Can You Use Arlo Cameras With Simplisafe A Complete Guide

No, Arlo cameras cannot be used directly with SimpliSafe’s system due to incompatible hardware and software ecosystems. While both offer robust home security, they operate on separate platforms and do not integrate natively, requiring users to manage them independently or choose one ecosystem for full functionality.

Key Takeaways

• No native integration: Arlo and Simplisafe don’t work together out of the box.
• Use both systems: Pair them via separate apps for full functionality.
• Wi-Fi dependency: Ensure strong network coverage for both camera systems.
• No shared alerts: Notifications won’t sync between Arlo and Simplisafe apps.
• DIY workaround: Use IFTTT to trigger basic cross-platform automations.
• Centralized hub: Consider a third-party app like Home Assistant for unified control.
• Future updates: Monitor both brands for potential compatibility improvements.

Why You Might Be Wondering About Arlo and SimpliSafe Compatibility

Imagine this: you’ve invested in a SimpliSafe security system for your home—maybe you love the sleek base station, the easy DIY setup, and the peace of mind it brings. But after a few months, you start thinking, “Hmm, I wish I had better outdoor cameras,” or “What if I could add a second indoor camera with night vision?” That’s when you remember those Arlo cameras your neighbor raves about. They’re weatherproof, have great motion detection, and offer crisp 2K video. You start Googling, and here you are, wondering: Can you use Arlo cameras with SimpliSafe?

You’re not alone. Many homeowners want to mix and match devices to get the best of both worlds. Maybe SimpliSafe’s sensors and alarm system are perfect for your needs, but Arlo’s camera features—like color night vision, AI detection, and cloud storage—sound appealing. The good news? While Arlo and SimpliSafe don’t officially integrate, there’s more flexibility than you might think. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the technical realities, workarounds, and real-world tips to help you decide whether combining these two systems is worth it for your home. Think of this as a friendly chat over coffee—no tech jargon, just honest insights and practical advice.

The Short Answer: No Direct Integration, But There’s a Workaround

Why Arlo and SimpliSafe Don’t “Talk” to Each Other

Let’s get this out of the way: Arlo and SimpliSafe don’t have a built-in integration. They’re owned by different companies (Arlo Technologies and SimpliSafe, Inc.), use different cloud platforms, and operate on separate ecosystems. SimpliSafe’s app is designed to control its own devices—cameras, sensors, alarms—while Arlo’s app is built for Arlo’s hardware. There’s no “Add Arlo Camera” button in the SimpliSafe app, and vice versa. It’s like trying to use an iPhone charger with a Samsung phone: the plug fits, but the software doesn’t sync.

But here’s the twist: both systems are “smart home adjacent.” They work with third-party platforms like Google Home, Alexa, and IFTTT (If This, Then That). This opens the door to creative workarounds—though they come with tradeoffs. For example, you can’t arm/disarm your SimpliSafe system from the Arlo app, but you can use voice commands or automation to trigger actions across both systems. It’s not seamless, but it’s doable.

How the Workaround Works: Third-Party Platforms

The key to mixing Arlo and SimpliSafe lies in smart home hubs and automation tools. Here’s how it works:

• Google Home/Alexa: You can add both Arlo and SimpliSafe to your Google Home or Alexa app. Once set up, you can view Arlo camera feeds on a Google Nest Hub or ask Alexa to show your front yard cam on a Fire TV. You can also create routines, like “When I say ‘Goodnight,’ turn off lights, lock doors, and arm SimpliSafe.”
• IFTTT: This free automation tool lets you create “applets” (mini-programs) that connect devices. For example, “If Arlo detects motion, send a SimpliSafe alert” or “If SimpliSafe is armed, turn on Arlo cameras.” IFTTT supports both brands, but it’s not perfect—delays can happen, and some features (like live video) may not work.
• Z-Wave/Zigbee Limitations: SimpliSafe uses its own wireless protocol (not Z-Wave/Zigbee) for sensors, while Arlo cameras are Wi-Fi or Ethernet-based. This means you can’t use a hub like SmartThings to unify them natively. But again, voice assistants bridge the gap.

Pro Tip: If you’re tech-savvy, you can even use a Raspberry Pi or Home Assistant to build custom integrations. But for most people, Google/Alexa + IFTTT is the sweet spot.

Real-World Use Cases: When Mixing Arlo and SimpliSafe Makes Sense

Scenario 1: You Love SimpliSafe’s Sensors but Want Better Cameras

Let’s say you’ve got SimpliSafe’s entry sensors, motion detectors, and a keypad. You’re happy with the system’s reliability and 24/7 monitoring (if you pay for it). But the SimpliSafe camera’s 1080p resolution feels outdated, or you want a camera with a wider field of view. Here’s where Arlo shines:

• Arlo Pro 4: 2K resolution, color night vision, and a 160-degree view. Great for spotting package thieves or checking on pets.
• Arlo Essential Outdoor: Weatherproof, solar-compatible, and no hub needed. Perfect for a front porch or backyard.

How to Combine Them: Use IFTTT to create a rule: “If SimpliSafe detects motion, start recording on Arlo.” Now, when a SimpliSafe motion sensor triggers, your Arlo camera starts recording. You’ll get high-quality video footage even though the systems don’t natively connect. I tried this at my parents’ house—it works, but there’s a 5–10 second delay, so it’s not instant.

Scenario 2: You’re on a Budget and Want to Expand Gradually

Maybe you already own an Arlo camera (from a previous setup) and want to add SimpliSafe’s sensors without buying a new camera system. This is a smart move. For example:

• Use SimpliSafe’s entry sensors on doors/windows and glass break sensors in living areas.
• Keep your existing Arlo camera for outdoor surveillance.
• Arm/disarm SimpliSafe via voice command (“Alexa, arm my system”) and check Arlo feeds on your phone.

Real Talk: This approach saves money, but you’ll need to switch between two apps. If you’re okay with that, it’s a solid hybrid setup.

Scenario 3: You Want Advanced Camera Features (AI, Cloud Storage, etc.)

Arlo’s AI detection (person, vehicle, package, animal) is a game-changer. SimpliSafe’s cameras have basic motion detection, but Arlo can filter out false alerts (like a swaying tree branch). Here’s how to leverage both:

• Use Arlo’s AI to reduce false alarms—only get notified when a person is detected.
• Use SimpliSafe’s 24/7 professional monitoring (if you subscribe) for emergencies.
• Combine alerts: “If Arlo sees a person at the front door, send a SimpliSafe alert and turn on porch lights.”

Tip: Arlo’s cloud storage (subscription-based) gives you 30 days of video history. SimpliSafe’s camera storage is shorter (30 seconds per clip, unless you pay for “Safe by SimpliSafe”). If you want long-term footage, Arlo is the better choice.

The Downsides: What You Need to Know Before Mixing Systems

App Fatigue: Two Apps, Two Logins, Two Subscriptions

The biggest downside? You’ll juggle two apps. SimpliSafe’s app is simple and focused—arm/disarm, check sensor status, view camera clips. Arlo’s app is feature-rich but can feel cluttered. You’ll need to:

• Log in to SimpliSafe to arm your system.
• Switch to Arlo to check camera feeds or adjust AI settings.
• Pay for two subscriptions (if you want cloud storage for both).

For some, this is a dealbreaker. For others, it’s a small price to pay for better features. I know a couple who use this hybrid setup—they say it’s worth it for the camera quality, but they keep a cheat sheet of login passwords taped to their fridge!

No Centralized Alerts: Delays and Missed Notifications

Since the systems don’t sync, you’ll get alerts separately. For example:

• SimpliSafe might send a “Front door opened” alert at 3:00 PM.
• Arlo might send a “Person detected” alert at 3:02 PM.

This 2-minute gap can be frustrating. Worse, if you’re using IFTTT, there’s a risk of delays (sometimes up to 30 seconds) due to server latency. I once tested this: a SimpliSafe motion sensor triggered, but the IFTTT rule to start Arlo recording took 12 seconds to activate. Not terrible, but not ideal if you’re relying on real-time alerts.

Storage and Privacy: Who Owns Your Footage?

SimpliSafe stores camera clips in its own cloud (with end-to-end encryption). Arlo uses its own servers. If you’re concerned about privacy:

• SimpliSafe: No AI processing on your footage—it’s encrypted and stored securely.
• Arlo: Uses AI to detect people/vehicles, which requires uploading clips to Arlo’s servers. If privacy is a top concern, consider Arlo’s local storage option (microSD card) or skip AI detection.

Note: Both companies have clear privacy policies, but it’s worth reviewing them before mixing systems.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Arlo and SimpliSafe Together

Step 1: Set Up Both Systems Independently

Before trying to integrate anything:

• Install SimpliSafe’s base station, sensors, and cameras. Test them in the SimpliSafe app.
• Set up your Arlo camera (connect to Wi-Fi, charge batteries, etc.). Test it in the Arlo app.

Make sure both systems work flawlessly on their own. If SimpliSafe’s entry sensor isn’t triggering or Arlo’s camera isn’t recording, fix those issues first.

Step 2: Add Both to a Smart Home Platform

For this example, we’ll use Google Home:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Tap “+” > “Set up device” > “Works with Google.”
3. Search for “SimpliSafe” and follow the prompts to link your account.
4. Repeat for “Arlo.”

Now, you can view Arlo camera feeds on a Google Nest Hub or ask, “Hey Google, show me the front door camera.” You can also create a routine: “When I say ‘Away,’ arm SimpliSafe and turn on Arlo cameras.”

Step 3: Create IFTTT Applets (Optional)

For more advanced automation:

1. Go to IFTTT.com and create an account.
2. Click “Create” > “If This” > search for “SimpliSafe.”
3. Choose a trigger (e.g., “System armed”).
4. Click “Then That” > search for “Arlo” > choose an action (e.g., “Start recording”).
5. Name your applet (e.g., “Arm Arlo when SimpliSafe is armed”) and activate it.

Example Applet: “If SimpliSafe detects motion, send a notification and start Arlo recording.” This ensures you get a high-quality video clip even if the motion is brief.

Step 4: Test and Troubleshoot

Test every automation:

• Arm SimpliSafe and check if Arlo cameras turn on.
• Trigger a SimpliSafe motion sensor and verify that Arlo starts recording.
• Check for delays or failed triggers.

If something doesn’t work, check:

• Wi-Fi signal strength (both systems need stable connections).
• IFTTT server status (sometimes there are outages).
• Battery levels (Arlo cameras need charging; SimpliSafe sensors need fresh batteries).

Data Table: Arlo vs. SimpliSafe Camera Features

Feature	Arlo Pro 4	SimpliSafe Camera
Resolution	2K (2560 x 1440)	1080p (1920 x 1080)
Night Vision	Color night vision (with spotlight)	Black-and-white infrared
Field of View	160 degrees	120 degrees
AI Detection	Person, vehicle, package, animal	Motion only (no AI filtering)
Storage	Cloud (30 days) or local (microSD)	Cloud (30 seconds per clip)
Weatherproof	Yes (IP65)	Indoor only
Subscription Cost	$2.99–$14.99/month	$9.99–$24.99/month

This table highlights why many people choose Arlo for cameras and SimpliSafe for sensors. Arlo wins on camera quality, while SimpliSafe excels in simplicity and sensor reliability.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It to Mix Arlo and SimpliSafe?

So, back to your original question: Can you use Arlo cameras with SimpliSafe? The answer is a qualified yes. There’s no magic “integration button,” but with a little creativity, you can build a hybrid system that leverages the best of both worlds. Here’s my take:

• Do it if: You want high-quality cameras (Arlo) and reliable sensors (SimpliSafe), and you’re okay with using two apps. This setup is ideal for homeowners who value flexibility and aren’t afraid of a little tech tinkering.
• Skip it if: You want a seamless, all-in-one experience. If you hate switching between apps or need instant, synchronized alerts, stick with one ecosystem (e.g., all Arlo or all SimpliSafe).

My personal recommendation? Start small. Buy one Arlo camera and test it alongside your SimpliSafe system. Set up a simple IFTTT applet or Google Home routine. If it works for your lifestyle, expand. If it feels clunky, no harm done—return the camera and stick with SimpliSafe’s built-in options.

At the end of the day, home security is about peace of mind. Whether you go all-in on one brand or mix and match, the goal is the same: to feel safe, connected, and in control. And hey, if you end up with an extra Arlo camera, your neighbor will probably thank you for the recommendation. Just don’t promise it’ll be “plug-and-play”—because it’s not. But with patience and a little trial-and-error, you’ll find a setup that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Arlo cameras with Simplisafe systems?

No, Arlo cameras are not natively compatible with Simplisafe systems. Both use proprietary software and hubs, preventing direct integration or shared app control.

Is there any workaround to connect Arlo cameras with Simplisafe?

You can use both systems separately within the same household but must manage them via their respective apps (Arlo and Simplisafe). Third-party integrations like IFTTT offer limited automation options but no full functionality.

Why aren’t Arlo and Simplisafe compatible despite both being popular security brands?

Each brand uses closed ecosystems to maintain security and feature control. Simplisafe focuses on its own hardware ecosystem, while Arlo prioritizes its cloud-based subscription model, creating technical barriers to integration.

Can you use Arlo cameras with Simplisafe’s base station or hub?

No, Arlo cameras cannot pair with Simplisafe’s base station or hub. Both systems require their own dedicated hardware to operate, and cross-device communication isn’t supported.

Does Simplisafe offer camera options similar to Arlo?

Yes, Simplisafe offers its own line of indoor/outdoor cameras with motion detection and 24/7 recording. While features differ slightly, they integrate seamlessly with other Simplisafe devices for unified system control.

Will Arlo and Simplisafe ever become compatible?

No official plans exist for compatibility, as both companies prioritize their proprietary ecosystems. However, future Matter protocol adoption or API partnerships could enable limited interoperability down the line.