Do Arlo Cameras Have an Alarm Find Out Here

Yes, Arlo cameras do have alarm features, including built-in sirens on select models like the Arlo Pro 3, Ultra, and Essential Spotlight to deter intruders and alert you to motion. These smart alarms can be customized via the Arlo app, letting you trigger, schedule, or sync them with other smart home devices for enhanced security.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras lack built-in alarms but support third-party integrations for sound alerts.
• Use motion detection alerts to trigger notifications or external alarm systems.
• Pair with Arlo SmartHub to enable advanced alarm features and automation.
• Customize alert settings via the Arlo app to reduce false alarms.
• Integrate with Alexa or Google for voice-controlled alarm-like responses.
• Add Arlo Siren for a dedicated, weather-resistant outdoor alarm solution.

Do Arlo Cameras Have an Alarm? Find Out Here

Imagine this: It’s a quiet Sunday morning. Your coffee is brewing, birds are chirping, and your phone buzzes. A notification pops up—your Arlo camera detected motion. You tap the app and see a delivery person at your front door. But what if it wasn’t a delivery person? What if it was someone suspicious lingering near your home? That’s when the question hits: Do Arlo cameras have an alarm? Can they actively deter intruders, or are they just passive observers?

As someone who’s spent years testing smart home security systems, I’ve had my fair share of late-night scares and false alarms. I’ve also seen how the right security setup can turn a vulnerable home into a fortress—without feeling like a prison. Arlo cameras are a popular choice, but their alarm capabilities often spark confusion. Some models scream like a fire alarm; others stay silent. Some let you trigger the alarm manually, while others only notify you. In this post, we’ll cut through the noise. We’ll explore which Arlo models have alarms, how they work, and how to use them effectively—no tech jargon, no fluff. Just honest answers to help you sleep better at night.

Understanding Arlo Camera Alarm Features

What Types of Alarms Do Arlo Cameras Offer?

First, let’s clear up a common myth: Not all Arlo cameras come with a built-in alarm. Instead, Arlo uses a mix of audible alarms, smart alerts, and third-party integrations to create a security system that adapts to your needs.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Built-in Siren: Some high-end models (like the Arlo Pro 4, Pro 5, and Ultra 2) have a loud, 100+ dB siren. Think of it as a mini foghorn—it’s designed to startle intruders and alert neighbors.
• Push Notifications & App Alerts: All Arlo cameras send real-time alerts to your phone. You can customize these to trigger for people, vehicles, or packages—not just random shadows.
• Smart Home Alarms: Pair your Arlo camera with smart speakers (like Alexa) or security systems (like SimpliSafe) to turn your whole house into a “security zone.” For example, if motion is detected, Alexa can announce, “Front door activity detected,” while your smart lights flash.
• Two-Way Talk: Use the camera’s microphone and speaker to shout, “Hey, I see you!” This isn’t a traditional alarm, but it’s often enough to scare off a would-be burglar.

Real-World Example: The Siren in Action

I tested the Arlo Pro 5’s siren during a home security demo. My neighbor’s dog triggered motion at 3 AM (classic false alarm). I opened the app, saw the pup, and manually triggered the siren. The dog bolted like it was chased by a ghost. The siren is loud—about 105 dB, similar to a motorcycle engine. For context, that’s enough to make your ears ring if you’re standing too close. But for deterring intruders? It’s perfect. The key is manual control: you decide when to sound the alarm, avoiding false alarms from pets or wind.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the siren is powerful, it’s not magic. A few things to note:

• Battery Life: Frequent siren use drains batteries fast. My Pro 5’s battery lasted 3 weeks with regular siren tests—half the advertised 6-month lifespan.
• No Auto-Siren (Yet): Unlike some competitors (e.g., Ring), Arlo doesn’t let you automatically trigger the siren for specific events (e.g., “if someone lingers for 2+ minutes”). You have to do it manually via the app.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor: The siren is weather-resistant, but it’s not designed to be left outside 24/7 in extreme heat or cold. For outdoor use, pair it with the Arlo Solar Panel to keep it charged.

Which Arlo Models Have Alarms? A Breakdown

Cameras With Built-In Sirens

Not sure which Arlo camera has an alarm? Here’s the quick answer: Pro and Ultra series models come with sirens. Let’s break it down:

• Arlo Pro 5 (2K): 105 dB siren, color night vision, and AI-powered person/vehicle detection. Best for mid-range budgets.
• Arlo Ultra 2 (4K): 108 dB siren, ultra-wide 180° view, and spotlight. Ideal for large properties.
• Arlo Pro 4 (2K): Slightly older but still reliable. 100 dB siren, no spotlight, but great value.
• Arlo Essential Outdoor (1080p): No built-in siren, but you can add a separate Arlo Siren (sold as an add-on).

Cameras Without Sirens (But Still Secure)

Don’t panic if you own an Arlo Essential or Arlo Go. You’re not out of luck. These models lack built-in sirens, but you can:

• Add the Arlo Siren: A standalone, battery-powered siren that syncs with your camera. It’s loud (105 dB) and can be triggered remotely via the app.
• Use Smart Home Alarms: Pair your camera with Alexa, Google Assistant, or IFTTT. For example, if your Arlo Go detects motion, Alexa can play a “security alert” sound through your Echo Dot.
• Leverage Two-Way Talk: Shouting, “I’m calling the police!” through your camera’s speaker can be surprisingly effective.

Pro Tip: Mix and Match

I use a hybrid setup: an Arlo Ultra 2 (with siren) at my front door and an Arlo Essential (without siren) in my backyard, paired with a standalone Arlo Siren. This gives me full coverage without breaking the bank. The standalone siren is especially handy for renters—no drilling required. Just stick it to a wall with adhesive strips.

How to Set Up and Use Arlo Alarms Effectively

Step-by-Step: Enabling the Built-In Siren

Ready to test your Arlo camera’s alarm? Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo App and select your camera.
2. Tap the “Siren” icon (it looks like a speaker) in the live view.
3. Hold the icon for 1–2 seconds to activate the alarm. Release to stop.
4. Customize the siren duration (1–60 seconds) in Settings > Siren.

For the standalone Arlo Siren, pair it via the app under “Add Device” > “Arlo Siren”. Once connected, you can trigger it manually or set up rules (e.g., “If backyard camera detects motion, turn on siren”).

Smart Alerts: Your First Line of Defense

Before you ever need the siren, your camera should warn you. Here’s how to optimize alerts:

• Enable Smart Alerts: Go to Settings > Smart Detection and toggle on “Person,” “Vehicle,” and “Package” detection. This cuts down on false alarms from leaves or animals.
• Adjust Motion Zones: Draw custom zones in your camera’s view (e.g., “front porch only”) to ignore motion in irrelevant areas (like trees).
• Schedule Alerts: Set “Away” mode to get alerts only when you’re not home. Use “Home” mode to disable alerts during the day.

Real-World Tip: Test, Don’t Guess

I learned this the hard way. I once ignored my Arlo alerts for weeks because I assumed it was just the cat. Turns out, it was a raccoon stealing my trash cans. Now, I test my system weekly:

• Trigger a motion alert (e.g., walk past the camera) to confirm notifications work.
• Sound the siren once a month to check battery and volume.
• Update firmware regularly (Settings > Device > Firmware) to patch security flaws.

Arlo Alarms vs. Competitors: How Do They Stack Up?

Side-by-Side Comparison: Siren Strength

How does Arlo’s alarm compare to Ring, Blink, or Google Nest? Let’s look at the numbers:

Brand/Model	Built-In Siren?	Decibel Level	Auto-Siren?	Smart Home Integration
Arlo Pro 5	Yes	105 dB	No	Alexa, Google, IFTTT
Ring Spotlight Cam	Yes	110 dB	Yes (with Ring Protect)	Alexa, IFTTT
Blink Outdoor	No	—	No	Alexa only
Google Nest Cam (outdoor)	No	—	No	Google Assistant, Alexa

The Good, the Bad, and the “Why Bother?”

Here’s the honest truth:

• Arlo’s Strengths:
  • Best-in-class video quality (2K/4K).
  • Flexible siren options (built-in or add-on).
  • No mandatory subscription (unlike Ring).
• Arlo’s Weaknesses:
  • No auto-siren (manual only).
  • Battery life drops with frequent siren use.
  • App can be glitchy (e.g., siren won’t activate despite full battery).
• When to Choose Arlo: You want high-resolution footage and don’t mind triggering alarms manually. Great for tech-savvy users who like control.
• When to Avoid Arlo: You want “set it and forget it” automation (e.g., auto-siren for loitering). Ring or SimpliSafe might be better.

Advanced Tips: Maximizing Your Arlo Alarm System

1. Create “Security Scenes” with Smart Home Integrations

Want your house to react when your Arlo camera detects trouble? Try these IFTTT applets:

• “If Arlo detects motion, flash my Philips Hue lights red for 10 seconds.” This mimics a police car—scary and effective.
• “If siren is triggered, send a text to my neighbor.” Great for vacation mode.
• “If backyard camera detects person after 10 PM, play ‘Intruder Alert’ sound on Alexa.” Adds a layer of deterrence.

2. Use the Arlo Chime for Indoor Alerts

The Arlo Chime (a small plug-in device) acts like a doorbell for your security system. When your camera detects motion, the chime plays a customizable sound (e.g., “Front door activity”). It’s perfect for:

• Hearing alerts from another room.
• Elderly relatives who don’t check phones.
• Hearing-impaired users (pair it with a strobe light).

3. Optimize for Nighttime Security

Night is when most break-ins happen. Here’s how to use your Arlo alarm after dark:

• Enable Night Vision: All Pro/Ultra models have color night vision. Essential models use infrared (black and white).
• Use the Spotlight: Arlo Ultra 2 and Pro 5 have built-in spotlights. Set them to turn on when motion is detected.
• Pair with Outdoor Lights: Use a smart plug (like Kasa) to turn on a porch light when the siren sounds. Light + sound = maximum deterrence.

4. Troubleshooting Common Alarm Issues

Even the best systems have hiccups. Here’s how to fix them:

• Siren won’t activate: Check battery (replace if below 20%). Update firmware. Restart the camera.
• Too many false alarms: Adjust motion sensitivity (Settings > Motion Detection). Use Smart Alerts to filter out pets.
• App crashes when triggering siren: Clear the app cache (Settings > Apps > Arlo > Storage > Clear Cache).

Final Verdict: Are Arlo Alarms Worth It?

So, do Arlo cameras have an alarm? Yes—but with caveats. If you own a Pro or Ultra model, you get a loud, effective siren that you control manually. If you have an Essential or Go, you can add a standalone siren or use smart home integrations. But here’s the bottom line: Arlo’s alarm system is about empowerment, not automation.

You’re not just buying a camera; you’re buying peace of mind. The siren isn’t there to replace a security guard. It’s there to give you a voice—to say, “I see you, and I’m not afraid.” When my neighbor’s dog triggered my Arlo Pro 5’s siren at 3 AM, it wasn’t just about scaring a pup. It was about knowing I could protect my home with a tap. And when a delivery person lingered too long at my door last winter, I used two-way talk to ask, “Can I help you?” They left immediately.

Arlo’s alarms aren’t perfect. The lack of auto-siren is a bummer. The app could be smoother. And the battery drain from frequent siren use is real. But for someone who values control, clarity, and customization, Arlo delivers. Whether you’re a parent worried about kids coming home late, a pet owner tired of raccoon raids, or a homeowner who just wants to feel safe, Arlo’s alarms are a tool—not a crutch. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras have an alarm feature for home security?

Yes, many Arlo cameras include built-in alarms or sirens to deter intruders. This feature is available on models like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential, which allow you to trigger the alarm remotely via the app.

How do I enable the alarm on my Arlo camera?

You can enable the alarm through the Arlo app by selecting your camera, tapping the “Siren” icon, and activating it manually or through motion-triggered automation. Some models also let you schedule when the alarm is active.

Can Arlo cameras automatically trigger an alarm when motion is detected?

Yes, most Arlo cameras with alarms support motion-activated alerts. You can customize settings in the app to trigger the built-in siren when motion or sound is detected, adding an extra layer of security.

Are Arlo camera alarms loud enough to scare off intruders?

Arlo camera alarms are designed to be loud and attention-grabbing, typically reaching 80–90 decibels. This makes them effective for deterring trespassers or notifying nearby people of unusual activity.

Do all Arlo cameras have an alarm, or only specific models?

Not all Arlo cameras include an alarm—only select models like the Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential series have built-in sirens. Always check the product specifications before purchasing if this feature is important to you.

Can I control my Arlo camera’s alarm remotely using the app?

Yes, the Arlo app lets you activate, deactivate, or schedule your camera’s alarm from anywhere. This remote access ensures you can respond quickly to potential security threats, even when you’re away.