Can I Have More Than 5 Arlo Cameras The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can have more than 5 Arlo cameras—Arlo’s systems support up to 15 cameras per account, depending on your subscription plan and hub model. For optimal performance and storage, consider upgrading to a higher-tier plan like Arlo Secure Plus, which unlocks expanded camera support and advanced features like 24/7 professional monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can add more than 5 Arlo cameras with compatible hubs or base stations.
• Upgrade your plan to support additional cameras beyond the free 5-device limit.
• Use Arlo SmartHub or Base Station to expand camera capacity seamlessly.
• Check Wi-Fi bandwidth and signal strength to ensure stable connectivity for all cameras.
• Mix and match Arlo models—wireless, wired, or doorbells—for flexible setups.
• Cloud storage limits apply per camera; review plans to avoid extra costs.

Why So Many Arlo Cameras? The Real Reasons You Might Want More Than 5

Let’s face it—home security is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re protecting your family, pets, or property, having eyes everywhere can bring peace of mind. That’s where Arlo cameras come in. With their sleek designs, wireless setup, and smart features, they’ve become a go-to for homeowners and renters alike. But here’s the big question: Can I have more than 5 Arlo cameras?

If you’ve ever looked at your backyard, front porch, driveway, garage, and side gate and thought, “I need a camera for each of these,” you’re not alone. Many Arlo users start with a few cameras and quickly realize they want more coverage. Maybe you’ve added a new shed, expanded your property, or just want to eliminate every blind spot. Whatever your reason, the desire to scale up is completely understandable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using more than 5 Arlo cameras—from technical limits to smart strategies that actually work.

How Many Arlo Cameras Can You Actually Use?

Official Limits vs. Real-World Possibilities

Here’s the short answer: Yes, you can absolutely have more than 5 Arlo cameras. But it’s not as simple as just buying a sixth and expecting it to work seamlessly. Arlo’s official guidelines, subscription plans, and hardware compatibility all play a role in how many cameras you can effectively run.

For example, the free tier of Arlo’s Smart subscription (which most people start with) allows you to connect up to 5 cameras. Once you go beyond that, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. But even then, there are hardware and network considerations. Let’s break it down.

Understanding Arlo’s Subscription Tiers

Arlo offers several subscription plans, and each has different camera limits. Here’s what you need to know:

• Arlo Smart (Free Tier): Supports up to 5 cameras. Includes 7-day cloud storage, motion detection, and basic alerts.

<

• Arlo Smart (Premium Tier): Supports up to 20 cameras. Adds 30-day cloud storage, advanced AI detection (like person, package, vehicle), and e911 emergency calling.
• Arlo Secure (Unlimited Plan): Supports unlimited cameras (yes, really!). Ideal for large homes, multi-property owners, or small businesses. Includes all Premium features plus 24/7 professional monitoring (in select regions).

So, if you’re planning to go beyond 5 cameras, you’ll need to move beyond the free tier. Think of it like upgrading from a basic phone plan to one with unlimited data—you get more features and flexibility, but at a higher cost.

Hardware Compatibility and Hubs

Another key factor is your Arlo hub (also called a base station). Most Arlo systems use a hub to connect cameras and manage data. Older models, like the Arlo Pro 2 or Arlo Ultra, require a hub, while newer models (like Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential, and Arlo Video Doorbell) can connect directly to Wi-Fi.

If you’re using a hub, it typically supports up to 15 cameras. But here’s a pro tip: you can use multiple hubs. For example, if you have a large property, you could set up one hub for the front yard and another for the backyard. Each hub can manage up to 15 cameras, giving you a theoretical maximum of 30+ cameras (if you’re really going all-in).

For Wi-Fi-only cameras, the limit is more about your router’s capacity. Most modern routers can handle 10–20 smart devices without issues. But if you’re pushing 25+ cameras, you might notice slower speeds or dropped connections. We’ll talk more about network optimization later.

Setting Up More Than 5 Arlo Cameras: Step-by-Step

1. Upgrade Your Subscription First

Before buying more cameras, upgrade your Arlo Smart plan. It’s a small step, but it ensures your new cameras can access cloud storage, AI detection, and other features. Here’s how:

• Open the Arlo app.
• Go to Account > Subscription.
• Select the Premium or Secure plan and follow the prompts.

Pro tip: If you’re on a tight budget, consider the Premium tier first. It’s significantly cheaper than the Secure plan and supports up to 20 cameras—perfect for most homes.

2. Plan Your Camera Placement

Adding more cameras isn’t just about buying more devices. You need a strategic placement plan to avoid blind spots and overlap. Ask yourself:

• Where are the high-traffic areas? (e.g., front door, backyard, garage)
• Are there any dark corners or hidden zones?
• Do I need indoor cameras for hallways or common areas?

For example, one homeowner I know installed 8 Arlo Pro 4 cameras around their 3,000 sq. ft. house. They placed:

• 2 cameras at the front door and porch (overlapping views for 180° coverage)
• 2 at the back patio and sliding door
• 1 in the garage (to monitor vehicles and storage)
• 2 in the backyard (covering the pool and side gate)
• 1 in the hallway (to monitor indoor activity)

This setup eliminated every blind spot and gave them full coverage. The key? Overlap slightly between cameras so you never miss a moment.

3. Connect New Cameras to the App

Adding new cameras is straightforward:

• Open the Arlo app and tap + Add Device.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code on the camera.
• Name the camera (e.g., “Backyard Left”) and assign it to a room.

For hub-connected cameras, make sure the hub is powered on and within range. Wi-Fi cameras need a strong signal (aim for -60 dBm or better).

4. Test and Optimize

Once all cameras are connected, do a full walkthrough:

• Check live views on your phone.
• Test motion detection by walking in front of each camera.
• Adjust angles if needed (Arlo mounts are easy to reposition).

If a camera keeps disconnecting, it might be too far from the hub or Wi-Fi router. We’ll cover troubleshooting next.

Network and Performance Challenges (And How to Fix Them)

Wi-Fi Congestion: The Silent Killer

Let’s be honest: more cameras = more Wi-Fi traffic. Each Arlo camera streams video, sends alerts, and checks in with the cloud. If you have 10+ cameras, your network can get overwhelmed—especially if you’re also streaming Netflix or gaming.

Here’s what happens when your network is congested:

• Cameras freeze or disconnect.
• Alerts are delayed.
• Live views lag or buffer.

To avoid this, try these fixes:

• Use a dual-band router: Assign cameras to the 5 GHz band (faster, less crowded) and other devices to 2.4 GHz (better range).
• Add a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system: Place it near camera clusters to boost signal.
• Reduce video quality: In the Arlo app, go to Camera Settings > Video Quality and select “Standard” instead of “HD” or “4K”. This cuts bandwidth by 30–50%.

One user with 12 Arlo Pro 4 cameras told me they switched to a Google Nest Wi-Fi mesh system and saw a dramatic improvement. “Before, I’d get ‘camera offline’ alerts every day. Now, everything runs smoothly,” they said.

Battery Life and Power Management

Wireless Arlo cameras (like Pro 4 or Essential) run on batteries. The more cameras you have, the more you’ll need to charge or replace batteries. Here’s how to extend battery life:

• Adjust motion detection zones: In the app, draw zones to ignore trees, cars, or pets. This reduces false alerts and saves battery.
• Lower recording length: Set clips to 10–15 seconds instead of 30+ seconds.
• Use solar panels: Arlo’s solar charger (sold separately) keeps batteries topped up. It’s a game-changer for outdoor cameras.

For example, a user with 6 outdoor Arlo cameras installed solar panels on all of them. “I haven’t charged a single battery in 6 months,” they said. “It’s worth the investment.”

Hub Capacity and Range

If you’re using a hub, remember: it has a range limit. Most Arlo hubs work within 300 feet (line of sight). If your cameras are farther away, you might need:

• A second hub (as mentioned earlier)
• A Wi-Fi extender near the hub
• Ethernet backhaul (connect the hub to your router with a cable)

One homeowner with a long driveway placed a hub in the garage and used an Ethernet cable to connect it to the main router. “It’s rock-solid now,” they said. “No more dropouts.”

Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Really Cost?

Let’s talk money. Adding more than 5 Arlo cameras isn’t cheap, but it’s not as expensive as you might think. Here’s a realistic cost breakdown for a 10-camera setup:

Item	Quantity	Cost	Notes
Arlo Pro 4 Cameras	10	$1,299.90	($129.99 each)
Arlo Smart Premium Plan	1 year	$149.99	($12.50/month)
Solar Panels	6	$299.40	($49.90 each)
Wi-Fi Mesh System	1	$299.99	Optional but recommended
Total		$2,049.28

Is it a big investment? Yes. But consider this: the average home burglary causes $2,661 in losses (FBI data). A 10-camera system could pay for itself by preventing just one incident.

Also, look for bundle deals. Arlo often sells multi-camera kits at a discount. For example, a 3-pack of Pro 4 cameras costs $349.99 ($116.66 each), saving you $40 compared to buying individually.

And don’t forget: you can start small and scale up. Buy 2–3 cameras first, test them, and add more later. This spreads out the cost and lets you fine-tune your setup.

Advanced Tips for Power Users

Use Multiple Arlo Accounts (Yes, It’s Allowed)

Want to manage different areas separately? Create multiple Arlo accounts. For example:

• Account 1: 5 cameras for the main house (family use)
• Account 2: 3 cameras for the rental property (landlord use)

You can switch between accounts in the Arlo app. This keeps things organized and lets you assign different subscriptions or sharing permissions.

Sync with Smart Home Devices

Arlo works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Use these integrations to:

• Turn on lights when motion is detected (via smart bulbs or switches).
• Show live camera feeds on Echo Show or Nest Hub.
• Create routines (e.g., “Good night” mode disables indoor cameras).

One user set up their Arlo cameras to trigger their Philips Hue lights. “When the front door camera detects motion after dark, the porch lights turn on. It’s like magic,” they said.

Monitor Multiple Properties

If you own multiple homes, Arlo’s Secure plan (unlimited cameras) lets you monitor them all in one app. Just label each camera with the property name (e.g., “Cabin Back Door”).

Bonus: Share access with family or property managers. In the app, go to Settings > Sharing and invite others to view specific cameras.

The Verdict: Is More Than 5 Arlo Cameras Right for You?

So, can you have more than 5 Arlo cameras? Absolutely. But it’s not just about the number—it’s about how you use them. A well-planned system with 8–12 cameras can offer unparalleled coverage and peace of mind. A haphazard setup with 15 cameras, on the other hand, can lead to frustration, network issues, and wasted money.

Here’s my advice: Start with your needs, not the number. Ask yourself:

• What areas do I need to monitor?
• How much am I willing to spend?
• Do I have the time to maintain a larger system?

If the answer is “yes,” go for it. Upgrade your subscription, plan your placement, optimize your network, and enjoy the security of knowing every corner is covered. And if you’re ever in doubt, remember: Arlo’s customer support is surprisingly helpful. I once spent 20 minutes on chat troubleshooting a camera, and the rep stayed with me until it was fixed.

At the end of the day, home security isn’t about having the most cameras—it’s about having the right ones. Whether that’s 5, 10, or 20, make sure each camera serves a purpose. Your home (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than 5 Arlo cameras on a single account?

Yes, you can have more than 5 Arlo cameras on a single account, depending on your subscription plan. Arlo allows up to 20 cameras on a single plan, but higher-tier plans (like Arlo Secure Plus) may support even more.

How many Arlo cameras can I connect to one base station?

Most Arlo base stations support up to 15 cameras, but the exact limit varies by model (e.g., Arlo Pro 3/4 supports 15, while older models may cap at 5). Check your base station’s specs to confirm.

Is there a limit to how many Arlo cameras I can have with a free account?

Free Arlo accounts typically support up to 5 cameras with 7-day cloud storage. To connect more than 5 Arlo cameras, you’ll need a paid subscription like Arlo Secure or Secure Plus for additional slots.

Can I mix different Arlo camera models when adding more than 5 cameras?

Yes, you can mix Arlo camera models (e.g., Pro, Ultra, Essential) on the same account. However, ensure your base station or SmartHub is compatible with all models for seamless connectivity.

Do I need multiple Arlo subscriptions if I have more than 5 cameras?

No, a single Arlo subscription can cover up to 20 cameras. For larger setups, upgrade to a plan like Arlo Secure Plus, which supports more than 5 Arlo cameras without needing multiple subscriptions.

What’s the best way to manage more than 5 Arlo cameras efficiently?

Use the Arlo app’s multi-camera view and SmartHub for centralized control. For large setups, consider Arlo’s professional monitoring or business plans for advanced features and support.