Can You Use Six Cameras With Arlo The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can use six cameras with Arlo across compatible base stations and hubs, depending on your specific Arlo system and subscription plan. Most Arlo setups support up to six cameras per base station, allowing seamless integration for comprehensive home or business coverage—just ensure your plan includes cloud storage for all devices.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can use six cameras with most Arlo base stations and hubs.
• Check your base station model to confirm support for six or more cameras.
• Wi-Fi bandwidth matters—ensure strong signal for stable six-camera streaming.
• Arlo SmartHub enhances performance and supports up to six cameras seamlessly.
• Subscription plans may limit access to features with six-camera setups.
• Optimal camera placement reduces interference and improves six-camera reliability.

Can You Use Six Cameras With Arlo? The Ultimate Guide

Imagine this: You just installed your first Arlo camera at your front door. It’s sleek, easy to set up, and gives you peace of mind with crisp night vision and motion alerts. Then, curiosity hits—can you use six cameras with Arlo? Maybe you’ve got a big backyard, a detached garage, or a side gate that feels like a blind spot. You start wondering if Arlo can scale to cover your entire property without turning your Wi-Fi into a buffering nightmare.

The short answer? Yes, you can absolutely use six Arlo cameras—and many people do! But like any tech setup, it’s not just about plugging in more devices. There are compatibility quirks, hub requirements, subscription costs, and Wi-Fi considerations that can make or break your experience. I’ve been there. I once tried to run seven cameras on an older Arlo base station, only to face constant disconnections and a subscription bill that made my eyes water. So, let’s walk through everything you need to know—from which Arlo models work best to how to avoid common pitfalls—so you can build a reliable, six-camera system without the headaches.

Which Arlo Systems Support Six Cameras?

Not all Arlo systems are created equal. Some are designed for small apartments, while others can handle sprawling properties. The number of cameras you can connect depends on your Arlo hub or base station and the camera generation.

Understanding Arlo Hubs and Base Stations

Arlo cameras don’t connect directly to your Wi-Fi. Instead, they pair with a central hub—either a base station or a smart hub—which acts as the “brain” of your system. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Arlo Base Station (VMB4000, VMB4500, VMB4540): Older models that support up to 5 cameras. Not ideal for six.

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• Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000): Supports up to 15 cameras. This is your go-to for six cameras or more.
• Arlo Pro/Ultra/Ultra 2 Base Stations: These are rebranded versions of the SmartHub and also support 15 cameras.

Tip: If you’re buying a new system, skip the older base stations. The SmartHub (VMB5000) is future-proof and handles six cameras effortlessly.

Camera Compatibility: Mixing and Matching

One of Arlo’s biggest strengths is flexibility. You can mix different camera types—like a Pro 4 for the front yard, a Floodlight Cam for the driveway, and a Wire-Free camera for the shed—as long as they’re compatible with your hub.

• Arlo Pro 4, Pro 5S, Ultra, Ultra 2: All work with the SmartHub.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): Works with SmartHub but not older base stations.
• Legacy Cameras (Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3): May require firmware updates to pair with the SmartHub.

Real-world example: I used a SmartHub with four Pro 4s, one Essential Outdoor, and one Floodlight Cam. The setup took 20 minutes, and all six cameras synced seamlessly. The key? All were 2nd-gen or newer.

What If You Don’t Have a SmartHub?

If you’re stuck with an older base station (like the VMB4500), you’re limited to five cameras. But don’t panic—there’s a workaround. You can use the Arlo Secure App to connect some cameras directly to Wi-Fi (bypassing the hub) if they’re Wi-Fi-enabled. For example, the Arlo Pro 4 can connect to your router directly, freeing up hub slots for other devices. Just know that Wi-Fi-connected cameras may have slightly higher latency and won’t use the hub’s local storage.

Wi-Fi and Network Performance: The Hidden Challenge

Six cameras mean six streams of data. If your network isn’t up to the task, you’ll face laggy live views, missed alerts, or cameras going offline. Here’s how to keep things smooth.

Bandwidth Requirements

Each Arlo camera uses about 0.5–2 Mbps during active recording (higher for 4K models). For six cameras, that’s up to 12 Mbps—but here’s the catch: only when they’re all recording at once. In reality, most cameras only stream when triggered by motion. Still, you’ll want:

• Download speed: 25+ Mbps (for reliable live viewing).
• Upload speed: 5+ Mbps (for sending footage to the cloud).

Tip: Run a speed test during peak hours (e.g., when your neighbor’s kid is gaming). If upload speeds drop below 3 Mbps, consider a plan upgrade or a Wi-Fi extender.

Wi-Fi Signal Strength and Placement

Arlo cameras need a strong signal to stay connected. Weak spots? That’s where cameras drop offline or miss motion events. Here’s how to fix it:

• Use the SmartHub as a Wi-Fi extender: The VMB5000 has a built-in range extender. Place it centrally, like a hallway or living room.
• Check signal strength in the app: Go to Settings > Device Settings > Network. Aim for “Good” or “Excellent” signal.
• Reposition cameras: Move them closer to the hub or router. Even 10 feet can make a difference.

My mistake: I once placed a camera in a backyard shed with a weak signal. It worked for a week, then vanished. After adding a Wi-Fi extender, it’s been rock-solid.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: A Performance Trade-Off

The SmartHub has a microSD card slot for local storage, which reduces reliance on your Wi-Fi. If your internet goes down, recordings save locally. But there’s a catch: Local storage doesn’t support cloud features like AI person/vehicle detection (unless you have an Arlo Secure subscription). For six cameras, I recommend:

• Use a 256GB microSD card: Holds ~30 days of 1080p footage (varies by motion frequency).
• Combine with cloud storage: Subscribe to Arlo Secure for AI features and offsite backups.

Arlo Secure Subscription: Do You Need It for Six Cameras?

Arlo’s free plan lets you live-stream and get basic motion alerts. But for six cameras, you’ll likely want a paid subscription—here’s why.

What the Free Plan Includes

• Live viewing for 3 cameras at once.
• 7-day cloud storage (but only for the first 3 cameras).
• Basic motion detection (no AI).

With six cameras, the free plan feels restrictive. You can’t view all cameras simultaneously, and only three have cloud storage. It’s like having a full toolbox but only three tools are usable.

Arlo Secure Plans: Which One Fits?

Arlo offers three tiers:

Plan	Cameras Supported	Cloud Storage	AI Detection	Price (Monthly)
Secure	Up to 5	30 days	Person/vehicle/package	$2.99/camera
Secure Plus	Up to 10	60 days	All Secure features + activity zones	$12.99/month (flat rate)
Secure Total	Up to 20	60 days	All Secure Plus features + 24/7 emergency response	$19.99/month (flat rate)

For six cameras, Secure Plus is the sweet spot. It covers all six with 60-day storage, AI detection, and activity zones (so you don’t get alerts for passing cars). At $12.99/month, it’s cheaper than paying per camera.

Pro Tip: Save Money with a Bundle

Arlo often offers discounts when you buy cameras and a subscription together. I got my Pro 4 six-pack with a year of Secure Plus for $200 off. Check their website or retailers like Best Buy for deals.

Setting Up Six Cameras: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve got the right gear, let’s get your six cameras up and running. Here’s how I did it—minus the trial and error.

Step 1: Position Your SmartHub

• Place it centrally, away from metal objects or microwaves (which can interfere).
• Connect it to your router via Ethernet (for stability) or Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Pair Cameras to the Hub

1. Open the Arlo app and tap Add Device.
2. Select your camera model and follow the prompts.
3. For each camera, press the sync button on the hub, then on the camera.
4. Name each camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) for easy identification.

Pro tip: Pair one camera at a time. If you try to sync all six at once, it can overwhelm the hub.

Step 3: Optimize Camera Placement

• Front/Back Doors: Aim at the entrance, 7–8 feet high.
• Driveway: Angle to capture license plates (use the app’s zoom to test).
• Backyard: Cover blind spots, but avoid pointing directly at a neighbor’s window.

Common mistake: I once pointed a camera at a tree. It triggered every time a leaf moved. Use activity zones to exclude trees, bushes, or busy streets.

Step 4: Test and Adjust

• Walk around your property to trigger motion alerts.
• Check recordings for clarity, especially at night.
• Adjust sensitivity in the app (Settings > Device Settings > Motion Detection).

Step 5: Set Up Activity Zones

Activity zones let you ignore motion in certain areas (like a busy street). To create one:

1. Tap the camera in the app.
2. Go to Settings > Activity Zones.
3. Draw a box over the area you want to monitor (e.g., your front porch).

This reduces false alerts by 80%—trust me, your sanity will thank you.

Troubleshooting Common Six-Camera Issues

Even with the best setup, things go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.

Cameras Dropping Offline

• Check battery life: Arlo Pro 4 batteries last ~6 months. Use the app to monitor levels.
• Reset the hub: Unplug it for 10 seconds, then restart.
• Update firmware: Go to Settings > Device Settings > Firmware Update.

Laggy Live View

• Reduce resolution: In the app, set cameras to 720p instead of 1080p/4K.
• Close other apps: Streaming Netflix while viewing Arlo? Close them.
• Restart your router: It’s the oldest trick, but it works.

Missed Motion Events

• Adjust sensitivity: Higher sensitivity = more alerts, but more false positives.
• Check for obstructions: Snow, leaves, or spiderwebs can block sensors.
• Use multiple cameras: Overlap coverage so no blind spots exist.

Battery Drain (For Wire-Free Models)

Six cameras mean six batteries to manage. To extend life:

• Use lithium batteries (not alkaline).
• Turn off “Continuous Recording” (it drains batteries fast).
• Enable “Low Power Mode” in the app.

Final Thoughts: Is Six Cameras Right for You?

Using six Arlo cameras isn’t just possible—it’s practical for most homes. The SmartHub handles the load, Arlo’s mix-and-match compatibility lets you customize coverage, and the right subscription unlocks powerful features. But it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it solution. You’ll need to:

• Invest in a reliable hub (the SmartHub is worth every penny).
• Optimize your Wi-Fi and camera placement.
• Budget for a subscription (Secure Plus is the best value).

After setting up my six-camera system, I caught a package thief, scared off a raccoon from my trash, and even spotted a neighbor’s dog digging in my garden. The peace of mind? Priceless. Just remember: Start small. Test with two cameras, then scale up. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, the Arlo community forums are full of helpful users (including me!) ready to share tips.

So, can you use six cameras with Arlo? Absolutely. And with this guide, you’ll do it right—no buffering, no blind spots, just crystal-clear security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use six cameras with Arlo for full home coverage?

Yes, most Arlo systems support up to six cameras simultaneously, making it ideal for comprehensive home monitoring. This includes popular models like Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential series, which allow six-camera setups on a single base station or hub.

Is there a limit to how many Arlo cameras you can connect?

While you can use six cameras with Arlo per base station, some newer models (like Arlo Pro 4/5) support more via direct Wi-Fi connections. Always check your specific model’s specifications to confirm camera limits.

Do I need a subscription to use six Arlo cameras?

No, you can use six cameras with Arlo without a subscription, but features like cloud storage, AI detection, and extended video history require Arlo Secure plans. Local storage options (e.g., microSD) remain free.

Can I mix different Arlo camera models in a six-camera setup?

Yes, Arlo’s ecosystem allows mixing compatible models (e.g., Pro 4, Essential, and Ultra) in a six-camera system. Ensure all cameras are linked to the same app account and hub (if required).

What happens if I exceed six cameras with Arlo on one base station?

Exceeding six cameras with Arlo on a single base station may cause connectivity issues or reduced performance. To add more, use a second base station or upgrade to a Wi-Fi-enabled model that supports direct connections.

How do I manage six Arlo cameras efficiently?

Use the Arlo app to customize alerts, create activity zones, and group cameras by location. For six cameras, Arlo’s multi-camera view feature helps monitor feeds simultaneously for streamlined control.