Can Arlo Pro 2 Camera Work With Arlo Pro Find Out Here

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2 camera is fully compatible with the original Arlo Pro system, allowing seamless integration and expanded coverage using the same base station and app. This backward compatibility ensures users can upgrade or mix cameras without replacing existing hardware, making it a cost-effective and flexible solution for enhanced home security.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, they work together: Arlo Pro 2 cameras are fully compatible with Arlo Pro base stations.
• Use same hub: Both models connect seamlessly to the Arlo Pro base for unified setup.
• No firmware issues: Ensure all devices run the latest firmware for optimal performance.
• Shared app access: Manage both cameras via the Arlo app with no extra steps.
• Mix resolutions: Combine 720p (Pro) and 1080p (Pro 2) feeds in one system.
• Expand storage: Use one base to back up recordings from both camera types.

Can Arlo Pro 2 Cameras Work With Arlo Pro? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Imagine this: you’ve had your trusty Arlo Pro cameras for a couple of years, and they’ve served you well. You love their reliability, the crisp 720p video, and the fact that they’re wireless (no more drilling holes for cables!). Then, one day, you see the Arlo Pro 2 on sale—better resolution, improved night vision, and a few extra features that make you wonder: “Should I upgrade?” But here’s the million-dollar question: Can I mix and match? Can my older Arlo Pro cameras play nice with the newer Pro 2 models?

You’re not alone in this dilemma. Many Arlo users face the same crossroads: whether to keep their existing setup or add newer cameras to the mix. The good news? Arlo designed these systems with compatibility in mind. But—and there’s always a “but”—there are nuances, quirks, and a few gotchas you need to know before you hit “buy.” In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Arlo Pro 2 cameras with Arlo Pro, from setup to performance, and even some real-world tips to make the most of your hybrid setup.

Understanding the Arlo Pro and Pro 2: What’s the Difference?

Before we dive into compatibility, let’s get clear on what sets these two cameras apart. It’s not just about the “2” in the name—there are real differences in specs, features, and capabilities.

Hardware and Design

At first glance, the Arlo Pro and Pro 2 look nearly identical. Both are weatherproof, wireless, and designed to blend into your home’s exterior. But the Pro 2 has a few subtle upgrades:

• Battery life: The Pro 2 uses a more efficient 2,440mAh battery (vs. the Pro’s 2,300mAh), which can last up to 6 months with typical use.
• Mounting: The Pro 2’s magnetic mount is slightly stronger, making it less likely to shift in windy conditions.
• LED indicator: The Pro 2 has a more discreet status light, which is less distracting at night.

These might seem like small changes, but they add up to a smoother, more reliable experience over time.

Video Quality and Performance

This is where the Pro 2 really shines. While both cameras record in 720p, the Pro 2 has a few key upgrades:

• Improved night vision: The Pro 2 uses 850nm IR LEDs (vs. the Pro’s 850nm), which provide clearer, less grainy footage in low light.
• Motion detection: The Pro 2 has a wider field of view (130° vs. 110°) and more accurate motion detection, thanks to a better sensor.
• Local storage option: The Pro 2 can use a microSD card (via the Arlo SmartHub or base station) for local backup, while the Pro can’t.

So, if you’re upgrading for better video or night vision, the Pro 2 is a clear winner. But what about compatibility?

Key Specs Comparison Table

Feature	Arlo Pro	Arlo Pro 2
Resolution	720p HD	720p HD
Field of View	110°	130°
Night Vision	850nm IR LEDs	850nm IR LEDs (improved)
Motion Detection	Standard	Enhanced (wider, more accurate)
Local Storage	No	Yes (with SmartHub/base station)
Battery Capacity	2,300mAh	2,440mAh

Compatibility: Can You Mix Arlo Pro and Pro 2 Cameras?

The short answer? Yes, you can mix Arlo Pro and Pro 2 cameras—but with a few important caveats. Let’s break it down.

Same Ecosystem, Different Generations

Both the Arlo Pro and Pro 2 are part of the same ecosystem. They use the same Arlo base station (also called a SmartHub) to connect to your Wi-Fi and sync with the Arlo app. This means you can add a Pro 2 camera to your existing Pro setup without needing to buy a new base station—as long as your current base station supports it.

Here’s the catch: Not all base stations are created equal. The original Arlo Pro base station (released in 2016) has limited compatibility with Pro 2 cameras. If you’re using the older base station, you might run into issues like:

• No local storage: The Pro 2’s microSD card feature won’t work with the original base station.
• Firmware limitations: Some Pro 2 features (like activity zones) may not be fully supported.

To get the full Pro 2 experience, you’ll need the Arlo Pro 2 base station (model VMB4000 or newer). This updated base station supports all Pro 2 features and is backward compatible with Arlo Pro cameras. So, if you’re planning to mix and match, I’d recommend upgrading your base station too.

Real-World Example: My Hybrid Setup

When I first added a Pro 2 to my Pro setup, I kept my old base station. At first, everything worked fine—both cameras showed up in the app, and I could view live feeds. But I quickly noticed a few quirks:

• The Pro 2’s night vision was noticeably better, but motion alerts were inconsistent. (Turns out, the older base station couldn’t handle the Pro 2’s advanced detection algorithms.)
• I couldn’t set activity zones on the Pro 2 camera, which was a big disappointment. (The feature was grayed out in the app.)

After upgrading to the Pro 2 base station, these issues vanished. The Pro 2 camera worked flawlessly, and my older Pro cameras kept chugging along. The lesson? Your base station is the glue that holds everything together. If you’re serious about mixing cameras, invest in the right hub.

App and Cloud Integration

One of the best things about Arlo is that the app doesn’t care which camera you’re using. Whether it’s a Pro, Pro 2, or even an Ultra, all cameras show up in the same interface. You can:

• View live feeds from all cameras on one screen.
• Set up custom alerts (motion, sound, etc.) for each camera.
• Review cloud recordings (if you have a subscription) or local storage (if using a Pro 2 with a compatible base station).

This seamless integration makes hybrid setups feel cohesive—no juggling multiple apps or accounts.

Setting Up a Mixed Arlo Pro/Pro 2 System: Step-by-Step

Now that we’ve covered the theory, let’s get practical. Here’s how to set up a mixed system, whether you’re keeping your old base station or upgrading to the new one.

Option 1: Keeping Your Original Base Station

If you’re on a budget or don’t need the Pro 2’s advanced features, you can add a Pro 2 camera to your existing Pro base station. Here’s how:

1. Charge the Pro 2 camera: Use the included USB cable to charge the battery fully. (This can take 2–4 hours.)
2. Press the sync button: On the base station, press the sync button (the small hole on the side). Wait for the LED to blink blue.
3. Sync the camera: On the Pro 2, press and hold the sync button for 5 seconds. The LED will blink blue, then green when synced.
4. Check the app: Open the Arlo app. The Pro 2 should appear in your device list. You can now name it, set up alerts, and start using it.

Note: As mentioned earlier, you won’t get full Pro 2 features with the old base station. But for basic recording and alerts, it works fine.

Option 2: Upgrading to the Pro 2 Base Station

If you want the full Pro 2 experience, follow these steps:

1. Set up the new base station: Plug it into your router and power outlet. Follow the app’s setup wizard to connect it to Wi-Fi.
2. Migrate your Pro cameras: In the app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Pro Camera] > Change Base Station. Follow the prompts to sync each Pro camera to the new hub.
3. Add the Pro 2 camera: Sync it to the new base station using the same steps as Option 1.
4. Configure features: Now you can use all Pro 2 features—activity zones, local storage, improved motion detection, etc.

Pro tip: Before migrating, make sure all your Pro cameras are charged. The sync process can drain batteries quickly.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Even with clear instructions, things can go wrong. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• “Camera not found” in app: Restart the base station and camera. Make sure they’re within 300 feet of each other.
• Sync fails: Move the camera closer to the base station. Remove any obstructions (walls, metal objects).
• Pro 2 features not working: Double-check that you’re using a Pro 2-compatible base station. Update the app and base station firmware.

Performance and User Experience: How Does It All Work Together?

So, you’ve set up your mixed system. Now what? How do the cameras perform side by side? Let’s talk about the real-world experience.

Video Quality and Consistency

The Pro 2’s 720p video is sharper and more detailed, especially in low light. The Pro’s footage is still good, but it’s noticeably softer. In my setup, I use the Pro 2 for the front door (where I want clear faces) and the Pro for the backyard (where wide coverage matters more).

Tip: If you’re recording to the cloud, both cameras use the same compression. But if you’re using local storage, the Pro 2’s microSD card gives you higher-quality backups with less compression.

Motion Detection and Alerts

The Pro 2’s motion detection is more accurate, with fewer false alarms (like a leaf blowing by). The Pro is more prone to “ghost alerts.” In a hybrid setup, this can be frustrating—you’ll get more alerts from the Pro, even if the Pro 2 is nearby.

Solution: Use activity zones on the Pro 2 to fine-tune detection. For the Pro, adjust sensitivity in the app (Settings > [Camera] > Motion Detection).

App Navigation and Usability

The Arlo app handles mixed setups well. You can group cameras by location (e.g., “Front” and “Back”) and set different alert rules for each. The only downside? The Pro 2’s advanced features (like 3-second look-back) don’t work on Pro cameras, so you’ll need to manage expectations.

When Mixing Cameras Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

Mixing Arlo Pro and Pro 2 cameras isn’t always the best idea. Here’s when it’s worth it—and when you’re better off upgrading everything.

The Pros of a Hybrid Setup

• Cost-effective: You don’t have to replace all your cameras at once. Add Pro 2s gradually.
• Flexibility: Use each camera where it shines. Pro 2 for high-traffic areas, Pro for wide coverage.
• Future-proofing: If you plan to add newer models (like the Arlo Ultra) later, the Pro 2 base station supports them too.

The Cons (And How to Work Around Them)

• Feature inconsistency: Not all cameras will have the same capabilities. Use activity zones and sensitivity settings to balance performance.
• Base station upgrade: If you want full Pro 2 features, you’ll need to buy a new base station. Factor this into your budget.
• App clutter: Managing multiple camera types can feel overwhelming. Use custom names and groups to stay organized.

When to Upgrade Everything

If your Pro cameras are old (3+ years) or you want the latest features (like 4K video or AI detection), consider replacing them with Pro 2s (or newer models). A unified setup is easier to manage and gives you consistent performance.

Final Thoughts: Is a Mixed Arlo System Right for You?

So, can Arlo Pro 2 cameras work with Arlo Pro? Absolutely. But whether they should depends on your needs, budget, and willingness to tinker. If you’re happy with your Pro cameras and just want to add a Pro 2 for better coverage, go for it—just keep your expectations in check. If you want the full Pro 2 experience, bite the bullet and upgrade your base station too.

In my experience, a hybrid setup can work beautifully—but it requires a little extra effort. The key is understanding the limits of your gear and using each camera where it performs best. Whether you’re mixing for cost savings or convenience, the Arlo ecosystem gives you the tools to make it work. And that’s what makes Arlo so powerful: it’s not just about the cameras. It’s about creating a system that fits your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo Pro 2 cameras work with the original Arlo Pro base station?

Yes, Arlo Pro 2 cameras are backward compatible with the original Arlo Pro base station. This allows you to mix and match cameras within the same system seamlessly.

Do Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Pro cameras share the same app for setup?

Absolutely! Both camera models use the same Arlo app for setup, monitoring, and settings adjustments. The app automatically recognizes and integrates both generations.

Will Arlo Pro 2’s 1080p resolution work with an Arlo Pro (720p) system?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2’s higher resolution will function fully even when paired with an Arlo Pro base station. Each camera streams at its native resolution independently.

Can Arlo Pro 2’s advanced features (e.g., motion zones) work with Arlo Pro base stations?

Yes, features like customizable motion zones and activity alerts work with Arlo Pro 2 cameras on the original Pro base station, though some newer features may require app updates.

Is there a limit to mixing Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Pro cameras on one account?

No, Arlo doesn’t restrict mixing camera models. You can add as many Pro 2 and original Pro cameras as your base station supports (up to 5 per station).

Do Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Pro use the same batteries and mounts?

Yes, both models use identical rechargeable batteries and mounting hardware, making upgrades or replacements hassle-free and cost-effective.