Can You Add Other Cameras to Arlo Q Expert Guide

Yes, you can add other Arlo Q cameras to your existing setup seamlessly through the Arlo app. Designed for flexibility, the Arlo Q system supports multi-camera integration, allowing you to expand coverage and customize your security network with ease. Just ensure all cameras are on the same account and compatible with your base station or subscription plan for optimal performance.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Q supports only Arlo-branded cameras for seamless integration and full feature access.
• Mixing non-Arlo cameras voids warranty and disrupts system compatibility.
• Use Arlo Q app to add new Arlo cameras via simple setup wizard steps.
• Check firmware updates regularly to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Third-party cameras won’t work with Arlo Q due to proprietary software limitations.
• Expand coverage with Arlo Q bundles for cost-effective multi-camera setups.

Understanding the Arlo Q Ecosystem

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your Arlo Q camera in the living room. It’s sleek, easy to set up, and the 1080p video quality is crystal clear. But now, you’re thinking, “What if I want to add another camera in the backyard or near the garage?” You’re not alone. Many Arlo Q users wonder whether they can expand their home security setup with additional cameras—either Arlo-branded or third-party models. The short answer? It’s complicated, but not impossible. And that’s exactly what this guide is for.

The Arlo Q is a standalone indoor Wi-Fi security camera known for its high-definition video, two-way audio, night vision, and smart motion detection. Unlike some of its siblings in the Arlo family (like the Arlo Pro or Arlo Ultra), the Arlo Q doesn’t come with a base station or hub. Instead, it connects directly to your home Wi-Fi network. This makes setup a breeze, but it also raises questions about compatibility when you want to add more cameras. Can you just plug in another Arlo Q? What about Arlo Pro, Arlo Essential, or even non-Arlo cameras? And how does the Arlo app handle multiple devices? Let’s dive into the details and answer your burning questions—without the fluff.

How the Arlo Q Works

The Arlo Q is designed as a Wi-Fi-connected, app-managed camera. It uses your existing Wi-Fi network to stream video and send alerts. There’s no need for a separate hub or bridge, which is great for quick setups. Once connected, you control everything through the Arlo Secure app (formerly Arlo app), available on iOS and Android. The app allows you to view live feeds, review recorded clips, adjust motion zones, and receive notifications.

Because it’s Wi-Fi-based, the Arlo Q is limited by your router’s range and bandwidth. If you have a large home or thick walls, you might experience signal drops or lag. But the real limitation—especially when considering expansion—is how Arlo’s ecosystem handles multiple devices. While the Arlo Q itself doesn’t require a hub, the broader Arlo system does use a cloud-based account model to manage all your cameras. This means every Arlo device you own is linked to your Arlo account, not just the Q.

Arlo Q vs. Other Arlo Cameras

Before adding cameras, it’s important to understand how the Arlo Q fits into the larger Arlo lineup. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Arlo Q: Indoor, Wi-Fi-only, 1080p, no hub needed, cloud recording (subscription required for full features).
• Arlo Pro series: Indoor/outdoor, uses a SmartHub, supports local storage, 2K/4K resolution, rechargeable batteries.
• Arlo Essential: Affordable, indoor/outdoor, Wi-Fi or wired, 1080p, optional base station.
• Arlo Ultra: Premium, 4K HDR, color night vision, SmartHub required.

Notice the pattern? The Arlo Q is the only one in its class that operates entirely without a hub. But when you mix and match with other Arlo models, things get interesting—and sometimes messy.

Adding Other Arlo Cameras to Your Arlo Q System

Now for the big question: Can you add other Arlo cameras to your Arlo Q system? The answer is yes, but with a few caveats. The Arlo app supports multiple camera types under a single Arlo account. So if you already own an Arlo Q, you can add an Arlo Pro 4, an Arlo Essential Doorbell, or even an Arlo Baby monitor—all managed from the same app.

Same App, Multiple Devices

The Arlo Secure app is designed to be a unified dashboard for all Arlo products. When you log in, you’ll see a camera grid with thumbnails for each device. You can tap any camera to view its live feed, access recordings, or adjust settings. This means you can have:

• An Arlo Q in the living room
• An Arlo Pro 3 in the backyard
• An Arlo Essential in the garage
• An Arlo Doorbell at the front porch

All of these will appear side by side in your app. The experience is seamless—as long as all devices are registered to the same Arlo account. Just make sure you’re not using multiple accounts (e.g., one for the Q and another for the Pro), or you’ll have to switch between them constantly.

Hub vs. Hubless: The Compatibility Catch

Here’s where things get tricky. While the Arlo Q works without a hub, many other Arlo cameras (like the Pro and Ultra series) require a SmartHub. The SmartHub acts as a central bridge, connecting battery-powered or outdoor cameras to your network. It also enables features like local storage, enhanced motion detection, and better battery life.

So what happens if you add a hub-required camera to your Arlo Q-only setup?

You’ll need to buy a SmartHub. Unfortunately, the Arlo Q can’t serve as a hub, and the SmartHub isn’t optional for Pro/Ultra models. But here’s the good news: once you install the hub, all your cameras—including the Q—can benefit from improved connectivity and features. For example:

• Better Wi-Fi range for outdoor cameras
• Local storage (via microSD card) for Pro/Ultra models
• Advanced AI detection (person, package, vehicle)

So while it’s an added cost, the SmartHub can actually enhance your entire system—not just the new cameras.

Subscription Tiers and Recording Limits

Another consideration: Arlo’s cloud subscription model. The Arlo Q comes with a 7-day free trial of Arlo Secure, which includes 30 days of cloud storage and smart alerts. After that, you’ll need a paid plan to continue recording. But here’s the catch: each camera requires its own subscription slot.

For example, if you have:

• 1 Arlo Q
• 1 Arlo Pro 4
• 1 Arlo Doorbell

You’ll need a subscription that supports three cameras. Arlo offers tiered plans:

• Arlo Secure 5-camera plan: $9.99/month
• Arlo Secure 10-camera plan: $19.99/month
• Arlo Secure Unlimited: $19.99/month (unlimited cameras)

So if you’re planning to add multiple cameras, the Unlimited plan might be the most cost-effective. Otherwise, you’ll be paying per camera—which adds up fast.

Can You Add Non-Arlo Cameras to the Arlo Q App?

Let’s tackle the elephant in the room: Can you add third-party cameras (like Ring, Nest, or Eufy) to the Arlo Q app? The short answer? No, not directly. The Arlo app only supports Arlo-branded devices. You can’t add a Ring Spotlight Cam or a Nest Hello to your Arlo dashboard.

Why Arlo Doesn’t Support Third-Party Cameras

Arlo uses a closed ecosystem for a few reasons:

• Security and encryption: Arlo devices use end-to-end encryption and secure cloud servers. Third-party cameras might not meet these standards.
• User experience: Arlo wants to offer a consistent interface. Mixing different brands could lead to inconsistent features, UI, and performance.
• Subscription revenue: Arlo earns money from cloud storage. If you could add non-Arlo cameras, they’d miss out on that income.

So while it’s frustrating, it’s not entirely without logic. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Workarounds for Multi-Brand Setups

If you really want to use non-Arlo cameras alongside your Arlo Q, here are some practical workarounds:

1. Use Multiple Apps
The simplest solution is to use the Arlo app for your Arlo cameras and separate apps (e.g., Ring, Nest, Eufy) for others. It’s not unified, but it works. Pro tip: Use app folders on your phone to group security apps together for easier access.

2. Smart Home Platforms (Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit)
Both Arlo and many third-party cameras integrate with smart home platforms. For example:

• Link your Arlo Q and Ring camera to Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
• Use voice commands like “Show me the backyard” to pull up feeds from either brand on a smart display.
• Create routines (e.g., “Goodnight”) that arm all cameras, regardless of brand.

This won’t merge the feeds into one app, but it does create a unified experience through voice and automation.

3. Third-Party Dashboard Apps
Apps like Home Assistant, SmartThings, or Blue Iris can pull feeds from multiple camera brands into a single dashboard. These are more technical and require some setup, but they offer the most flexibility. For example:

• Home Assistant can connect to Arlo, Ring, and Nest via integrations.
• You can view all cameras on a tablet mounted on the wall.
• Set up custom alerts and automation rules across brands.

Downside? It’s not plug-and-play. But if you’re tech-savvy, it’s a powerful solution.

Setting Up Multiple Arlo Cameras: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know what’s possible, let’s walk through how to add other Arlo cameras to your Arlo Q system. Whether you’re adding another Arlo Q or a Pro model, the process is similar—but with a few key differences.

Step 1: Prepare Your Network

Before adding cameras, make sure your Wi-Fi network can handle the load. Each Arlo camera uses bandwidth for streaming and recording. Here’s what to check:

• Router capacity: Most modern routers support 20+ devices, but older models might struggle.
• Wi-Fi strength: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to check signal strength in camera locations. Aim for at least -65 dBm.
• Band selection: Use 2.4 GHz for long-range (outdoor cameras) and 5 GHz for high-speed (indoor cameras).

Tip: If you’re adding outdoor cameras, consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system to boost coverage.

Step 2: Set Up the SmartHub (If Needed)

If you’re adding a Pro, Ultra, or Essential with a base station, you’ll need to install the SmartHub first:

1. Plug the SmartHub into a power outlet near your router.
2. Connect it to your router using an Ethernet cable (recommended for stability).
3. Open the Arlo app and follow the setup prompts to link the hub to your account.

Once the hub is online, it will automatically detect compatible cameras during setup.

Step 3: Add Each Camera

The process varies slightly by model, but here’s the general flow:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device”.
2. Select the camera model (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Q).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. For Arlo Q: Scan the QR code on the camera, connect to Wi-Fi, and name it.
4. For hub-required cameras: The app will prompt you to press the sync button on the hub.
5. Wait for the camera to appear in your device list.

Pro tip: Name your cameras clearly (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) to avoid confusion later.

Step 4: Configure Settings and Zones

Once cameras are added, customize them for your needs:

• Motion zones: Draw areas where you want alerts (e.g., front porch, driveway).
• Activity zones: Exclude areas like trees or streets to reduce false alerts.
• Recording schedules: Set cameras to record only during certain hours (e.g., nighttime).
• Smart alerts: Enable person/package detection (requires subscription).

Tip: Use the “Group” feature in the Arlo app to organize cameras by location (e.g., “Indoor,” “Outdoor”).

Performance and User Experience: What to Expect

Adding multiple cameras to your Arlo Q system can be a game-changer—but it’s not without trade-offs. Here’s what real users have experienced.

App Performance and Lag

The Arlo app is generally smooth with 1–3 cameras. But with 5+ devices, some users report:

• Slow loading of live feeds
• Delayed notifications
• Occasional app crashes

Why? The app loads thumbnails for all cameras at once. If you have many high-resolution feeds, it can strain your phone. To fix this:

• Close and reopen the app regularly.
• Use Wi-Fi instead of cellular data.
• Limit the number of cameras on your home screen.

Bandwidth and Network Strain

Each Arlo camera uses 1–3 Mbps for live streaming. With 5 cameras, that’s up to 15 Mbps—enough to impact other devices. Symptoms include:

• Buffering on Netflix or Zoom calls
• Slow downloads
• Wi-Fi dropouts

Solutions:

• Upgrade to a gigabit internet plan (if available).
• Use QoS (Quality of Service) settings on your router to prioritize critical devices.
• Set cameras to record only on motion (not 24/7).

Subscription Costs: The Hidden Expense

As mentioned earlier, each camera adds to your subscription cost. Here’s a real-world example:

Camera Count	Recommended Plan	Monthly Cost
1	Arlo Secure Single Camera	$3.99
3	Arlo Secure 5-Camera	$9.99
6	Arlo Secure Unlimited	$19.99
10	Arlo Secure Unlimited	$19.99

Note: The 5-camera plan is cheaper per camera than the single-camera plan. But once you hit 6+, Unlimited is the better deal.

Final Thoughts: Should You Expand Your Arlo Q System?

So, can you add other cameras to Arlo Q? Absolutely—if you’re willing to work within Arlo’s ecosystem. You can add more Arlo Qs, Pro models, Doorbells, and more, all managed from the same app. But if you’re hoping to mix in Ring, Nest, or other brands, you’ll need to use workarounds like smart home platforms or third-party dashboards.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Best for Arlo fans: If you love Arlo’s design and app, expand with other Arlo cameras. The experience is seamless.
• Best for budget-conscious: Stick with Wi-Fi-only models (Q, Essential) to avoid hub costs.
• Best for power users: Invest in a SmartHub and the Unlimited subscription for full flexibility.
• Best for mixed brands: Use Google Home or Home Assistant to unify feeds across brands.

Remember: More cameras mean more complexity—but also more peace of mind. Whether you’re protecting a small apartment or a sprawling estate, the key is planning ahead. Think about your network, subscription costs, and long-term needs. And if you’re ever unsure, Arlo’s support team is surprisingly helpful (once you get past the chatbot).

At the end of the day, your home security should work for you—not the other way around. With the right setup, your Arlo Q can be the foundation of a powerful, expandable system that grows with your needs. Just don’t forget to charge those batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add other cameras to Arlo Q system?

The Arlo Q system is designed to work exclusively with Arlo-branded cameras, and third-party cameras are not supported. You can expand your setup with additional Arlo Q or Q Plus cameras for seamless integration.

Is it possible to mix Arlo Q with other Arlo camera models?

Yes, you can mix Arlo Q with other compatible Arlo models like Arlo Pro or Ultra, but they must be connected to the same Arlo account. Note that features may vary depending on the camera model.

What happens if I try to add a non-Arlo camera to my Arlo Q setup?

Non-Arlo cameras are not compatible with the Arlo Q system due to proprietary software and authentication protocols. Attempting to add them will result in connection errors or limited functionality.

Can you add other cameras to Arlo Q using a third-party NVR?

While some users attempt this, Arlo Q cameras are optimized for Arlo’s cloud platform and may not work reliably with third-party NVRs. For best results, stick to Arlo’s ecosystem.

Are there any workarounds to integrate third-party cameras with Arlo Q?

There are no official workarounds, but you can use RTSP-enabled third-party cameras alongside Arlo Q by managing them separately via another app. This requires manual monitoring across platforms.

How many cameras can I add to my Arlo Q system?

Arlo Q systems support up to 15 cameras per account, depending on your subscription plan. Higher-tier plans allow for more cameras and extended cloud storage.