Do Arlo Pro 4 Cameras Need a Base Station Find Out Here

The Arlo Pro 4 does not require a base station to function, offering flexible setup via direct Wi-Fi connectivity. This simplifies installation and reduces costs, though a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub) can still enhance performance with extended range and local storage options.

Key Takeaways

• No base station required: Arlo Pro 4 connects directly to Wi-Fi for flexible setup.
• Simplified installation: Skip the base station and pair cameras via the Arlo app.
• 2K HDR video: Enjoy sharp, detailed footage without extra hardware.
• Local storage option: Use a microSD card for backup if Wi-Fi drops.
• Smart alerts: Get instant notifications with person, vehicle, and animal detection.
• Weather-resistant design: Install indoors or outdoors with no base station limits.

Do Arlo Pro 4 Cameras Need a Base Station? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Imagine this: you’ve just bought your shiny new Arlo Pro 4 cameras, excited to finally upgrade your home security. You unbox them, scan the quick start guide, and suddenly hit a wall. Wait… do these need a base station? You start frantically Googling, only to find conflicting advice. Some forums say “yes,” others swear it’s optional. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

When I first set up my Arlo Pro 4 system, I was in the same boat. The packaging didn’t clarify it, and the setup app gave me a few confusing prompts. After hours of trial, error, and a few frustrated calls to Arlo support, I learned the truth—and it’s not as simple as “yes” or “no.” The answer depends on your goals: Do you want 24/7 video recording? Do you hate Wi-Fi dropouts? Are you okay with a few extra steps? Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can decide what’s best for your home. No fluff, just real talk from someone who’s been there.

Understanding the Arlo Pro 4’s Connectivity Options

How the Arlo Pro 4 Talks to Your Home

The Arlo Pro 4 is a wire-free security camera, meaning it runs on rechargeable batteries and connects to your home network via Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz). Unlike older Arlo models, the Pro 4 doesn’t *require* a base station to function. You can plug it into your existing router and start recording right away. But here’s the catch: Wi-Fi-only mode comes with trade-offs. Think of it like choosing between a direct phone call (Wi-Fi) and a walkie-talkie with a relay tower (base station). One is simpler, but the other gives you more control and reliability.

For example, I tried using my Pro 4 cameras without a base station during a heatwave. My router, tucked in a closet, started overheating and dropping connections. The cameras kept disconnecting mid-alert, which was… not ideal. The base station acts as a dedicated “middleman,” boosting the signal and keeping your cameras online even if your router struggles. If you live in a large house, have a basement or attic setup, or just want peace of mind during network hiccups, the base station’s range extender feature is a game-changer.

Wi-Fi vs. Base Station: A Real-World Comparison

Let’s say you’re setting up cameras in a two-story home. Here’s how connectivity might differ:

• Wi-Fi-only: The front-door camera works fine, but the backyard camera (25 feet from the router) keeps lagging. Motion alerts arrive 10 seconds late, and video quality drops during storms.
• With base station: The base station sits halfway between the router and backyard camera. Alerts arrive instantly, and the video stays crisp, even in bad weather. The system also handles 4K streaming better.

Tip: Test your Wi-Fi strength with a free app like Wi-Fi Analyzer before deciding. If you see “fair” or “poor” signal where your cameras will go, the base station is worth it.

The Role of the Base Station (Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station)

What the Base Station Actually Does

The base station (officially called the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station) isn’t just a Wi-Fi booster. It’s the “brain” of a more advanced Arlo system. Here’s what it unlocks:

• Local storage: Record footage to a microSD card (sold separately) even if the internet goes down. No more “lost” alerts during outages!
• Enhanced security: The base station uses a proprietary 900 MHz frequency to talk to cameras, reducing Wi-Fi congestion and hacking risks.
• Arlo Secure subscription perks: With a subscription, the base station enables 30-day cloud storage, AI-powered person/vehicle detection, and emergency response.
• Multi-camera coordination: If you have 5+ cameras, the base station manages them more efficiently, reducing lag.

For instance, my neighbor’s Wi-Fi-only Arlo Pro 4 missed a delivery person because the camera was “rebooting” during a brief internet dropout. My base station setup recorded the event locally and synced it to the cloud once the internet returned. That’s the power of local + cloud backup.

When the Base Station Becomes Optional (or Unnecessary)

You might skip the base station if:

• You only have 1-2 cameras and live in a small apartment.
• You’re okay with relying solely on cloud storage (requires an Arlo Secure subscription).
• You have a rock-solid Wi-Fi mesh system (e.g., Google Nest Wifi) that already covers your entire property.
• You’re on a tight budget and don’t need 24/7 recording.

But here’s a heads-up: Arlo’s cloud storage isn’t free. Without a base station, you’ll need a subscription to save video history. The base station + local storage combo can actually save money long-term if you’d rather avoid monthly fees.

Pros and Cons: Base Station vs. Wi-Fi-Only Setup

The Upside of Going Base Station

Let’s talk benefits—the good stuff that makes the base station worth the extra cost:

• Reliability: The dedicated 900 MHz link between cameras and base station reduces Wi-Fi interference. No more “camera offline” alerts during Zoom calls!
• Local backup: During a recent storm, my power flickered, and my router rebooted. The base station kept recording to a microSD card, so I didn’t miss a thing.
• Future-proofing: If you later add more cameras (e.g., Arlo Ultra 2), the base station can handle them all without overloading your Wi-Fi.
• Smarter alerts: The base station processes AI detection locally, reducing false alarms (like leaves blowing in the wind).

Bonus tip: The base station also supports Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, turning it into a smart home hub. I connected my smart locks and lights to it, reducing the need for extra hubs.

The Drawbacks You Should Know

Of course, the base station isn’t perfect. Here’s what might give you pause:

• Cost: The base station costs $99-$129 extra. Add a microSD card (for local storage), and it’s a $150+ investment.
• Setup complexity: You’ll need to connect it to your router via Ethernet, which isn’t ideal if your router is in a hard-to-reach spot.
• Single point of failure: If the base station fails, all connected cameras go offline. (I keep mine plugged into a UPS battery backup to avoid this.)
• Space: The base station is a small box that needs a power outlet and Ethernet port. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

Example: My cousin skipped the base station to save money. A year later, she bought it after her Wi-Fi-only cameras kept missing nighttime activity. Sometimes, the upfront cost saves headaches later.

Real-World Scenarios: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use a Base Station

Best for Larger Homes and Tech-Savvy Users

The base station shines in these situations:

• Large properties: If you have a backyard, detached garage, or multiple floors, the base station’s extended range ensures full coverage.
• Homeowners who hate subscriptions: Local storage means you can skip monthly fees. I use a 256GB microSD card (~$40) and get 2+ weeks of continuous recording.
• Smart home enthusiasts: The base station’s Zigbee/Z-Wave support lets you control lights, locks, and sensors from the Arlo app.

My setup: I have 6 Pro 4 cameras (front yard, back yard, garage, basement, etc.). The base station keeps them all online, even when my Wi-Fi is busy with 20+ devices. The local storage also helped me prove a package theft to the police—no subscription required.

When Wi-Fi-Only Might Be Enough

You might not need the base station if:

• You’re a renter: Wi-Fi-only setups are easier to move. No drilling holes for Ethernet cables!

<

• You have a small, single-floor home: If all cameras are within 30 feet of your router, Wi-Fi should suffice.
• You’re okay with cloud storage: If you don’t mind paying for an Arlo Secure plan, the base station’s local storage isn’t essential.

Example: My friend lives in a 1-bedroom apartment with two Pro 4 cameras. She uses Wi-Fi-only and loves the simplicity. But she admits, “If I move to a house, I’ll probably get the base station.”

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Arlo Pro 4 (With or Without a Base Station)

Wi-Fi-Only Setup (Quick and Simple)

1. Download the Arlo app and create an account.
2. Charge the camera batteries fully (takes ~3 hours).
3. In the app, tap “Add Device” and follow the prompts to connect the camera to your Wi-Fi.
4. Mount the camera and adjust motion sensitivity in the app.
5. Optional: Buy an Arlo Secure subscription for cloud storage.

Pro tip: Place the camera within 30 feet of your router for best Wi-Fi performance. Use the app’s “signal strength” tool to check before mounting.

Base Station Setup (For Maximum Reliability)

1. Connect the base station to your router via Ethernet cable.
2. Plug it into a power outlet (near the router, if possible).
3. In the Arlo app, tap “Add Device” and select “Base Station.”
4. Follow the app’s instructions to pair cameras with the base station.
5. Insert a microSD card (for local storage) and format it in the app.

Warning: The base station’s Ethernet connection is non-negotiable. Don’t try to use it wirelessly—it won’t work.

Data Table: Arlo Pro 4 Connectivity Comparison

Feature	Wi-Fi-Only Setup	With Base Station
Setup complexity	Low (plug-and-play)	Medium (Ethernet required)
Local storage	❌ Not available	✅ microSD card support
Cloud storage	✅ (Subscription required)	✅ (Subscription required)
Wi-Fi congestion	High (uses your home Wi-Fi)	Low (dedicated 900 MHz link)
Range reliability	Limited by Wi-Fi signal	Extended (base station acts as relay)
Cost (starter kit)	$199 (2 cameras)	$299 (2 cameras + base station)

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Base Station?

So, do Arlo Pro 4 cameras need a base station? Technically, no—but practically, it depends on your needs. Think of it like a car: Wi-Fi-only is a basic model with good mileage. The base station is the premium upgrade with heated seats and a better sound system. Both get you where you’re going, but one makes the ride smoother.

Here’s my take: If you’re a casual user with 1-2 cameras and a strong Wi-Fi signal, skip the base station. Save your money and stick with Wi-Fi. But if you want reliability, local storage, or plan to expand your system later, the base station is a smart investment. It’s like buying a raincoat: you might not need it today, but you’ll be glad you have it when the storm hits.

And remember—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your home, your habits, and your tolerance for tech headaches should guide your choice. Whether you go base station or Wi-Fi-only, the Arlo Pro 4 is a solid camera that’ll keep your home safe. Just pick the setup that fits your life. After all, the best security system is the one you actually use—and understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo Pro 4 cameras need a base station to work?

No, the Arlo Pro 4 cameras do not require a base station to function. They connect directly to your Wi-Fi network, allowing for a simpler, wire-free setup without additional hardware.

Can I use the Arlo Pro 4 without a base station?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 4 is designed to work as a standalone camera using your home Wi-Fi. However, pairing it with an Arlo SmartHub or base station can improve connectivity and reduce bandwidth strain.

What’s the benefit of using a base station with the Arlo Pro 4?

Using a base station or SmartHub with your Arlo Pro 4 enhances video processing, extends battery life, and reduces Wi-Fi interference. It’s optional but recommended for larger setups or areas with weak Wi-Fi signals.

Is a base station required for local storage on the Arlo Pro 4?

Yes, if you want local storage (without a subscription), you’ll need an Arlo SmartHub or base station. The Pro 4 supports microSD storage only when connected to one of these devices.

Does skipping the base station affect Arlo Pro 4 performance?

Not significantly—your camera will still stream and record in 2K HDR. However, using a base station can optimize performance in crowded Wi-Fi environments or multi-camera systems.

Are Arlo Pro 4 cameras compatible with older base stations?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 4 works with most existing Arlo base stations, including the SmartHub (VMB5000) and earlier models. This backward compatibility lets you integrate Pro 4 cameras into your current setup seamlessly.