Do All Arlo Cameras Work Together A Complete Guide

Yes, all Arlo cameras work together seamlessly within the same ecosystem, allowing you to mix and match models like Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential for a fully customized security setup. They sync through the Arlo SmartHub or base station, enabling unified monitoring, alerts, and cloud storage across devices—regardless of generation or resolution.

Key Takeaways

• Mix and match: Most Arlo cameras work together across generations with a compatible base station or app.
• Check compatibility: Older Arlo models may need a bridge for newer app features and integrations.
• Use one app: All Arlo cameras sync seamlessly through the Arlo Secure app for unified control.
• Base station required: Some models need a hub for local storage and enhanced connectivity.
• Wi-Fi vs. wire-free: Connectivity varies—ensure your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
• Subscription benefits: Arlo Secure unlocks advanced features like AI detection across all camera types.

Do All Arlo Cameras Work Together? A Complete Guide

Picture this: You’ve got a front-yard Arlo Pro 4, a backyard Arlo Ultra 2, and a baby monitor-style Arlo Baby in your nursery. You’re thinking, “Great! I’ve got full coverage.” But then you realize—can these cameras actually talk to each other? Can they all show up on the same app? And if one triggers an alert, will the others respond?

If you’ve ever stood in your living room, staring at three different camera feeds on your phone, wondering if they’re part of the same security ecosystem, you’re not alone. The short answer? Yes, most Arlo cameras work together—but it’s not always a plug-and-play experience. Some models require extra setup, certain features only work with specific hardware, and compatibility can get a little fuzzy depending on your base station, subscription, and app version. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how different Arlo cameras interact, what works seamlessly, and where you might hit a snag. Think of it as your friendly, no-nonsense tour of Arlo’s ecosystem—no tech jargon, just real talk from someone who’s been there.

How Arlo’s Ecosystem Works: The Basics of Compatibility

Arlo, owned by Netgear, has built its reputation on modular, wireless security systems. The idea is simple: you pick the cameras you need, place them where you want, and manage everything from a single app. But the reality is a bit more nuanced. Not every camera connects the same way, and not every feature is available across all models. So, let’s start with the foundation: how Arlo’s ecosystem actually works.

Cameras, Hubs, and the Arlo App: The Core Trio

At its core, Arlo’s system has three main components:

• Cameras: These are your eyes. They capture video, detect motion, and send alerts.
• Base Stations or Hubs: These act as a central brain. They connect to your Wi-Fi, receive video streams, and manage communication between cameras and the cloud.
• Arlo App: This is your control center. Available on iOS, Android, and web, it lets you view live feeds, review recordings, adjust settings, and receive notifications.

Here’s the key: all Arlo cameras connect to the app, but they don’t all connect directly to your Wi-Fi. Some need a base station, others don’t. And this distinction affects how well they play together.

Direct-to-Wi-Fi vs. Hub-Based Cameras

This is where things get interesting. Arlo has two types of connectivity:

• Direct-to-Wi-Fi (D2W): Cameras like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential, and Arlo Essential Indoor connect directly to your home Wi-Fi router. No base station needed.
• Hub-Based: Older models like the Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Go require a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub or VMB4000). The hub connects to Wi-Fi, and cameras connect to the hub via a private, encrypted network.

So, can a D2W camera and a hub-based camera work together? Yes—but only if the hub-based camera is connected to a compatible hub, and both are logged into the same Arlo account. The app doesn’t care how they connect; it just sees them as devices under your roof.

Pro Tip: If you’re mixing D2W and hub-based cameras, make sure your Wi-Fi is strong and reliable. D2W cameras are sensitive to signal drops, and a weak connection can cause lag or missed alerts.

Same App, Different Rules

Here’s a real-world example: Let’s say you have an Arlo Pro 4 (D2W) in your driveway and an Arlo Ultra (hub-based) in your backyard. You add both to your Arlo account. When you open the app, you’ll see both cameras on the home screen. You can tap either to view live footage, set up activity zones, or review recordings. They appear to be part of the same system—and they are.

But here’s the catch: some features, like local storage or 24/7 video recording, are only available if you’re using a base station. The Pro 4, being D2W, relies on cloud storage (unless you add an SD card via the optional Arlo SmartHub). The Ultra, with its hub, can record continuously to a local USB drive. So while they coexist in the app, their capabilities differ.

Which Arlo Cameras Are Compatible with Each Other?

Now that we know the basics, let’s get specific. Which Arlo cameras actually work together? The good news is that Arlo has maintained strong backward compatibility—older cameras can usually integrate with newer ones, and vice versa. But there are exceptions and nuances.

Cameras That Work Seamlessly Together

Most modern Arlo cameras are designed to coexist. Here’s a breakdown of models that play well together:

• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S: All D2W models. They use the same app interface, support 2K HDR video, and offer similar smart features (e.g., person detection, package detection).
• Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2: Hub-based, but compatible with D2W cameras. The Ultra series adds 4K resolution, color night vision, and a spotlight. They sync perfectly with newer models in the app.
• Arlo Essential Series: Includes the Essential Outdoor, Indoor, and Wire-Free. These are budget-friendly D2W options that integrate smoothly with Pro and Ultra models.
• Arlo Go: A cellular-based camera (no Wi-Fi). It connects via LTE and requires a data plan. But it still shows up in the same app, alongside Wi-Fi cameras.
• Arlo Baby: Yes, even the baby monitor works! It’s a Wi-Fi camera with lullabies and air quality sensors. It appears in the app like any other camera.

Real-World Example: A homeowner in Texas has an Arlo Ultra 2 (hub-based) at the front gate, an Arlo Pro 4 (D2W) at the back door, and an Arlo Essential Indoor in the living room. All three are on the same account. When the front gate opens, the Ultra 2 sends an alert. The homeowner opens the app, sees the live feed, and checks the other cameras to ensure no one’s sneaking in the back. The system works as one unified unit—even though the cameras use different connectivity methods.

Cameras with Limited or No Cross-Compatibility

Not everything is perfect. A few older or niche models have compatibility issues:

• Original Arlo (VMC3030) and Arlo Pro (VMC4030): These are first-gen models. They require an older base station (VMB3000 or VMB4000). While they can be added to a modern Arlo account, they don’t support newer features like AI detection or 2K video. Also, if you’re using a newer SmartHub (VMB5000), you may need to keep the old base station active just for these cameras—cluttering your network.
• Arlo Go (LTE): While it works in the app, it can’t share local storage with Wi-Fi cameras. Also, its alerts may be delayed due to cellular latency. Not ideal for real-time coordination.
• Arlo Q and Q Plus: These indoor Wi-Fi cameras were discontinued years ago. They still work, but lack modern features. If you mix them with a Pro 4, you’ll see a “legacy device” warning in the app.

Tip: If you’re building a new system, stick with cameras released in the last 5 years (Pro 3 and newer). They’re more likely to support the latest firmware, AI features, and integration options.

Firmware and App Updates Matter

Compatibility isn’t just about hardware—it’s also about software. Arlo regularly releases firmware updates for cameras and base stations. An outdated camera might not support a new feature (like package detection), even if it’s technically compatible.

For example, the Arlo Pro 3 didn’t support package detection at launch. But after a firmware update in 2021, it gained the feature—and could then trigger alerts when a package was left at the door, just like the newer Pro 4. So, always keep your cameras updated via the Arlo app (Settings > Device Info > Update Firmware).

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

Let’s say you’re ready to mix and match. You’ve got a Pro 4, an Ultra 2, and a baby monitor. How do you set them up so they work together smoothly? Here’s a practical guide.

Step 1: Choose Your Hub Strategy

Decide whether you’ll use a base station or go fully D2W.

• Option A: Use a SmartHub (Recommended for Mixed Systems): The Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000) supports both hub-based and D2W cameras. It also enables local storage (USB drive), which is great if you want to avoid cloud fees. Even if your D2W cameras don’t need the hub, having it can improve network stability and add backup recording.
• Option B: Go D2W Only: If you’re using only D2W cameras (e.g., Pro 4, Essential), you don’t need a hub. But you’ll rely on cloud storage (Arlo Secure plan) or microSD cards.

Tip: If you have an Ultra 2, you must use a SmartHub. The Ultra 2 won’t work without it.

Step 2: Add All Cameras to the Same Account

This is crucial. You can’t mix cameras from different Arlo accounts. Here’s how:

• Open the Arlo app and log into your account.
• Go to Settings > Add Device.
• Follow the on-screen prompts for each camera. The app will guide you through pairing.
• For hub-based cameras: Plug in the SmartHub, connect it to Wi-Fi, then add the camera to the hub.
• For D2W cameras: Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted.

Pro Tip: Use descriptive names (e.g., “Front Door – Pro 4”, “Backyard – Ultra 2”) so you can identify them quickly in the app.

Step 3: Enable Cross-Camera Features

Once all cameras are added, you can unlock smart features that work across devices:

• Activity Zones: Set up zones on each camera to reduce false alerts (e.g., ignore trees swaying).
• Smart Alerts: Enable person, animal, vehicle, and package detection (if supported). When one camera detects a person, the app can notify you and show the relevant feed.
• Automations: Use the Arlo app to create rules. For example: “If the front gate camera detects motion after 10 PM, turn on the backyard spotlight (on the Ultra 2).”
• Multi-Camera View: Tap the “Cameras” tab in the app to see up to four live feeds at once. Great for checking multiple areas during an alert.

Real-World Example: A user in Florida sets up a rule: “When the Arlo Baby detects crying, turn on the living room light (via a smart plug linked to the Arlo system).” The cameras don’t need to be the same model—just on the same account.

Step 4: Test and Troubleshoot

After setup, test your system:

• Trigger motion on each camera and confirm alerts arrive in the app.
• Check that live feeds load quickly (within 2–3 seconds).
• If a camera is slow or drops offline, check its signal strength in the app (Settings > Device Info > Network).
• For D2W cameras, ensure they’re within 30–50 feet of your router (or a strong Wi-Fi extender).

Limitations and Workarounds: Where Arlo Falls Short

Let’s be real: Arlo isn’t perfect. While most cameras work together, there are limitations—and knowing them helps you plan better.

1. Local Storage Isn’t Shared

If you use a SmartHub with a USB drive, only hub-based cameras can record to it. D2W cameras (like the Pro 4) can’t access the drive. They either use cloud storage or a microSD card inserted into the camera itself.

Workaround: Use microSD cards in D2W cameras. The Pro 4 supports up to 256GB. You’ll need to physically remove the card to review footage, but it’s a solid backup for cloud users.

2. No True “Cross-Camera” AI

Arlo’s AI (person, vehicle detection) works per camera. There’s no “federated” AI that tracks a person moving from the front yard to the backyard. If you want that, you’ll need third-party software like Home Assistant (advanced setup).

Workaround: Use activity zones and motion schedules to reduce overlap. For example, set the backyard camera to only alert between 6 PM–8 AM, so daytime garden motion won’t trigger false positives.

3. Cellular and Wi-Fi Mixing Can Be Glitchy

The Arlo Go (LTE) is great for remote areas, but it doesn’t sync alerts as quickly as Wi-Fi cameras. You might get a “motion detected” alert from your Wi-Fi camera first, then a delayed LTE alert.

Workaround: Use the Arlo Go for backup, not primary coverage. Or, set it to record only when Wi-Fi cameras are offline (e.g., during a power outage).

4. Subscription Costs Add Up

Arlo’s cloud plans (Arlo Secure) start at $2.99/month for one camera, but jump to $9.99/month for unlimited cameras. If you have 5+ cameras, it’s $14.99/month. And features like 24/7 recording require higher tiers.

Workaround: Use local storage (USB or microSD) for cameras that don’t need 24/7 recording. Reserve cloud plans for critical cameras (e.g., front door, nursery).

Future-Proofing Your Arlo System: Tips for Long-Term Success

You’ve set up your mixed Arlo system. It works. But how do you keep it running smoothly for years? Here’s how to future-proof your setup.

1. Stick with the Same Base Station

Arlo has updated its SmartHubs over time (VMB4000, VMB5000). The VMB5000 supports newer features like Wi-Fi 6 and better local storage. If you’re adding new cameras, use the latest hub. It ensures compatibility with future models.

2. Keep Firmware Updated

Set a reminder to check for updates every 3–6 months. Outdated firmware can cause bugs, security holes, or missing features.

3. Plan for Power and Placement

• Wire-Free Cameras: The Pro 4 and Essential have rechargeable batteries. Charge them every 3–6 months, depending on usage.
• Indoor Cameras: Place them near power outlets or use long USB cables. The Arlo Baby, for example, needs constant power.
• Outdoor Cameras: Ensure they’re under eaves or covers to avoid direct rain. Arlo cameras are weather-resistant, not waterproof.

4. Use Arlo’s Ecosystem Wisely

Arlo integrates with:

• Smart Locks (e.g., August, Yale): Unlock the door when you arrive home.
• Smart Lights (e.g., Philips Hue): Turn on lights when motion is detected.
• Google Assistant/Alexa: View feeds on smart displays.

Use these to create a seamless smart home, not just a camera system.

Camera Model	Connectivity	Base Station Needed?	Cloud Storage	Local Storage	Works with D2W?
Arlo Pro 4	Wi-Fi	No (optional SmartHub)	Yes (Arlo Secure)	microSD (optional)	Yes
Arlo Ultra 2	Wi-Fi (via SmartHub)	Yes (SmartHub)	Yes	USB drive (SmartHub)	Yes
Arlo Essential	Wi-Fi	No	Yes	microSD	Yes
Arlo Baby	Wi-Fi	No	Yes	microSD	Yes
Arlo Go (LTE)	Cellular	Yes (SmartHub)	Yes	USB drive (SmartHub)	Yes (but delayed alerts)

Final Thoughts: Yes, They Work—But It’s Not Always Simple

So, do all Arlo cameras work together? Yes—but with caveats. The Arlo app is designed to unify devices, regardless of model or connectivity. You can have a mix of D2W, hub-based, indoor, outdoor, and even cellular cameras, all showing up in one place. They’ll send alerts, record footage, and let you monitor your home from anywhere.

But the experience isn’t always seamless. Some features require specific hardware (like a SmartHub). Older cameras lack modern AI tools. And subscription costs can add up if you’re not careful. The key is to plan your system with compatibility in mind: use a central hub, keep firmware updated, and choose cameras that support the features you care about.

Think of your Arlo system like a band. The app is the conductor. The cameras are the instruments. They don’t all play the same notes, but when they’re in tune, the music is beautiful. With a little setup and smart choices, you can create a security system that’s flexible, reliable, and truly works together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Arlo cameras work together in a single system?

Yes, most Arlo cameras work together seamlessly within the same ecosystem, allowing unified monitoring via the Arlo app. However, compatibility may vary slightly depending on the generation and connectivity (Wi-Fi vs. Pro/Ultra’s base station).

Can I mix older and newer Arlo camera models in one setup?

Absolutely. Arlo’s app supports mixing different models (e.g., Arlo Pro 4 with Arlo Ultra) as long as they’re connected to the same account. Note that advanced features may be model-specific.

Do all Arlo cameras work with the same base station?

Not all. While newer Arlo Pro/Ultra models use proprietary base stations, older Wi-Fi-only cameras (like Arlo Q) connect directly to your router. Check your camera’s requirements before pairing.

Is there a limit to how many Arlo cameras work together?

The Arlo app supports up to 20 devices per account, but performance may vary based on your internet speed and base station capacity. For large setups, consider a SmartHub for better management.

Do all Arlo cameras work with third-party smart home systems?

Most Arlo cameras integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, but some newer features (like color night vision) may require Arlo-specific hardware or subscriptions for full functionality.

Will discontinued Arlo camera models still work with current ones?

Yes, discontinued models (e.g., Arlo Go, Arlo Baby) remain compatible with the Arlo app and newer cameras. However, they won’t support features introduced after their discontinuation.