Can You Put 5 Cameras and a Arlo Doorbell for Ultimate Security

Yes, you can install 5 Arlo cameras and an Arlo Doorbell together for comprehensive home security—the system supports multiple devices on a single account, enabling seamless integration and centralized control via the Arlo app. With proper Wi-Fi coverage and a compatible hub or base station, this setup delivers 24/7 monitoring, motion alerts, and crisp video coverage for ultimate peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can install 5 cameras and an Arlo doorbell for comprehensive home coverage.
• Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal strength to support multiple devices without lag.
• Use a centralized hub or app to manage all cameras and doorbell efficiently.
• Prioritize camera placement at entry points, blind spots, and high-traffic areas.
• Check power sources and battery life to avoid frequent recharging or outages.
• Enable motion zones and alerts to reduce false notifications and improve security.

Why You Should Consider a 5-Camera and Arlo Doorbell Setup

Imagine coming home after a long day, only to find a package missing from your porch. Or worse, discovering that someone has been lurking around your property while you were away. It’s a nightmare scenario, but one that’s becoming all too common in today’s world. That’s why home security isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. And if you’re serious about protecting your home, you might be wondering: *Can you put 5 cameras and an Arlo doorbell for ultimate security?*

Short answer? Yes. But there’s more to it than just plugging in devices and calling it a day. A well-thought-out security system with five cameras and an Arlo doorbell can cover blind spots, deter intruders, and give you peace of mind. But it takes planning, understanding your home’s layout, and knowing how to maximize each device’s potential. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from setup tips to real-world examples—so you can build a security system that truly works for your home.

Understanding Your Home’s Security Needs

Assessing Your Home’s Layout and Vulnerabilities

Before buying cameras or a doorbell, take a step back and look at your home like a potential intruder would. Where are the easiest access points? Which areas are poorly lit? Are there blind spots where someone could hide? These are the questions you need to answer to build an effective security system.

For example, my own home had a side gate that led to a secluded backyard—perfect for someone to sneak in unnoticed. I also noticed that my front porch was visible from the street, but my back door wasn’t. That’s when I realized I needed coverage in multiple directions. Five cameras and an Arlo doorbell gave me the flexibility to monitor every angle.

• Front door: An Arlo doorbell is perfect here—it lets you see who’s at the door, even when you’re not home.
• Back door/side gates: Place cameras here to catch any suspicious activity.
• Driveway/garage: A camera here can monitor packages, vehicles, and unexpected visitors.
• Backyard/side yard: These areas are often overlooked but can be entry points.
• Indoor (optional): If you have pets or kids, an indoor camera can help monitor activity inside.

How Many Cameras Do You Really Need?

Five cameras might sound like overkill—until you realize that most homes have at least 3-4 critical entry points. The key is strategic placement, not quantity for the sake of it. Here’s how I decided on five cameras for my setup:

• Front door: Arlo doorbell + one wide-angle camera for full porch coverage.
• Back door: One camera focused on the door and adjacent windows.
• Side gate: A camera with motion detection to catch anyone sneaking in.
• Driveway: A camera with zoom capability to read license plates.
• Backyard: A weatherproof camera for 24/7 surveillance.

Pro tip: Start with the most vulnerable areas first. You can always add more cameras later if needed.

Setting Up 5 Cameras and an Arlo Doorbell: Step-by-Step

Choosing the Right Camera Models

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. For a 5-camera setup, you’ll want a mix of indoor/outdoor, wired/wireless, and different field-of-view options. Here’s what I recommend:

• Arlo Pro 5S: Great for outdoor use, with 2K resolution and color night vision. I use two of these for my front and back doors.
• Arlo Essential Spotlight: Budget-friendly with good battery life. Perfect for my side gate.
• Arlo Ultra: 4K resolution for my driveway—ideal for capturing license plates.
• Arlo Go: Cellular-connected camera for my backyard (no Wi-Fi needed).
• Arlo Baby: Indoor camera for monitoring my home office (optional).

Pair these with the Arlo Video Doorbell for a seamless system. The doorbell integrates with all Arlo cameras, so you can view everything in one app.

Installation Tips for Optimal Coverage

Installation is where many people go wrong. Here’s how to do it right:

• Height matters: Mount cameras 8-10 feet high to avoid tampering but still capture faces.
• Angle carefully: Tilt cameras slightly downward to cover the area you want. For example, my front door camera is angled to show the porch and sidewalk.
• Wi-Fi strength: Use an Arlo SmartHub or Wi-Fi extender if you have dead zones. My backyard camera needed a signal booster.
• Power sources: Wired cameras are more reliable, but battery-powered ones are easier to install. I mix both depending on the location.
• Doorbell wiring: The Arlo doorbell can be wired or battery-powered. I chose wired for constant power.

Real-life example: When I installed my driveway camera, I initially mounted it too low—my neighbor’s kids kept waving at it. After raising it, the footage became much more useful.

Maximizing Your Security System’s Potential

Smart Features That Make a Difference

A 5-camera and Arlo doorbell setup isn’t just about recording—it’s about smart automation. Here’s how I use advanced features to stay ahead of threats:

• Motion zones: I set up motion zones to ignore my dog but alert me to people near the back door.
• AI detection: Arlo’s person/package/vehicle detection reduces false alarms. My driveway camera ignores passing cars but alerts me to stopped vehicles.
• Two-way audio: I use the doorbell’s mic to talk to delivery drivers without opening the door.
• Night vision: Color night vision (Pro 5S) helps me identify intruders even in the dark.
• Cloud storage: I pay for Arlo Secure to store 30 days of footage—no more worrying about lost clips.

One night, my back door camera detected motion at 2 AM. The AI confirmed it was a person, and I got an alert. I used two-way audio to scare off the intruder before they could break in.

Integrating with Other Smart Devices

Your security system shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. I’ve connected mine to:

• Smart lights: When motion is detected, my backyard lights turn on.
• Smart locks: I can unlock the front door remotely if a trusted friend needs to enter.
• Voice assistants: I ask Alexa to show me the front door camera on my TV.
• IFTTT: Custom automations, like saving footage to Google Drive.

Pro tip: Use IFTTT to create a “panic button” that turns on all lights and starts recording if you feel unsafe.

Common Challenges and How to Solve Them

Wi-Fi and Connectivity Issues

Five cameras + a doorbell = a lot of bandwidth. Here’s how I avoid connectivity problems:

• Dedicated 2.4 GHz network: I set up a separate Wi-Fi network just for my Arlo devices.
• SmartHub: The Arlo SmartHub extends range and reduces latency.
• Regular reboots: I restart my router and SmartHub every Sunday.
• Camera placement: I avoid mounting cameras too far from the router or SmartHub.

When my backyard camera kept disconnecting, I moved the SmartHub closer to it—problem solved.

False Alarms and Nuisance Alerts

Nothing’s worse than getting 50 alerts for your cat. Here’s how I minimize false alarms:

• Fine-tune motion zones: I exclude areas where pets or trees cause motion.
• Adjust sensitivity: I set lower sensitivity for cameras near busy streets.
• AI filtering: I only get alerts for people, not leaves or shadows.
• Scheduling: I disable motion alerts for certain hours (e.g., when I’m mowing the lawn).

One time, my neighbor’s sprinklers triggered motion alerts every morning. After adjusting the zone, I haven’t had a single false alarm since.

Cost and Budget Considerations

Breaking Down the Expenses

Let’s be real—a 5-camera + Arlo doorbell setup isn’t cheap. But it’s an investment in your safety. Here’s a rough cost breakdown:

Item	Model	Cost	Notes
Arlo Doorbell	Video Doorbell (Wired)	$129	One-time purchase
Outdoor Cameras (3)	Pro 5S (2), Ultra (1)	$600	Higher resolution, night vision
Indoor/Other (2)	Essential Spotlight (1), Go (1)	$300	Cellular option for no Wi-Fi
SmartHub	Arlo SmartHub	$100	Required for some features
Cloud Storage	Arlo Secure (30-day)	$10/month	Optional but recommended
Total		$1,229+	Plus $120/year for cloud

Cost-Saving Tips

You don’t have to break the bank. Here’s how I saved money:

• Buy bundles: Arlo often sells camera kits at a discount.
• Refurbished models: I bought one camera refurbished to save $50.
• Skip the SmartHub: If your router is strong, you might not need it.
• Free storage: Arlo gives you 3 days of free cloud storage—enough for most users.
• Wait for sales: Black Friday deals can save you 20-30%.

My total cost came to $1,100 after sales and refurbished purchases—still a lot, but worth it for the peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, can you put 5 cameras and an Arlo doorbell for ultimate security? Absolutely—but only if you do it right. It’s not just about buying the devices; it’s about understanding your home’s needs, installing them strategically, and using smart features to their fullest.

I’ve had my setup for over a year now, and it’s saved me more times than I can count. From catching package thieves to scaring off intruders, it’s become an essential part of my home. The initial cost and setup might seem daunting, but the security it provides is priceless.

Remember: A security system is only as good as how you use it. Take the time to plan your layout, fine-tune settings, and integrate with other smart devices. And don’t forget to test it regularly—your safety depends on it.

At the end of the day, no system is 100% foolproof. But with 5 cameras and an Arlo doorbell, you’ll have the best possible chance of protecting what matters most. And isn’t that worth every penny?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put 5 cameras and an Arlo doorbell on the same system?

Yes, you can integrate 5 cameras and an Arlo doorbell on the same Arlo SmartHub or base station, depending on the model. Most Arlo systems support up to 15 devices, making a 5-camera-and-doorbell setup fully compatible.

What’s the best way to connect multiple Arlo cameras and a doorbell?

Using an Arlo SmartHub or Wi-Fi base station (like Arlo Pro 3/4/5 or Ultra) ensures seamless connectivity for 5 cameras and an Arlo doorbell. This centralizes management and improves reliability, especially for large coverage areas.

Will adding 5 cameras and an Arlo doorbell slow down my network?

Not necessarily—Arlo devices use efficient bandwidth, especially when connected via a dedicated SmartHub. However, ensure your internet speed is at least 2 Mbps per camera for smooth streaming and recording.

Can you put 5 Arlo cameras and a doorbell on one subscription plan?

Yes, Arlo’s subscription plans (e.g., Arlo Secure) cover multiple devices, including 5 cameras and a doorbell, under one plan. Check the plan’s device limit (usually 5–10 devices) to confirm compatibility.

Do all 5 cameras and the Arlo doorbell need to be the same model?

No, Arlo systems support mixed models (e.g., Pro, Ultra, Essential) alongside the doorbell. However, features like 4K recording or color night vision may vary by camera type.

How do I optimize placement for 5 cameras and an Arlo doorbell?

Position cameras at entry points, driveways, and blind spots, while the doorbell covers your front porch. Use the Arlo app’s live view to test angles and ensure full coverage without overlapping fields of view.