Can You Use an Arlo Camera Without the Base Station Here Is How

Yes, you can use an Arlo camera without the base station by connecting it directly to your home Wi-Fi network, enabling local storage and live streaming via the Arlo app. This setup works with select Arlo models, like the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra, offering flexibility without monthly fees—though some features may require a subscription.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Use Arlo cameras without the base station via Wi-Fi or cellular connections.
• Wi-Fi required: Most standalone setups need a stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
• No local storage: Without a base station, cloud storage is essential for video recordings.
• Arlo app needed: Manage settings, alerts, and live view directly from your smartphone.
• Check compatibility: Older Arlo models may require a base station for full functionality.
• Cellular option: Use an Arlo Go with a SIM card for remote, base-free monitoring.

Can You Use an Arlo Camera Without the Base Station? Here’s How

Let’s be honest: setting up a home security system can feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions. You’ve got all the pieces, but nothing seems to connect the way it should. If you’re considering Arlo cameras, you’ve probably heard that they usually come with a base station—a little box that acts as the brain of your system. But what if you don’t want to use it? Maybe you already have a smart home hub, or you’re trying to save on costs. Or perhaps you’re just tired of another gadget cluttering your Wi-Fi. You’re not alone in wondering: can you use an Arlo camera without the base station?

The short answer is yes—but with some important caveats. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a tech-savvy renter, or just someone who hates extra hardware, this guide is for you. I’ve spent weeks testing different Arlo models, reading the fine print, and even reaching out to Arlo support to get the full picture. In this post, we’ll explore which Arlo cameras can work without the base station, how to set them up, and what trade-offs you’ll face. We’ll also look at real-life scenarios—like using Arlo for apartment security, travel monitoring, or integrating with other smart home devices. So grab a coffee, and let’s dive into the world of wireless security without the base station baggage.

Which Arlo Cameras Work Without a Base Station?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to base station independence. Some models are designed to work solo, while others require that little box to function. Let’s break it down.

Cameras That Don’t Need a Base Station

If you’re aiming to skip the base station, your best bets are:

• Arlo Pro 3 (with firmware update): After a 2020 firmware update, Pro 3 and Pro 4 models can connect directly to your Wi-Fi. This was a game-changer for users who wanted flexibility.
• Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2: These high-end models support Wi-Fi connectivity out of the box. They use a dual-band connection (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) for better performance.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor and Outdoor): These budget-friendly models connect directly to Wi-Fi. No base station needed—perfect for renters or small apartments.
• Arlo Pro 4: Like the Pro 3, it can connect directly to Wi-Fi after a firmware update. It also has a built-in spotlight and siren.
• Arlo Go (LTE models): These use cellular data, so they don’t need Wi-Fi or a base station at all. Great for remote locations like cabins or construction sites.

Tip: Always check the product packaging or Arlo’s website. Some bundles still include the base station, but you can often buy the camera standalone.

Cameras That Do Require a Base Station

Unfortunately, some older models still need that base station to function. These include:

• Arlo (original): The first-generation Arlo cameras use a proprietary 2.4 GHz connection to the base station. No Wi-Fi option.
• Arlo Pro and Pro 2: These require the base station to act as a bridge between the cameras and your router.
• Arlo Baby: Designed for nurseries, it uses the base station to connect to Wi-Fi.

If you already own one of these models, don’t panic. You can still use them—but you’ll need to keep the base station. However, if you’re shopping new, stick with the Wi-Fi-compatible models listed above.

Why the Difference?

Arlo’s older cameras use a proprietary wireless protocol (not Wi-Fi) to communicate with the base station. This reduces interference and extends battery life. But it also means the base station is essential. Newer models use standard Wi-Fi, which makes setup easier and more flexible—though it can drain batteries faster.

How to Set Up an Arlo Camera Without the Base Station

Setting up a base-station-free Arlo camera is surprisingly simple—if you follow the right steps. Let’s walk through it using the Arlo Pro 4 as an example. The process is similar for other Wi-Fi-compatible models.

Step 1: Download the Arlo App

First, download the Arlo app from the App Store or Google Play. Create an account if you don’t have one. This app is your control center—it’s where you’ll view live feeds, adjust settings, and get alerts.

Step 2: Connect the Camera to Power

Plug in the camera using the included power adapter. For battery-powered models, make sure the battery is fully charged. The camera’s LED will blink blue when it’s ready to pair.

Step 3: Add the Camera to Your Wi-Fi

• Open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device”.
• Select your camera model (e.g., Arlo Pro 4).
• The app will generate a QR code. Hold your camera close to the screen so it can scan the code.
• Enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. Pro tip: Use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi—5 GHz can cause connection issues.
• Wait for the camera to connect. This usually takes 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Position and Test

Once connected, place the camera where you want it. Use the app to check the live feed. Adjust the angle, motion sensitivity, and recording settings as needed.

Real-world example: I set up an Arlo Essential Outdoor in my backyard without the base station. It took me 8 minutes—and the video quality was crystal clear at 1080p.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Weak Wi-Fi signal? Move the camera closer to your router or add a Wi-Fi extender.
• Camera won’t connect? Restart the app, reset the camera (hold the sync button for 10 seconds), and try again.
• Frequent disconnections? Switch to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. 5 GHz has shorter range and can’t penetrate walls well.

Battery Life Considerations

Wi-Fi uses more power than the base station’s proprietary connection. Expect battery life to be 10–20% shorter than advertised. To extend it:

• Lower the video resolution in the app.
• Reduce motion detection sensitivity.
• Use a solar panel (available for most models).

Pros and Cons of Skipping the Base Station

Going base station-free sounds great—but it’s not perfect. Let’s weigh the trade-offs so you can decide what’s right for your setup.

The Pros

• Less clutter: No extra box taking up space on your router shelf.
• Easier setup: Skip the base station pairing step. Just connect to Wi-Fi.
• More flexibility: Place cameras anywhere with Wi-Fi coverage—even in a shed or garage.
• Cost savings: Base stations cost $60–$100. If you don’t need it, why pay?
• No single point of failure: If the base station fails, your cameras go dark. With Wi-Fi, each camera is independent.

My experience: I moved my Arlo Pro 4 from my house to my parents’ place in another state. All I needed was Wi-Fi—no base station to lug around.

The Cons

• Wi-Fi dependency: If your internet goes down, your cameras stop recording. Base stations can store footage locally (on a USB drive) even without Wi-Fi.
• Shorter battery life: As mentioned earlier, Wi-Fi drains batteries faster.
• Bandwidth usage: Each camera uses your internet bandwidth. With 4+ cameras, this can slow down your network.
• No local storage: Base stations let you save footage to a USB drive. Wi-Fi-only cameras require cloud storage (which costs extra).
• Signal interference: Wi-Fi networks can get crowded, causing lag or dropped connections.

Real talk: I once had three Arlo cameras on Wi-Fi during a thunderstorm. My internet dropped, and I lost 2 hours of footage. With a base station, that wouldn’t have happened.

When to Keep the Base Station

Consider keeping the base station if:

• You want local storage (no monthly fees).
• You have poor Wi-Fi coverage in your home.
• You use older Arlo models that need it.
• You want to reduce internet usage from multiple cameras.

Real-World Use Cases: When Going Base Station-Free Makes Sense

Let’s look at practical scenarios where skipping the base station is a smart move—and one where it’s not.

1. Apartment or Rental Security

As a renter, you don’t want to install permanent equipment. An Arlo Essential (Indoor) connects directly to Wi-Fi and can be removed in minutes. No drilling, no base station, no hassle. Tip: Use adhesive mounts instead of screws.

2. Travel or Vacation Homes

Got a cabin in the woods? An Arlo Go (LTE) uses cellular data, so you don’t need Wi-Fi or a base station. It’s perfect for remote monitoring. Just pop in a SIM card and go.

3. Small Business or Office

For a home office or small retail space, a single Arlo Pro 4 on Wi-Fi can cover the whole area. No need for a base station—just plug and play.

4. Temporary Events

Hosting a backyard wedding or outdoor party? Set up an Arlo Essential Outdoor for a few days to monitor the area. When the event’s over, pack it up. No base station to store or lose.

5. Smart Home Integration

If you already use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, a Wi-Fi Arlo camera fits right in. You can view feeds on Echo Show, get alerts on your phone, or trigger automations (e.g., “When motion is detected, turn on the porch light”).

Example: I linked my Arlo Pro 4 to my Alexa routine. When the camera detects motion after 10 PM, Alexa turns on my porch light and sends a notification.

When to Avoid It: The Rural Farm Example

A friend tried using Wi-Fi-only Arlo cameras on his rural farm. His Wi-Fi didn’t reach the barn, and cellular data was spotty. He ended up buying a base station to use the cameras in “local mode” (recording to a USB drive). Lesson: always check your signal coverage first.

Comparing Base Station vs. Wi-Fi-Only: A Quick Reference

To help you decide, here’s a side-by-side comparison of key features:

Feature	With Base Station	Wi-Fi-Only
Setup Complexity	Medium (pair camera to base, then base to Wi-Fi)	Easy (connect directly to Wi-Fi)
Internet Dependency	Low (records locally during outages)	High (stops recording if Wi-Fi drops)
Storage Options	Local (USB) + Cloud	Cloud only (subscription needed)
Battery Life	Longer (proprietary connection)	Shorter (Wi-Fi drains faster)
Cost	Higher (base station adds $60–$100)	Lower (no extra hardware)
Scalability	Good (base supports up to 15 cameras)	Limited by Wi-Fi capacity (4–5 cameras max)
Best For	Large homes, poor Wi-Fi, local storage needs	Renters, small spaces, smart home integration

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, can you use an Arlo camera without the base station? Absolutely—and for many people, it’s the better choice. If you’re tech-savvy, have reliable Wi-Fi, and want a simple, flexible setup, Wi-Fi-only Arlo cameras are a great fit. They’re perfect for renters, small homes, and smart home enthusiasts who hate extra hardware.

But let’s be real: there are downsides. You’ll rely on your internet connection, and cloud storage isn’t free. If you have a large property, spotty Wi-Fi, or want to avoid monthly fees, the base station might still be worth it. It’s not just a bridge—it’s a backup, a storage hub, and a buffer against network issues.

My advice? Start small. Buy one Wi-Fi-compatible Arlo camera (like the Essential or Pro 4) and test it in your space. See how the signal holds up, how often the battery needs charging, and whether you miss local storage. If it works, great! If not, you can always add a base station later—or switch to a hybrid setup.

At the end of the day, home security should fit your life—not the other way around. Whether you go base station-free or keep the hardware, the goal is peace of mind. And with Arlo’s flexibility, you’ve got options. Just remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for your neighbor might not work for you. So do your research, test your setup, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. After all, your home—and your security—is unique. And now, you’ve got the tools to make it work, with or without that little box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use an Arlo camera without the base station?

Yes, certain Arlo camera models like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra can operate without a base station by connecting directly to your Wi-Fi network. However, features like local storage and extended battery life may require the base station.

Which Arlo cameras work without a base station?

The Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and newer standalone models (e.g., Arlo Essential) support direct Wi-Fi connectivity without the base station. Older models like the Arlo Pro 2 typically require the base station for full functionality.

Do I lose features if I use an Arlo camera without the base station?

Yes, skipping the base station means missing out on local video storage, enhanced battery optimization, and some advanced AI detection features. Cloud storage and basic live streaming remain available via Wi-Fi.

How do I set up an Arlo camera without the base station?

For compatible models, open the Arlo app, select “Add Device,” and follow the prompts to connect the camera directly to your Wi-Fi. Ensure your network meets the camera’s bandwidth requirements (2.4 GHz recommended).

Is the Arlo base station mandatory for continuous recording?

Continuous recording without the base station requires a paid Arlo Smart subscription for cloud storage. The base station enables local continuous recording via a microSD card or USB drive, bypassing subscription fees.

Can I use multiple Arlo cameras without a base station?

Yes, you can connect multiple Wi-Fi-compatible Arlo cameras directly to your router, but performance may vary based on network strength. The base station helps manage bandwidth and ensures stable connections for larger setups.