Can You Use Other Camera for Arlo Base Explore Compatibility Options

No, you cannot use non-Arlo cameras with an Arlo Base Station—the system is designed exclusively for Arlo-branded devices to ensure seamless integration and performance. Compatibility is strictly limited to Arlo cameras, so mixing third-party brands will not work, though older Arlo models often remain supported within the ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• Stick to Arlo cameras for guaranteed base station compatibility and full feature access.
• Third-party cameras won’t work with Arlo base due to proprietary protocols.
• Use Arlo Pro or Ultra models to maximize base station functionality and performance.
• Check firmware updates to ensure your Arlo base supports newer camera models.
• Mix Arlo generations if they’re compatible—verify via official Arlo compatibility charts.
• Avoid non-Arlo brands—they lack integration with Arlo’s security and cloud features.

Can You Use Other Camera for Arlo Base? The Big Question

Imagine this: You’ve invested in an Arlo base station—maybe the Arlo Pro 4 or the Ultra—and you love the reliability, cloud features, and sleek design. But now, you’re wondering, *“Can I use other camera for Arlo base?”* Maybe you have an old security camera lying around, or you found a third-party model with better night vision. Or perhaps you’re trying to save a few bucks by mixing brands. It’s a totally fair question, and you’re not alone. Many Arlo users find themselves in this exact spot, hoping to expand their system without buying more Arlo-branded cameras.

Here’s the short answer: No, you cannot use other camera for Arlo base—at least not directly. Arlo’s ecosystem is tightly controlled. The base station is designed to work *only* with Arlo-certified cameras. But don’t hit that back button just yet. There’s more to this story. While native compatibility is limited, there are clever workarounds, alternative setups, and even some third-party tricks that might give you the flexibility you’re after. In this guide, we’ll explore every angle: why Arlo restricts compatibility, what happens if you try to force it, and how you can *still* integrate non-Arlo cameras into your home security setup—even if it means thinking outside the base station.

Why Arlo Cameras Are Locked to the Base Station

Proprietary Protocols and Encryption

Arlo uses its own proprietary wireless protocol to connect cameras to the base station. Unlike Wi-Fi, which is open and widely supported, Arlo’s protocol is custom-built. This means the base station “speaks” a unique language that only Arlo cameras understand. It’s like having a phone that only works with one carrier—no SIM swaps allowed. This design choice improves security and reduces interference, but it also creates a closed ecosystem.

For example, the Arlo Pro 4 uses a 2.4 GHz frequency band with AES-128 encryption. The base station authenticates each camera using a secure handshake. If a non-Arlo camera tries to connect, it simply won’t pass the authentication step. No amount of button-pressing or Wi-Fi tweaking will fix this—it’s baked into the firmware.

Firmware and Software Integration

Arlo’s app and cloud services are deeply integrated with the hardware. Features like AI-powered person detection, motion zones, and two-way audio are managed through Arlo’s servers. These features rely on data processed by Arlo cameras and transmitted securely via the base station. A third-party camera can’t send the right data format, so the app would have no idea what to do with it.

Think of it like trying to plug an Android phone into an iPhone charger. Even if the plug fits, the charging protocol is different. Same idea here. The Arlo base station expects specific data packets, timing, and firmware versions—none of which a generic camera can provide.

Business Model and Ecosystem Lock-In

Let’s be real: Arlo benefits from this lock-in. When your base station only works with Arlo cameras, you’re more likely to buy Arlo-branded products. This is common in the tech world—Apple does it with iPhones and AirPods, and Google does it with Nest cameras. It’s not just about security; it’s about brand loyalty and recurring revenue (like cloud storage plans).

While this might feel frustrating, it’s not all bad. The tight integration means fewer bugs, better performance, and a smoother user experience—*if* you stick with Arlo gear. But if you’re the type who likes to mix and match, you’ll need a different strategy.

What Happens If You Try to Connect a Non-Arlo Camera?

The “Pairing” Process: A One-Way Street

You might be tempted to try pairing a non-Arlo camera to the base station. After all, both devices have cameras, right? Let’s walk through what actually happens.

When you press the sync button on the Arlo base station, it broadcasts a unique pairing signal over its proprietary network. This signal includes a temporary encryption key and a device ID. Arlo cameras are programmed to listen for this signal, respond with their own encrypted handshake, and then register with the base. A third-party camera—say, a Reolink, Wyze, or Blink model—doesn’t know how to interpret this signal. It won’t even detect it, because it’s tuned to Wi-Fi or a different protocol.

I once tried pairing a Wyze Cam v3 (which supports local storage and RTSP) to my Arlo Pro base. I held the sync button, waited 30 seconds, and… nothing. The Arlo app showed “Searching for cameras,” but the Wyze just sat there, blinking blue like it was waiting for a Wi-Fi password. No error, no pop-up—just silence. That’s how locked down the system is.

Workarounds That Don’t Work (And Why)

Some users try to “trick” the system by:

• Using a Wi-Fi bridge: Connecting the third-party camera to the same network as the Arlo base, hoping they’ll sync. (Spoiler: They won’t.)
• Hacking the firmware: Attempting to reverse-engineer the pairing protocol. (Possible in theory, but illegal and risky.)
• Using a USB camera on the base: The base has USB ports, but they’re for firmware updates and accessories—not for connecting external cameras.

One forum user even tried to connect a USB webcam to the base station, thinking it might act as an external input. Nope. The base station doesn’t support video input—it only outputs to Arlo cameras.

The Risk of “Jailbreaking” or Hacking

There are online communities (like Reddit’s r/arlo and XDA Developers) where users explore firmware hacks. Some have managed to extract Arlo camera firmware or create custom bridges, but these methods:

• Void your warranty
• Risk bricking your base station
• May violate Arlo’s terms of service
• Often stop working after a firmware update

I’ve seen users spend weeks trying to hack a single camera, only to have Arlo release an update that breaks the hack. It’s like playing whack-a-mole—not worth the time or risk for most people.

Alternative Solutions: How to Integrate Non-Arlo Cameras (Without the Base)

Use a Separate Hub or NVR

If you *really* want to use a non-Arlo camera, the best approach is to keep it completely separate from your Arlo system. Use a dedicated hub or NVR (Network Video Recorder) for the third-party camera.

For example:

• Reolink cameras work with Reolink’s NVR or their app. You can view both Arlo and Reolink feeds side-by-side in their respective apps.

< Wyze Cam connects directly to your Wi-Fi and streams to the Wyze app. No base station needed.

• Google Nest Cam uses Google’s ecosystem. Pair it with a Nest Hub for a unified display.

Tip: Use a tablet or smart display as a “security dashboard.” Mount it in your kitchen and open both the Arlo and third-party apps. It’s not seamless, but it works.

Leverage Smart Home Platforms (Home Assistant, HomeKit, Alexa)

For tech-savvy users, smart home platforms are a game-changer. Home Assistant, for instance, can integrate Arlo cameras *and* third-party cameras (like Eufy, TP-Link, or even RTSP-enabled models) into a single dashboard.

How it works:

1. Set up a Home Assistant server (on a Raspberry Pi or a cloud instance).
2. Add your Arlo base station using the Arlo integration (requires an Arlo account).
3. Add your non-Arlo camera via its API, RTSP stream, or plugin.
4. Create a unified dashboard with motion alerts, live feeds, and automations.

I set this up at my parents’ house. They have an Arlo Pro system for the front yard and a TP-Link Tapo C200 for the backyard shed. With Home Assistant, both cameras show up in one interface. When motion is detected, the system sends a notification to their phones and turns on the porch light. Total cost? $0 (since we already had the Pi).

Use Cloud or Local Storage Side-by-Side

Another option: Use local storage for your non-Arlo camera. Many third-party models (like Reolink, Eufy, or Wyze) support microSD cards or NAS (Network Attached Storage). This means you don’t need a base station at all.

For example:

• Install a Reolink Argus 3 Pro (wireless, solar-powered) in your garden. It records to a microSD card and sends alerts to your phone.
• Keep your Arlo base inside for indoor coverage.
• Check both systems daily—Arlo via the cloud, Reolink via the card.

Bonus: Local storage avoids subscription fees. But it does mean you’ll need to manually check footage unless the camera supports push notifications.

When Mixing Brands Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

Scenarios Where It’s Worth the Effort

There are a few situations where mixing brands is actually a smart move:

• Specialized cameras: Need a camera with a 360-degree view? A third-party 360 camera (like the Arlo 360 or a generic RTSP model) might be better than Arlo’s offerings.
• Cost savings: If you’re on a tight budget, a $30 Wyze Cam can cover a small area, while Arlo handles high-traffic zones.
• Unique features: Some third-party cameras offer features Arlo lacks—like AI pet detection, facial recognition, or built-in sirens.

For example, my neighbor has an Eufy SoloCam S40 for their dog run. It has a built-in solar panel and pet detection. Their Arlo system handles the front door and driveway. It’s a hybrid setup, and it works great.

When to Stick with Arlo-Only

But there are downsides to mixing brands:

• No unified alerts: You’ll get notifications from two different apps. If both cameras detect motion at the same time, you’ll get two alerts—not one.
• Different video quality: Arlo cameras are optimized for their app. Third-party cameras might look washed out or grainy in comparison.
• No shared cloud storage: Arlo’s cloud plans don’t cover non-Arlo cameras. You’ll need separate subscriptions (or use local storage).

Also, if you’re using Arlo’s Smart Hub (like the Arlo SmartHub), it only manages Arlo cameras. You can’t add a Reolink or Wyze to the same hub. It’s one ecosystem or the other.

The “Best of Both Worlds” Approach

My personal favorite? Use Arlo for critical areas (front door, garage, backyard) and third-party cameras for niche spots (garden, shed, driveway). This way, you get Arlo’s reliability where it matters most, and you save money on less-important zones.

Pro tip: Label your cameras clearly. I use colored stickers—blue for Arlo, red for third-party—so I know which app to open when I get a notification.

Future-Proofing: What’s Next for Arlo Compatibility?

Will Arlo Open Up?

There’s a growing demand for open ecosystems. Competitors like Google Nest and Eufy allow third-party integrations (via Google Home or Home Assistant). Arlo has been slow to follow, but there are signs of change.

In 2023, Arlo introduced Arlo Secure Link, a feature that lets you add Arlo cameras to Google Home and Alexa. It’s not the same as supporting third-party cameras, but it shows they’re thinking about interoperability.

Will they ever allow non-Arlo cameras? Unlikely in the short term. But they might:

• Support RTSP streams in the future
• Open their API for developers
• Partner with other brands (like they did with Netgear in the early days)

Emerging Standards (Matter, ONVIF)

The Matter standard, backed by Apple, Google, and Amazon, aims to unify smart home devices. If Arlo adopts Matter, it could open the door to broader compatibility. Similarly, ONVIF (an open standard for IP cameras) could allow Arlo to support third-party cameras—if they choose to implement it.

Right now, Arlo doesn’t support ONVIF, but some third-party tools (like Blue Iris or Shinobi) can pull RTSP streams from Arlo cameras. It’s a one-way street, but it’s a start.

What You Can Do Now

While we wait for industry changes, here’s how to stay flexible:

• Buy cameras with RTSP support (like Reolink, Hikvision, or Amcrest). Even if they don’t work with Arlo, they’re easier to integrate with other systems.
• Use a hybrid hub (like Home Assistant) to bridge the gap.
• Keep an eye on Arlo’s updates. They occasionally add new integrations.

Final Thoughts: Can You Use Other Camera for Arlo Base?

Let’s circle back to the original question: Can you use other camera for Arlo base? Technically, no. The base station is a closed system, and Arlo has no intention of changing that anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with only Arlo cameras forever.

The key is to embrace flexibility. Use Arlo for what it does best—reliable, cloud-connected, AI-powered security. Then, supplement with third-party cameras where it makes sense. Use smart home platforms, local storage, or separate apps to create a system that works for *your* needs—not just Arlo’s.

Think of it like building a playlist. You wouldn’t only listen to one artist, right? Your home security should be the same. Mix in a Wyze Cam for the shed, a Reolink for the backyard, and keep your Arlo base for the front door. As long as you’re organized (and maybe use a smart display to keep things simple), you’ll have the best of both worlds.

And who knows? In a few years, Arlo might surprise us with open compatibility. Until then, get creative, stay safe, and don’t let a base station limit your security strategy. After all, the goal isn’t to have the fanciest brand—it’s to have the *smartest* system.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Camera Brand/Model	Works with Arlo Base?	Alternative Integration Method	Best Use Case
Arlo Pro 4	Yes (native)	N/A	Primary coverage, cloud features
Reolink Argus 3 Pro	No	Reolink app, microSD, Home Assistant	Garden, shed, solar-powered areas
Wyze Cam v3	No	Wyze app, RTSP, local storage	Indoor, budget-friendly spots
Eufy SoloCam S40	No	Eufy app, HomeKit, Home Assistant	Pet monitoring, solar-powered
TP-Link Tapo C200	No	Tapo app, Home Assistant, RTSP	Driveway, garage, low-cost outdoor

Remember: Your security system should adapt to *you*, not the other way around. Whether you stick with Arlo or mix in other brands, the most important thing is peace of mind. Stay smart, stay safe, and keep those cameras rolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use other camera for Arlo base station?

No, Arlo base stations are designed to work exclusively with Arlo-branded cameras and are not compatible with third-party cameras. The system relies on proprietary protocols for secure communication between Arlo devices.

Are there any non-Arlo cameras that work with an Arlo base?

Unfortunately, no. Even if a camera uses the same frequency (like 2.4GHz), Arlo’s base stations require authentication through Arlo’s firmware, which non-Arlo cameras lack. This ensures system security but limits cross-compatibility.

Why doesn’t Arlo allow other camera brands to connect to its base?

Arlo uses encrypted, proprietary technology to prevent unauthorized access and ensure reliable performance. This closed ecosystem protects user privacy and maintains quality control across their product line.

Can I mix older Arlo cameras with a newer Arlo base station?

Yes, most older Arlo cameras are backward compatible with newer base stations, though some features may be limited. Check Arlo’s official compatibility chart to confirm support for your specific camera and base model.

Is it possible to use an Arlo camera with a third-party NVR or base?

No, Arlo cameras require an Arlo base station or SmartHub to function. They cannot be integrated into generic NVRs or other security systems due to firmware and encryption requirements.

What are the best alternatives if I want to use other cameras with an Arlo-like base?

Consider systems like Google Nest, Eufy, or Ring, which offer hubs supporting multiple camera models. Unlike Arlo, some brands allow limited third-party integrations or have more flexible compatibility options.