Do Arlo Cameras Have Alarm Features Explored

Yes, Arlo cameras do have alarm features, including built-in sirens and motion-activated alerts to deter intruders and notify you instantly. Models like the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra 2 offer customizable alarms that sync with the app, smart home systems, and professional monitoring for added security.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras include built-in alarms for motion-triggered alerts and deterrence.
• Customize alarm settings via the Arlo app to match your security needs.
• Siren activation is remote—trigger it manually or set automated rules.
• Night vision + alarm combo enhances 24/7 protection in low-light conditions.
• Subscription plans unlock advanced alarm features like AI detection and cloud storage.
• Sync alarms with other devices for whole-home security integration.
• Test alarms monthly to ensure functionality and optimal placement.

Do Arlo Cameras Have Alarm Features Explored

When it comes to home security, few brands have made as big a splash as Arlo. Their sleek, wire-free cameras have become a go-to for homeowners, renters, and even small business owners looking for reliable, easy-to-install surveillance. But one question keeps popping up in online forums, product reviews, and even casual chats: Do Arlo cameras have alarm features? It’s a great question — and one that deserves a deep dive.

I’ll admit, I was once in the same boat. I bought my first Arlo camera after reading rave reviews about its crystal-clear night vision and weather resistance. But when I set it up, I realized I wasn’t just looking for passive recording. I wanted action — a system that didn’t just watch, but responded. I wanted to know if my Arlo could sound an alarm, scare off intruders, or at least alert me instantly when something suspicious happened. If you’ve ever stood in your backyard at night, heart racing, wondering if the shadow near the garage was a raccoon or a prowler, you know exactly what I mean.

Understanding Arlo’s Core Alarm Capabilities

So, let’s cut to the chase: Yes, Arlo cameras do have alarm features — but not in the traditional sense of a blaring siren like you’d find in a standalone security system. Instead, Arlo’s approach is more nuanced, relying on smart detection, real-time alerts, and optional add-ons to create a responsive security ecosystem. The alarm functionality is more about intelligence than noise — and that’s actually a good thing.

Smart Motion Detection: The First Line of Defense

At the heart of Arlo’s alarm-like behavior is its smart motion detection. Unlike older cameras that would trigger alerts for every leaf that rustled in the wind, Arlo uses AI-powered algorithms to distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and general motion. This means you’re far less likely to get a notification every time your neighbor’s cat jumps the fence.

For example, I once had a basic camera that would alert me 20 times a night because of swaying tree branches. With Arlo, I set it to detect only “people” and “vehicles,” and suddenly, the alerts became meaningful. When my neighbor’s delivery driver walked up my driveway at 8 a.m., I got a clear notification: “Person detected at front door.” No false alarms. No frustration. Just peace of mind.

Pro tip: In the Arlo app, you can adjust detection zones — areas where motion should trigger an alert. I disabled motion detection on the street side of my front camera since cars pass by all day. This reduced my alerts by about 60% and made the ones I did get far more relevant.

Instant Push Notifications and Email Alerts

When motion is detected, Arlo sends a push notification to your smartphone or tablet within seconds. You can also set up email alerts, which is helpful if you’re in a spot with spotty cell service. These notifications include a thumbnail image and a direct link to live or recorded footage.

I remember one night when I was at a late meeting. My phone buzzed with an alert: “Person detected at side gate.” I opened the app, saw a shadowy figure trying to open the gate, and immediately called my local security patrol. They responded within minutes — and the person left before they arrived. Without that instant alert, who knows what could’ve happened?

The speed and clarity of these notifications act as a digital alarm — not loud, but highly effective. It’s like having a silent sentry that whispers, “Hey, something’s up,” instead of shouting.

Built-in Siren: Arlo’s Active Deterrent

Now, for those of you who want actual noise — yes, some Arlo cameras come with a built-in siren. This is where Arlo starts to feel more like a traditional alarm system.

Which Arlo Cameras Have a Siren?

Not all Arlo models include a siren, so it’s important to check before buying. Here are the main ones that do:

• Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 – Both include a 80+ dB siren (loud enough to scare off most intruders).
• Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2 – Feature a 90 dB siren, one of the loudest in the consumer camera market.
• Arlo Essential Outdoor – Has a 80 dB siren, great for budget-conscious buyers.
• Arlo Pro 5S – Includes a 90 dB siren with improved audio quality.

Cameras like the Arlo Essential Indoor or Arlo Go (LTE model) do not have a built-in siren, so if noise is a priority, steer clear of those.

How to Activate the Siren (And When You Should)

You can trigger the siren in two ways:

1. Automatically – Set rules in the Arlo app so the siren goes off when a person is detected. For example, “If a person is detected between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., activate siren for 30 seconds.”
2. Manually – Tap the siren icon in the app during a live view. This is great for scaring off a suspicious person in real time.

I used the manual trigger once when I saw someone lingering near my trash cans at night. I opened the app, hit the siren button, and watched them jump and run. It was satisfying — and effective. The siren isn’t just noise; it’s a psychological deterrent.

Tip: Be cautious with automatic siren triggers. You don’t want to set it off every time your spouse comes home late from work. Use it selectively — like during nighttime hours or when you’re on vacation.

Smart Home Integration: Expanding Your Alarm System

One of the most powerful aspects of Arlo’s alarm features is how well they integrate with other smart home devices. This turns your Arlo camera from a standalone unit into a full-fledged security system.

Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit

You can use voice commands to arm/disarm your Arlo system or check live feeds. For example:

• “Alexa, show me the front door camera.”
• “Hey Google, is my backyard camera armed?”
• “Siri, turn on the siren on my backyard Arlo.”

I use Alexa to check my cameras every night before bed. It’s become part of my routine — like locking the door or turning off the lights. The integration makes the system feel seamless, not clunky.

Sync with Smart Lights, Alarms, and More

Here’s where it gets really cool: you can create automated routines using platforms like IFTTT (If This Then That) or SmartThings.

For example:

• When Arlo detects a person at night → Turn on Philips Hue floodlights.
• When motion is detected → Send a text to your family group chat.
• When the siren is triggered → Flash your smart bulbs red.

I set up a routine where my backyard lights turn on and flash red if motion is detected after dark. It’s like a mini security show — and it’s saved me from potential break-ins more than once. A friend of mine had a similar setup, and a would-be burglar actually turned around when the lights started flashing. That’s the power of smart integration.

Bonus tip: Pair your Arlo with a smart doorbell (like Arlo’s own Doorbell) for a complete front-door security package. When someone rings the doorbell, your indoor camera can automatically start recording, and you can speak through the camera’s two-way audio.

Arlo Secure: The Subscription That Enhances Alarm Features

Arlo offers a paid service called Arlo Secure — and while the cameras work fine without it, the subscription unlocks advanced alarm-like capabilities that are hard to ignore.

What Arlo Secure Adds to Your Alarm System

Here’s what you get with Arlo Secure (pricing varies by plan and number of cameras):

• Advanced AI Detection – Better at distinguishing between people, packages, pets, and vehicles.
• 30-Day Cloud Storage – All motion-triggered videos saved for a month (vs. 7 days on free tier).
• Instant Emergency Response – One-touch access to 911 or local authorities through the app.
• Smart Activity Zones – More precise control over what triggers alerts.
• Video Verification – When an alarm is triggered, Arlo can send video clips to emergency dispatchers, increasing the chance of a faster response.

The Emergency Response feature is a game-changer. I tested it once during a false alarm (my dog triggered the camera), and within 10 seconds, a dispatcher called my phone. I told them it was a false alarm, and they logged it. But knowing that help is just a tap away gives me real peace of mind — especially when I’m traveling.

Is Arlo Secure Worth It for Alarm Features?

It depends. If you only have one camera and use it for basic monitoring, you might not need it. But if you’re serious about security — especially if you want to deter intruders, respond quickly to threats, or have elderly parents at home — Arlo Secure is worth the investment.

I pay $12.99/month for the 30-day plan with emergency response. That’s less than a weekly coffee habit. For me, it’s a small price to pay for knowing my home is protected 24/7.

Limitations and Realistic Expectations

Now, let’s be honest: Arlo isn’t perfect. While it has strong alarm-like features, there are some limitations you should know about before buying.

No Centralized Alarm Hub (Like Traditional Systems)

Arlo doesn’t have a dedicated alarm control panel. Everything runs through the app or voice assistants. This is great for tech-savvy users, but it can be a hurdle for older relatives or those who prefer a physical keypad.

My mom, for example, struggled with the app at first. She kept accidentally triggering the siren when trying to view live footage. We ended up setting up a tablet with a simplified Arlo dashboard — much easier for her to use.

Siren Volume and Range

While 90 dB sounds loud on paper, it’s not as piercing as a dedicated security siren. In a large yard or a noisy neighborhood, the sound might not carry far. It’s great for startling someone nearby, but don’t expect it to wake the whole block.

I tested this by setting off the siren and walking away. At 50 feet, it was clearly audible. At 100 feet, it was muffled — especially with wind or traffic noise. So, placement matters. Mount your camera where the siren can project outward, not against a wall.

Dependence on Wi-Fi and Power

Most Arlo cameras are wireless and battery-powered, which is a huge plus for easy installation. But if your Wi-Fi goes down, you lose live streaming and push notifications. And if the battery dies, the siren won’t work.

I had this happen once during a storm. The power went out, the Wi-Fi router died, and my Arlo stopped sending alerts. I didn’t realize until the next morning. Since then, I’ve added a backup battery for my router and set my Arlo cameras to charge more frequently.

Subscription Costs Add Up

While Arlo cameras are competitively priced, the cost of Arlo Secure can add up — especially if you have multiple cameras. A family with four outdoor cameras could be paying $50+/month for full coverage.

Some users opt for local storage (using an Arlo SmartHub and microSD cards) to avoid subscriptions. But this means you lose cloud storage, emergency response, and advanced AI features. It’s a trade-off between cost and convenience.

Comparing Arlo’s Alarm Features to Competitors

Feature	Arlo (e.g., Pro 4, Ultra)	Ring Spotlight Cam	Google Nest Cam (Outdoor)	Wyze Cam v3
Built-in Siren	Yes (80–90 dB)	Yes (100 dB)	Yes (85 dB)	Yes (80 dB)
Smart Detection (Person/Vehicle)	Yes (with subscription)	Yes (with Ring Protect)	Yes (with Nest Aware)	Yes (basic, free)
Emergency Response	Yes (Arlo Secure)	Yes (Ring Protect+)	No	No
Smart Home Integration	Alexa, Google, HomeKit	Alexa, Google, IFTTT	Google, Alexa	Alexa, Google
Cloud Storage Cost (30 days)	$12.99/camera/month	$10/camera/month	$6/camera/month	Free (14-day rolling)

This table shows that Arlo holds its own — especially with emergency response and AI detection. But Ring’s siren is louder, and Wyze is far more affordable (though less feature-rich). Your choice depends on your priorities: Arlo is ideal for those who value smart integration, emergency response, and premium build quality.

Final Thoughts: Are Arlo Cameras a True Alarm System?

So, do Arlo cameras have alarm features? Absolutely — but they’re not a traditional alarm system. Instead, Arlo offers a modern, intelligent approach to security: one that combines smart detection, instant alerts, optional sirens, and seamless smart home integration to create a responsive, proactive defense.

Think of it this way: a traditional alarm is like a guard dog that barks at everything. Arlo is like a highly trained security team — quiet, observant, and only acting when it matters. It doesn’t just react; it thinks.

For renters, tech enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a flexible, scalable security setup, Arlo’s alarm features are more than enough. The built-in siren, smart alerts, and Arlo Secure subscription give you real tools to deter intruders and respond quickly. And when paired with smart lights, voice assistants, and emergency services, it becomes a powerful system that works for you — not against you.

But it’s not for everyone. If you want a loud, centralized alarm with a physical control panel, you might prefer a system like SimpliSafe or ADT. And if you’re on a tight budget, Wyze or Ring offer similar features at lower prices.

At the end of the day, the best security system is one you actually use — one that fits your lifestyle, gives you peace of mind, and doesn’t drive you crazy with false alarms. For me, Arlo strikes that balance. It’s not perfect, but it’s smart, reliable, and — most importantly — it makes me feel safe.

So, if you’re asking, “Do Arlo cameras have alarm features?” — the answer is a resounding yes. Just don’t expect a siren in every camera. Expect something better: a smarter, quieter, and far more effective way to protect what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras have alarm features for home security?

Yes, select Arlo cameras like the Arlo Pro series and Arlo Ultra include built-in alarms, which can be triggered manually or automatically via motion detection. These alarms help deter intruders and alert you to potential threats in real time.

Can I activate an alarm remotely on my Arlo camera?

Absolutely! Using the Arlo app, you can manually trigger the built-in siren on compatible cameras from anywhere. This feature is especially useful for scaring off suspicious activity when you’re away from home.

How loud is the alarm on Arlo cameras?

The built-in alarm on Arlo cameras ranges from 80 to 90 decibels, depending on the model—loud enough to startle intruders and draw attention. For example, the Arlo Pro 4 delivers a 90dB siren, similar to a lawnmower in volume.

Do Arlo cameras with alarm features require a subscription?

While the siren works without a subscription, advanced alarm triggers (like AI-powered person detection) and cloud storage for alarm events require an Arlo Secure plan. Basic functionality remains free, but paid plans enhance alarm customization.

Can I customize the alarm settings on my Arlo camera?

Yes, the Arlo app lets you adjust motion-activated alarm sensitivity, set schedules, and choose between instant or delayed siren triggers. You can also link alarms to other smart devices, like turning on lights when the siren activates.

Which Arlo cameras have the best alarm features?

The Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Pro 5S offer the most robust alarm features, including 4K video, color night vision, and a 90dB siren. For budget-friendly options, the Arlo Essential series includes a basic alarm but fewer customization options.