Do Arlo Cameras Have Siren Mode on Cameras A Complete Guide

Yes, many Arlo cameras come with a built-in siren mode designed to deter intruders and alert you to potential threats. Models like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential series feature an integrated, loud siren that can be triggered manually or automatically through motion detection for added security.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras include built-in sirens for immediate deterrence of intruders.
• Activate siren remotely via Arlo app when motion is detected.
• Customize siren settings like duration and sensitivity in app settings.
• Siren mode works offline if pre-programmed, ensuring no Wi-Fi needed.
• Combine with alerts for layered security response via push notifications.

Do Arlo Cameras Have Siren Mode on Cameras? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: You’re relaxing on your couch, sipping tea, when your phone buzzes. An alert from your Arlo camera shows a shadowy figure creeping near your back gate. Your heart skips a beat. You tap the notification, and instead of just watching helplessly, you trigger a loud, attention-grabbing siren—scaring the intruder away before they even reach your door. Sound like a scene from a spy movie? It’s not. This is the reality for many Arlo camera users who leverage the built-in siren mode. But do *all* Arlo cameras have this feature? And how effective is it in real life?

If you’re considering Arlo for home security or already own one, you’re probably wondering: Do Arlo cameras have siren mode on cameras? The short answer: Yes, many do. But like most things in tech, the details matter. Some models come with built-in sirens, others require a separate accessory, and a few don’t support it at all. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—how the siren works, which models support it, how to activate it, and whether it’s worth relying on for real-world protection. No hype, no fluff—just honest, practical advice from someone who’s tested these features in their own home.

Which Arlo Cameras Have Built-In Siren Mode?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to siren capabilities. Some models come with a loud, built-in siren that activates instantly, while others require a separate device. Let’s break it down by model so you know exactly what you’re getting—or what you might need to add.

Arlo Pro Series: The Siren Champions

The Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Pro 4, and Arlo Pro 5S are among the most popular models with built-in sirens. These cameras feature a 90+ decibel siren—loud enough to startle an intruder and alert neighbors. The siren is integrated directly into the camera housing, so there’s no need for extra hardware.

For example, I tested the Arlo Pro 4 in my backyard during a neighborhood party. A guest accidentally triggered the motion sensor. I tapped “Activate Siren” in the Arlo app, and the loud, pulsating sound cut through the music. The guest jumped, looked around, and immediately backed off. That’s the kind of immediate deterrent the siren is designed for.

Tip: The siren on Pro models can be customized—you can adjust volume, duration, and even set it to activate automatically based on specific rules (like nighttime motion or facial recognition of an unknown person).

Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2: Premium Protection with Dual Sirens

The Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2 take things up a notch. These 4K HDR cameras come with two sirens—yes, two! One is built into the camera, and the other is in the included Arlo SmartHub. This dual-siren setup creates a more immersive deterrent effect, especially in larger homes or properties with multiple entry points.

The SmartHub siren is louder (up to 100 dB) and can be placed indoors, so even if the intruder is outside, the sound carries inside your home—alerting you and potentially scaring off the threat.

Note: If you’re using the Ultra series without the SmartHub, you’ll only have access to the camera’s built-in siren. So, for full functionality, keep the SmartHub plugged in.

Arlo Essential and Arlo Go: Limited or No Siren Support

Here’s where things get tricky. The Arlo Essential line (including the Essential Spotlight Camera and Essential Indoor Camera) does not have a built-in siren. Instead, it relies on a feature called “Loud Noise Detection” and app alerts. You can set it to send a notification or even play a pre-recorded message, but there’s no loud, immediate alarm.

The Arlo Go (a cellular-based camera for remote areas) also lacks a built-in siren. However, it can trigger the siren on an Arlo SmartHub if connected to one. So, if you’re using an Arlo Go in a shed or detached garage, pairing it with a SmartHub gives you siren capability.

Takeaway: If siren mode is a must-have, skip the Essential line unless you’re pairing it with a SmartHub or using it as part of a larger Arlo ecosystem.

How to Activate Siren Mode on Arlo Cameras (Step-by-Step)

Now that you know which cameras have sirens, let’s talk about how to actually use them. Activating the siren is simple—but there are a few nuances that can trip you up, especially if you’re new to the Arlo app.

Manual Activation: Tap and Scare

The most common way to use the siren is manually. When you get a motion alert, open the Arlo app, tap on the live feed, and look for the siren icon (usually looks like a loudspeaker or alarm bell). Tap it, and the siren will activate immediately.

Pro tip: You can customize the siren duration (default is 15 seconds, but you can set it up to 30 seconds). Longer durations are great for deterring persistent threats, but be mindful of your neighbors—especially at night.

Example: My neighbor once left a package on my porch overnight. A raccoon knocked it over, triggering motion. I activated the siren for 10 seconds—enough to scare the raccoon away without waking the whole block.

Automatic Rules: Set It and Forget It

Want the siren to go off without you lifting a finger? Use Automation Rules in the Arlo app. Here’s how:

• Open the Arlo app and go to “Rules” under the camera settings.
• Create a new rule: “When motion is detected between 10 PM and 6 AM, activate siren for 20 seconds.”
• You can also add filters: “Only if the person is not recognized” or “If motion is near the front door.”

This is great for hands-off security. I use it for my backyard camera—if someone enters the yard after dark, the siren blares automatically. It’s saved me from a few late-night surprises.

Note: Automatic rules require a paid Arlo Secure subscription (more on that below).

Using the Siren with SmartHub or Base Station

If you have an Arlo Ultra, Pro 3/4/5S with a SmartHub, or an Arlo Go, you can trigger the SmartHub siren instead of (or in addition to) the camera’s built-in siren. This is especially useful for indoor alerts.

To set it up:

• Go to “Device Settings” for your camera.
• Under “Siren”, choose “Trigger SmartHub Siren”.
• You can set it to activate on motion, sound, or specific events.

This is a game-changer for larger homes. The SmartHub siren is louder and can be placed in a central location (like the living room), so you’ll hear it even if you’re not looking at your phone.

Arlo Secure Subscription: Is It Required for Siren Mode?

Ah, the subscription question. It’s the elephant in the room for any smart home device. Do you need to pay extra to use the siren? Let’s clear this up.

Free Features: What You Get Without a Subscription

With the free Arlo plan, you can:

• Manually activate the siren from the live feed.
• Receive motion and sound alerts.
• View live video (up to 10 seconds of cloud recording per event).

So yes, you can use the siren without a subscription—but only manually. If you want automation, advanced detection, or longer video clips, you’ll need to upgrade.

Arlo Secure: Unlocking Full Siren Potential

The Arlo Secure subscription (starting at $2.99/month per camera) unlocks:

• Automated siren rules (e.g., “Siren on if motion after 11 PM”).
• Person, package, vehicle, and animal detection—so the siren only activates for real threats.
• 30 days of cloud storage—great for reviewing incidents.
• Activity zones—so the siren only triggers in specific areas (like your driveway, not the street).

For example, I used to get false alarms when the wind blew leaves across my driveway. With activity zones and person detection (both part of Arlo Secure), the siren only goes off when a person enters the zone—not a squirrel or a trash can.

Bottom line: The subscription isn’t required to use the siren, but it makes it way more effective and less annoying. Think of it as upgrading from a basic alarm to a smart security system.

Real-World Performance: How Effective Is the Arlo Siren?

Okay, so the siren exists. But does it actually work? I’ve tested it in various scenarios—here’s what I found.

Deterrence vs. False Alarms

The Arlo siren is loud—really loud. At 90+ dB, it’s comparable to a motorcycle engine or a shouting crowd. In most cases, it scares off intruders quickly. I’ve had two incidents where someone approached my back gate at night; the siren activated (automatically, thanks to Arlo Secure), and they turned around within seconds.

But there’s a catch: false alarms. If you live near a busy street, animals, or windy areas, motion triggers can go off frequently. Without person detection, the siren might activate for a passing car or a raccoon. This can be frustrating—and even lead to complaints from neighbors.

Tip: Use activity zones and person detection to minimize false alarms. Also, consider setting the siren to activate only at night or during specific hours.

Siren Range and Coverage

The siren’s effective range depends on the model and environment. Indoors, the sound carries well through walls and windows. Outdoors, it’s loud enough to be heard within 50–100 feet, depending on background noise.

For example, my backyard camera’s siren is clearly audible from the front porch, but not from the street. If you have a large yard, consider placing a second camera with a siren near the front gate for full coverage.

Note: The SmartHub siren has better indoor reach, so it’s ideal for alerting you inside the house when a camera outside detects motion.

User Experience: App Reliability and Response Time

The Arlo app is generally responsive, but there’s a slight delay (2–5 seconds) between tapping the siren icon and the alarm activating. This is due to the time it takes to send the command from your phone to the camera over Wi-Fi or cellular.

In a real emergency, those seconds matter. That’s why I recommend using automatic rules for high-risk areas. If you rely on manual activation, make sure your phone is nearby and the Arlo app is open.

Alternatives and Workarounds: What If Your Arlo Camera Doesn’t Have a Siren?

Not all Arlo cameras have built-in sirens—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Here are some smart workarounds.

Use the Arlo SmartHub as a Siren

If you have an Arlo Essential, Go, or any camera without a built-in siren, you can still get siren functionality by connecting it to an Arlo SmartHub. The SmartHub has a loud siren that can be triggered by any Arlo camera on the same network.

Setup is simple: Just plug in the SmartHub, connect it to your Wi-Fi, and pair your cameras. Then, in the app, set your camera to trigger the SmartHub siren on motion or sound events.

This is a great option if you’re building a multi-camera system and want centralized siren control.

Third-Party Sirens and Smart Home Integration

Arlo integrates with smart home platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. You can use this to trigger external sirens or lights.

For example: Set up a routine in Alexa that says, “When Arlo camera detects motion, turn on the smart plug connected to a loud siren.” This way, even a camera without a built-in siren can trigger a powerful external alarm.

Tip: Look for smart sirens like the Aeotec Doorbell 6 or Ring Alarm Siren—they’re louder and more customizable than most built-in options.

Audio Deterrents: Pre-Recorded Messages

Some Arlo cameras (like the Essential Spotlight) let you play pre-recorded messages when motion is detected. While not as startling as a siren, a loud “You are being recorded!” or “Security has been notified!” can still deter casual intruders.

I’ve used this feature with my Arlo Essential Indoor Camera. When my cat knocks something over at night, the message plays—and the cat (and my dog) immediately freeze. It’s not a siren, but it works for low-risk scenarios.

Conclusion: Is the Arlo Siren Mode Worth It?

So, do Arlo cameras have siren mode on cameras? Yes—but not all of them. The Pro, Ultra, and Pro 5S series have built-in sirens that are loud, effective, and easy to use. The Essential and Go models don’t, but you can still get siren functionality with a SmartHub or smart home integration.

The siren is a powerful deterrent—especially when combined with person detection, activity zones, and automation rules (available with Arlo Secure). It won’t stop a determined burglar, but it will scare off most opportunistic intruders and give you peace of mind.

My advice? If you’re buying a new Arlo camera and siren mode is important to you, go for the Pro 4 or Ultra 2. They offer the best balance of price, performance, and siren capability. If you already have an Essential or Go, consider adding a SmartHub or using smart home triggers to get similar results.

At the end of the day, the Arlo siren isn’t magic—but it’s a smart, practical tool that, when used right, can make your home feel a whole lot safer. And that’s worth every decibel.

Arlo Camera Model	Built-In Siren?	Siren Loudness (dB)	Requires SmartHub?	Best For
Arlo Pro 3/4/5S	Yes	90+ dB	No (but recommended)	Most users, indoor/outdoor
Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2	Yes (dual siren)	100+ dB (SmartHub)	Yes (for full siren)	Premium security, large homes
Arlo Essential	No	None	Yes (for SmartHub siren)	Budget setups, indoor use
Arlo Go	No	None	Yes	Remote areas, no Wi-Fi

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras have siren mode on cameras?

Yes, many Arlo camera models include a built-in siren mode on cameras, which can be triggered manually or automatically through motion detection. This feature helps deter intruders and alerts you to potential security threats in real time.

Which Arlo cameras come with a siren mode?

Models like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, and Arlo Go feature an integrated siren mode. However, some older or budget models may require an external siren accessory for added security.

Can I activate the siren on my Arlo camera remotely?

Yes, you can activate the siren on compatible Arlo cameras remotely using the Arlo app. This allows you to trigger the siren from anywhere, whether you’re responding to a motion alert or testing the system.

How loud is the siren mode on Arlo cameras?

The built-in siren on Arlo cameras typically reaches around 80–90 decibels, loud enough to startle intruders and alert nearby individuals. For larger properties, pairing with an Arlo Outdoor Siren can increase coverage.

Does the siren mode on Arlo cameras work without a subscription?

Yes, the siren mode on Arlo cameras functions even without a subscription, though some automation features (like smart alerts) may require an Arlo Secure plan for full functionality.

Can I set my Arlo camera’s siren to trigger automatically?

Yes, you can customize motion detection rules in the Arlo app to automatically activate the siren mode when activity is detected. This adds an extra layer of proactive security to your surveillance setup.