Can You Use Arlo Cameras With Arlo Pro A Complete Guide

Yes, you can use Arlo cameras with Arlo Pro systems seamlessly, as they are fully compatible across the same ecosystem, allowing for unified monitoring and control. Mix and match Arlo and Arlo Pro cameras on one base station to expand coverage without sacrificing features like 1080p HD video, night vision, or smart alerts.

Key Takeaways

• Mix and match: Arlo and Arlo Pro cameras work together seamlessly in one system.
• Same app: Manage all cameras via the Arlo app for unified control.
• Base station: Use an Arlo Pro base to integrate older Arlo cameras easily.
• No extra fees: No subscription needed to use both camera types together.
• Check compatibility: Ensure firmware is updated for optimal cross-camera performance.
• Enhanced coverage: Combine camera strengths for wider, smarter home surveillance.

The Arlo Ecosystem: Can You Use Arlo Cameras With Arlo Pro?

Imagine this: You’ve invested in a couple of Arlo Pro cameras to cover the front and back of your home. They’ve worked great—crisp 1080p video, reliable night vision, and motion alerts that actually help. But now, you’re thinking about expanding your setup. Maybe you want to add an older Arlo camera to cover the side gate or the garage. Or perhaps you’ve found a good deal on a standard Arlo (not Pro) and are wondering if it’ll play nice with your current Pro system. The big question is: Can you use Arlo cameras with Arlo Pro?

It’s a common dilemma, especially since Arlo has released so many models over the years—Arlo, Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and even Arlo Essential. Each one touts better features, but does that mean they’re incompatible with older versions? The short answer is: yes, you can mix and match most Arlo cameras, but there are some important caveats, nuances, and setup tips you need to know. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—compatibility, setup, performance differences, and real-world tips to help you build a seamless, unified home security system without buying a whole new set of gear.

Understanding the Arlo Camera Lineup and Generations

What Makes Each Arlo Model Different?

Before we dive into compatibility, it helps to understand the key differences between Arlo camera models. Think of it like generations of smartphones—each new model adds features, but they often still connect to the same ecosystem.

• Arlo (Original): The first-gen model. 720p video, 2-way audio, weather-resistant, battery-powered. Uses Wi-Fi (not 2.4 GHz only).
• Arlo Pro: Released in 2017. Upgraded to 1080p, improved night vision, 2-way audio with noise cancellation, and a siren. Uses a base station for better range and battery life.
• Arlo Pro 2: Same as Pro but adds 1080p continuous video recording (CVR) with subscription, better motion detection zones, and optional 4K recording (with add-on).
• Arlo Pro 3/4: 2K HDR video, spotlight, color night vision, built-in siren, and improved battery. Still uses a base station (Pro 4 has a newer base with Wi-Fi 6 support).
• Arlo Ultra: 4K HDR, advanced AI detection, 180° field of view, and a magnetic mount. Requires a newer base station (Arlo SmartHub).
• Arlo Essential: Budget-friendly, 1080p, no base station needed—connects directly to Wi-Fi. Great for indoor or small outdoor areas.

Key Takeaway: Base Stations Are the Glue

Here’s the thing: Arlo cameras don’t connect directly to your home Wi-Fi unless they’re part of the Essential or newer Ultra/Pro 4 lines. Most older models—like the original Arlo and Arlo Pro—rely on a base station (also called a SmartHub) to act as a bridge between the camera and your router. This is crucial for understanding compatibility.

For example, if you have an Arlo Pro base station, it can typically support older Arlo cameras (original and Pro) as well as newer ones like Pro 2 and Pro 3—but not necessarily Ultra or Pro 4, which may require a newer SmartHub. So the base station is the linchpin.

Compatibility: Can You Mix Arlo Cameras with Arlo Pro?

Yes, But With Some Rules

The good news? You can use Arlo cameras with Arlo Pro systems in most cases. Arlo designed its ecosystem to be backward and forward compatible—within reason. But it’s not a free-for-all. Here’s what actually works:

• Arlo Pro base station + original Arlo camera: Yes. The original Arlo camera can connect to the Pro base station. You’ll get 720p video (limited by the camera), but motion alerts, live view, and cloud storage will work.
• Arlo Pro base station + Arlo Pro 2: Yes. Full compatibility. Pro 2 will use all its features (like CVR) if you have a subscription.
• Arlo Pro base station + Arlo Pro 3: Yes, but with a catch. The Pro 3 will work, but you won’t get 2K video or color night vision unless you’re using a newer SmartHub (like the one that comes with Pro 3/4). The Pro base station caps video at 1080p.
• Arlo Pro base station + Arlo Essential: No. Essential cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi and don’t use base stations. They won’t pair with a Pro base.
• Arlo Pro 4 SmartHub + original Arlo: Yes. The newer SmartHub supports backward compatibility with older models.

Real-World Example: My Mixed Setup

Here’s a real example from my own home. I started with two Arlo Pro cameras and a Pro base station. Later, I added an original Arlo camera I got secondhand for the side yard. It connected without a hitch. I also added an Arlo Pro 2 for the driveway. The Pro 2 worked perfectly, and I could use its advanced motion zones and CVR (with my Arlo Secure subscription).

The only hiccup? I bought an Arlo Essential for the porch. I thought I could just plug it in and add it to my existing app. Nope. It connected to my Wi-Fi directly but didn’t show up in the same camera list as my Pro cameras. I had to manage it separately—same app, but it felt fragmented. Not a dealbreaker, but not seamless either.

Tip: Check the Base Station Model

Not all base stations are created equal. The original Arlo base (VMB3000) supports original Arlo and Arlo Pro. The Arlo Pro base (VMB4000) supports Pro, Pro 2, and Pro 3 (with limitations). The newer SmartHub (VMB5000, included with Pro 3/4/Ultra) supports all models, including backward compatibility.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to mix and match, consider upgrading to a newer SmartHub. It’s a one-time investment that gives you maximum flexibility.

Setting Up a Mixed Arlo Camera System: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Know Your Base Station

Before adding any camera, identify your base station model. Look at the label on the back or in the Arlo app under Settings > My Devices > Base Station. This tells you what cameras are supported.

Step 2: Add Cameras in the Arlo App

The process is mostly the same for all cameras, but here’s how it works:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device”.
2. Select the camera type (e.g., “Arlo Pro” or “Arlo (Original)”).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to sync the camera with the base station (usually by pressing a sync button on the base).
4. Name your camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”).
5. Mount and position the camera.

Important: If you’re adding an older Arlo camera to a Pro base, the app may prompt you to update the camera’s firmware. Do it—it’s quick and ensures compatibility.

Step 3: Manage Battery Life and Power

Different cameras have different battery needs. Arlo Pro and Pro 2 have rechargeable batteries (last 3–6 months). Original Arlo uses 4 CR123 batteries (last 4–6 months). Pro 3/4 have larger batteries (6–9 months). Essential cameras use a built-in battery or plug-in power.

Tip: Use the app’s battery level indicator to track usage. Set up alerts for low battery. For outdoor cameras, consider solar panels (sold separately) to extend battery life—especially useful if you’re mixing older models with shorter battery life.

Step 4: Optimize Placement and Wi-Fi

Even with a base station, signal strength matters. Cameras should be within 300 feet of the base (line of sight). Thick walls or metal structures can reduce range.

• Use the Arlo app’s signal strength meter (during setup) to test placement.
• For weak signals, try moving the base station closer or adding an Arlo SmartHub extender (if using a newer base).
• For Essential cameras (Wi-Fi-only), ensure they’re within range of your router.

Step 5: Customize Alerts and Zones

One of the best features of Arlo is customizable motion zones. But not all cameras support the same level of control.

• Original Arlo: Basic motion detection (no zones).
• Arlo Pro/Pro 2: Customizable motion zones (great for ignoring trees or street traffic).
• Pro 3/4/Ultra: Advanced AI detection (person, package, vehicle) with zones.

Tip: In the app, go to Camera Settings > Motion Detection and draw zones to avoid false alerts. For older cameras without zones, you can still adjust sensitivity or set activity schedules.

Performance and Feature Limitations When Mixing Cameras

Video Quality: The “Weakest Link” Rule

When you mix cameras, the overall system quality is limited by the lowest-performing camera. For example:

• If you have an original Arlo (720p) and an Arlo Pro (1080p), your recordings will be 720p for that camera. The Pro will still record at 1080p.
• If you connect a Pro 3 to an old Pro base station, it will downgrade to 1080p (losing 2K and color night vision).

This isn’t a flaw—it’s just how the hardware and base station communicate. The good news? You can still use higher-end features (like 2K) on newer cameras if you use a compatible base.

Night Vision Differences

Here’s a breakdown of night vision across models:

• Original Arlo: Infrared (black and white).
• Arlo Pro/Pro 2: Infrared (black and white).
• Pro 3/4: Infrared + spotlight = color night vision (when spotlight is on).
• Ultra: Infrared + spotlight + HDR = best color night vision.

Tip: If you’re mixing cameras, place the ones with spotlight (Pro 3/4/Ultra) in high-traffic areas like the front door. Use older IR-only cameras for less critical spots (e.g., side yard).

Audio and Two-Way Talk

Most Arlo cameras have 2-way audio, but quality varies:

• Original Arlo: Basic audio, no noise cancellation.
• Arlo Pro/Pro 2: Better audio with noise reduction.
• Pro 3/4/Ultra: Crisp, clear audio with echo cancellation.

When using mixed cameras, you’ll notice a difference in audio quality during live view or recordings. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you rely on audio for communication.

Cloud vs. Local Storage

Arlo offers cloud storage (via Arlo Secure subscription) and local storage (using a microSD card in the base station). But not all cameras support both:

• Original Arlo: Cloud only (no local storage).
• Arlo Pro/Pro 2: Cloud + local (with compatible base).
• Pro 3/4/Ultra: Cloud + local (with newer base).

Tip: If you’re using older cameras, local storage won’t work. For privacy, consider upgrading to a base that supports microSD (e.g., VMB4000 or VMB5000).

Data Table: Arlo Camera Compatibility Matrix

Camera Model	Base Station Required?	Compatible Base Stations	Max Video Quality	Night Vision Type	Local Storage?
Arlo (Original)	Yes	VMB3000, VMB4000, VMB5000	720p	Infrared (B&W)	No
Arlo Pro	Yes	VMB3000, VMB4000, VMB5000	1080p	Infrared (B&W)	Yes (with VMB4000/5000)
Arlo Pro 2	Yes	VMB4000, VMB5000	1080p	Infrared (B&W)	Yes
Arlo Pro 3	Yes	VMB5000 only	2K (with VMB5000)	Infrared + Spotlight (Color)	Yes
Arlo Pro 4	Yes	VMB5000 only	2K	Infrared + Spotlight (Color)	Yes
Arlo Ultra	Yes	VMB5000 only	4K	Infrared + Spotlight + HDR	Yes
Arlo Essential	No	N/A	1080p	Infrared (B&W)	No

Final Thoughts: Is Mixing Arlo Cameras Worth It?

So, can you use Arlo cameras with Arlo Pro? Absolutely—and in most cases, it’s a smart, cost-effective way to expand your security system. Whether you’re adding an older Arlo to a Pro base or upgrading a Pro 2 to a newer SmartHub, Arlo’s ecosystem is surprisingly flexible.

But here’s the honest truth: it’s not always seamless. You might run into:

• Feature limitations (e.g., older cameras can’t use AI detection).
• Video quality differences (720p vs. 2K).
• Management quirks (Essential cameras don’t use base stations).

The key is planning. Ask yourself:

• What’s my base station model? (Upgrade if needed.)
• Which cameras do I already own, and which features matter most?
• Am I okay with some cameras having lower video quality?

My advice? Start with a newer SmartHub (VMB5000) if you’re building a mixed system. It gives you the most flexibility and future-proofing. Use older cameras for less critical areas, and save the high-end models (Pro 3/4/Ultra) for high-traffic zones.

And remember: Arlo’s app is your best friend. Use it to monitor battery, customize alerts, and check signal strength. With a little setup, you can create a unified, powerful security system—without breaking the bank.

At the end of the day, mixing Arlo cameras isn’t just possible—it’s a smart way to get the most out of your investment. Just keep the base station in mind, and you’ll be golden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Arlo cameras with Arlo Pro systems?

Yes, most Arlo cameras are compatible with Arlo Pro systems, as they use the same Arlo SmartHub or base station. However, newer camera models may offer enhanced features not supported by older Pro systems.

Do Arlo Pro 2 cameras work with the original Arlo Pro base station?

Yes, Arlo Pro 2 cameras are backward compatible with the original Arlo Pro base station. You can mix and match cameras within the same ecosystem for seamless integration.

Is there a limit to how many Arlo cameras I can connect to an Arlo Pro hub?

Most Arlo Pro hubs support up to 5–15 cameras, depending on the model and firmware. Check your specific hub’s documentation for exact limits when expanding your setup.

Can you use non-Pro Arlo cameras with an Arlo Pro subscription plan?

Yes, Arlo subscription plans (like Arlo Smart) apply to all compatible cameras, including non-Pro models. The plan unlocks features like cloud storage and AI detection across your entire camera lineup.

Do Arlo Ultra cameras work with the Arlo Pro 3 base station?

Yes, Arlo Ultra cameras are fully compatible with the Arlo Pro 3 base station. Both devices share the same ecosystem, ensuring smooth setup and performance.

Will older Arlo cameras lose features when used with newer Arlo Pro systems?

Older cameras will retain core functionality (like live streaming and motion alerts) but may lack support for newer features like 4K resolution or advanced AI detection introduced in later models.