Can I Add Arlo Pro 2 Camera to Arlo Pro System Easily

Yes, you can seamlessly add an Arlo Pro 2 camera to an existing Arlo Pro system—both use the same Arlo SmartHub or base station, ensuring full compatibility. Setup is quick and requires no additional hardware, letting you expand your security coverage in minutes via the Arlo app.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, it’s compatible: Arlo Pro 2 cameras work seamlessly with Arlo Pro base stations.
• Same app, no hassle: Use your existing Arlo app to add and manage the new camera.
• No extra hub needed: Connect directly via your current Arlo Pro system’s base station.
• Quick setup: Pair the camera in minutes using the app’s step-by-step guide.
• Syncs all features: Retain motion alerts, night vision, and 2-way audio after integration.
• Check firmware first: Ensure both systems run the latest software for smooth pairing.

Understanding the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 Cameras

When it comes to home security, Arlo has become a household name. I remember when I first installed my Arlo Pro system. It felt like I was finally getting peace of mind with crystal-clear 720p video, two-way audio, and weather-resistant design. But as time passed, I started hearing about the Arlo Pro 2—a newer model with sharper 1080p video, improved night vision, and more advanced motion detection. Naturally, my first thought was: Can I add Arlo Pro 2 cameras to my existing Arlo Pro system?

You’re probably in the same boat. Maybe you started with a few Arlo Pro cameras and now want to upgrade or expand with Arlo Pro 2 units. The good news is, you’re not alone. Many users want to know if these two systems can work together seamlessly. After spending hours researching, testing, and troubleshooting, I’ve learned a lot about compatibility, setup, and what works—and what doesn’t. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about adding Arlo Pro 2 cameras to your Arlo Pro system, so you can make an informed decision without the guesswork.

Compatibility Between Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2: The Short Answer

Are They Technically Compatible?

The quick answer is yes, you can add Arlo Pro 2 cameras to your Arlo Pro system. Both cameras connect to the same type of base station—the Arlo Pro base station (VMB4000 or VMB4500). This means you don’t need to replace your hub, which is a big relief for anyone who’s already invested in the ecosystem.

I tested this myself. I had three original Arlo Pro cameras and added two Arlo Pro 2 units to the same base station. Within minutes, the new cameras appeared in the Arlo app. No extra hardware, no complicated pairing—just a simple sync button press on the base station and a quick scan of the camera’s QR code.

Here’s the kicker: both models use the same 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency and communicate with the base station via a secure wireless protocol. So, from a technical standpoint, they’re designed to coexist. Think of it like adding a new smartphone to your Wi-Fi network—it just works, as long as the router supports it.

Same App, Different Features

Both the Arlo Pro and Pro 2 are managed through the Arlo app, available on iOS and Android. This is a major plus. You don’t need to juggle two apps or accounts. All your cameras—old and new—appear in one dashboard. You can view live feeds, check recordings, and adjust settings for each camera individually.

However, here’s a small catch: while the app treats both models as part of the same system, the Arlo Pro 2 offers enhanced features that aren’t fully leveraged when mixed with older models. For example, the Pro 2 supports 1080p recording and advanced motion detection (like person detection), but if your base station is older, you might not get the full benefit unless you’re on a compatible Arlo Smart plan.

Tip: If you’re adding Pro 2 cameras for better video quality, make sure your Arlo Smart subscription (if you have one) supports person and vehicle detection. Otherwise, you might not see the full value of the upgrade.

How to Add Arlo Pro 2 to Your Arlo Pro System: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Base Station

Before adding any new camera, ensure your base station is powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi network. I learned this the hard way—once, I spent 20 minutes troubleshooting only to realize my base station was unplugged! Also, check that your base station’s firmware is up to date. You can do this in the Arlo app under Settings > My Devices > Base Station > Firmware Update.

If your base station hasn’t been updated in a while, it’s worth doing now. Newer firmware often includes better compatibility and security patches, which is especially important when mixing older and newer devices.

Step 2: Sync the Arlo Pro 2 Camera

Now, let’s add the camera. Here’s how I did it:

• Open the Arlo app and go to + Add Device.
• Select Arlo Pro 2 from the list.
• Follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted, press the sync button on your base station (it’s a small button on the back—press and hold for 2 seconds until the LED blinks amber).
• Scan the QR code on the Arlo Pro 2 camera using your phone’s camera.
• The app will confirm the camera is connected. Name it (e.g., “Front Door Pro 2”) and place it in the desired location.

The whole process took me about 3 minutes per camera. One thing to note: the base station can support up to 5 cameras at once. If you’re already at capacity, you may need to remove an old camera or upgrade to a newer base station (like the Arlo Pro 3/4 base station) for more slots.

Step 3: Test and Adjust Settings

Once added, test the camera by viewing the live feed in the app. Check for:

• Clear 1080p video (Pro 2) vs. 720p (Pro)
• Proper night vision (infrared LEDs should activate in low light)
• Motion detection alerts (you can trigger this by walking in front of the camera)

I recommend customizing settings for each camera. For example, my Pro 2 at the front door has person detection enabled (via Arlo Smart), while my older Pro in the backyard only sends general motion alerts. This way, I get fewer false alarms and more relevant notifications.

Pro tip: Adjust the camera’s motion sensitivity in the app. I found that setting it to “Medium” reduced false alerts from swaying trees while still catching people and cars.

Performance and Feature Differences: What You’ll Notice

Video Quality: 720p vs. 1080p

This is the most obvious difference. The Arlo Pro records in 720p, while the Pro 2 delivers crisp 1080p Full HD. I placed both cameras side by side at my driveway. The Pro 2 clearly showed license plates and facial features at a distance—something the original Pro struggled with.

But here’s the thing: video quality also depends on your internet speed and cloud storage. If your Wi-Fi is slow, the Pro 2 might downscale to 720p to maintain a smooth stream. I recommend at least 5 Mbps upload speed for optimal 1080p performance.

Night Vision and Low-Light Performance

The Arlo Pro 2 has a slight edge here. It uses 850nm infrared LEDs, which provide better illumination at longer distances (up to 25 feet vs. 20 feet on the Pro). In my backyard, the Pro 2 captured clearer images of animals at night, while the Pro’s footage was slightly grainier.

Both cameras have color night vision only when connected to a light (like a porch lamp), but the Pro 2 activates it more reliably. I noticed that when my porch light flickered, the Pro 2 switched to color mode faster than the Pro.

Advanced Motion Detection and Alerts

The Arlo Pro 2 supports activity zones and person detection—features that the original Pro lacks. I set up an activity zone on my Pro 2 to ignore the street but alert me when someone approaches the front door. With the Pro, I had to rely on full-frame motion detection, which often triggered from passing cars.

However, these features require an Arlo Smart subscription (starting at $2.99/month per camera). Without it, both cameras behave similarly. So, if you’re not planning to subscribe, the Pro 2’s advanced features won’t make a difference in daily use.

Limitations and Things to Watch Out For

Mixed Resolution in Cloud Recordings

When you mix 720p and 1080p cameras, your cloud recordings will reflect the individual camera’s resolution. This isn’t a problem, but it’s something to be aware of. For example, if you download a 10-minute clip that includes footage from both cameras, the Pro 2’s part will be sharper.

I once reviewed a recording of a package delivery. The Pro 2 clearly showed the delivery person’s face, while the Pro (recording from a different angle) only showed a blurry figure. If you need consistent quality, consider upgrading all cameras—or at least placing Pro 2 units in high-priority areas.

Battery Life and Charging

Both cameras use rechargeable batteries, but the Pro 2 tends to drain faster when recording 1080p. In my experience, the Pro lasts about 4-5 months on a charge, while the Pro 2 lasts 3-4 months. This is due to the higher power demands of 1080p video and enhanced sensors.

Tip: Use the Arlo app’s battery usage report to track consumption. I found that turning off “Instant Streaming” (which keeps the camera in a low-power state) added an extra month of battery life.

No Support for Arlo Pro 2-Only Features

Some features, like 3-second pre-roll (capturing video before motion is detected), are only available on Pro 2 cameras. But if your base station is older, it might not support this. I tested this by triggering motion—the Pro 2 showed the 3-second buffer, but the Pro didn’t. To get full Pro 2 features, you may eventually need to upgrade your base station.

Also, the Pro 2 supports local storage via a microSD card (sold separately), but this requires a newer base station (VMB5000 or later). If you’re using an older base station, you’re limited to cloud storage only.

Data Table: Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Pro 2 Key Specs

Feature	Arlo Pro	Arlo Pro 2
Video Resolution	720p HD	1080p Full HD
Night Vision	20 ft (850nm IR)	25 ft (850nm IR)
Motion Detection	Basic (full frame)	Advanced (activity zones, person detection)
Pre-Roll Buffer	No	Yes (3 seconds)
Two-Way Audio	Yes	Yes (improved clarity)
Battery Life (avg)	4-5 months	3-4 months
Local Storage	No	Yes (with VMB5000+ base station)
Arlo Smart Required	No (basic features)	Yes (for person/vehicle detection)

This table summarizes the key differences. As you can see, the Pro 2 offers meaningful upgrades, but they come with trade-offs—especially in battery life and subscription requirements.

Final Thoughts: Should You Mix and Match?

After testing both systems side by side, here’s my honest take: yes, you can add Arlo Pro 2 cameras to your Arlo Pro system easily, and it’s a smart move if you want to upgrade specific areas without replacing everything.

Think of it like building a custom security setup. Use the Arlo Pro 2 for high-traffic zones (front door, driveway) where 1080p and person detection matter most. Keep your older Pro cameras in less critical areas (backyard, side yard) where 720p is sufficient.

Just remember the limitations: mixed resolution recordings, shorter battery life on Pro 2, and the need for Arlo Smart to unlock its full potential. If those aren’t deal-breakers, mixing models is a cost-effective way to get the best of both worlds.

One last tip: keep an eye on firmware updates. Arlo occasionally releases updates that improve cross-compatibility, so check your app regularly. And if you ever decide to go all-in on Pro 2 (or newer models), you’ll already have the base station and app setup ready to go.

At the end of the day, home security is about peace of mind—not perfection. Whether you’re using one camera or ten, the goal is to feel safe. And with Arlo’s flexible ecosystem, that goal is well within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an Arlo Pro 2 camera to an existing Arlo Pro system?

Yes, you can easily add an Arlo Pro 2 camera to your existing Arlo Pro system since both use the same Arlo base station. Just sync the new camera through the Arlo app following the setup instructions.

Is the Arlo Pro 2 camera compatible with the Arlo Pro base station?

Absolutely. The Arlo Pro 2 is fully compatible with the Arlo Pro base station, allowing seamless integration without requiring additional hardware. This makes expanding your system simple and cost-effective.

Will my Arlo Pro 2 camera work with the original Arlo Pro app?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2 camera works with the same Arlo app used for the Arlo Pro system. The app automatically recognizes and configures the new camera during setup.

Do I need a new subscription plan to add an Arlo Pro 2 to my Arlo Pro system?

No, you can use your existing Arlo Smart subscription plan for the Arlo Pro 2 camera. However, if you exceed your plan’s camera limit, you may need to upgrade for additional coverage.

Can I mix Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras in the same system?

Yes, mixing Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras is supported. Both models operate on the same platform, so you’ll manage all cameras through one unified Arlo app interface.

Does adding an Arlo Pro 2 camera affect my existing Arlo Pro recordings?

No, adding an Arlo Pro 2 camera won’t disrupt or delete existing recordings from your Arlo Pro cameras. Each camera’s cloud or local storage remains independent and unaffected.