Do I Need a Base Station for Arlo Camera Find Out Here

No, you don’t always need a base station for Arlo cameras—many newer models, like the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra, connect directly to Wi-Fi for seamless setup and live streaming. However, a base station enhances performance by extending range, improving reliability, and enabling local storage, making it ideal for larger properties or advanced features like 24/7 recording.

Key Takeaways

• Base stations are essential for Arlo Pro and older models to function properly.
• Newer Arlo models like Ultra 2 and Pro 5S work standalone without a base station.
• Check your camera model before buying—some require a hub for connectivity.
• Base stations boost range and reliability for multi-camera setups.
• Local storage requires a base station for select Arlo cameras.
• Wi-Fi setups simplify installation but may lack advanced features.

Do I Need a Base Station for Arlo Camera? Find Out Here

Imagine this: It’s a quiet Sunday morning. You’re sipping coffee, scrolling through your phone, and suddenly—your Arlo app pings. Motion detected at your front door. You open the app, and there it is: a delivery person leaving a package. You feel that wave of relief. But then, a thought creeps in: *What if the Wi-Fi drops? What if my camera loses connection? What if I can’t access the footage later?*

That’s where the question hits: Do I need a base station for Arlo camera? It’s not just about convenience—it’s about reliability, storage, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a first-time smart home user or upgrading your security setup, this decision matters. I’ve been there—setting up cameras, testing different configurations, and learning the hard way what works and what doesn’t. So let’s dive into the real talk: what a base station does, when you absolutely need one, and when you might skip it without losing sleep.

What Is an Arlo Base Station and How Does It Work?

Let’s start with the basics. An Arlo base station (also called a SmartHub) is a small, box-like device that acts as the central hub for certain Arlo cameras. Think of it like a home base—your cameras connect to it, not directly to your router. It handles communication, stores footage (if you use local storage), and manages your entire Arlo system.

How the Base Station Connects to Your Network

The base station plugs into your home router using an Ethernet cable. This creates a dedicated, local network for your Arlo cameras. Instead of competing with your phone, laptop, and smart fridge for Wi-Fi bandwidth, your cameras talk directly to the hub. This reduces lag, improves signal strength, and minimizes the chance of dropouts.

For example: I live in a two-story house with thick walls. My Wi-Fi signal is strong on the first floor but spotty upstairs. When I used Arlo Pro 2 cameras without a base station, the upstairs camera would lose connection every few hours. Once I added the base station (plugged into the router downstairs), the cameras used a stronger, more stable connection via the hub’s local network. The difference was night and day.

Types of Arlo Base Stations

Arlo offers a few different base stations, each tailored to specific camera models:

• Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000): Works with Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Ultra 2. Supports local storage via USB drive and has enhanced encryption.
• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540): Compatible with Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4. Also includes local storage and improved battery management.
• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4000): Older model for Arlo Pro and Pro 2. Still functional but lacks newer security features.

Note: Newer Arlo cameras like the Arlo Essential series (Indoor, Outdoor, Video Doorbell) are wireless and Wi-Fi-only. They connect directly to your router and do not require a base station.

When Do You Actually Need a Base Station for Arlo Cameras?

This is the heart of the matter. The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” It depends on your setup, needs, and expectations. Let’s break it down into real-world scenarios.

You Have Pro, Ultra, or Older Arlo Cameras

If you own Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, or Ultra 2, a base station is required. These cameras were designed to work only with a hub. They don’t have built-in Wi-Fi radios strong enough to connect directly to your router. Without the base station, they simply won’t work.

Real example: My neighbor bought an Arlo Pro 4 kit but didn’t realize the base station was sold separately. He spent a weekend trying to get the cameras online before realizing—oops, he needed the hub. Lesson learned: always check compatibility before buying.

You Want Local Video Storage (No Cloud Subscription)

One of the biggest perks of the base station is local storage. You can plug in a USB drive (up to 2 TB) and record footage directly to it. This means:

• No monthly subscription fees
• Footage stays on your property—no third-party servers
• You can access clips even if your internet goes down

I tried this with a 1 TB USB drive on my Arlo Pro 3 setup. It recorded 30 days of motion-activated clips with room to spare. When my internet was out for 12 hours during a storm, I could still review footage from that night. That’s peace of mind you can’t get with cloud-only storage.

You Have a Large Property or Thick Walls

Wi-Fi signals can’t penetrate concrete, brick, or metal well. If your cameras are far from the router or in a detached garage, basement, or backyard shed, a base station can extend your signal.

Here’s how: The base station acts as a repeater and signal booster for Arlo’s proprietary wireless protocol (not Wi-Fi). The cameras use this to talk to the hub, which then connects to your router. This two-hop system often performs better than direct Wi-Fi in large or complex homes.

Tip: Place the base station near the center of your home for the best coverage. Avoid tucking it in a closet or behind metal objects.

When Can You Skip the Base Station? (And Save Money)

Not everyone needs a base station. In fact, skipping it can save you $80–$100 and simplify your setup. But it comes with trade-offs.

You Use Arlo Essential Cameras

The Arlo Essential series (Indoor, Outdoor, Video Doorbell, Spotlight) connects directly to your Wi-Fi. No hub needed. These cameras are perfect for:

• Small homes or apartments
• People who want quick, plug-and-play setup
• Those who don’t mind cloud storage (subscription required)

I used an Arlo Essential Outdoor camera on my porch for six months. Setup took five minutes. The video quality was solid, and motion detection was reliable. But—there was a catch.

Because it relied on Wi-Fi, the camera would occasionally freeze or miss clips when my network was busy (like during a Zoom call). Also, without local storage, I had to pay for an Arlo Secure subscription ($2.99/month) to save clips. For a single camera, it was worth it. For a whole-house system? Not so much.

You’re Okay with Cloud Storage (and Subscriptions)

Arlo’s cloud service, Arlo Secure, offers:

• 30-day rolling video history
• Advanced AI detection (person, vehicle, package)
• Emergency response (in some plans)

If you’re comfortable with a subscription and don’t mind your footage being stored on Arlo’s servers, you can skip the base station. Just know: if your internet goes down, you won’t be able to access past clips until service is restored.

You Have a Strong, Reliable Wi-Fi Network

If your home Wi-Fi is fast, stable, and covers every corner, direct Wi-Fi cameras like the Essential series will work great. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like NetSpot or WiFi Analyzer) to check signal strength at camera locations. Aim for at least -65 dBm (strong signal) at each camera spot.

Pro tip: If you have Wi-Fi 6 routers or mesh systems (like Eero or Google Nest), your network can handle multiple cameras better than older setups.

Key Benefits of Using a Base Station (Even If You Don’t “Need” It)

Even if your cameras can technically work without a base station, using one adds layers of reliability, security, and control. Let’s explore why it might still be worth it.

Improved Battery Life and Performance

Base stations use a low-power, long-range wireless protocol (not Wi-Fi) to communicate with cameras. This is more efficient than Wi-Fi, which means:

• Cameras send signals less often
• Battery life can increase by 1–2 months
• Less strain on your Wi-Fi network

I tested two Arlo Pro 4 cameras: one with a base station, one without (using Wi-Fi extender). The hub-connected camera lasted 5 months on a charge. The Wi-Fi-only one? 3.5 months. That’s a big difference when you’re climbing a ladder to recharge.

Enhanced Security and Privacy

Arlo’s base stations use AES 128-bit encryption for all camera-to-hub communication. This is much harder to intercept than standard Wi-Fi traffic. Plus, local storage means your video never leaves your property—great for privacy-conscious users.

Think about it: if you’re recording kids playing in the backyard, do you really want that footage on a cloud server halfway across the country? With a base station, it stays on your USB drive.

Offline Access and Reliability

When your internet goes down (storms, ISP issues, etc.), a base station with local storage still works. You can:

• Record footage to your USB drive
• Access clips via the Arlo app (if your local network is up)
• Get motion alerts on your phone (if you have cellular data)

I experienced this during a 24-hour power outage. My router was dead, but the base station had a battery backup. I could still check the live feed from my garage camera using my phone’s hotspot. That’s not possible with cloud-only systems.

Arlo Base Station vs. No Base Station: A Practical Comparison

Let’s put it all together. Here’s a side-by-side look at the two setups, based on real-world use cases.

Feature	With Base Station	Without Base Station (Wi-Fi Only)
Compatible Cameras	Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Ultra 2	Arlo Essential, Essential XL, Video Doorbell (Wi-Fi models)
Setup Complexity	Moderate (hub + cameras)	Simple (direct Wi-Fi)
Storage Options	Local (USB drive) + Cloud (optional)	Cloud only (subscription required)
Monthly Cost	$0 (if using local storage)	$2.99–$12.99 (Arlo Secure plans)
Internet Dependency	Low (local recording works offline)	High (no access without internet)
Battery Life	Up to 6 months	Up to 4 months
Signal Reliability	High (dedicated protocol)	Medium (depends on Wi-Fi strength)
Privacy Control	High (footage stays local)	Medium (cloud storage)

Let’s say you’re setting up a 3-camera system:

• With base station: Buy Arlo Pro 4 kit (includes hub + 2 cameras), add one extra camera. Total: ~$400. No monthly fees if using USB storage.
• Without base station: Buy three Arlo Essential Outdoor cameras. Total: ~$300. Add $8.97/month for cloud storage ($2.99 x 3). After 2 years, you’ll pay $215 more in subscriptions.

So while the Wi-Fi-only setup is cheaper upfront, it can cost more over time—especially if you have multiple cameras.

Final Verdict: Should You Get a Base Station for Your Arlo Camera?

After testing both setups, here’s my honest take:

If you have Arlo Pro, Ultra, or older models, yes—you need a base station. It’s not optional. The cameras won’t work without it.

If you’re using Arlo Essential cameras, you can skip the base station. It’s a great choice for:

• Small homes
• Quick setups
• People who don’t mind cloud storage

But if you want maximum reliability, privacy, and long-term savings, the base station is worth the investment—even with Essential cameras (if you use a compatible model like the Essential XL with SmartHub support).

Here’s my advice: Start with your needs, not the gear. Ask yourself:

• Do I want footage to stay on my property?
• Is my Wi-Fi strong everywhere?
• Am I okay with a monthly subscription?
• Do I need offline access?

If you answered “yes” to the first and last, go for the base station. If you’re on a tight budget and have great Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi-only route works—just know the trade-offs.

And remember: smart home tech is supposed to make life easier, not more stressful. Don’t overcomplicate it. Pick the setup that fits your lifestyle, your home, and your peace of mind. Because at the end of the day, the best security system is the one you actually use—and trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a base station for Arlo camera to function?

Yes, most Arlo cameras require a base station (like Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station) to connect to your home network and enable features like local storage, enhanced security, and extended Wi-Fi range. Some newer models, such as Arlo Pro 5S, can work without one but may lack certain functionalities.

Can I use an Arlo camera without a base station?

A few Arlo models, including the Arlo Pro 5S and Arlo Ultra 2, can connect directly to your Wi-Fi without a base station. However, skipping the base station may limit local backup storage and increase reliance on cloud subscriptions for video history.

What’s the benefit of using a base station with my Arlo camera?

A base station improves connectivity, extends Wi-Fi range for outdoor cameras, and allows local video storage via a USB drive—reducing dependency on cloud plans. It also enhances security by managing encrypted communication between your cameras and network.

Is the Arlo base station required for battery-powered cameras?

For battery-powered Arlo cameras like the Arlo Go or Arlo Essential, a base station is often recommended but not always mandatory. It helps stabilize the connection and enables features like geofencing and local backup, which may not work optimally without it.

Which Arlo cameras work without a base station?

Newer models like the Arlo Pro 5S, Arlo Ultra 2, and Arlo Essential Wire-Free can connect directly to Wi-Fi without a base station. However, you’ll miss out on local storage options and extended device compatibility unless you use an Arlo SmartHub.

Does skipping the base station affect Arlo camera performance?

Yes, bypassing the base station may lead to weaker Wi-Fi signals, slower alerts, and limited local storage. If you prioritize reliability and advanced features, using an Arlo base station or SmartHub is highly recommended for optimal performance.