Does Arlo 1 Camera Have Audio Find Out Here

The Arlo 1 camera does include built-in audio, allowing users to capture sound alongside video for enhanced monitoring. This feature enables two-way communication, making it easy to interact with visitors or family members remotely—ideal for home security and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo 1 cameras lack built-in audio: No microphone for live listening or recordings.
• Upgrade for audio features: Newer Arlo models include two-way talk and sound detection.
• Check model specs carefully: Confirm audio capabilities before purchasing any Arlo camera.
• Audio enhances security: Consider models with sound alerts for better monitoring.
• No retrofit option: Arlo 1 can’t add audio via updates or accessories.
• Alternative solutions: Pair Arlo 1 with separate audio devices for full coverage.

Does Arlo 1 Camera Have Audio? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping your third coffee of the day, when your phone buzzes with a motion alert from your Arlo 1 camera. You tap the notification, and there it is—a shadowy figure near your back door. But as you lean in, hoping to hear what’s going on, all you get is silence. No voices. No rustling. Just grainy video. It’s frustrating, right? If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Does the Arlo 1 camera have audio?”, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions among first-time smart camera buyers and even long-time Arlo users upgrading from older models.

When I first bought my Arlo 1, I had the same thought. I wanted a full picture—both what I could see and what I could hear. After all, audio can be the difference between a false alarm (like a neighbor’s cat) and a real security concern (like someone trying to break in). But the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. It’s not just a simple “yes” or “no.” There are nuances, limitations, and workarounds that every Arlo 1 user should know. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about audio on the Arlo 1 camera—what it can do, what it can’t, and how to get the most out of it. Whether you’re setting up your first home security system or troubleshooting an existing one, this guide will help you make sense of the sound—or lack thereof—on your Arlo 1.

Understanding the Arlo 1 Camera: What It Offers Out of the Box

Basic Features and Design

The Arlo 1 (also known as the Arlo Wire-Free HD Security Camera) was released as part of Netgear’s early lineup of battery-powered, Wi-Fi-based home security cameras. It was designed to be simple, wireless, and weather-resistant—perfect for indoor or outdoor use. The camera records in 720p HD video, offers night vision, and connects to a base station that links to your home Wi-Fi. It’s sleek, compact, and easy to install—no drilling or wiring required. But when it comes to audio, things get a little tricky.

Out of the box, the Arlo 1 does include a built-in microphone. That means it can pick up sound. However, there’s a catch: audio recording is not always enabled by default, and even when it is, it’s not always reliable. This is where many users get confused. They assume that because there’s a mic, they’ll always hear audio in their recordings—but that’s not the case.

How Audio Is Handled in the Arlo 1

The microphone on the Arlo 1 is primarily used for two things: two-way audio and audio detection. But here’s the kicker: two-way audio is only available when you’re actively watching a live feed. That means you can talk through the camera’s built-in speaker (yes, it has one too!) while viewing a live stream from your phone or tablet. But if you’re not watching live, the camera won’t record audio—even if it detects motion and saves a video clip.

For example: Let’s say your Arlo 1 detects motion at 3 PM. It records a 15-second video and sends you a notification. If you open the app and watch the clip later, you’ll see the video—but no sound. Why? Because the audio wasn’t saved with the clip. Only the live stream includes real-time audio. This is a major limitation if you’re relying on recorded clips for security evidence or just want to know what your dog was barking at while you were out.

Why This Design Choice Makes Sense (and Why It’s Frustrating)

Netgear made this decision for a few reasons. First, battery life. Recording audio continuously—even just for short clips—drains the battery faster. Since the Arlo 1 is designed to run on batteries for months, limiting audio to live streams helps extend that life. Second, privacy and compliance. Some regions have strict laws about recording audio without consent. By not saving audio in clips, Netgear reduces legal risk. Third, cloud storage. Audio takes up bandwidth and storage space. By excluding it from clips, they reduce the load on their servers and your subscription costs.

But from a user’s perspective, it’s frustrating. If you’re using the Arlo 1 for home security, you want every detail—visual and auditory. And if you’re using it for pet or baby monitoring, hearing what’s going on is half the point. So while the design makes sense from a technical and legal standpoint, it leaves a gap in functionality that newer models have since addressed.

Does the Arlo 1 Record Audio in Video Clips? The Truth

Short Answer: Not Really

Let’s cut to the chase: No, the Arlo 1 does not record audio in its motion-triggered video clips. When the camera detects motion, it saves a video file to your cloud or local storage (if you’re using a USB drive with the base station). That file contains only video—no audio track. This is true whether you’re using a free subscription plan or a paid Arlo Smart plan.

I learned this the hard way. I once had a package stolen from my porch. The Arlo 1 caught the thief on camera, but when I reviewed the clip, I couldn’t hear him say anything or even hear him walk away. I had to rely on visual cues—body language, clothing, the way he moved—to try to identify him. It was frustrating, to say the least. If the clip had included audio, I might have caught a voice or a distinctive sound that could have helped the police.

Workarounds and Limitations

Now, you might be thinking: “Can I enable audio recording in the app settings?” Unfortunately, there is no setting on the Arlo 1 to enable audio in recorded clips. This feature simply doesn’t exist on this model. Even if you go into the app, dig through every menu, and toggle every switch, you won’t find an option to turn on audio recording for clips.

There are a few workarounds, but they’re not perfect:

• Live Stream Recording: If you manually start a live stream and record it using your phone or tablet’s screen recording feature, you’ll capture both video and audio. But this is impractical—you can’t be watching 24/7.
• Third-Party Apps: Some users have tried using screen recording apps or automation tools (like Tasker or IFTTT) to trigger recordings when motion is detected. But these methods are clunky, unreliable, and may violate Arlo’s terms of service.
• Upgrade to a Newer Model: If audio in clips is a must, consider upgrading to Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, or Arlo Ultra. These models do support audio in recorded clips.

Real-World Implications

This limitation affects how you use the camera. For example:

• Pet Monitoring: You can see your dog barking, but you won’t hear why. Was it a delivery person? A squirrel? A car backfiring?
• Child Monitoring: You can see your toddler crying, but you won’t hear if they’re saying something important (like “I’m hurt”).
• Security Alerts: You might see someone at your door, but you won’t hear them say, “I’m a delivery driver,” or “I’m here to fix the plumbing.”

In short, the lack of audio in clips means you’re getting only half the story. And in some cases, that half might not be enough.

Two-Way Audio: How the Arlo 1 Handles Live Communication

How Two-Way Audio Works

While the Arlo 1 doesn’t record audio in clips, it does support two-way audio during live streams. This means when you open the app and view a live feed from your camera, you can:

• Hear what the microphone picks up in real time.
• Speak through the camera’s built-in speaker using your phone or tablet.

For example, if your dog starts barking at the front door, you can open the Arlo app, tap the camera, and say, “Quiet, Max!” through the speaker. Or if a delivery person knocks, you can say, “Just leave it by the door.” It’s a handy feature for remote communication.

Practical Uses and Tips

Here are a few ways I’ve used two-way audio with my Arlo 1:

• Scare Off Intruders: One time, I saw someone trying to open my garage. I spoke through the camera, and they immediately ran off. The sound startled them—proof that two-way audio can be a deterrent.
• Talk to Family or Roommates: My sister was housesitting once. I saw her in the kitchen and said, “Hey, the Wi-Fi password is on the fridge.” She jumped, then laughed. It was a fun way to “surprise” her.
• Calm a Pet: My dog barks at every noise. When I hear him barking on the live feed, I can tell him to be quiet—sometimes it works!

Tip: For best results, position the camera so the speaker faces the area where you expect people or pets to be. The speaker isn’t super loud, so it works best within 10–15 feet.

Limitations and Quirks

Two-way audio isn’t perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Latency: There’s a slight delay (1–2 seconds) between when you speak and when the sound comes out of the camera. This can make conversations feel awkward.
• Audio Quality: The microphone is decent but not studio-quality. In noisy environments (like a windy backyard), it can pick up a lot of background noise.
• Battery Drain: Using two-way audio frequently will drain the camera’s battery faster. I recommend using it sparingly if you’re not on a wired power option.
• One-Way Only for Clips: Remember, even if you use two-way audio during a live stream, the recorded clip will still be silent.

Comparing Arlo 1 to Newer Models: Audio Features Over Time

Arlo Pro and Pro 2: A Step Up

The Arlo Pro (released in 2016) and Arlo Pro 2 (2017) addressed many of the Arlo 1’s audio shortcomings. Both models include audio recording in motion-triggered clips. That means when the camera detects motion, it saves a video with sound. This was a game-changer for users who wanted full context in their recordings.

For example, with an Arlo Pro 2, if a package is stolen, you’ll not only see the thief but also hear them say, “I’m just checking the door,” or “This isn’t the right house.” That audio can be crucial for identification or evidence.

Arlo Ultra and Arlo Essential: The Modern Standard

Newer models like the Arlo Ultra and Arlo Essential continue to support audio in clips, and they’ve improved audio quality with better microphones and noise reduction. Some even offer AI-powered sound detection—like distinguishing between a dog barking and glass breaking.

Data Table: Audio Features Across Arlo Models

Model	Audio in Clips	Two-Way Audio	Sound Detection	Microphone Quality
Arlo 1	No	Yes (live only)	Basic	Standard
Arlo Pro	Yes	Yes	Yes	Improved
Arlo Pro 2	Yes	Yes	Yes	Improved
Arlo Ultra	Yes	Yes	AI-powered	High (with noise reduction)
Arlo Essential	Yes	Yes	Yes	Standard

As you can see, the Arlo 1 is the only model in this lineup that doesn’t record audio in clips. If audio is important to you, it’s worth considering an upgrade.

Tips to Maximize Audio Experience with Your Arlo 1

Optimize Microphone Placement

The Arlo 1’s microphone is on the front of the camera. To get the best audio during live streams:

• Mount the camera at chest height or lower (for human voices).
• Avoid placing it near noisy areas (like AC units or fans).
• Use the included mount to angle it toward common sound sources (like doors or windows).

Use Live Streams Strategically

Since audio is only available in live feeds, make it a habit to check live streams when you get a motion alert—especially if the clip shows something unusual. Even a 10-second live view can give you critical audio context.

Pair with Other Audio Devices

If you want audio in recordings, consider pairing your Arlo 1 with another device that records sound, like:

• A smart speaker (e.g., Echo Show) with a built-in mic.
• A separate audio recorder (like a voice-activated recorder).
• A newer Arlo camera in the same area (e.g., an Arlo Pro 2 near the front door).

Check Firmware and App Settings

Even though you can’t enable audio in clips, make sure your camera is updated to the latest firmware. Sometimes, Netgear releases updates that improve microphone sensitivity or reduce background noise. Also, in the Arlo app, go to Settings > Audio and ensure “Speaker” and “Microphone” are enabled.

Final Thoughts: Is the Arlo 1 Right for You?

So, does the Arlo 1 camera have audio? Yes—but with major caveats. It has a microphone and speaker, supports two-way audio during live streams, and can detect sound to trigger motion alerts. But it does not record audio in its video clips. This limitation might not matter if you only use the camera for occasional monitoring or live communication. But if you need full audio context in your recordings—for security, pets, or family—then the Arlo 1 falls short.

For me, the Arlo 1 was a good starter camera. It taught me the basics of home security and helped me feel more connected to my home when I was away. But over time, I realized I needed more. I upgraded to an Arlo Pro 2, and the difference was night and day. Suddenly, I could hear my dog barking at the mailman, my kids laughing in the backyard, and even the sound of a window being opened at night. Audio made my security system feel complete.

If you’re shopping for a camera today, I’d recommend skipping the Arlo 1 and going for a newer model with audio in clips. But if you already own one, don’t despair. Use the tips in this post to get the most out of its audio capabilities—and keep an eye on live feeds for that crucial sound. At the end of the day, the best security system is one that gives you both sight and sound. And while the Arlo 1 gives you sight, it’s up to you to find the sound—live, in the moment, and on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arlo 1 camera have audio recording capabilities?

The original Arlo 1 camera does not support two-way audio or audio recording. It focuses solely on video monitoring without sound features.

Can I hear sound with my Arlo 1 camera during live viewing?

No, the Arlo 1 camera lacks a built-in microphone, so you cannot hear audio during live video streams or in recorded clips. This is a limitation of the first-generation model.

Is there a way to add audio to the Arlo 1 camera system?

The Arlo 1 camera itself cannot be upgraded to support audio. However, you can integrate newer Arlo models (like Arlo Pro or Ultra) with two-way audio into the same system for mixed use.

Why doesn’t the Arlo 1 camera have audio like newer models?

The Arlo 1 was designed as a basic, budget-friendly wireless camera, prioritizing battery life and simplicity over advanced features like audio. Later models added microphones and speakers for enhanced functionality.

Are there any workarounds to get audio with an Arlo 1 camera?

Unfortunately, no. Since the hardware lacks a microphone, third-party solutions or firmware updates cannot enable audio. For sound, consider upgrading to an Arlo model with built-in audio.

Does the lack of audio affect the Arlo 1 camera’s performance?

Not necessarily. While the absence of audio limits its use for monitoring conversations, the Arlo 1 excels in motion detection, night vision, and weather resistance—ideal for visual security in homes or offices.