Can You Combine Arlo Pro and Pro2 Cameras for Ultimate Security

Yes, you can combine Arlo Pro and Pro2 cameras on the same system for a flexible, high-performance security setup. Both models work seamlessly together via the Arlo SmartHub or base station, allowing unified monitoring and recording—ideal for expanding coverage without replacing existing hardware.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can mix Arlo Pro and Pro2 cameras on the same system for flexible security coverage.
• Use the same base station to manage both camera models seamlessly in one app.
• Pro2 offers 1080p vs Pro’s 720p—position higher-res cams at critical entry points.
• Shared cloud storage works but check subscription limits for mixed camera setups.
• Motion detection settings vary—customize zones per camera for optimal performance.
• Battery life differs slightly—plan charging schedules based on each model’s usage.

Why Mixing Arlo Pro and Pro2 Cameras Might Be Your Smartest Security Move

Imagine this: You’ve had your Arlo Pro cameras guarding your home for a couple of years, and they’ve done a great job. But now, you’re eyeing the newer Arlo Pro2 for its improved night vision, enhanced motion detection, and 2K video quality. You’re wondering, *Can I just add a few Pro2s to my existing setup without starting from scratch?* The good news? You absolutely can—and it might just be the upgrade you need to take your home security to the next level.

When Arlo launched the Pro2, they didn’t just create a new camera; they built on the success of the Pro, ensuring backward compatibility and a seamless experience for existing users. Whether you’re protecting a small apartment, a sprawling backyard, or a multi-level home, mixing Pro and Pro2 cameras is not only possible but also practical. In this guide, we’ll explore how these two systems work together, what benefits you gain, and what to watch out for. Think of it as a security system “remix” that gives you the best of both worlds—without breaking the bank or your Wi-Fi.

Understanding the Arlo Pro and Pro2: What’s the Same, What’s Different?

Shared DNA: The Core Features That Unite Both Cameras

The Arlo Pro and Pro2 share a lot of foundational tech, which makes mixing them a breeze. Both are wire-free, meaning they run on rechargeable batteries and don’t need constant power cords. This is a huge win for flexibility—you can place them almost anywhere, whether it’s under an eave, on a fence, or near a backdoor.

Both models connect to the same Arlo SmartHub (also called the base station), which acts as the brain of your system. The hub handles Wi-Fi communication, stores footage locally if you’re using a USB drive, and manages alerts. This means you can plug in a Pro and a Pro2 into the same hub without any hiccups. They’ll both appear in your Arlo app, respond to the same rules, and integrate with smart home platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Another shared perk? Weather resistance. Both are rated IP65, so they can handle rain, snow, and dust—perfect for year-round outdoor use. They also support 2-way audio, so you can talk to a delivery person or shoo away a curious raccoon with your voice.

Key Upgrades in the Arlo Pro2: Why You Might Want to Add It

Now, let’s talk about the Pro2’s upgrades—the reasons you might want to mix in a few of these newer models. The biggest leap is video quality. The Pro shoots in 1080p, which is solid, but the Pro2 bumps it to 2K (2560×1440), giving you sharper details. If you’re trying to identify a license plate or a face, this extra clarity can make a big difference.

Another standout feature is color night vision. The Pro uses infrared (IR) LEDs, which give you black-and-white footage in low light. The Pro2, however, has a built-in spotlight that activates when motion is detected, letting you see in full color even at night. This isn’t just about aesthetics—color helps you distinguish between a person and a shadow, or a dog and a burglar.

The Pro2 also has advanced motion detection. It can differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles, reducing false alerts. If your Pro keeps pinging you about squirrels in the yard, the Pro2’s smarter sensors can help cut down on those unnecessary notifications.

Lastly, the Pro2 supports local storage via a USB drive in the SmartHub, while the Pro relies on cloud storage. This means you can save money on subscription fees and keep your footage private—no need to worry about third-party servers.

Can You Mix Arlo Pro and Pro2 Cameras? The Technical Breakdown

Same Hub, Different Cameras: How the System Handles the Mix

Here’s the magic: Yes, you can mix Arlo Pro and Pro2 cameras on the same Arlo SmartHub. The hub doesn’t care which model you plug in—it recognizes each camera individually and manages them all through the Arlo app. You’ll see both Pro and Pro2 icons in your device list, and you can control them as if they were the same model.

For example, let’s say you have three Arlo Pros covering your front yard, driveway, and side gate. You add a Pro2 to your back patio. The hub connects to all four cameras, syncs their settings, and lets you view their feeds side by side. You can even group them into “zones” (e.g., “Backyard” or “Front Entry”) for easier management.

The only technical requirement is that your SmartHub must be running the latest firmware. Arlo regularly updates the hub to support new features and camera models, so as long as you’ve kept it updated, you’re good to go. You can check this in the Arlo app under Settings > Hub > Firmware Update.

App Integration: Managing a Mixed System Seamlessly

The Arlo app is designed to handle mixed systems with ease. When you add a Pro2 to your existing Pro setup, the app automatically detects the new camera and walks you through setup—just like adding another Pro. The interface remains consistent, so you won’t have to relearn anything.

One cool feature is customizable alerts. You can set different motion detection zones for each camera. For instance, you might want the Pro2 in your backyard to alert you only for people, while the Pro at your front door alerts for any movement. This helps you fine-tune your system based on each camera’s strengths.

Another plus? Shared cloud storage. If you’re using Arlo’s subscription plan (like Arlo Smart), all your cameras—Pro and Pro2—can share the same cloud plan. This means you don’t have to pay extra for the Pro2’s higher-resolution footage. However, if you prefer local storage, only the Pro2 can save to a USB drive in the hub, so keep that in mind if you want to avoid subscriptions.

Benefits of a Mixed Arlo Pro/Pro2 Setup: Why It’s Worth It

Cost-Effective Upgrades: Save Money While Improving Security

Let’s face it: Security systems can get expensive. If you already own a few Arlo Pros, buying all-new Pro2s might not be in your budget. Mixing them lets you upgrade strategically. For example, you could keep the Pros in low-priority areas (like a side yard) and add a Pro2 where you need the best performance (like your front door or garage).

Say you have a $200 budget. Instead of buying two new Pro2s, you could buy one Pro2 and use your existing Pros for secondary coverage. This way, you get the Pro2’s 2K video and spotlight where it matters most, without sacrificing overall coverage.

Flexible Coverage: Tailor Each Camera to Its Location

Not every spot on your property needs the same level of security. The Pro2’s spotlight and color night vision are perfect for high-traffic areas where you want clear identification. Meanwhile, the Pro’s 1080p and IR night vision are great for low-traffic zones where basic monitoring is enough.

Here’s a real-world example: A homeowner in Seattle has a mix of Pros and Pro2s. They use the Pros on their detached garage (where false alerts from passing cars are common) and the Pro2 on their front porch (where they want to see visitors clearly at night). The Pro2’s person detection cuts down on alerts from cars, while the Pros keep an eye on the garage without breaking the bank.

This flexibility also helps with battery life. The Pro2’s spotlight uses more power, so it might need recharging more often than the Pro. By placing the Pro2 in a spot with frequent motion (like a front door), you’re using its features where they’re most useful—and saving battery on the Pros in quieter areas.

Future-Proofing Your System: A Scalable Security Solution

Mixing Pro and Pro2 cameras also makes your system future-proof. If Arlo releases a Pro3 or Pro4 in a few years, you can add those to the same hub, too. This means you’re not locked into a single generation of cameras. You can keep upgrading one camera at a time, spreading out the cost over years.

Think of it like building a modular security system. You start with the basics (Pro), add premium features as needed (Pro2), and keep adding new tech as it comes out. This approach saves money in the long run and ensures your system stays up-to-date without a full overhaul.

Potential Challenges and How to Solve Them

Video Quality Mismatch: Managing Different Resolutions

One downside of mixing Pro and Pro2 cameras is the difference in video quality. The Pro2’s 2K footage looks sharper than the Pro’s 1080p, which might feel inconsistent when viewing multiple feeds. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider.

To minimize this, prioritize camera placement. Use the Pro2 in areas where detail matters most (like a front door or driveway) and the Pro in spots where general monitoring is enough (like a backyard fence). This way, you’re not comparing 2K and 1080p side by side in critical areas.

Another tip: Use the Arlo app’s “Zoom” feature to focus on key details. If you see something interesting in a Pro’s 1080p feed, you can zoom in to get a closer look—though it won’t be as clear as the Pro2’s 2K footage.

Battery Life Differences: Balancing Power Needs

The Pro2’s spotlight and advanced sensors use more power than the Pro, so its batteries might drain faster—especially if you have frequent motion events. If you’re using both cameras in high-traffic areas, you could end up recharging the Pro2 more often.

To solve this, adjust motion sensitivity for the Pro2. In the Arlo app, go to Camera Settings > Motion Detection and set it to “People Only” instead of “All Motion.” This reduces unnecessary activations, saving battery life. You can also use the Pro2’s solar panel accessory (sold separately) for continuous charging—a great option for sunny areas.

For the Pros, keep them on “All Motion” if you’re using them in low-traffic zones. This ensures they don’t miss anything, while the Pro2 handles the heavy lifting in busier areas.

Subscription Costs: Cloud vs. Local Storage Trade-Offs

If you’re using cloud storage, all your cameras—Pro and Pro2—share the same Arlo Smart subscription. However, the Pro2’s 2K footage takes up more cloud space than the Pro’s 1080p, which could push you into a higher-tier plan. To avoid this, consider using local storage for the Pro2.

Since the Pro2 supports USB drives in the hub, you can save its footage locally and keep the Pros on cloud storage. This way, you only pay for cloud storage for the cameras that need it, saving money on subscriptions. Just remember: Local storage means you need to back up the USB drive regularly to avoid losing footage.

Practical Setup Tips for a Seamless Mixed System

Step-by-Step: How to Add a Pro2 to Your Existing Pro Setup

Adding a Pro2 to your Pro system is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

• 1. Update your SmartHub: Go to the Arlo app and check for firmware updates. Install any available updates to ensure compatibility.
• 2. Charge the Pro2: Fully charge the battery using the included cable.
• 3. Sync the camera: Press and hold the sync button on the Pro2 until the LED blinks. Then, press the sync button on your SmartHub.
• 4. Follow the app prompts: The Arlo app will detect the new camera and guide you through setup. Give it a name (e.g., “Backyard Pro2”) and set your motion zones.
• 5. Test the feed: Make sure the Pro2’s video appears in the app and that motion detection works as expected.

Pro tip: If you’re adding multiple Pro2s, do them one at a time to avoid confusion. The app will remember your settings, so you can copy them to other cameras later.

Optimizing Settings for Mixed Cameras

Once your cameras are connected, fine-tune their settings for the best performance:

• Motion zones: Customize each camera’s detection area. For example, set the Pro2 to ignore cars on the street but alert you to people at the door.
• Night vision: For the Pro2, enable the spotlight for color night vision. For the Pro, stick with IR for black-and-white footage.
• Alerts: Use the Pro2’s person detection to reduce false alarms. For the Pros, set alerts to “All Motion” if you want maximum coverage.
• Storage: Decide which cameras use cloud storage and which use local (Pro2 only). Balance cost and convenience based on your needs.

Here’s a quick example: A homeowner in Texas sets up their mixed system with the Pro2 at the front door (person detection, spotlight on) and the Pros in the backyard (all motion, IR night vision). They use cloud storage for the Pro2 (for critical footage) and local storage for the Pros (to save on subscriptions).

Data Table: Arlo Pro vs. Pro2 at a Glance

Feature	Arlo Pro	Arlo Pro2
Video Quality	1080p	2K (2560×1440)
Night Vision	Black-and-white (IR)	Color (spotlight + IR)
Motion Detection	All motion	Person, animal, vehicle detection
Local Storage	No (cloud only)	Yes (USB drive in hub)
Battery Life	Up to 6 months	Up to 3 months (with spotlight)
Weather Resistance	IP65	IP65

Final Thoughts: Is a Mixed Arlo Pro/Pro2 Setup Right for You?

Combining Arlo Pro and Pro2 cameras isn’t just possible—it’s a smart strategy for anyone who wants better security without a full system overhaul. Whether you’re upgrading one camera at a time or mixing them for cost-effective coverage, this approach gives you the best of both generations. You get the Pro2’s cutting-edge features where they matter most, while the Pros handle basic monitoring at a lower cost.

The key is to plan your placement wisely. Use the Pro2 in high-priority areas (like your front door or garage) and the Pro in secondary zones (like a side yard). Adjust settings to match each camera’s strengths, and don’t forget to balance storage options to save on subscriptions. With a little tweaking, you’ll have a system that’s powerful, flexible, and uniquely tailored to your home.

At the end of the day, home security is about peace of mind—not perfection. A mixed Arlo setup won’t give you flawless 2K footage everywhere, but it will give you smart coverage that grows with your needs. So go ahead, mix those cameras, and build a system that works for you—not the other way around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you combine Arlo Pro and Pro2 cameras in the same system?

Yes, you can combine Arlo Pro and Pro2 cameras in the same system. Both use the same Arlo SmartHub or base station, making them fully compatible for unified monitoring.

Do Arlo Pro and Pro2 cameras work with the same app?

Yes, both camera models sync seamlessly with the Arlo app. This allows you to manage all devices—including live views, alerts, and recordings—from a single interface.

Will combining Arlo Pro and Pro2 cameras affect video quality?

No, combining the two models won’t compromise video quality. The Arlo Pro offers 720p HD, while the Pro2 delivers 1080p, so you’ll get consistent clarity based on each camera’s specs.

Can you mix Arlo Pro and Pro2 for a custom security setup?

Absolutely. Mixing Arlo Pro and Pro2 cameras lets you tailor your security system to specific needs—like using Pro2 for high-resolution areas and Pro for budget-friendly coverage.

Are there any limitations when using both Arlo Pro and Pro2 together?

There are no major limitations, but note that advanced Pro2 features (like 160° field of view and activity zones) won’t apply to Arlo Pro cameras. Both still function reliably in the same ecosystem.

Do Arlo Pro and Pro2 cameras share the same subscription plan?

Yes, both cameras use the same Arlo Smart subscription for cloud storage and advanced features. A single plan covers all cameras, regardless of model, simplifying management.