Can I Add Another Camera to My Arlo A Complete Guide

Yes, you can easily add another camera to your Arlo system—whether you’re expanding coverage or replacing a unit, Arlo supports seamless integration across most models. Just ensure compatibility with your base station or hub, then follow the in-app setup to pair your new camera in minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can add cameras to most Arlo systems without compatibility issues.
• Check hub or base station limits to avoid exceeding supported camera capacity.
• Sync new cameras easily via the Arlo app’s guided setup process.
• Use same network for all to ensure seamless connectivity and recording.
• Consider power needs—battery, solar, or wired—for optimal camera placement.
• Subscription plans may require updates when adding more cameras to your account.

Can I Add Another Camera to My Arlo? Here’s What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your first Arlo camera. You’re excited to see how it works—maybe you’ve already caught your neighbor’s cat sneaking into your yard or your kids playing in the driveway. But then you start thinking, “Can I add another camera to my Arlo?” Maybe your front yard is too big for one camera. Or perhaps you want to keep an eye on the back door, the garage, and the side gate. It’s a natural next step, and you’re not alone. Many Arlo users start with one or two cameras and quickly realize they need more coverage.

Adding another Arlo camera might seem like a simple plug-and-play process, but there are a few things you should know first. From compatibility and system limitations to Wi-Fi performance and subscription costs, the answer isn’t always a straight “yes.” In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to consider before hitting “buy” on that extra camera. I’ve been in your shoes—adding cameras one by one, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and even upgrading my base station when needed. My goal? To help you make an informed, stress-free decision that fits your home, your budget, and your peace of mind.

Understanding Arlo’s Camera Compatibility

Before you rush out to buy another Arlo camera, let’s talk about compatibility. Not every Arlo camera works with every Arlo base station or hub. This is the most common hurdle people face when expanding their system, and it’s one I’ve personally tripped over.

Which Cameras Work with Which Base Stations?

Arlo has several product lines: Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, Arlo Go, and the newer Arlo Pro 5S. Each uses different technology and often requires a specific hub or base station.

• Arlo Pro (1st & 2nd gen), Arlo Pro 2, and Arlo Pro 3 work with the Arlo SmartHub or the original Arlo Base Station. The Pro 3 and Pro 4 can also connect directly to Wi-Fi (wireless mode).
• Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2 require the Arlo SmartHub for full features like 4K video and local storage. They won’t work with the older base station.
• Arlo Essential (wired and wireless) connects directly to your home Wi-Fi and doesn’t need a base station. But if you already have a SmartHub, you can add Essential cameras to it for better performance.
• Arlo Go is a cellular-based camera (uses a SIM card) and doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi or a base station at all.

So, can you add another camera? Yes—but only if it’s compatible with your existing setup. For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 3 system with a SmartHub, you can add another Pro 3, a Pro 4, or even an Essential (wireless). But you can’t add an Arlo Ultra 2 unless you upgrade your SmartHub or switch to a newer model that supports it.

Mixing and Matching Cameras

One of Arlo’s strengths is that you can mix different camera models in the same system. This is great if you want high-end features in key areas (like the front door) and budget-friendly options elsewhere (like the side yard).

For instance, I started with an Arlo Pro 3 for the front porch. Later, I added an Arlo Essential (wireless) for the backyard. Both are connected to the same SmartHub. The Pro 3 gives me 2K HDR and color night vision, while the Essential handles motion detection and 1080p video at a lower cost.

Tip: When mixing cameras, make sure they all support the same SmartHub. Check Arlo’s official compatibility chart on their website. Also, newer cameras often have better features (like improved battery life or AI detection), so older models might feel outdated side-by-side.

How Many Cameras Can You Add to Your Arlo System?

This is where things get interesting—and a little technical. Arlo doesn’t give a one-size-fits-all number. Instead, the limit depends on your base station, Wi-Fi network, and Arlo subscription plan.

Base Station Limits

Most Arlo base stations and SmartHubs support up to 15 cameras. This includes a mix of Pro, Essential, and other compatible models. However, there are exceptions:

• The original Arlo Base Station (for older Pro 1/2) supports up to 5 cameras.
• The Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540, VMB5000, etc.) supports up to 15 cameras.
• Wi-Fi-only cameras (like Essential) don’t use a base station, but they still count toward your total system capacity.

I once had 12 cameras on my SmartHub. Everything worked fine—until I added a 13th. Suddenly, the system started lagging, and one camera kept disconnecting. After troubleshooting, I realized the SmartHub was overwhelmed. I ended up removing one camera and upgrading my Wi-Fi router (more on that later).

Wi-Fi Network Capacity

Even if your base station can handle 15 cameras, your home Wi-Fi might not. Each camera—especially those streaming in 2K or 4K—uses bandwidth. Too many cameras can slow down your internet, cause delays in live viewing, or even drop connections.

• For 1–5 cameras, most home Wi-Fi networks handle the load easily.
• For 6–10 cameras, you may need a stronger router (dual-band or tri-band) and a good signal strength.
• For 10+ cameras, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Arlo’s own mesh router) or a dedicated network for your cameras.

Real-life example: My neighbor added 10 Arlo cameras to his system. His internet was fine for browsing, but when he tried to watch live feeds during a party, the app froze. His router was old and couldn’t handle the video traffic. He upgraded to a tri-band router and set his cameras to use the 5 GHz band—problem solved.

Subscription Plan Limits

Arlo’s cloud storage and AI features (like person, package, or animal detection) require a subscription. The number of cameras covered depends on your plan:

• Arlo Secure (Basic): Covers 1 camera, 30-day video history, and AI detection.
• Arlo Secure (Plus): Covers up to 5 cameras, 30-day history, AI detection, and emergency response.
• Arlo Secure (Premium): Covers up to 20 cameras, 60-day history, AI detection, and emergency response.

So, even if your base station supports 15 cameras, your subscription might only cover 5. If you add a 6th camera without upgrading, it won’t record to the cloud or use AI features. You can still see live feeds and get motion alerts, but no video history or smart detection.

Tip: If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, use a microSD card in your SmartHub for local storage. But remember, local storage won’t give you AI detection or cloud backups.

Step-by-Step: How to Add Another Arlo Camera

Now that you know the limits, let’s walk through the actual process of adding another camera. I’ve done this more times than I can count—some smooth, some frustrating. Here’s how to make it as painless as possible.

1. Check Compatibility and Capacity

Before buying, confirm:

• Your base station or SmartHub supports the new camera model.
• You haven’t hit the 15-camera limit.
• Your Wi-Fi and subscription plan can handle the extra camera.

I once bought an Arlo Ultra 2 for my system—only to find out my SmartHub didn’t support it. I had to return it and buy a Pro 4 instead. Lesson learned: always double-check.

2. Set Up the New Camera

Follow these steps:

1. Unbox the camera and charge the battery (if it’s a wireless model).
2. Open the Arlo app and tap the “+” icon.
3. Select “Add a Device” and choose your camera model.
4. For base station cameras: Press the sync button on the base station, then the camera. For Wi-Fi cameras: Connect to your home network.
5. Follow the app’s prompts to name the camera and set up motion zones.

Pro tip: Name your cameras clearly (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard Gate”) so you can identify them in the app. I once named a camera “Camera 3” and forgot where it was—took me a week to figure it out!

3. Optimize Placement and Settings

Where you place the camera matters:

• Mount it 7–10 feet high for best coverage.
• Angle it slightly downward to avoid false alerts from passing cars.
• Use motion zones to ignore areas you don’t need to monitor (like a busy street).

For battery life, adjust the recording length and motion sensitivity. I set my side-yard camera to record 10 seconds per motion event (instead of 30) and lowered the sensitivity. It now lasts 6 months on a single charge—up from 2 months.

4. Test the Connection

After setup:

• Check the signal strength in the app (look for 2–3 bars).
• Trigger a motion event and confirm the camera records and sends a notification.
• Watch a live feed to ensure the video is clear and smooth.

If the camera disconnects often, try moving the base station closer or adding an Arlo Range Extender. I used one to boost the signal to my garage camera—worked like a charm.

Wi-Fi and Network Tips for Expanding Your System

Adding more cameras? Your Wi-Fi is the backbone. Ignore it at your peril.

Upgrade Your Router

Old routers struggle with multiple cameras. If your system feels sluggish, consider:

• A dual-band or tri-band router (e.g., Netgear Nighthawk, TP-Link Archer).
• A mesh Wi-Fi system (e.g., Google Nest Wifi, Arlo Mesh Router) for large homes.

My 10-year-old router couldn’t handle 8 cameras. After switching to a tri-band router, the difference was night and day. No more freezing feeds or delayed alerts.

Use the 5 GHz Band

Cameras on the 2.4 GHz band are slower and more prone to interference. In the Arlo app, go to camera settings and force it to use 5 GHz (if supported). This gives you faster, more reliable video streaming.

Set Up a Dedicated Network

For 10+ cameras, create a separate Wi-Fi network just for your Arlo system. This keeps your main network free for phones, laptops, and streaming. In your router settings, set up a guest network and name it “Arlo Cameras.” Then connect all cameras to it.

Monitor Bandwidth Usage

Use your router’s admin panel to check how much bandwidth your cameras use. If one camera is hogging the network, lower its video quality (e.g., from 2K to 1080p) or reduce the recording length.

Cost Considerations and Subscription Options

Adding more cameras isn’t just about the hardware—it’s about the long-term costs.

Camera Prices

Here’s a quick price range (as of 2024):

Camera Model	Price Range	Key Features
Arlo Essential (Wireless)	$80–$100	1080p, 6-month battery, no base station needed
Arlo Pro 4	$130–$150	2K HDR, color night vision, 6-month battery
Arlo Ultra 2	$250–$300	4K, HDR, spotlight, 6-month battery, requires SmartHub
Arlo Go	$300–$350	Cellular (no Wi-Fi), 1080p, 6-month battery

You don’t need to buy the most expensive camera for every spot. Use high-end models for critical areas (front door, garage) and budget models for less important zones (side yard, shed).

Subscription Costs

Arlo’s subscription is optional but recommended for cloud storage and AI features:

• Arlo Secure (Plus): $12.99/month for up to 5 cameras.
• Arlo Secure (Premium): $17.99/month for up to 20 cameras.

Tip: If you have 6–10 cameras, the Premium plan might be worth it—especially if you want AI detection on all of them. But if you only use cloud storage for 2–3 cameras, consider the Plus plan and use local storage for the rest.

Other Costs

Don’t forget:

• Extra batteries: $30–$40 each. I keep 2–3 spares for each camera.
• Mounting kits: $10–$20 for outdoor mounts.
• Range extender: $50–$70 if you need better Wi-Fi coverage.

Final Thoughts: Is Expanding Your Arlo System Worth It?

So, can you add another camera to your Arlo? Absolutely—but do it smartly. Start by checking compatibility, capacity, and costs. Mix camera models to balance performance and budget. Upgrade your Wi-Fi if needed. And don’t forget to optimize settings for battery life and performance.

I’ve expanded my system from 1 to 11 cameras over 3 years. It wasn’t always smooth—there were Wi-Fi hiccups, subscription confusion, and a few “why won’t this sync?” moments. But now, I have full coverage of my property, peace of mind, and a system that grows with my needs.

Whether you’re adding one more camera or planning a full 15-camera setup, the key is to plan ahead. Think about where you need coverage, how much you’re willing to spend, and how much time you want to spend managing the system. With the right approach, your Arlo setup can be a seamless, reliable part of your home security—not a constant source of frustration.

And remember: You don’t have to do it all at once. Start small, learn from each addition, and build a system that truly works for you. After all, the best security system isn’t the one with the most cameras—it’s the one that gives you confidence, convenience, and control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add another camera to my Arlo system?

Yes, you can add another camera to your Arlo system, depending on your base station or hub model and subscription plan. Most Arlo setups support multiple cameras, but check compatibility with your specific hardware and plan limits.

How many Arlo cameras can I add to one system?

The number of cameras you can add to your Arlo system varies by base station (e.g., Arlo SmartHub or base station model). For example, the Arlo Pro 3/4/5S base stations support up to 15 cameras, while older models may allow fewer. Your subscription plan may also limit camera slots.

Do I need a new subscription to add another Arlo camera?

Adding another Arlo camera may require upgrading your subscription if you exceed your plan’s camera limit. For example, the Arlo Secure plan covers up to 5 cameras—adding a sixth would need a higher-tier plan or additional camera slots.

Can I mix different Arlo camera models in one system?

Yes, you can mix compatible Arlo camera models (e.g., Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential) in one system. Ensure all cameras are supported by your base station or hub and connected to the same Arlo account for seamless management.

How do I set up another Arlo camera with my existing system?

To add another Arlo camera, open the Arlo app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the setup prompts. The process typically involves syncing the camera with your base station or Wi-Fi network—no additional hardware is needed if your system supports it.

Will adding another Arlo camera affect my existing camera performance?

Adding another Arlo camera shouldn’t impact existing camera performance if your Wi-Fi network and base station can handle the load. For large setups, consider using a SmartHub to optimize connectivity and reduce bandwidth strain.