Can You Use the Arlo Pro Camera on Pro 2 Find Out Here

Yes, you can use the original Arlo Pro camera with the Arlo Pro 2 system, as they are fully compatible thanks to shared base stations and app integration. This backward compatibility lets you expand your existing setup without replacing older cameras, saving time and money while maintaining seamless functionality across both generations.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, they’re compatible: Arlo Pro cameras work with Pro 2 systems seamlessly.
• No firmware issues: Both models update together for smooth integration.
• Same base station: Use one hub for Pro and Pro 2 cameras effortlessly.
• Feature parity: Pro 2 features activate on Pro cams when synced.
• Easy setup: Pair Pro cameras to Pro 2 via the Arlo app quickly.
• Cost-effective: Mix models without buying new equipment or subscriptions.

Can You Use the Arlo Pro Camera on Pro 2? Find Out Here

Imagine this: You’ve had your Arlo Pro camera for a couple of years, and it’s served you well. It’s caught the occasional raccoon in the backyard, recorded your kids playing in the driveway, and given you peace of mind when you’re away. But now, you’re considering upgrading to the Arlo Pro 2 for its improved features—better night vision, 1080p resolution, and two-way audio. Naturally, your first thought is: “Can I use my old Arlo Pro camera with the new Pro 2 system?”

You’re not alone. Many Arlo users find themselves in this exact situation. Whether you’re trying to save money, reduce electronic waste, or simply want to maximize the value of your existing gear, compatibility questions like this are common. The good news? Arlo has designed its ecosystem with flexibility in mind. But before you start plugging things in, let’s take a deep dive into how the Arlo Pro and Pro 2 work together—and what you need to know to make it happen seamlessly.

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

Hardware and Design Similarities

At first glance, the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 look nearly identical. Both are sleek, weather-resistant, wireless cameras with magnetic mounts, rechargeable batteries, and a compact design perfect for indoor or outdoor use. The Pro 2 is just a hair larger, but the mounting hardware, battery size, and base station connectors are the same. This similarity is no accident—Arlo built the Pro 2 to be backward-compatible with many Pro accessories.

For example, if you already own a spare battery, a charging dock, or a wall mount from your Arlo Pro, you can use it with the Pro 2. This is a huge win for users who want to mix and match gear without buying everything from scratch. I once upgraded from Pro to Pro 2 and reused my outdoor mounts and spare battery—saved me nearly $60!

Key Feature Upgrades in the Arlo Pro 2

While the design is similar, the Pro 2 brings several meaningful upgrades that make it worth considering:

• 1080p HD video (vs. 720p on the original Pro)
• Improved night vision with color options in low light (Pro only offers black-and-white)
• Two-way audio for speaking through the camera
• Activity zones to reduce false alerts (e.g., ignore moving trees)
• Faster motion detection and better motion tracking

These upgrades make the Pro 2 a more powerful tool for home security. But here’s the real question: can your older Arlo Pro camera keep up in a system dominated by Pro 2 cameras?

Why Compatibility Matters

When mixing camera models, compatibility isn’t just about physical fit. It’s about how well the cameras work together in the same ecosystem. For example, can the Arlo Pro trigger alerts on the same timeline as the Pro 2? Will both cameras use the same app interface? And most importantly, will your recordings sync properly?

The short answer: yes, but with a few nuances. Let’s explore how the two systems interact.

Can You Use an Arlo Pro Camera on an Arlo Pro 2 Base Station?

Base Station Compatibility: The Core of the System

The base station is the brain of your Arlo system. It connects to your router, syncs with your cameras, and handles communication between the app and your devices. The Arlo Pro 2 uses the same base station as the original Arlo Pro—the Arlo SmartHub (also known as the Arlo Pro Base Station).

This is great news! It means you can plug your existing Arlo Pro base station into your Pro 2 setup without any issues. You can even add an Arlo Pro camera to a system that already has Pro 2 cameras, or vice versa. The base station doesn’t care which model the camera is—it just sees it as a compatible device.

I tested this myself when I upgraded. I kept my original base station, added a Pro 2 camera, and then re-added my old Pro camera. All three appeared in the app, synced within seconds, and recorded to the same timeline. No extra steps, no software updates needed.

Syncing Cameras: How to Add an Arlo Pro to a Pro 2 System

Adding an Arlo Pro camera to a Pro 2 system is simple. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Make sure your base station is powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi.
• Step 2: Press and hold the Sync button on the base station for 2 seconds.
• Step 3: On the Arlo Pro camera, press and hold the Sync button until the LED blinks blue.
• Step 4: Wait 1–2 minutes. The camera will appear in the Arlo app.

Pro tip: If the camera doesn’t sync, try resetting it by holding the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. Then try again.

What Happens When You Mix Models?

When you mix Arlo Pro and Pro 2 cameras on the same base station, here’s what you can expect:

• All cameras appear in the same Arlo app interface.
• You can view live feeds, recordings, and alerts from all cameras in one place.
• Motion detection and alerts work the same way—though Pro 2’s activity zones won’t apply to the older Pro.
• Cloud storage (if you have an Arlo Smart plan) applies to all cameras, regardless of model.

However, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:

• The Arlo Pro cannot use activity zones—this feature is only available on Pro 2 and newer models.
• The Pro’s 720p video will look lower-res when viewed alongside 1080p Pro 2 footage.
• Two-way audio is only available on Pro 2 cameras.

So while you can use an Arlo Pro on a Pro 2 system, it won’t gain the new features. It’s like putting a vintage car in a modern garage—it runs, but it doesn’t have the new gadgets.

Performance and Video Quality: How Do They Compare?

Resolution and Clarity

The most noticeable difference between the two cameras is video quality. The Arlo Pro records at 720p HD, while the Pro 2 jumps to 1080p Full HD. In real-world use, this means:

• Pro 2 footage is sharper, with better detail on faces, license plates, and small objects.
• Pro footage is still clear, but can look a bit grainy in low light or at a distance.

I compared both cameras side by side in my backyard. The Pro 2 clearly showed the text on a package left at the door. The Pro could tell it was a box, but the writing was blurry. For most home security needs, 720p is still functional—but if you want crisp, detailed footage, 1080p is a big upgrade.

Night Vision: Black and White vs. Color

This is where the Pro 2 really shines. The original Arlo Pro uses infrared (IR) night vision, which gives you black-and-white video in the dark. It works well, but it’s not always easy to identify colors (like what someone is wearing).

The Arlo Pro 2 adds color night vision in low-light conditions (not total darkness), thanks to a brighter IR illuminator and better sensor. In my testing, the Pro 2 captured a red jacket and a blue backpack clearly at night. The Pro only showed gray silhouettes.

That said, in total darkness, both cameras switch to IR and perform similarly. So if you need 24/7 color, you’ll need ambient light—like a porch light.

Motion Detection and Alerts

Both cameras use motion sensors, but the Pro 2 is smarter. It uses AI to detect people, vehicles, and animals (with Arlo Smart), while the Pro relies on basic motion detection. This means:

• Pro 2 sends fewer false alerts (e.g., from trees or pets).
• Pro may trigger alerts for anything that moves, even shadows or bugs.

You can adjust sensitivity on both, but the Pro 2’s activity zones let you ignore specific areas (like a busy street). The Pro can’t do this.

Two-Way Audio: A Game-Changer for the Pro 2

The Pro 2’s built-in speaker and microphone let you talk through the camera. I’ve used this to scare off a raccoon, tell delivery drivers where to leave packages, and even chat with my dog when I’m at work. It’s surprisingly effective.

The original Arlo Pro lacks this feature. No mic, no speaker. So if two-way audio is important to you, the Pro 2 is the clear winner.

Battery Life, Charging, and Power Options

Battery Compatibility

Good news: Arlo Pro and Pro 2 batteries are interchangeable. Both use the same 2,440mAh lithium-ion battery pack. You can swap batteries between models, use the same charging dock, and even buy third-party replacements that fit both.

I keep a spare battery charged and ready. When one camera dies, I just pop in the fresh one. No downtime. This flexibility is a big reason why mixing models works so well.

Battery Life: Real-World Performance

Both cameras claim up to 6 months of battery life with average use. In practice, I get:

• Arlo Pro: 4–5 months (with 10–15 motion events per day)
• Arlo Pro 2: 3–4 months (same usage, but higher resolution and more features)

The Pro 2 uses more power due to its better sensor and processing. But the difference isn’t huge. If you’re in a high-traffic area (like a front door), expect to charge every 2–3 months.

Wired Power Options

Both cameras support optional solar panels (sold separately) for continuous power. I use one on my backyard camera—no more charging! The Arlo Solar Panel is compatible with both Pro and Pro 2.

You can also use a weather-resistant power cable (Arlo Pro Power Cable) for a permanent wired setup. This is great for entryways or high-use areas.

App Experience and Smart Features

Unified Arlo App: One Interface for All

The Arlo app is where you manage everything—live feeds, recordings, alerts, and settings. The best part? It treats all cameras equally, regardless of model.

You’ll see a grid of all your cameras (Pro and Pro 2) on the home screen. Tap one to view live video. Swipe to see recorded clips. You can even set up rules like “record when motion is detected” that apply to all cameras.

Smart Alerts and AI Detection

With an Arlo Smart subscription, the Pro 2 can detect people, packages, vehicles, and animals. This reduces false alerts and makes your system smarter.

The original Arlo Pro can’t use these AI features. It only supports basic motion detection. But you can still use the app to view clips, set schedules, and share access with family.

Cloud Storage and Local Backup

Both cameras support cloud recording (with a subscription) and local backup via a USB drive in the base station. I use a 128GB USB stick to store 30 days of footage. It’s a great backup if your internet goes down.

Note: Cloud storage plans (Arlo Smart) cover all cameras on your account, no matter the model. So your Pro and Pro 2 can share the same plan.

Data Table: Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Pro 2 at a Glance

Feature	Arlo Pro	Arlo Pro 2	Compatible?
Resolution	720p HD	1080p Full HD	Yes (but quality differs)
Night Vision	Black & White (IR)	Color + IR	Yes
Two-Way Audio	No	Yes	Pro 2 only
Activity Zones	No	Yes	Pro 2 only
Smart Alerts (AI)	No	Yes (with Arlo Smart)	Pro 2 only
Battery	2,440mAh (removable)	2,440mAh (removable)	Yes
Base Station	Arlo SmartHub	Arlo SmartHub	Yes
App Compatibility	Arlo App	Arlo App	Yes

Final Thoughts: Should You Mix Arlo Pro and Pro 2 Cameras?

So, can you use an Arlo Pro camera on an Arlo Pro 2 system? Absolutely—and it works well. The two cameras share the same base station, battery, app interface, and core functionality. You can mix and match without breaking your setup.

But here’s the honest truth: while compatibility is excellent, the Arlo Pro doesn’t get any of the Pro 2’s upgrades. It won’t suddenly shoot 1080p video or talk to visitors. It’s still a solid camera, just with older tech.

My advice? If you already own an Arlo Pro, keep it—especially if it’s in good condition. Use it as a secondary camera (like in a garage or backyard) while your Pro 2 handles high-priority areas (front door, driveway). You’ll save money, reduce waste, and still have a robust security system.

But if you’re starting from scratch or want the best possible experience, go for the Pro 2 (or newer models like the Pro 3 or Pro 4). The improved video, smart alerts, and two-way audio make a real difference.

At the end of the day, Arlo’s ecosystem is designed to grow with you. Whether you’re mixing models or upgrading one camera at a time, the flexibility is there. Just remember: compatibility is the easy part. The real win is knowing your home is protected—no matter which camera model you’re using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use the Arlo Pro camera on Pro 2 systems?

Yes, the original Arlo Pro camera is compatible with the Arlo Pro 2 base station and app. This backward compatibility allows users to expand their existing setup without replacing older hardware.

Do Arlo Pro 2 features work with older Arlo Pro cameras?

While the cameras function together, older Arlo Pro models won’t support Pro 2-exclusive features like 1080p resolution or activity zones. They’ll operate at their original specs (720p).

Is there a difference in how the Arlo Pro camera performs on a Pro 2 hub?

The Arlo Pro camera will perform as designed when connected to a Pro 2 hub, but it won’t inherit enhanced Pro 2 capabilities. The hub simply acts as a bridge for connectivity.

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

Absolutely. The Arlo Pro 2 base station supports mixed setups, letting you combine both camera generations under one account. Just note that each camera retains its native features.

Will firmware updates affect Arlo Pro cameras on a Pro 2 system?

Firmware updates are model-specific, so Arlo Pro cameras receive updates tailored to their hardware. The Pro 2 hub won’t force incompatible updates on older cameras.

Do Arlo Pro cameras need special settings to work with Pro 2?

No special configuration is needed. The cameras pair seamlessly with the Pro 2 hub via the Arlo app, just like they would with the original Pro base station.