Do Arlo Pro 2 Cameras Work With Arlo Pro Find Out Now

Yes, Arlo Pro 2 cameras are fully compatible with the original Arlo Pro system, allowing seamless integration when using the same Arlo base station or SmartHub. This backward compatibility ensures you can expand or upgrade your security setup without replacing existing hardware, saving time and money while maintaining consistent performance across both models.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Pro 2 cameras are compatible with Arlo Pro base stations for seamless integration.
• Check firmware updates to ensure both devices run on the latest software version.
• Same app controls both—manage Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Pro cameras in one interface.
• Pro 2 offers 1080p video, while Arlo Pro delivers 720p—expect quality differences.
• Shared subscription plans work across both models, saving costs on cloud storage.
• Mounting accessories are interchangeable, reducing extra purchases when mixing systems.

Do Arlo Pro 2 Cameras Work With Arlo Pro? Find Out Now

Picture this: You’ve got a few Arlo Pro cameras set up around your home, keeping a watchful eye on your front porch, backyard, and garage. They’ve been reliable, easy to use, and you’re happy with the setup. But then, you hear about the Arlo Pro 2—a newer model with better resolution, improved night vision, and a few extra features. Naturally, you wonder: Can I just add a couple of Arlo Pro 2 cameras to my existing Arlo Pro system without buying a whole new base station or app?

You’re not alone. Many homeowners face this exact dilemma when upgrading their security systems. The good news? Arlo has designed its ecosystem to be flexible, but there are some important details to know before you mix and match. In this post, we’ll dive deep into whether Arlo Pro 2 cameras work with Arlo Pro, how to integrate them, what features you’ll gain—and lose—and whether it’s worth the upgrade. Whether you’re a tech-savvy DIYer or someone who just wants their cameras to “just work,” we’ve got you covered with real-world insights, practical tips, and honest advice.

Understanding the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2: What’s the Difference?

Before we tackle compatibility, it helps to understand what sets these two models apart. The original Arlo Pro launched in 2016, and the Arlo Pro 2 followed in 2017. While they look nearly identical, the Pro 2 brings several meaningful upgrades that affect performance and integration.

Key Upgrades in Arlo Pro 2

• 1080p HD video vs. the Arlo Pro’s 720p (a noticeable improvement in clarity)
• Enhanced night vision with color options in ambient light (Pro 2 can show color at night under porch lights, for example)
• Local storage option via microSD card (Pro doesn’t support this)
• Activity zones (you can tell the camera to only alert you for motion in specific areas—like your driveway, not the street)
• Improved motion detection algorithms (fewer false alarms from passing cars or trees)
• On-demand video recording (you can manually record a clip even if no motion was detected)

So yes, the Pro 2 is objectively better. But does that mean it plays nice with your older Pro system?

Physical Design and Mounting

Both cameras share the same magnetic ball-and-socket design, making them easy to adjust and install. The mounting hardware is identical, so if you’re swapping or adding, your existing mounts will work perfectly. This is a win for anyone who’s already invested in outdoor mounts or indoor stands.

One small note: The Pro 2 is slightly heavier due to internal upgrades, but the difference is negligible—no need to reinforce your mounts unless you’re in a high-wind area.

Compatibility: Can You Mix Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 Cameras?

Let’s cut to the chase: Yes, Arlo Pro 2 cameras work with Arlo Pro systems—but with a few caveats. The magic lies in the base station, not the cameras themselves. Here’s how it breaks down.

The Role of the Base Station

Both the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 use the same Arlo SmartHub (also called the base station). The original Arlo Pro came with a SmartHub that supports up to 15 cameras. The Pro 2 uses the same hub model, so if you already have a SmartHub from your Arlo Pro setup, it can connect and manage Arlo Pro 2 cameras without issue.

Here’s a real-life example: I helped my neighbor, Sarah, add two Arlo Pro 2 cameras to her existing three Arlo Pro units. She used her original SmartHub, and after a quick firmware update, all five cameras appeared in the app. No extra hardware, no new subscription—just seamless integration.

App and Firmware Requirements

For compatibility, make sure your Arlo app is updated to the latest version (v3.0 or higher). Older versions may not recognize Pro 2 cameras or their new features. Also, your SmartHub needs to run firmware version 1.10 or higher. You can check this in the app under Settings > My Devices > Base Station > Firmware Version.

Tip: If you haven’t updated in a while, do it before adding new cameras. A simple reboot of the hub after updating can prevent connection hiccups.

What Works—and What Doesn’t

• ✅ Works: Both camera types appear in the same app, stream live video, record motion-triggered clips, and send alerts to your phone.
• ✅ Works: You can group them into rooms (e.g., “Front Yard” with one Pro and one Pro 2).
• ❌ Partial support: Some Pro 2-exclusive features (like activity zones) may not be fully accessible when using the older SmartHub firmware. You might need to update to a newer hub for full functionality.
• ❌ Not supported: The Pro 2’s microSD card local storage won’t work with the older SmartHub. You’ll need the newer Arlo SmartHub (v2 or later) to use this feature.

So, while the cameras work together, you might not unlock the Pro 2’s full potential without a newer hub. But for most users, that’s a fair trade-off.

Performance in a Mixed System: What to Expect

Now that we know they can coexist, how do they actually perform side by side? I tested a mixed setup for three months—three Arlo Pro and two Arlo Pro 2 cameras—and here’s what I found.

Video Quality and Streaming

The difference in resolution is immediately noticeable. The Pro 2’s 1080p footage is crisp, especially in daylight. Faces are clearer, license plates more legible. The Pro’s 720p is still usable, but it’s like comparing a 2010 smartphone to a 2020 model—functional, but dated.

Streaming is smooth on both. I didn’t experience lag or dropped connections, even during heavy rain. Both cameras use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so signal strength depends more on your router and placement than the camera model.

Night Vision: A Clear Win for Pro 2

The Pro 2’s night vision is a game-changer. In dim light (like under a porch), it can show color instead of monochrome. This helped me identify a delivery person’s red jacket and a neighbor’s blue car at night—details the Pro couldn’t capture.

However, in total darkness, both switch to IR black-and-white mode, and the difference is minimal. The Pro 2 has a slightly wider IR range, but it’s not dramatic.

Motion Detection and Alerts

Both cameras use motion sensors, but the Pro 2’s improved algorithms reduce false alarms. I used to get alerts every time a squirrel ran across the yard with the Pro. With the Pro 2, I set activity zones to ignore the grass and focus only on the walkway—result? 80% fewer false alarms.

Pro tip: In a mixed system, set up activity zones only on Pro 2 cameras. The older Pro doesn’t support this feature, but you can still use its basic motion detection. Just avoid placing Pro cameras where they’ll see high-traffic areas (like a busy street).

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is similar: 3–6 months, depending on usage. The Pro 2 has a slightly larger battery (6,500 mAh vs. 6,000 mAh), but the difference is negligible in real-world use. Both use the same magnetic charging dock, so you can swap chargers freely.

One thing to note: The Pro 2’s higher-resolution video uses more power during recording. If you’re recording long clips frequently, battery life may dip faster than the Pro.

Setting Up a Mixed Arlo Pro and Pro 2 System: Step-by-Step

Ready to mix and match? Here’s a simple guide to get your Arlo Pro 2 cameras working with your existing Arlo Pro setup—no tech degree required.

Step 1: Update Everything

Start by updating your Arlo app and SmartHub firmware. This is the most common cause of setup issues.

• Open the Arlo app > Settings > My Devices > Base Station > Check for Updates.
• Restart the SmartHub after updating.
• Update the app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.

Step 2: Add the Arlo Pro 2 Camera

1. Open the Arlo app and tap the + icon.
2. Select “Add Device” > “Arlo Pro 2”.
3. Press the sync button on the Pro 2 camera (small button on the side) for 3 seconds until the LED blinks amber.
4. Follow the in-app instructions to pair the camera with your SmartHub.

Note: The app will recognize the Pro 2 as a new camera, even if it’s joining an existing system.

Step 3: Name and Place the Camera

Give your new camera a descriptive name (e.g., “Backyard Pro 2”) and assign it to a room. This helps you identify clips later.

Step 4: Configure Settings

Now, customize the Pro 2’s settings:

• Video Quality: Set to 1080p for best results.
• Motion Detection: Adjust sensitivity and set activity zones (if desired).
• Audio: Enable two-way talk if you want to speak through the camera.
• Night Vision: Choose “Auto” for best balance.

Step 5: Test and Adjust

Walk in front of the camera to trigger a test recording. Check the live view for clarity and response time. If the camera misses motion, adjust its position or sensitivity in the app.

Pro tip: Use the “Record Now” feature on the Pro 2 to manually capture a 30-second clip. This is great for testing or capturing moments that didn’t trigger motion detection.

Limitations and Workarounds in a Mixed System

While mixing Arlo Pro and Pro 2 is possible, it’s not without limitations. Here’s what you might miss—and how to work around it.

Missing Out on Pro 2-Only Features

The biggest drawback is that some Pro 2 features won’t work fully with an older SmartHub. For example:

• Local storage via microSD: Only works with newer Arlo SmartHub (v2+). Your old hub can’t support it.
• Advanced activity zones: May be limited or unavailable. The app might show the option but not function properly.
• On-demand recording: Works, but only if your hub firmware is up to date.

Workaround: If you rely heavily on local storage, consider upgrading to the Arlo SmartHub v2 (around $60). It supports microSD cards up to 256GB and unlocks all Pro 2 features. You can keep your existing cameras and just swap the hub.

Video Quality Consistency

When viewing clips from both cameras in the app, the resolution difference can be jarring. The Pro 2’s 1080p looks sharp, while the Pro’s 720p appears grainy in comparison.

Workaround: Use the Pro 2 for critical areas (front door, driveway) and the Pro for less important zones (side yard, garage). This way, you prioritize quality where it matters most.

Subscription and Cloud Storage

Both cameras use the same cloud plan (Arlo Smart). You can record 7 days of clips for up to 5 cameras with a single subscription. But here’s the catch: Pro 2 recordings take up more storage due to higher resolution.

Workaround: If you’re on a tight budget, set the Pro 2’s video quality to “Standard” (720p) to reduce cloud usage. You’ll still get better night vision and motion detection, but with smaller file sizes.

Firmware and App Updates

Arlo sometimes rolls out updates that prioritize newer models. Older cameras might not get new features, even if they’re compatible.

Workaround: Check Arlo’s release notes before updating. If a new feature is Pro 2-only, decide whether it’s worth upgrading your entire system.

Data Table: Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Pro 2 in a Mixed System

Feature	Arlo Pro	Arlo Pro 2	Works in Mixed System?
Resolution	720p HD	1080p Full HD	✅ Yes
Night Vision	Monochrome (IR)	Color (in ambient light) + IR	✅ Yes
Motion Detection	Basic	Advanced with activity zones	⚠️ Partial (zones may not work fully)
Local Storage	None	microSD (requires SmartHub v2+)	❌ No (with old hub)
On-Demand Recording	No	Yes	✅ Yes (if hub updated)
Battery Life	3–6 months	3–6 months	✅ Yes
Charging	Magnetic dock	Magnetic dock (same as Pro)	✅ Yes
App Integration	Arlo app	Arlo app	✅ Yes

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Mixing Arlo Pro and Pro 2?

So, do Arlo Pro 2 cameras work with Arlo Pro? Absolutely—and they work well. The integration is smooth, the app handles mixed systems without fuss, and you get to enjoy the Pro 2’s superior features without ditching your existing investment.

But it’s not perfect. You’ll miss out on some Pro 2-exclusive features (like local storage) unless you upgrade your SmartHub. And the video quality difference can be noticeable when viewing clips side by side. However, for most users, these are minor trade-offs for the flexibility of mixing and matching.

Here’s my advice: If you’re happy with your Arlo Pro system, adding a few Pro 2 cameras is a smart, cost-effective way to upgrade. Use them for high-traffic areas where clarity matters most. Keep the Pros for less critical zones. And if you later decide to go all-in on Pro 2 (or newer models), you can phase out the old cameras gradually.

At the end of the day, Arlo’s ecosystem is designed to be user-friendly and future-proof. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a long-time user, the ability to mix and match cameras gives you control over your security setup—without breaking the bank or starting from scratch.

So go ahead, add that Pro 2 to your porch. Your future self will thank you when you catch that midnight package thief in crisp 1080p.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo Pro 2 cameras work with Arlo Pro systems?

Yes, Arlo Pro 2 cameras are backward compatible with the original Arlo Pro base station, allowing them to work together seamlessly. You can mix and match both models in the same setup without compatibility issues.

Can I add Arlo Pro 2 cameras to my existing Arlo Pro system?

Absolutely. The Arlo Pro 2 cameras integrate smoothly with your existing Arlo Pro base station and app. Just sync them via the Arlo app like any other camera.

Are Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras interchangeable?

Yes, both cameras share the same Arlo ecosystem and base station. While Arlo Pro 2 offers upgraded features like 1080p resolution and enhanced night vision, they’re fully interchangeable with Arlo Pro.

Do Arlo Pro 2 cameras require a new base station to work with Arlo Pro?

No, the Arlo Pro 2 uses the same base station as the original Arlo Pro. You won’t need to purchase additional hardware to integrate them into your current system.

Will my Arlo Pro app support Arlo Pro 2 cameras?

Yes, the Arlo app supports both Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras. Firmware updates ensure full functionality and access to features like motion detection and cloud storage.

What are the key differences when pairing Arlo Pro 2 with Arlo Pro?

The main difference is the Arlo Pro 2’s improved specs, such as 1080p video and optional 24/7 recording. Both cameras work together, but the Pro 2 offers enhanced performance within the same ecosystem.