Can You Mix and Match Arlo Cameras for Ultimate Security

Yes, you can mix and match Arlo cameras across most models—like Ultra, Pro, and Essential—within the same ecosystem for a fully customized security setup. This flexibility lets you pair indoor, outdoor, wired, and wire-free cameras seamlessly, all managed through the Arlo app for unified monitoring and alerts. Create the perfect surveillance solution tailored to your home’s unique needs.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can mix Arlo cameras: Combine wired, wireless, and doorbell models seamlessly.
• Use one Arlo app: Manage all camera types from a single interface effortlessly.
• Check hub compatibility: Older hubs may limit newer camera features or pairing.
• Leverage AI features: Pair advanced cams with basic ones for smarter alerts.
• Optimize placement: Mix indoor/outdoor cams for full-property coverage without gaps.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensures cross-camera compatibility and performance stability.

The Big Question: Can You Mix and Match Arlo Cameras?

Imagine this: You’ve just moved into a new home with a long driveway, a backyard that feels like a forest, and a front porch that gets more foot traffic than your local coffee shop. You want a security system that covers it all—without breaking the bank or creating a patchwork of incompatible gadgets. That’s when the thought hits: Can you mix and match Arlo cameras to create a custom security setup that fits your unique space?

You’re not alone. Thousands of Arlo users face this question every year. The good news? Arlo’s ecosystem is built for flexibility. But like any smart home system, it’s not always a free-for-all. Some cameras play better together than others. Whether you’re upgrading an old setup, expanding coverage, or just love the idea of a modular security system, this guide will walk you through the ins and outs of mixing and matching Arlo cameras—no tech degree required.

How Arlo’s Ecosystem Works (And Why It Matters)

The Hub-and-Spoke Model: Your System’s Backbone

At the heart of every Arlo setup is the hub—a small, unassuming device that connects your cameras to the internet and your phone. Think of it as the “command center” of your security system. Most Arlo cameras (especially the wired and battery-powered ones) connect to this hub via a proprietary wireless protocol called Arlo Secure Link. This ensures a stable, encrypted connection with minimal lag.

Here’s the kicker: All Arlo hubs support a mix of camera types, as long as they’re from the same “generation” (more on that later). For example, you can connect an Arlo Ultra 2 (4K, wired) to the same hub as an Arlo Essential Spotlight (1080p, battery-powered). The hub doesn’t care about resolution or power source—it just manages the connection.

Pro Tip: If you’re starting from scratch, consider the Arlo SmartHub (sold with most newer camera bundles). It’s compatible with nearly every Arlo camera released since 2018, including older models like the Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3.

Wi-Fi Cameras: The Wildcard in Your Mix

Not all Arlo cameras need a hub. The Arlo Essential Indoor/Outdoor and Arlo Pro 4 XL connect directly to your Wi-Fi router. This is great for renters or small spaces, but it introduces a wrinkle when mixing cameras. Here’s why:

• Wi-Fi cameras bypass the hub, so they won’t use Arlo Secure Link. This means slightly higher latency and a greater chance of signal dropouts in areas with weak Wi-Fi.
• They still show up in the same app, so you can view feeds from both hub-connected and Wi-Fi cameras side by side.
• But they may not support all features. For example, local storage (via a microSD card) is only available on hub-connected cameras.

Real-world example: One user in Texas paired an Arlo Ultra 2 (hub-connected) with an Arlo Essential Outdoor (Wi-Fi) for a budget-friendly backyard setup. The Ultra handled the long-range driveway view, while the Essential covered the patio. “The app treats them as one system,” they said, “but I do notice a 2-second delay on the Wi-Fi camera.”

Camera Compatibility: What Works Together (And What Doesn’t)

Generational Gaps: The #1 Compatibility Rule

Arlo releases new camera models every 12–18 months. While they all look similar, there’s a catch: Cameras from different generations often don’t work together. Here’s the breakdown:

• Gen 3 (2018–2020): Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra (original). Use the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station.
• Gen 4 (2020–2023): Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Essential. Use the Arlo SmartHub (same as Gen 3) but require firmware updates for full feature access.
• Gen 5 (2023+): Arlo Pro 5S, Arlo Essential 2nd Gen. Use the Arlo SmartHub 2, which adds support for 6GHz Wi-Fi and faster processing.

The Rule: You can mix cameras within the same generation, but not across generations. For example, an Arlo Pro 3 (Gen 3) won’t work with an Arlo Pro 5S (Gen 5) on the same hub. The hub simply doesn’t recognize the newer camera.

Workaround: Use two separate hubs. One user in Florida ran a Gen 3 hub for their older Arlo Pro 2 cameras and a Gen 5 hub for their new Pro 5S. “It’s not elegant,” they admitted, “but I didn’t want to replace $600 worth of working cameras.”

Power and Connectivity: Matching Needs to Your Home

Arlo cameras come in three power flavors:

• Battery-powered: Arlo Essential, Arlo Pro 3/4. Last 6–12 months per charge. Great for renters or hard-to-wire areas.
• Wired: Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Pro 4 XL. Plug into an outlet. Best for permanent installations (e.g., front porch).
• Solar: Arlo Solar Panel (add-on for battery cameras). Ideal for off-grid spots.

Mixing Tip: You can combine all three types! A common setup is:

1. Front porch: Wired Arlo Ultra 2 (for 24/7 4K recording).
2. Backyard: Battery-powered Arlo Pro 4 (with solar panel).
3. Garage: Arlo Essential Indoor (Wi-Fi, for quick checks).

Why it works: Each camera fills a niche. The wired camera handles high-traffic areas, the battery camera covers remote zones, and the Wi-Fi camera gives instant access without hub dependency.

Features That Play Nice (And Some That Don’t)

Resolution, Zoom, and Night Vision: The Trade-Offs

Mixing cameras means mixing specs. Here’s how to avoid a jarring experience:

• Resolution: Pairing a 4K Arlo Ultra 2 with a 1080p Arlo Essential? The app automatically scales lower-res feeds to fit, but don’t expect 4K detail on the cheaper camera.
• Zoom: Only Arlo Ultra 2, Pro 4 XL, and Pro 5S support optical zoom. If you’re mixing with non-zoom cameras, use the digital zoom feature in the app (but quality drops sharply).
• Night Vision: All Arlo cameras have infrared (IR) night vision, but newer models (Ultra 2, Pro 5S) add color night vision via a spotlight. This creates a stark difference in nighttime footage.

Pro Tip: If you’re mixing generations, avoid pairing a camera with color night vision (e.g., Ultra 2) with one without (e.g., Pro 3). The contrast can be jarring when reviewing clips.

Smart Features: Alerts, AI, and Integrations

Arlo’s AI-powered alerts (person, package, vehicle detection) are a big selling point. But here’s the catch:

• All cameras support basic motion alerts, but advanced AI (e.g., package detection) requires an Arlo Secure subscription.
• Not all cameras have the same AI accuracy. For example, the Arlo Essential’s package detection is less precise than the Pro 5S’s.
• Smart home integrations (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit) work across all cameras, but features like two-way talk may vary by model.

Real-world example: A user in Oregon mixed an Arlo Ultra 2 (with AI package detection) and an Arlo Pro 4 (basic motion alerts). “The Ultra 2 caught every delivery,” they said, “but the Pro 4 kept alerting me to squirrels. I ended up turning off its motion alerts and using it just for live view.”

Real-World Mix-and-Match Setups (And Lessons Learned)

Case Study 1: The Suburban Family Home

Setup: 1x Arlo Ultra 2 (front door), 2x Arlo Pro 4 (backyard), 1x Arlo Essential Indoor (garage).

• Why it works: The Ultra 2 handles high-resolution front-door footage, the Pro 4s cover the backyard with battery flexibility, and the Essential Indoor provides a low-cost indoor view.
• Lesson learned: The Pro 4s needed solar panels for the backyard (battery life dropped to 4 months in winter). The Essential Indoor’s Wi-Fi connection was spotty, so they switched to a hub-connected Arlo Essential Outdoor.

Case Study 2: The Rural Farmhouse

Setup: 2x Arlo Pro 5S (barn, driveway), 1x Arlo Essential Outdoor (shed), 1x Arlo Floodlight (porch).

• Why it works: The Pro 5S’s 6GHz Wi-Fi handles long-range coverage, the Essential Outdoor fills a blind spot, and the Floodlight deters intruders.
• Lesson learned: The Essential Outdoor (Gen 4) couldn’t connect to the Gen 5 hub. They used a second hub, doubling the cost but preserving compatibility.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Compatibility at a Glance

Camera Model	Generation	Hub Required?	Max Resolution	AI Features	Works With Older Hubs?
Arlo Pro 2	Gen 3	Yes (Base Station)	1080p	Basic motion	Yes (with firmware update)
Arlo Ultra 2	Gen 4	Yes (SmartHub)	4K	Person, package, vehicle	Yes (Gen 3 hub)
Arlo Pro 5S	Gen 5	Yes (SmartHub 2)	2K	Person, package, vehicle	No (requires SmartHub 2)
Arlo Essential Outdoor	Gen 4	No (Wi-Fi) or Yes (SmartHub)	1080p	Basic motion	Yes (Gen 3 hub)
Arlo Floodlight	Gen 4	Yes (SmartHub)	1080p	Basic motion	Yes (Gen 3 hub)

Note: “Works With Older Hubs” means the camera can connect to hubs from earlier generations (e.g., a Gen 4 camera on a Gen 3 hub). Always check firmware requirements.

The Bottom Line: Is Mixing and Matching Right for You?

So, can you mix and match Arlo cameras? Yes—but with caveats. The system is designed for flexibility, but your success depends on three things:

1. Generational compatibility: Stick to the same generation for seamless integration. If you’re upgrading, consider replacing older cameras or adding a second hub.
2. Feature alignment: Don’t pair a 4K camera with a 720p one if you care about consistent quality. Similarly, avoid mixing AI and non-AI cameras if you rely on smart alerts.
3. Power needs: Wired cameras offer reliability, battery cameras offer flexibility, and solar panels extend battery life. Choose based on your home’s layout.

Think of it like a puzzle: Each Arlo camera is a piece. Some fit perfectly; others need a little tweaking. The beauty of Arlo’s ecosystem is that it lets you experiment. Try a mix of wired and battery cameras. Test a hub-connected and Wi-Fi model. You might discover a setup you never considered—like using an Arlo Floodlight for both security and mood lighting.

And remember: Your security system should adapt to your life, not the other way around. If mixing and matching Arlo cameras helps you cover every corner of your property without overspending, go for it. Just keep the generational rules in mind, and don’t be afraid to tweak your setup as your needs change.

After all, the best security system isn’t the one with the most cameras—it’s the one that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix and match Arlo cameras with different models?

Yes, you can mix and match Arlo cameras across different models (e.g., Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential) within the same ecosystem. They all connect to the Arlo SmartHub or base station, allowing unified control via the Arlo app.

Do all Arlo cameras work with the same base station?

Most Arlo cameras, including Pro 3, Ultra, and Go, are compatible with the Arlo SmartHub or base station. However, older models like the original Arlo may require a specific legacy base station for full functionality.

Can you mix and match Arlo cameras with different resolutions?

Absolutely! You can combine 4K, 2K, and 1080p Arlo cameras in one setup. The Arlo app lets you customize video quality settings per camera to balance storage and performance.

Will mixing Arlo cameras affect my subscription plan?

No, your Arlo Secure subscription covers all cameras regardless of model. You’ll pay per camera for cloud storage, but features like AI detection work uniformly across mixed setups.

Can Arlo wired and wireless cameras be used together?

Yes, wired (e.g., Arlo Essential Wired) and wireless (e.g., Arlo Pro 4) cameras integrate seamlessly. Both connect to the same hub and appear in the Arlo app for easy monitoring.

Does mixing Arlo cameras impact battery life or performance?

No, each camera operates independently. Battery-powered models won’t affect wired cameras, and performance remains optimized as long as your Wi-Fi or hub connection is stable.