Can You Mix Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 Cameras A Complete Guide

Yes, you can mix Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras in the same system, allowing for flexible home security setups without replacing existing hardware. Both models work seamlessly together via the Arlo SmartHub or base station, though advanced Pro 3 features like 2K HDR and color night vision won’t be available on Pro 2 cameras. This compatibility makes upgrading cost-effective and scalable.

Key Takeaways

• Mixing is possible: Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras can coexist on the same system.
• Use the same app: Both models are managed via the Arlo app seamlessly.
• Check compatibility: Ensure your base station supports both generations before mixing.
• Features vary: Pro 3 offers 2K resolution and spotlight; Pro 2 lacks these.
• Sync alerts: Motion detection settings must be adjusted individually per camera.
• Upgrade gradually: Mixing lets you transition without replacing all cameras at once.

Can You Mix Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 Cameras? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: you’ve been using your Arlo Pro 2 cameras for over a year, and they’ve served you well. They’ve caught the occasional package thief, recorded your dog’s midnight zoomies, and even helped you keep an eye on the kids playing in the backyard. But now, you’re ready for an upgrade. You’ve heard great things about the Arlo Pro 3—higher resolution, color night vision, and better motion detection. You’re tempted to buy a few Pro 3s to replace some older units, but you’re not sure if you can mix them with your existing Pro 2s. Will they work together? Will the app get confused? And most importantly, will your home security suffer?

You’re not alone. Many Arlo users face this exact dilemma. Whether you’re expanding your system, replacing outdated cameras, or just curious about compatibility, the question “Can you mix Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras?” comes up often. The good news? Yes, you can mix them. But like any tech decision, there are nuances. Some features work seamlessly, others require workarounds, and a few simply won’t function the same way. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from setup and app integration to feature compatibility and real-world performance. Think of this as a chat with a friend who’s been down this road, sharing both the wins and the “hmm, I wish I knew that” moments.

Understanding the Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3: Key Differences

Hardware and Design

The first thing you’ll notice is the physical design. The Arlo Pro 2 has a more compact, rounded shape with a matte white finish. It’s lightweight and blends well with most home exteriors. The Arlo Pro 3, on the other hand, is slightly larger and boxier, with a sleeker, modern look. It features a magnetic mount that’s easier to adjust, and the camera body includes a spotlight—something the Pro 2 lacks.

Both are weather-resistant (IP65), but the Pro 3’s spotlight adds a layer of deterrence, especially at night. If you’ve got a dark backyard or a dimly lit driveway, the Pro 3’s ability to illuminate the area can be a game-changer. That said, the Pro 2’s smaller footprint might still be better for discreet placements, like under eaves or near windows.

Video Quality and Features

This is where the Pro 3 really shines. The Pro 2 records in 1080p HD, which is solid for most use cases. But the Pro 3 bumps it up to 2K HDR, meaning clearer details, better contrast, and more accurate colors—even in challenging lighting. For example, if someone’s wearing a red jacket in low light, the Pro 3 will capture that color more accurately than the Pro 2, which might show it as a muddy brown.

Night vision is another big difference. The Pro 2 uses infrared (IR) night vision, which gives you black-and-white footage. The Pro 3 adds color night vision when the spotlight is on. So, if a raccoon raids your trash at 3 AM, you’ll see it in full color (and maybe even its guilty expression). The Pro 3 also has a wider 160-degree field of view vs. the Pro 2’s 130 degrees, giving you more coverage per camera.

Audio and Smart Features

Both models have two-way audio, but the Pro 3’s microphone and speaker are noticeably better. I’ve tested both side by side, and the Pro 3’s audio is clearer and less tinny. The Pro 3 also includes advanced motion detection with customizable activity zones and person/package detection (with a subscription). The Pro 2 has basic motion detection and activity zones, but lacks AI-powered person/package filtering unless you pay for Arlo Smart.

One thing to note: the Pro 3 requires a SmartHub (sold separately) for local storage and some features. The Pro 2 can work with or without it, but the SmartHub improves performance for both models. If you’re mixing cameras, I recommend investing in a SmartHub—it’s worth it for reliability and future-proofing.

Can You Mix Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 Cameras? The Short Answer

Compatibility Basics

Yes, you can mix Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras on the same system. They’re both part of the Arlo ecosystem and use the same base station (or SmartHub). The Arlo app treats them as individual devices, so you can add both to your account without issues. I’ve personally run a mix of Pro 2s and Pro 3s for over six months, and the app has never crashed or failed to recognize a camera.

Here’s how it works: when you set up a new Pro 3, you’ll pair it with the same base station or SmartHub as your Pro 2s. The app will detect both cameras and let you manage them side by side. You can view live feeds from all cameras, receive alerts, and even create custom modes (like “Away” or “Home”) that include both Pro 2s and Pro 3s.

Real-World Example: My Mixed System

My setup includes three Pro 2s (front door, backyard, and driveway) and two Pro 3s (garage and side yard). The Pro 3s cover high-traffic areas where I need better detail, while the Pro 2s handle less critical zones. The app displays all five cameras on one screen, grouped by location. When motion is detected, the alert includes the camera name, so I know if it’s a Pro 2 or Pro 3.

One tip: name your cameras clearly in the app (e.g., “Front Door – Pro 3” or “Backyard – Pro 2”). This helps you identify which camera is which, especially if you’ve got multiple units in similar locations. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally reviewed footage from the “Driveway – Pro 2” instead of the “Garage – Pro 3” during a package delivery mix-up!

What Works Seamlessly

• Live viewing: All cameras appear in the app, and you can tap to view any feed.
• Alerts: Motion alerts work for both models, though Pro 3’s AI detection is more precise.
• Cloud storage: Both support Arlo Smart subscriptions (more on this later).
• Scheduling: You can set modes (e.g., “Arm” or “Disarm”) that include mixed cameras.

Feature Compatibility: What Works and What Doesn’t

Shared Features (Work on Both Models)

Some features work perfectly across both generations:

• Two-way audio: Talk through any camera, regardless of model.

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• Weather resistance: Both handle rain, snow, and heat without issues.
• Wire-free setup: Both use rechargeable batteries and connect via Wi-Fi.
• Arlo Smart (subscription): Both can access cloud storage, activity zones, and AI detection (Pro 2 needs a subscription for person/package alerts).

I’ve used two-way audio to scare off a squirrel from my front porch with a Pro 2 and to tell a delivery person to leave a package by the garage with a Pro 3. The feature works just as well on both.

Pro 3-Exclusive Features (Limited or Unavailable on Pro 2)

Here’s where mixing gets tricky. Some Pro 3 features won’t work (or work differently) on Pro 2:

• Color night vision: Only the Pro 3 has this. If you’re relying on color footage at night, you’ll need a Pro 3 in that location.
• Spotlight: The Pro 3’s built-in spotlight is a major advantage for deterrence and color night vision. The Pro 2 can’t do this.
• 2K HDR video: The Pro 3’s higher resolution is noticeable when zooming in on faces or license plates. The Pro 2’s 1080p is fine for general use, but not for detailed scrutiny.
• Advanced AI detection: Pro 3’s person/package/vehicle alerts are more accurate than Pro 2’s (even with Arlo Smart).

For example, I have a Pro 2 on my driveway. It detects motion when my car pulls in, but it also triggers alerts for falling leaves or passing shadows. My Pro 3 by the garage, with AI detection, only alerts for actual people or vehicles. This reduces false alarms significantly.

Workarounds and Tips

You can mitigate some limitations with smart placement and settings:

• Place Pro 3s in high-priority areas: Put them where you need color night vision (e.g., front porch) or AI detection (e.g., driveway).
• Use Pro 2s for general coverage: They’re great for less critical zones, like a side yard or backyard.
• Adjust Pro 2 sensitivity: Lower the motion detection sensitivity on Pro 2s to reduce false alerts.
• Add outdoor lights: If you’re using a Pro 2 in a dark area, pair it with a motion-activated light to improve visibility.

One reader shared a clever tip: she uses her Pro 3’s spotlight to illuminate her backyard at night, which actually helps her Pro 2 (mounted nearby) capture better footage. It’s a simple but effective hack!

App Experience and Management

Viewing Mixed Cameras

The Arlo app handles mixed systems well. All cameras appear on the home screen, grouped by location. You can tap any camera for a live view or swipe through recent clips. The app doesn’t prioritize one model over another—it treats them as equals.

However, there are a few quirks:

• Thumbnail quality: Pro 3 thumbnails are sharper due to 2K resolution. This can make Pro 2 thumbnails look grainy by comparison.
• Loading times: Pro 3 streams load slightly faster, especially on weak Wi-Fi. This is due to better compression and hardware.
• Playback controls: Both support zoom, pan, and two-way audio, but the Pro 3’s higher resolution makes zooming more useful.

I’ve noticed that when I have multiple Pro 3s active, the app feels snappier. But with a mix of Pro 2s and Pro 3s, performance is still solid—no lag or crashes.

Managing Alerts and Notifications

Alerts work differently for each model:

• Pro 2: Sends basic motion alerts. With Arlo Smart, you get person detection (but it’s less accurate).
• Pro 3: Sends AI-powered alerts (person/package/vehicle) by default. You can customize zones and sensitivity per camera.

Here’s a pro tip: in the app, go to Settings > Alerts > Activity Zones for each camera. For Pro 2s, draw zones to ignore irrelevant areas (e.g., trees). For Pro 3s, use the AI settings to filter out pets or vehicles.

I once set up a Pro 2 in my backyard with a zone that excluded the neighbor’s fence. It worked, but the Pro 3’s AI was far better at ignoring the fence while catching actual intruders.

Subscription and Storage

Both models support Arlo Smart subscriptions, but the experience differs:

• Cloud storage: Both can store clips in the cloud (7-day or 30-day plans).
• Local storage: Requires a SmartHub and USB drive. Pro 3s work better with local storage due to higher resolution.
• AI features: Pro 2 needs a subscription for person/package alerts. Pro 3 includes basic AI alerts even without a subscription (but advanced features need a plan).

If you’re on a budget, you can skip the subscription for Pro 2s and rely on local storage. But for Pro 3s, I recommend at least a basic plan to unlock AI detection.

Performance and Real-World Testing

Setup and Pairing

Setting up a mixed system is straightforward. Here’s what I did:

1. Used the same SmartHub for both Pro 2s and Pro 3s.
2. Followed the app’s on-screen instructions to pair each camera.
3. Named cameras clearly (e.g., “Front Door – Pro 3”).
4. Tested each camera’s live feed and motion detection.

The whole process took about 30 minutes. The only hiccup was that the Pro 3s required a firmware update out of the box, which added 10 minutes to setup.

Reliability and Connectivity

Both models use Wi-Fi, but the Pro 3’s newer hardware gives it an edge. In my tests:

• Pro 3: Connected instantly to the SmartHub. Streamed smoothly even during heavy rain.
• Pro 2: Took 2–3 seconds longer to connect. Had occasional drops when Wi-Fi was weak.

For best results, place the SmartHub centrally and use Wi-Fi extenders if needed. I added a TP-Link extender halfway through my yard, and both models performed flawlessly afterward.

Battery Life and Charging

Both use rechargeable batteries, but Pro 3 batteries last slightly longer (6 months vs. 5 months for Pro 2). The Pro 3 also charges faster (4 hours vs. 6 hours). If you’re mixing models, keep a spare battery for each type on hand.

One reader shared a smart tip: she uses a solar panel with her Pro 2s to extend battery life. It works, but the Pro 3’s built-in spotlight drains the battery faster, so solar isn’t as effective.

Data Table: Arlo Pro 2 vs. Pro 3 at a Glance

Feature	Arlo Pro 2	Arlo Pro 3	Compatibility with Mixed System
Video Resolution	1080p HD	2K HDR	Both work; Pro 3 has better quality
Night Vision	Infrared (B&W)	Color (with spotlight)	Pro 3 has superior night vision
Motion Detection	Basic (with AI via subscription)	AI-powered (person/package/vehicle)	Pro 3 is more accurate
Two-Way Audio	Yes	Yes (clearer audio)	Both work
Weather Resistance	IP65	IP65	Both work
Storage	Cloud/local (with SmartHub)	Cloud/local (requires SmartHub)	Both work; Pro 3 better for local
Battery Life	~5 months	~6 months	Both work; Pro 3 lasts longer

Final Thoughts: Is Mixing Pro 2 and Pro 3 Worth It?

So, should you mix Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras? Yes—if you’re strategic. The Pro 3’s upgrades (2K video, color night vision, AI detection) make it a better choice for high-priority areas. But the Pro 2 is still a solid, budget-friendly option for general coverage. By mixing them, you get the best of both worlds: cutting-edge features where you need them, and reliable performance where you don’t.

Here’s my final advice: start by placing Pro 3s in critical spots (front door, driveway, garage). Use Pro 2s for less important zones (backyard, side yard). Invest in a SmartHub for better performance and local storage. And name your cameras clearly—it’ll save you headaches later.

Remember, no system is perfect. The Pro 2 has limitations, and the Pro 3’s spotlight drains batteries faster. But with smart setup and a bit of patience, a mixed Arlo system can give you comprehensive, reliable home security without breaking the bank. At the end of the day, the goal is peace of mind—and both cameras deliver that, just in different ways. Happy monitoring!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras in the same system?

Yes, you can mix Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras in the same system. Both models are compatible with the same Arlo SmartHub or base station, allowing seamless integration for unified monitoring.

Do Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras work together on the same app?

Absolutely. Both camera models sync with the Arlo app, letting you view, manage, and receive alerts from all your cameras in one place, regardless of generation.

Will mixing Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras affect video quality or features?

Each camera retains its native specs (e.g., Pro 3’s 2K HDR vs. Pro 2’s 1080p). Features like night vision or motion detection work independently, so performance isn’t compromised.

Can I use Arlo Pro 3’s spotlight and siren features with Pro 2 cameras?

No, the spotlight and siren are exclusive to Pro 3 and newer models. However, you can still use these features on Pro 3 cameras while keeping Pro 2 for basic monitoring.

Is a firmware update required to mix Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras?

Ensure both cameras and your SmartHub/base station run the latest firmware. Updates are usually automatic via the Arlo app to maintain compatibility.

Does Arlo support mixing Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras for cloud storage?

Yes, all cameras share the same Arlo Smart cloud plan. However, higher-resolution Pro 3 footage may consume more storage than Pro 2’s 1080p recordings.