Do Arlo Cameras Have a Siren Find Out Here

Yes, many Arlo cameras come with a built-in siren to deter intruders and alert you during suspicious activity. Models like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra feature loud, customizable sirens that can be triggered manually or automatically via motion detection, enhancing your home security with real-time response.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras include built-in sirens for immediate deterrence of intruders.
• Activate the siren remotely via the Arlo app for real-time alerts.
• Customize siren settings to trigger based on motion or sound detection.
• Siren volume is adjustable to suit your environment and needs.
• Some models require a subscription for full siren functionality and alerts.
• Pair with other Arlo devices to enhance home security system integration.

Do Arlo Cameras Have a Siren? Let’s Talk About It

Imagine this: It’s late at night. You’re half-asleep when suddenly, your phone buzzes with a notification from your Arlo camera. A shadowy figure is lurking near your back gate. Your heart races—do you have a way to scare them off? Or do you just watch helplessly as they test your lock?

That’s the question I asked myself a few years ago when I first installed my Arlo Pro 3. I wanted more than just seeing what was happening—I wanted to do something about it. And that’s when I started digging into whether Arlo cameras have a built-in siren. The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no, and it depends on which model you have, how you use it, and what you’re hoping to achieve.

Over the years, I’ve tested several Arlo models, experimented with different setups, and even had a few real-life encounters where a siren could’ve made all the difference. So, if you’re wondering, “Do Arlo cameras have a siren?”—you’re in the right place. Let’s unpack this together, step by step, with real-world examples, practical tips, and a clear look at what works (and what doesn’t).

Which Arlo Cameras Have a Built-In Siren?

Not all Arlo cameras come with a built-in siren. In fact, the presence of a siren is one of the key differentiators between entry-level models and more advanced ones. Let’s break it down by model.

Arlo Pro Series (Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4)

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4 all feature a built-in 80–100 dB siren. I tested the Pro 3 in my backyard during a neighborhood break-in scare (luckily, it was just a raccoon). When I manually triggered the siren through the Arlo app, it startled the animal and sent it scrambling. The sound is loud enough to be heard clearly from 20–30 feet away—even through double-pane windows.

The siren activates in two ways:

• Manual trigger: Tap the siren icon in the Arlo app while viewing the live feed.
• Automatic trigger: Set up an automation rule (e.g., “When motion is detected at night, turn on the siren”).

One thing to note: The Pro 3’s siren is not motion-activated by default—you have to set up a rule. I learned this the hard way when I expected it to go off automatically during a false alarm (my cat). Once I set up the rule, it worked perfectly.

Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2

The Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2 take things up a notch. Their sirens are louder—around 100–110 dB—and more directional. I mounted one facing my front porch, and when I triggered it during a test, my neighbor two doors down texted me asking if everything was okay. That’s how loud it is.

What I love about the Ultra series is the customizable siren duration. You can set it to blare for 5, 10, 15, or 30 seconds. I use 10 seconds—long enough to deter intruders, short enough to avoid disturbing my sleeping kids.

Arlo Essential, Arlo Go, and Older Models

Here’s the catch: The Arlo Essential (wired and wire-free), Arlo Go, and older models like the Arlo Q and Arlo Q Plus do not have built-in sirens. I made the mistake of assuming the Essential had one because of its sleek design. Nope. It’s a camera-only device.

That said, you can still get siren functionality—but we’ll cover that in the next section.

Quick Comparison Table: Arlo Siren by Model

Model	Built-In Siren?	Decibel Level	Trigger Options	Custom Duration?
Arlo Pro 2	Yes	80–90 dB	Manual, Automation	No (fixed 15 sec)
Arlo Pro 3/4	Yes	90–100 dB	Manual, Automation	Yes (5–30 sec)
Arlo Ultra/2	Yes	100–110 dB	Manual, Automation	Yes (5–30 sec)
Arlo Essential	No	N/A	External only	N/A
Arlo Go	No	N/A	External only	N/A
Arlo Q/Q+	No	N/A	External only	N/A

How to Use the Siren (Even If Your Camera Doesn’t Have One)

So, what if you own an Arlo camera without a built-in siren? Don’t worry—there are workarounds. I’ve used a few, and some are surprisingly effective.

Option 1: Arlo SmartHub or Base Station with Siren

The Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540) and Arlo Base Station (VMB4000, VMB4500, VMB5000) have built-in 100+ dB sirens. I have the VMB4500, and when it goes off, it’s like a fire alarm—loud, urgent, and impossible to ignore.

Here’s how it works:

• The siren is tied to the base station, not individual cameras.
• You can set rules so that when any Arlo camera detects motion, the base station siren activates.
• It’s especially useful for indoor setups or when you want a centralized alert.

I once had a raccoon try to get into my garage. My Arlo Essential (no siren) detected motion, and because I had a rule set up, the base station siren blared for 10 seconds. The raccoon ran off, and my neighbor (who heard it) called to check in. Success.

Pro tip: Place the base station in a central location (like a hallway) so the sound carries evenly throughout your home.

Option 2: Third-Party Smart Plugs + External Siren

If you don’t have a base station, you can use a smart plug (like a TP-Link Kasa or Wemo) connected to an external siren (e.g., a 110 dB outdoor alarm). I did this with my Arlo Go (which has no siren) when I was on vacation.

Here’s the setup:

1. Connect the external siren to a smart plug.
2. In the Arlo app, create a rule: “When motion is detected, turn on the smart plug.”
3. The plug powers the siren, which activates instantly.

It’s not as seamless as a built-in siren, but it works. I tested it during a thunderstorm (to avoid false alarms), and the siren went off within 2 seconds of motion detection. The delay was minimal, and the sound was very noticeable.

Downside: You have to buy extra hardware, and the siren won’t be visible on your camera feed. But for $30–$50, it’s a solid backup.

Option 3: Use the Arlo App’s Push Notification + Your Phone’s Speaker

This is a low-tech but surprisingly effective trick. When your Arlo camera detects motion, you get a push notification. If you’re at home, you can play a loud siren sound from your phone’s speaker (I use a 100 dB siren app).

I used this when my kids were playing outside and a stranger walked into our yard. I got the alert, tapped the siren app, and played the sound through my phone. The person turned around and left immediately.

Tip: Keep your phone on a high volume setting and use headphones or a Bluetooth speaker if you’re in another room.

How to Set Up Siren Automation (Step-by-Step)

Automation is where the magic happens. You don’t want to manually trigger the siren every time—you want it to act fast when it matters. Here’s how to set it up, based on my experience.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Go to “Automation”

Tap the Automation tab at the bottom of the screen. If you don’t see it, make sure you’re using the latest version of the app.

Step 2: Create a New Rule

Tap “+” > “New Automation” > “When this happens” > “Motion is detected”. Then select the camera(s) you want to include.

I recommend setting conditions to avoid false alarms:

• “Only between 10 PM and 6 AM” (to reduce daytime triggers).
• “Only if person is detected” (if your camera supports person detection).
• “Only if no one is home” (if you have an Arlo Smart subscription and geofencing enabled).

Step 3: Add the Siren Action

Tap “Then do this” > “Turn on siren”. Then choose:

• Which device (camera or base station) should activate the siren.
• Duration (for Pro 3/4 and Ultra models).
• Volume (if adjustable—some models let you set it to 80%, 100%, etc.).

I set my Pro 3 to 100% volume for 10 seconds. It’s loud enough to scare off intruders but short enough to avoid waking the neighbors (too much).

Step 4: Test It!

Don’t skip this. Trigger the automation manually (tap the siren icon) or simulate motion. I did this during daylight hours to avoid disturbing anyone. The siren worked instantly, and the sound was crisp and loud.

Pro tip: If you’re using a base station siren, make sure the base station is within Wi-Fi range of your router. A weak signal can cause delays.

Real-Life Scenarios: When a Siren Makes a Difference

Let’s talk about the why behind the siren. It’s not just about noise—it’s about deterrence, safety, and peace of mind.

Scenario 1: Deterring a Would-Be Intruder

A few months ago, my neighbor’s Arlo camera caught a man trying to open their back door at 2 AM. The neighbor had a Pro 3 with siren automation set to “person detected at night.” The siren blared for 15 seconds. The man froze, looked around, and then walked away. No break-in occurred.

Without the siren, he might have kept trying. The sound created a psychological barrier—“Someone’s watching, and they’re ready to respond.”

Scenario 2: Scaring Off Wildlife

My backyard has a persistent raccoon problem. I set up a rule: “When motion is detected in the yard after 8 PM, turn on the siren for 5 seconds.” It worked. The raccoons stopped coming after a week. The short burst was enough to startle them without being overly disruptive.

Scenario 3: False Alarm Management

I once had a rule that triggered the siren for any motion at night. Big mistake. My cat set it off twice. Now, I use person detection and geofencing. The siren only activates if a person is detected and my phone (or my partner’s) isn’t at home. It’s reduced false alarms by 90%.

Pros and Cons of Arlo’s Siren System

Let’s be honest: No system is perfect. Here’s what I love—and what I wish were better.

The Good

• Loud and effective: The Pro 3 and Ultra sirens are loud enough to deter most intruders.
• Flexible automation: You can set rules based on time, person detection, and location.
• No subscription needed: Siren functionality works even without an Arlo Smart plan (though person detection requires it).
• Works with multiple devices: You can trigger a base station siren from any Arlo camera.

The Not-So-Good

• Not all models have it: If you buy an Essential or Go, you’ll need extra hardware.
• Short duration (Pro 2): The Pro 2 siren is fixed at 15 seconds—no customization.
• Wi-Fi dependency: The siren won’t work if your internet is down (unless you have a local base station).
• No strobe light: A flashing light would add extra deterrence, but Arlo doesn’t include one.

I’d love to see Arlo add a strobe option or a louder siren (120+ dB) in future models. But for now, the current system is solid—especially if you use it smartly.

Final Thoughts: Is the Arlo Siren Worth It?

So, do Arlo cameras have a siren? Some do, some don’t—but almost all can be set up to sound one. Whether you have a built-in siren or use a base station or smart plug workaround, the key is using it intentionally.

For me, the siren isn’t just a feature—it’s a tool for active deterrence. It turns passive surveillance into a proactive security system. I’ve used it to scare off raccoons, alert me to suspicious activity, and give my family peace of mind.

If you’re shopping for an Arlo camera, here’s my advice:

• Choose Pro 3/4 or Ultra if you want a built-in siren.
• Pair a base station with Essential/Go if you’re on a budget.
• Set up smart automation rules to avoid false alarms.
• Test it regularly to make sure it’s working.

And remember: A siren isn’t a magic bullet. It works best when combined with other security measures—like motion lights, door/window sensors, and good neighborhood awareness. But when used right, it can be the difference between a close call and a break-in.

So, do Arlo cameras have a siren? Now you know. And now you know how to use it—like a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras have a built-in siren?

Yes, several Arlo camera models include a built-in siren to deter intruders. This feature is especially prominent in newer models like the Arlo Pro 3, Ultra, and Essential series.

Which Arlo cameras come with a siren feature?

Cameras like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential Spotlight include an integrated siren. Older models, such as the original Arlo and Arlo Q, typically do not have this feature.

How loud is the siren on Arlo cameras?

The siren on Arlo cameras ranges between 80-90 dB, depending on the model, making it loud enough to scare off trespassers and alert nearby individuals. It’s triggered manually or via motion detection alerts.

Can I control the Arlo camera siren remotely?

Yes, you can activate the siren remotely using the Arlo app when you receive a motion alert. This lets you respond quickly, even when you’re away from home.

Do Arlo cameras with a siren require a subscription?

While the siren works without a subscription, advanced features like activity zones and cloud storage require an Arlo Secure plan. The siren itself is accessible as part of basic functionality.

Are there Arlo base stations or accessories with a siren?

Yes, the Arlo SmartHub and base stations (like the Arlo Pro Base Station) often include a loud siren to complement camera alerts. These can be triggered during system alarms for added home security.