Can You Add an Arlo Camera to Night Owl for Enhanced Security

No, you cannot directly add an Arlo camera to a Night Owl system due to incompatible software and hardware ecosystems. While both brands offer standalone security solutions, they do not support cross-platform integration, requiring users to manage separate apps and networks for full functionality.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo and Night Owl aren’t natively compatible: Direct integration isn’t supported due to different systems.
• Use third-party apps for partial integration: Tools like Home Assistant can bridge some features.
• RTSP may enable limited functionality: Night Owl supports RTSP, but Arlo requires workarounds.
• Local storage isn’t possible with Arlo: Night Owl can’t record Arlo footage directly.
• Consider unified systems for seamless use: Matching brands avoids integration headaches.
• Motion alerts can sync via IFTTT: Create basic cross-platform notifications with this tool.

Can You Add an Arlo Camera to Night Owl for Enhanced Security

Imagine this: you’ve just installed a Night Owl security system to protect your home, and it’s working great—clear night vision, reliable motion detection, and a user-friendly app. But then, you start wondering: *Can I add my Arlo Pro 4 to this setup for even better coverage?* Maybe you already have an Arlo camera from a previous system, or you’re drawn to its weather resistance and 2K resolution. Either way, you’re not alone. Many homeowners want to mix and match security gear to create the ultimate surveillance network.

The idea of combining Arlo cameras with Night Owl systems sounds appealing—after all, why limit yourself to one brand when you can get the best of both worlds? But here’s the catch: not all security cameras play nice with each other. Compatibility, connectivity, and software integration can turn a dream setup into a frustrating puzzle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the real possibilities, limitations, and workarounds when trying to add an Arlo camera to Night Owl. Whether you’re a tech-savvy DIYer or just looking for a simple upgrade, we’ll help you make sense of the options—without the fluff or false promises.

Understanding the Core Differences Between Arlo and Night Owl

Before jumping into integration, it helps to understand what makes Arlo and Night Owl different. These brands take very different approaches to home security, and that affects whether (or how) they can work together.

Technology and Ecosystem Design

Night Owl is known for its wired and hybrid DVR/NVR-based systems. Most of their cameras connect directly to a central hub (DVR or NVR) via Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi, and the entire system runs on a closed-loop network. This means the cameras, recorder, and mobile app are designed to work exclusively within the Night Owl ecosystem. Think of it like a self-contained security fortress.

Arlo, on the other hand, is a cloud-first, Wi-Fi-centric brand. Arlo cameras connect to your home Wi-Fi or a dedicated Arlo SmartHub, and footage is stored either locally (on a USB drive) or in the cloud via subscription. Arlo’s ecosystem is open in the sense that it integrates with smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit—but it doesn’t natively support third-party cameras.

Connectivity and Protocols

Night Owl systems typically use proprietary protocols for communication between cameras and the recorder. This means the NVR only recognizes Night Owl-branded cameras (or those specifically certified by Night Owl). Arlo, meanwhile, uses standard Wi-Fi and RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) for video transmission—but only within its own app and ecosystem.

Here’s a real-world example: Let’s say you install a Night Owl NVR with four cameras. The system auto-discovers them during setup. Now, you plug in an Arlo Pro 4 and try to add it the same way. The NVR won’t recognize it because it doesn’t speak “Arlo’s language.” No handshake, no video feed. It’s like trying to use a French keyboard on a Japanese computer—close, but not compatible.

App and Software Integration

Night Owl’s mobile app is designed to manage only Night Owl devices. Arlo has its own app, and while both apps are polished, they don’t share data or allow cross-camera viewing. So even if you could somehow get the Arlo camera to stream to the Night Owl NVR, you’d still need to open two different apps to monitor your home. That’s not ideal for real-time security.

Bottom line: The fundamental difference in ecosystem design means that you cannot directly add an Arlo camera to a Night Owl system as a native, plug-and-play component. But don’t give up yet—there are clever workarounds (more on that later).

Can You Integrate Arlo and Night Owl? Exploring the Workarounds

While direct integration isn’t possible, you’re not out of options. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can still use both systems together—just not in the way you might expect.

Option 1: Run Both Systems Independently

The simplest (and most reliable) approach is to run Arlo and Night Owl as separate but complementary systems. For example:

• Use Night Owl cameras for indoor and perimeter coverage (e.g., front door, garage, backyard fence).
• Use Arlo cameras for high-traffic or high-risk zones (e.g., side gate, driveway, second-floor windows).

Both systems operate on their own apps. You check Night Owl for general monitoring and Arlo for areas where you want 2K resolution or color night vision. The downside? Two apps, two login screens, and two sets of alerts. But for many users, the added coverage is worth the minor inconvenience.

Pro tip: Set up smart home routines to reduce app switching. For example, use Alexa to say, “Show me the front door,” and it can display both the Night Owl and Arlo feeds on your Echo Show. This way, you get a unified view without merging the systems.

Option 2: Use an NVR with RTSP Support (Advanced)

Some Night Owl NVRs (especially newer models like the Night Owl X series) support RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), which is a universal video streaming standard. If your Arlo camera supports RTSP (most do, but you need to enable it in the Arlo app), you can manually add it to the NVR as an “IP camera.”

Here’s how:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Device Settings > Advanced > RTSP and enable it. Note the RTSP URL (e.g., rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/stream1).
2. On your Night Owl NVR, go to IP Camera Setup > Manual Add.
3. Enter the RTSP URL, username, and password (found in Arlo’s RTSP settings).
4. The NVR will attempt to connect. If successful, you’ll see the Arlo feed in your Night Owl app.

Important: This method only works if:

• Your Arlo camera is on the same local network as the NVR.
• The NVR supports ONVIF or RTSP (check your model’s manual).
• You’re comfortable with network settings (IP addresses, ports).

Even then, features like two-way audio, motion detection zones, and cloud storage won’t sync. You’re basically just pulling the video feed—no deep integration.

Option 3: Use a Third-Party NVR or VMS

If you’re tech-inclined, consider using a third-party NVR or Video Management Software (VMS) like Blue Iris, Milestone, or Zoneminder. These platforms can pull streams from both Arlo (via RTSP) and Night Owl (if it supports ONVIF or RTSP) and display them in one interface.

For example, you can:

• Set up a PC with Blue Iris.
• Add Night Owl cameras via ONVIF (if supported).
• Add Arlo cameras via RTSP.
• Create custom views, alerts, and recording rules.

This gives you a unified dashboard—but it requires a dedicated computer, some technical setup, and ongoing maintenance. It’s not for beginners, but it’s a powerful solution for serious DIYers.

Pros and Cons of Combining Arlo and Night Owl

Now that you know the options, let’s weigh the benefits and drawbacks of mixing these two systems. Every solution has trade-offs, and understanding them helps you decide what’s right for your home.

Advantages of a Hybrid Setup

• Best-of-Both-Worlds Coverage: Use Night Owl’s reliable wired cameras for critical zones and Arlo’s wireless, high-resolution cameras for flexible spots (like a detached garage or garden).
• Redundancy: If one system fails (e.g., Wi-Fi outage for Arlo), the other keeps working.
• Feature Diversity: Arlo offers color night vision and AI-based person detection; Night Owl often has longer cable runs and better local storage.
• Cost Flexibility: Use existing Arlo cameras instead of buying all new ones.

Challenges and Limitations

• Two Apps, Two Logins: You’ll need to check both the Night Owl and Arlo apps regularly. Not ideal for quick checks.
• No Centralized Alerts: Motion events from Arlo and Night Owl won’t trigger the same alert. You might miss one notification.
• Storage Complexity: Night Owl stores footage locally on the NVR; Arlo uses cloud or USB. You’ll manage two storage systems.
• Setup Time: RTSP or VMS integration takes hours of troubleshooting. Expect network hiccups.
• No Shared Smart Features: You can’t create a single automation (e.g., “When Arlo detects motion, turn on Night Owl’s spotlight”) without advanced tools like IFTTT or Home Assistant.

When a Hybrid Setup Makes Sense

A mixed Arlo + Night Owl system works well if:

• You already own one or more Arlo cameras and want to reuse them.
• You need wireless flexibility (Arlo) and wired reliability (Night Owl).
• You’re okay with a bit of extra setup and app management.
• You’re building a long-term, scalable security plan (e.g., adding more cameras over time).

It’s less ideal if:

• You want a simple, single-app solution.
• You’re on a tight budget (third-party NVRs or VMS require extra hardware/software).
• You don’t have time for technical troubleshooting.

Step-by-Step: How to Add Arlo to Night Owl (Best Methods)

Let’s walk through the most practical ways to integrate Arlo with Night Owl, ranked by ease and reliability.

Method 1: Independent Systems with Smart Home Sync (Easiest)

1. Set up Night Owl: Install cameras, connect to NVR, and configure the Night Owl app.
2. Set up Arlo: Install Arlo cameras, connect to Wi-Fi or SmartHub, and configure the Arlo app.
3. Link both to a smart display: Use Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub. In Alexa or Google Home, add both Night Owl and Arlo as devices.
4. Create routines: Set up voice commands like “Show me all cameras” to display feeds from both systems.
5. Use IFTTT (optional): Create applets to send alerts from Arlo to Night Owl’s app (limited, but helpful).

Tip: Place Arlo cameras in spots where Night Owl’s wired system can’t reach—like a treehouse, shed, or second-story balcony.

Method 2: RTSP Integration (Intermediate)

1. Enable RTSP on Arlo: In the Arlo app, go to Device Settings > Advanced > RTSP and toggle it on. Save the RTSP URL, username, and password.
2. Check NVR compatibility: Confirm your Night Owl NVR supports RTSP (e.g., Night Owl X series). Look for “IP Camera” or “Manual Add” in settings.
3. Add Arlo as an IP camera: On the NVR, go to Camera Setup > Add IP Camera > Manual. Enter the RTSP URL, username, and password.
4. Test the feed: Check if the Arlo camera appears in the NVR’s live view. Adjust resolution or stream type if needed.
5. Set recording rules: Configure motion-based or continuous recording for the Arlo feed.

Note: RTSP only streams video. You won’t get Arlo’s AI features (e.g., person detection) in the Night Owl app.

Method 3: Third-Party VMS (Advanced)

1. Install Blue Iris or similar VMS on a PC.
2. Add Night Owl cameras: Use ONVIF or RTSP (if supported). Enter the NVR’s IP and credentials.
3. Add Arlo cameras: Use RTSP URLs from the Arlo app.
4. Configure alerts and recording: Set up motion detection, email alerts, and storage schedules.
5. Access via mobile app: Use Blue Iris’s app to view all feeds in one place.

Pro tip: Use a dedicated old laptop or Raspberry Pi as the VMS server. It runs quietly and uses minimal power.

Data Table: Arlo vs. Night Owl – Key Specs Compared

Feature	Arlo (e.g., Pro 4)	Night Owl (e.g., X Series)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi or SmartHub	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Hybrid (DVR/NVR)
Video Quality	Up to 2K (2560×1440)	Up to 4K (3840×2160) on select models
Night Vision	Color night vision (with spotlight)	IR night vision (up to 100 ft)
Storage	Cloud (subscription) or local (USB)	Local (NVR HDD, up to 4TB)
App	Arlo Secure App	Night Owl Connect App
RTSP Support	Yes (enabled manually)	Yes (on select NVRs)
Smart Home Integration	Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit	Alexa, Google
Two-Way Audio	Yes	Yes (on select models)
Motion Detection	AI-based (person, vehicle, package)	Standard PIR + AI (on newer models)

Final Thoughts: Is Mixing Arlo and Night Owl Worth It?

So, can you add an Arlo camera to Night Owl? Technically, no—not in the plug-and-play, native way you might hope. The two brands are built on different foundations, and their ecosystems don’t natively communicate. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use them together. With the right approach, you can create a powerful, multi-layered security system that leverages the strengths of both.

The key is to manage expectations. You won’t get a single, seamless app with all cameras. You won’t have synchronized alerts or shared smart features without extra tools. But you *will* get broader coverage, better flexibility, and peace of mind knowing you’re not relying on just one system.

For most homeowners, the dual-system approach (running both independently with smart home sync) is the best balance of simplicity and effectiveness. It’s easy to set up, reliable, and gives you the coverage you need. If you’re comfortable with tech, RTSP or VMS integration can take it further—but be ready for some trial and error.

At the end of the day, home security isn’t about having one perfect camera. It’s about having enough eyes on your property, in the right places, with the right features. Whether you’re using Arlo, Night Owl, or a mix of both, the goal is the same: to feel safe, informed, and in control.

So go ahead—add that Arlo camera to your Night Owl setup. Just do it wisely, with a plan, and without expecting magic. Because when it comes to protecting your home, a little extra effort is always worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add an Arlo camera to Night Owl for enhanced security?

Yes, you can integrate select Arlo cameras with Night Owl systems, but compatibility depends on the specific models and connectivity protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, NVR, or hybrid solutions). Always check manufacturer guidelines or use third-party integrations for seamless setup.

What are the steps to connect an Arlo camera to a Night Owl DVR?

To connect an Arlo camera to a Night Owl DVR, use an ONVIF-compliant Arlo model and add it via the DVR’s “Add IP Camera” feature in the settings. Ensure both devices are on the same network and follow the Night Owl manual for port forwarding if needed.

Do Arlo and Night Owl cameras work together without extra equipment?

Most Arlo and Night Owl cameras require a bridge, like a hybrid NVR or ONVIF adapter, since they use different platforms. Some newer Night Owl NVRs support direct IP camera integration, but verify compatibility first.

Can I view Arlo and Night Owl cameras in one app?

While Night Owl and Arlo apps are separate, you can view both feeds in one place using a unified platform like Blue Iris or Synology Surveillance Station. This requires configuring each camera’s RTSP or ONVIF feed.

Is adding an Arlo camera to Night Owl a DIY project?

Yes, integrating an Arlo camera to Night Owl is a DIY-friendly process if your devices support ONVIF or RTSP. For non-compatible models, professional help may be needed to set up middleware or custom configurations.

Why would you want to add an Arlo camera to Night Owl?

Combining Arlo’s wireless flexibility with Night Owl’s wired security system offers hybrid coverage—ideal for areas where wired cameras are impractical. This setup enhances surveillance with motion zones, cloud storage, and local backup options.