Can I Use Different Arlo Cameras on One System Find Out Here

Yes, you can use different Arlo cameras on one system, allowing seamless integration of models like Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential for a customized security setup. Mixing cameras is easy via the Arlo app, but ensure they’re compatible with your base station or hub to avoid connectivity issues.

Key Takeaways

• Mix and match: Combine any Arlo camera models on a single system seamlessly.
• Single app control: Manage all cameras through one Arlo account and app.
• Hub compatibility: Ensure older cameras work with newer hubs for unified setups.
• Subscription flexibility: Use one plan for multiple cameras to save costs.
• Customize alerts: Set unique notifications per camera for targeted monitoring.
• Firmware updates: Keep all cameras updated for optimal cross-model performance.

Can I Use Different Arlo Cameras on One System? Find Out Here

If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself standing in front of a shelf full of Arlo cameras, wondering, “Can I mix and match these?” Maybe you already own an older Arlo Pro 2 but are tempted by the shiny new Arlo Ultra 2’s 4K video. Or perhaps you’re thinking of pairing a weatherproof outdoor camera with a sleek indoor model for a more complete security setup. The good news? You’re not alone in asking this question—and the answer is both yes and no, depending on a few key factors.

When I first started building my smart home security system, I assumed I had to stick to one camera model. But after some trial and error (and a few frustrating late-night app crashes), I discovered that Arlo actually supports a mix-and-match approach—with some caveats. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using different Arlo cameras on one system. From compatibility and performance to real-life examples and tips, I’ll share what I’ve learned so you can make smarter decisions for your home. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Arlo Camera Compatibility

Before you start mixing cameras, it’s important to understand how Arlo’s ecosystem works. Arlo, a subsidiary of Netgear, offers a range of cameras, each designed for specific needs—indoor vs. outdoor, battery-powered vs. wired, 1080p vs. 4K. But can they all play nicely together under one account? The short answer: yes, but with conditions.

Arlo’s Base Station and Hub System

Most Arlo cameras (except the newer Wi-Fi-only models) connect to a central hub called the Arlo Base Station. This device acts as the brain of your system, managing communication between your cameras, the cloud, and your smartphone app. Here’s the key: the base station determines which cameras are compatible.

• Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra all work with the Arlo SmartHub (VMB4000, VMB5000).
• Arlo Essential and newer Wi-Fi cameras (like the Essential Spotlight) connect directly to your home Wi-Fi and don’t require a base station.
• Older models like the original Arlo (Gen 3) use a different base station (VMB3000), which is not compatible with newer cameras.

Tip: If you’re planning to mix models, make sure they all support the same base station or Wi-Fi connection method. For example, you can pair an Arlo Pro 3 (uses SmartHub) with an Arlo Ultra (also uses SmartHub), but not with an original Arlo Gen 3 (uses VMB3000).

Wi-Fi vs. Base Station Cameras: The Hybrid Setup

Here’s where things get interesting: Arlo now offers a hybrid setup where Wi-Fi-only cameras (like the Essential series) can coexist with base station-connected cameras on the same account. For example:

• You can have an Arlo Pro 4 (SmartHub) in your backyard, an Arlo Essential (Wi-Fi) in your living room, and an Arlo Floodlight (Wi-Fi) at your front door—all managed through the same Arlo app.
• Both types of cameras appear in your camera feed list, and you can set up activity zones, notifications, and rules for all of them.

Why this matters: This flexibility lets you customize your setup based on your needs. Use a high-end 4K camera for critical areas (like your front door) and a budget-friendly Essential for less critical zones (like a spare bedroom).

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While mixing cameras is possible, there are a few limitations:

• Feature parity: Not all features are available across every camera. For example, 4K video is only supported on Ultra models, while color night vision may not be available on older Pros.
• Firmware updates: Different camera models may receive updates at different times, which can cause temporary inconsistencies in performance.
• Storage and plans: Your Arlo subscription plan must support the highest-resolution camera in your system. If you have an Ultra (4K) and a Pro 3 (2K), your plan needs to cover 4K storage.

Personal experience: I once paired an Arlo Pro 2 (1080p) with an Arlo Ultra (4K) and was disappointed when the Pro 2’s footage looked pixelated compared to the Ultra’s crisp 4K. Lesson learned: mixing resolutions works, but don’t expect uniform quality.

Step-by-Step: How to Mix Different Arlo Cameras

Ready to build a mixed Arlo system? Here’s how to do it, based on my own trial-and-error process.

1. Audit Your Current Setup

Start by listing all the Arlo cameras you already own. Note:

• Model names (e.g., Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Essential)
• Connection type (base station or Wi-Fi)
• Current base station (if any)

Example: You have an Arlo Pro 2 (VMB4000 base station) and want to add an Arlo Essential (Wi-Fi). Since the Pro 2 uses a SmartHub, you’ll need to keep the base station but can add the Essential directly to Wi-Fi.

2. Choose Your “Anchor” Camera

Pick the most feature-rich or highest-resolution camera as your “anchor.” This camera will dictate your subscription plan and base station requirements. For example:

• If you have an Arlo Ultra, you’ll need a SmartHub and a 4K subscription plan.
• If you’re using an Essential, you can skip the hub and connect directly to Wi-Fi.

Pro tip: If you’re buying new cameras, consider starting with a SmartHub-compatible model. It gives you more flexibility for future upgrades.

3. Add Cameras to Your System

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap + Add Device.
2. Select the camera type (e.g., “Arlo Pro,” “Arlo Essential”).
3. Follow the in-app instructions to pair the camera:
   • For base station cameras: Press the sync button on the hub, then on the camera.
   • For Wi-Fi cameras: Enter your Wi-Fi password and scan the QR code on the camera.
4. Name each camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) for easy identification.

Real-world example: I added an Arlo Essential to my system in under 5 minutes. The app guided me through Wi-Fi setup, and it automatically synced with my existing Pro 3 feeds.

4. Test and Optimize

After adding cameras:

• Check the live feed to ensure all cameras are connected.
• Adjust motion detection zones for each camera (indoor vs. outdoor settings differ).
• Set up notifications (e.g., “Notify me only for front door activity after 10 PM”).
• Verify that your subscription plan covers all cameras (more on this below).

Common mistake: I once forgot to enable motion detection on my new camera, so I missed a delivery notification for a week. Double-check settings after setup!

Performance and User Experience: What to Expect

Mixing cameras isn’t just about compatibility—it’s about how well they work together. Here’s what I’ve noticed after using a mixed Arlo system for over a year.

Video Quality and Consistency

The biggest difference you’ll notice is video quality. For example:

• An Arlo Ultra (4K) delivers stunning detail, while an older Pro 2 (1080p) looks blurry in comparison.
• Color night vision (available on Pro 3/4 and Ultra) is a game-changer, but older cameras may only offer black-and-white night vision.

Tip: Use higher-resolution cameras for critical areas (entry points, driveways) and lower-resolution models for less important zones (backyard, garage).

App Navigation and Management

The Arlo app handles mixed systems well, but there are quirks:

• All cameras appear in one feed, sorted by name or activity.
• You can create “groups” (e.g., “Outdoor Cameras,” “Indoor Cameras”) for easier navigation.
• However, some features (like “Smart Notifications”) may not work identically across all models.

My experience: I love being able to swipe between my front door (Ultra), backyard (Pro 3), and living room (Essential) in the app. But I had to manually adjust motion sensitivity for each camera—older models were more prone to false alerts.

Battery Life and Maintenance

Battery-powered cameras (like the Pro and Ultra) need regular charging, but Wi-Fi-only models (like the Essential) often last longer because they’re optimized for lower power consumption.

• Arlo Pro 3/4: ~3-6 months per charge (depending on usage).
• Arlo Essential: ~6-12 months per charge.

Pro tip: Use a mix of battery and wired cameras to reduce maintenance. For example, keep a wired Arlo Essential at your front door (where you need 24/7 coverage) and a battery-powered Pro 3 for the backyard.

Subscription Plans and Storage: The Hidden Cost of Mixing Cameras

Here’s a truth bomb: mixing cameras can increase your subscription costs. Let’s break it down.

How Arlo Plans Work

Arlo offers two types of plans:

• Free Plan: 7-day cloud storage, 3 cameras max, basic motion detection.
• Paid Plans: 30-day storage, AI detection (person/vehicle/package), and higher camera limits.

The catch? Your plan must support the highest-resolution camera in your system. For example:

• If you have an Arlo Ultra (4K), you need the Arlo Secure Plus plan ($14.99/month for 4K storage).
• If you only have 1080p cameras, the Arlo Secure plan ($9.99/month) suffices.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Want to mix cameras without breaking the bank? Try these:

• Use local storage: Some cameras (like the Pro 4) support microSD cards. Store footage locally to avoid cloud costs for lower-priority cameras.
• Limit cloud cameras: Only pay for cloud storage on your most important cameras (e.g., front door, driveway).
• Check for promotions: Arlo often offers free trials or discounts on annual plans.

My setup: I have 5 cameras: 1 Ultra (4K, cloud storage), 2 Pro 3s (1080p, cloud storage), and 2 Essentials (1080p, local storage). My monthly cost: ~$12, instead of $25 if I stored all footage in the cloud.

Real-Life Examples: Mixed Arlo Systems That Work

To show you what’s possible, here are three real-world setups I’ve tested or seen in action.

Example 1: The Budget-Friendly Hybrid

Cameras:

• 1x Arlo Essential (front door, Wi-Fi, local storage)
• 1x Arlo Pro 2 (backyard, SmartHub, cloud storage)
• 1x Arlo Essential Indoor (living room, Wi-Fi, local storage)

Why it works: The Essential cameras handle low-risk areas, while the Pro 2 (with 2K video and weather resistance) covers the backyard. Total monthly cost: $4.99 (for one cloud camera).

Example 2: The Premium All-Weather Setup

Cameras:

• 1x Arlo Ultra 2 (front door, 4K, SmartHub, cloud storage)
• 1x Arlo Pro 4 (backyard, 2K, SmartHub, cloud storage)
• 1x Arlo Floodlight (side yard, Wi-Fi, cloud storage)

Why it works: All cameras are high-quality and weatherproof. The Ultra 2 handles 4K detail at the front door, while the Floodlight deters intruders with bright LEDs. Total monthly cost: $14.99.

Example 3: The Minimalist Apartment

Cameras:

• 1x Arlo Essential (entryway, Wi-Fi, local storage)
• 1x Arlo Essential Indoor (bedroom, Wi-Fi, local storage)

Why it works: No base station needed. Both cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi and use microSD cards for storage. Total monthly cost: $0.

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

So, can you use different Arlo cameras on one system? Absolutely—but it requires planning. The key takeaways:

• Mixing cameras is possible if they share the same base station or Wi-Fi connection method.
• Video quality, features, and subscription costs will vary across models.
• A hybrid setup (Wi-Fi + base station cameras) offers the most flexibility.
• Always test your system and adjust settings for optimal performance.

For me, the ability to mix cameras has been a game-changer. I can tailor my security setup to my home’s needs without being locked into one model. Whether you’re on a budget or want the best tech, Arlo’s ecosystem lets you build a system that works for you. Just remember: start small, test often, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy camera hunting!

Data Table: Arlo Camera Compatibility Overview

Camera Model	Connection Type	Base Station Required	Max Resolution	Battery Life	Best For
Arlo Pro 2	Wireless	SmartHub (VMB4000)	1080p	3-6 months	Entry-level outdoor
Arlo Pro 3/4	Wireless	SmartHub (VMB5000)	2K	3-6 months	High-quality outdoor
Arlo Ultra	Wireless	SmartHub (VMB5000)	4K	3-6 months	Premium outdoor
Arlo Essential	Wi-Fi	No	1080p	6-12 months	Budget indoor/outdoor
Arlo Floodlight	Wi-Fi	No	1080p	6-12 months	Outdoor lighting + security

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different Arlo cameras on one system?

Yes, you can mix and match most Arlo camera models (like Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential) on a single system through the Arlo app. They all sync to the same account, allowing centralized monitoring and management.

Do all Arlo cameras work together on one base station?

Most Arlo cameras, including wired and wireless models, are compatible with a single base station or SmartHub. However, check your specific camera’s requirements, as newer models may require the latest hub version for full functionality.

Is it possible to add an older Arlo camera to a newer Arlo system?

Yes, older Arlo cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 2) can typically integrate with newer systems (like Arlo Pro 3 or Ultra). Just ensure they’re connected to a compatible hub and updated to the latest firmware.

Can I use different Arlo cameras on one system without a subscription?

Yes, you can use multiple Arlo cameras without a subscription for live viewing and local storage (if supported). However, cloud recording and advanced features like AI detection require an Arlo Secure plan.

What’s the maximum number of cameras I can add to one Arlo system?

Most Arlo base stations and hubs support up to 15–20 cameras, depending on the model. For larger setups, you may need multiple hubs linked to the same account for seamless operation.

Do mixed Arlo cameras share the same settings on one system?

While each camera can be customized individually, shared settings like activity zones and notifications apply across devices. The Arlo app lets you manage them collectively or fine-tune preferences per camera.