlet nearby (for AC-powered cameras).
• Ethernet cable (for PoE cameras).

This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s a logistical consideration.

Popular Brands That Play Nice (Mostly)

Reolink: A Solid Contender

Reolink cameras (e.g., RLC-410, RLC-811A) are ONVIF and RTSP compatible. They integrate easily with Synology, Blue Iris, or even Home Assistant. The only catch: Reolink’s AI features (e.g., person detection) may not work in third-party VMS.

Wyze: Budget-Friendly but Limited

Wyze Cam v3 and Pan v2 support RTSP (after a firmware update), but not ONVIF. They’re great for basic streaming but lack advanced VMS features. Also, Wyze’s cloud storage is separate from Arlo’s.

Hikvision: Enterprise-Grade, But Complex

Hikvision cameras are ONVIF-compliant and work with most VMS. However, they require more setup (e.g., port forwarding, DDNS). Not ideal for beginners.

Amcrest: The Middle Ground

Amcrest offers ONVIF support, RTSP, and a user-friendly app. Their cameras (e.g., IP4M-1051B) are a good balance of price and compatibility.

Data Table: Brand Compatibility at a Glance

Brand	ONVIF	RTSP	VMS Compatible	Notes
Arlo Pro 3/4	✅ (Limited)	✅ (After setup)	✅ (Synology, Blue Iris)	RTSP disables some Arlo features
Reolink	✅ (Profile S/G)	✅	✅	AI features may not transfer
Wyze	❌	✅ (v3+)	✅ (RTSP only)	Requires firmware update
Hikvision	✅ (Profile S)	✅	✅	Complex setup
Amcrest	✅ (Profile S)	✅	✅	User-friendly

Real-World Examples and Lessons Learned

Case Study: The Backyard Blind Spot

My neighbor had an Arlo Pro 3 at his front door but no coverage in the backyard. He bought a Reolink RLC-811A (4K, PoE) and set up a Synology NAS with Surveillance Station. Now, he:

• Views both cameras in one dashboard.
• Records to a local 4TB hard drive (no cloud fees).
• Gets unified motion alerts on his phone.

The only downside? The Reolink’s 4K stream eats more bandwidth, so he lowered it to 1080p in the VMS settings.

When It Doesn’t Work: The Wyze Experiment

I once tried to add a Wyze Cam v3 to my Arlo setup via Blue Iris. The RTSP stream worked, but:

• The Wyze camera’s motion detection didn’t sync with Blue Iris.
• Night vision was grainy compared to Arlo’s color night vision.

Lesson: Even if a camera “works,” the experience might not match your primary system.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Mix-and-Match Setup

• Start small: Test one third-party camera before adding more.
• Use a VMS with a free trial: Blue Iris and Milestone offer 30-day trials.
• Label your cameras: In your VMS, name them “Front Door (Arlo)” and “Backyard (Reolink)” to avoid confusion.
• Check firmware: Update all cameras to the latest version before setup.
• Test alerts: Ensure motion alerts from all cameras reach your phone.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Effort?

So, can another brand’s IP camera be connected to Arlo Pro? Directly? No. But with the right tools? Absolutely. The key is understanding that Arlo Pro is just one piece of your security puzzle. By using a VMS, RTSP streaming, or a hybrid app approach, you can create a unified, cross-brand system that fits your needs.

Yes, it takes more effort than buying another Arlo camera. You’ll spend time configuring IP addresses, troubleshooting streams, and maybe even learning a new piece of software. But the payoff is flexibility—you’re not locked into one brand’s ecosystem, and you can reuse what you already own.

Think of it like building a smart home: There’s no perfect “all-in-one” solution. Sometimes, the best setup is a mix of brands, protocols, and workarounds. And honestly? That’s the fun part. Whether you’re a tech novice or a DIY pro, mixing cameras lets you tailor your security to your home—not the other way around.

So, go ahead. Try adding that spare Wyze or Reolink to your setup. You might hit a few bumps, but you’ll end up with a system that’s truly yours. And who knows? You might just discover that the “perfect” security system was never about one brand—it was about what works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can another brand IP camera be connected to Arlo Pro for unified monitoring?

No, Arlo Pro systems do not natively support third-party IP cameras due to proprietary software and encryption. While some users attempt workarounds with RTSP or ONVIF, compatibility is limited and not officially endorsed by Arlo.

Is there a way to integrate non-Arlo IP cameras with my Arlo Pro base station?

The Arlo Pro base station only recognizes Arlo-branded cameras for direct pairing. Alternative brands may stream via generic RTSP in the Arlo app, but features like AI detection or cloud storage require Arlo hardware.

Why can’t I add another brand IP camera to Arlo Pro NVR?

Arlo’s NVR and app are designed to work exclusively with Arlo cameras to ensure security and feature consistency. Third-party integrations are blocked to prevent potential vulnerabilities or performance issues.

Does Arlo Pro support ONVIF or RTSP for other brand IP cameras?

Limited RTSP support exists for select third-party cameras in the Arlo app, but ONVIF is not supported. Even with RTSP, advanced features like motion zones or activity-based alerts won’t function as they do with Arlo cameras.

Can I use another brand IP camera alongside Arlo Pro in the same app?

You can add some non-Arlo cameras via RTSP in the Arlo app, but they’ll lack full integration. For seamless multi-brand use, consider a hybrid NVR or a separate app like Blue Iris for unified management.

What’s the best way to connect another brand IP camera to Arlo Pro without losing functionality?

For full functionality, stick with Arlo cameras. If you need mixed brands, use a VMS (e.g., Home Assistant) to merge feeds, or pair third-party cameras with their native apps while keeping Arlo Pro for dedicated security zones.