Does Arlo Camera Record Audio Find Out Here

Yes, most Arlo cameras record audio, allowing you to hear what’s happening alongside the video footage—but audio recording is optional and can be disabled for privacy. Whether you’re monitoring pets, deliveries, or intruders, Arlo’s two-way audio and built-in mics deliver clear sound, but check local laws and camera settings to ensure compliance and control.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras do record audio—check model specs for built-in mic availability.
• Enable/disable audio easily via Arlo app settings for privacy control.
• Two-way audio is standard on most models for real-time communication.
• Audio recording laws vary—always comply with local consent regulations.
• Motion + audio triggers improve alerts; customize in app settings.
• Cloud/local storage includes audio—review retention policies for recordings.
• Test audio quality first to ensure clarity in desired monitoring zones.

Does Arlo Camera Record Audio? Find Out Here

Let’s be honest—when you’re shopping for a security camera, one of the first things you want to know is whether it can record audio. After all, a picture tells part of the story, but sound? That’s where the real details come in. Maybe you’ve had that moment: you check your camera feed and see someone at the door, but you can’t hear what they’re saying. Or worse, you hear a strange noise at night, but the camera only shows shadows. It’s frustrating, right?

I remember when I first set up my Arlo camera system. I was excited—high resolution, night vision, motion detection—it seemed like the perfect setup. But then I started wondering: does Arlo camera record audio? I scoured the manual, watched YouTube videos, and even called customer support. What I found was a mix of yes, no, and “it depends.” And honestly, it left me a little confused. If you’re in the same boat, wondering whether your Arlo camera can hear as well as see, you’re not alone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—what models record audio, how to enable it, the legal side of things, and even some real-life scenarios where audio made all the difference.

Which Arlo Camera Models Record Audio?

Arlo Cameras with Built-in Microphones

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to audio. The good news? Many of the newer models do include built-in microphones. For example, the Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential series all come with two-way audio and audio recording capabilities. This means they don’t just record sound—they let you talk back, too. I used this feature once when a delivery driver left a package and started walking away. I pressed the talk button, said “Thanks for the delivery!” and they turned around, smiled, and gave a thumbs-up. Pretty cool, right?

The Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Go also support audio, but with some caveats. The Pro 2 records audio only when motion is detected and the camera is triggered, while the Go records audio in real-time during live viewing. So if you’re using the Go for remote monitoring (like checking on your pet while you’re at work), you’ll hear what’s going on live. But if you rely on event-based recordings, you might miss some audio unless motion is detected.

Models Without Audio Recording

Now, here’s where it gets tricky. Some Arlo models, especially the older or budget-friendly ones, do not record audio at all. For example:

• Arlo Wire-Free (original) – No audio recording.
• Arlo Baby – While it has a microphone, it’s primarily for monitoring your baby’s sounds and doesn’t record ambient audio like conversations. It’s more of a baby monitor feature.
• Arlo Q – This one’s a bit of a gray area. It has a mic, but audio is only available during live viewing, not in recorded clips unless you’re using continuous recording (which requires a subscription).

I made the mistake once of buying a used Arlo Wire-Free, thinking it had audio. Spoiler: it didn’t. I learned the hard way that checking the specs before buying is crucial. So if audio is a must for you, stick with the Pro, Essential, or Ultra lines.

How to Confirm Audio Capability on Your Arlo Camera

Unsure what model you have? Here’s how to check:

• Open the Arlo app.
• Go to Device Settings for the camera in question.
• Look for Audio Settings or Microphone options.
• If you see toggles for “Microphone” or “Audio Recording,” your camera supports it.

Pro tip: If the option is grayed out or missing, your camera likely doesn’t have a mic. You can also check the model number on the back of the camera and search Arlo’s official site for specs. When in doubt, call Arlo support—they’re pretty helpful.

How Audio Recording Works on Arlo Cameras

Two-Way Audio: Listen and Talk

One of the standout features of Arlo’s audio-enabled models is two-way audio. This means you can not only hear what’s happening but also speak through the camera. It uses a built-in speaker and microphone to create a real-time audio connection. I’ve used this to scare off raccoons digging through my trash (“Hey, get out of there!”) and to tell neighbors to move their parked car from my driveway. It’s surprisingly effective.

To use two-way audio:

• Open the Arlo app and tap on your camera feed.
• Tap the speaker icon to enable listening.
• Tap the microphone icon to talk. Hold it to speak, release to stop.

Note: Two-way audio only works during live viewing. It doesn’t record your voice in the event clips unless you’re actively speaking while motion is detected. So if you want to leave a voice message, you’ll need to do it live.

When and How Audio Is Recorded

Audio is recorded in two main ways:

• During motion-triggered events: When motion is detected, the camera records a video clip (usually 10–15 seconds), and if the mic is enabled, audio is included. This is the most common use case.
• During live viewing: If you open the app and watch live, audio plays in real-time. But unless you’re recording manually (via screen recording on your phone), this isn’t saved.

For example, I once caught a package thief on camera. The video showed them grabbing a box, but the audio? That’s what sealed the deal. I heard them say, “Oh, nice—this is exactly what I was looking for.” That audio clip was key when I reported it to the police. Without it, the video alone might not have been enough.

Audio Quality and Limitations

Let’s be real—Arlo’s audio isn’t studio quality. It’s functional, not perfect. Here’s what you can expect:

• Range: The mic picks up sound within about 15–20 feet, depending on background noise. In a quiet backyard, it’s great. In a busy street? Not so much.
• Clarity: Conversations are usually clear, but wind, rain, or distance can muffle voices. The Pro 4 and Ultra have better noise filtering, so they perform better in noisy environments.
• Echo: If you’re using two-way audio, there’s a slight delay (about 1–2 seconds), which can cause echo if you talk over someone.

One thing I’ve noticed: if the camera is mounted high (like on a second-story eave), audio quality drops. The mic is directional, so pointing it slightly downward helps. Also, avoid placing it near AC units, fans, or busy roads—background noise can drown out voices.

Legal and Privacy Considerations for Audio Recording

Is It Legal to Record Audio with Your Arlo Camera?

This is the big question—and it’s not one-size-fits-all. Audio recording laws vary by country, state, and even city. In general, there are two types of laws to consider:

• One-party consent: You can record audio if at least one person in the conversation agrees. This is the case in many U.S. states (e.g., California, New York).
• Two-party consent: Everyone in the conversation must agree to be recorded. This applies in states like Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington.

For example, if you live in Illinois and your camera records your neighbor arguing with their spouse, you could be in legal trouble—even if you didn’t intend to record them. That’s why it’s crucial to know your local laws.

Best Practices for Staying Compliant

Here’s how to avoid legal headaches:

• Point cameras inward: Aim your camera at your own property (yard, driveway, front door). Avoid pointing it at public sidewalks, neighbors’ windows, or shared spaces.
• Use audio only when necessary: If you’re in a two-party consent state, consider disabling audio in high-traffic areas. You can always turn it on for private spaces (like your backyard).
• Notify visitors: Place a small sign near your camera that says “Audio and video recording in progress.” This acts as a notice and may satisfy consent requirements in some areas.
• Check local ordinances: Some cities have specific rules about outdoor audio recording. For example, New York City has strict limits on recording conversations in public.

I learned this the hard way. I had a camera facing my front porch, which is technically my property, but it also picked up conversations on the public sidewalk. A neighbor complained, and I had to adjust the angle. Now, I keep the camera tilted slightly upward, so it captures the porch but not the sidewalk. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference legally.

Arlo’s Privacy Settings

Arlo gives you control over audio recording. In the app:

• Go to Device Settings > Audio Settings.
• Toggle Microphone on or off.
• You can also disable audio for specific cameras or during certain times (e.g., turn it off at night).

Pro tip: If you’re in a sensitive area (like near a shared fence), consider using motion zones to limit recording to your property only. This reduces the chance of capturing unintended audio.

How to Enable and Disable Audio Recording on Arlo Cameras

Step-by-Step: Turning Audio On

Ready to start recording audio? Here’s how:

• Open the Arlo app and tap on your camera.
• Go to Settings (gear icon).
• Tap Audio Settings.
• Toggle Microphone to ON.
• Optional: Enable Audio Detection if available (on newer models). This lets you get alerts when the camera detects voices or loud noises.

Note: On some models (like the Pro 4), audio is enabled by default. But it’s always good to double-check.

Disabling Audio: When and Why

There are times when you might want to turn audio off:

• You’re in a two-party consent state and want to avoid legal issues.
• You’re recording in a noisy area (e.g., near a street), and audio is just background noise.
• You’re concerned about privacy (e.g., if kids or guests might be recorded).

To disable audio:

• Follow the same steps above and toggle the microphone to OFF.
• You can also disable it temporarily—like when you have guests over.

I do this whenever I have a backyard party. I don’t want to accidentally record private conversations, so I turn audio off during the event and back on afterward.

Audio Detection and Smart Alerts

On newer Arlo models (Pro 4, Ultra, Essential), you can enable audio detection. This feature analyzes sound and sends alerts for:

• Loud noises (e.g., glass breaking, car alarms).
• Voices (e.g., someone calling for help).
• Baby crying (on Arlo Baby).

To set it up:

• Go to Device Settings > Smart Alerts > Audio Detection.
• Choose the sound types you want to detect.
• Adjust sensitivity (low, medium, high).

I use this for glass break detection. One night, I got an alert for a “loud noise”—turns out, my cat knocked over a glass. No harm, but it gave me peace of mind knowing the system was working.

Real-World Use Cases: When Audio Makes a Difference

Home Security and Package Theft

Audio can be a game-changer for home security. I mentioned the package thief earlier—here’s another example. A neighbor had their camera record a suspicious person loitering near their door. The video showed the person looking around, but the audio? They were talking to someone on the phone, saying, “I’m checking if anyone’s home.” That audio helped the police identify them as part of a known theft ring.

Monitoring Kids, Pets, and Elderly Relatives

Arlo’s audio is great for monitoring loved ones. For example:

• Pets: If your dog barks at 3 a.m., you can check the audio to see if it’s a real threat or just a squirrel.
• Kids: You can hear if your child is calling for you or if there’s a problem.
• Elderly relatives: If you’re checking in on an aging parent, audio can tell you if they’re talking to someone or if they’re in distress.

I use my Arlo to check on my dog when I’m at work. One day, I heard him whining and barking at the back door. I used two-way audio to call his name, and he stopped. Turned out, he just wanted to come in. Audio saved me a trip home.

Neighbor Disputes and Noise Complaints

Audio can help resolve disputes. For example, if your neighbor’s dog barks all night, you can record the audio as evidence. Or if someone claims you’re making noise, you can check your own recordings to verify.

Use Case	Audio Benefit	Example
Package Theft	Hears thief’s conversation, intent	“This is exactly what I wanted.”
Pet Monitoring	Detects whining, barking, distress	Dog whining to go outside
Noise Complaints	Records volume, duration of noise	Dog barking at 2 a.m.
Elderly Check-Ins	Hears if person is speaking or in trouble	“Help, I fell!”

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Audio on Your Arlo Camera?

So, does Arlo camera record audio? The answer is: yes, but only if it’s the right model and you set it up properly. For most modern Arlo cameras (Pro, Essential, Ultra), audio is not just possible—it’s a powerful tool. It adds context to video, helps in emergencies, and gives you peace of mind.

But—and this is a big but—you need to use it responsibly. Audio recording comes with legal and ethical responsibilities. Know your local laws, be mindful of privacy, and adjust settings based on your needs. Don’t just leave audio on 24/7 “just in case.” Use it when it adds value, not when it invades privacy.

From my experience, audio is worth it. It’s helped me catch package thieves, check on my pets, and even resolve neighborhood disputes. But it’s not magic. It has limitations—range, clarity, legal boundaries. The key is to use it wisely.

If you’re buying a new Arlo camera and audio matters to you, go for the Pro 4, Ultra, or Essential. Skip the older or budget models. And if you already have an Arlo, check your settings—you might be missing out on audio without realizing it.

At the end of the day, security is about more than just seeing. It’s about hearing, understanding, and acting. And with Arlo’s audio features, you’re one step closer to a smarter, safer home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arlo camera record audio by default?

Yes, most Arlo cameras with microphones record audio by default when motion or sound is detected, depending on your settings. You can disable audio recording in the Arlo app if needed.

Can I turn off audio recording on my Arlo camera?

Absolutely. Open the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings, and toggle off “Audio Recording” under the “Video & Audio” section. This lets you capture video without audio.

Does Arlo camera record audio continuously or only during events?

Arlo cameras typically record audio only during motion or sound-triggered events unless you subscribe to 24/7 Continuous Video Recording (CVR). Without CVR, audio is saved only with event-based clips.

Are all Arlo cameras capable of recording audio?

Most newer Arlo models (like Pro, Ultra, and Essential) include built-in microphones for audio recording, but some older or budget models may lack this feature. Check your camera’s specs for “Two-Way Audio” or “Audio Recording.”

Does Arlo camera record audio if I disable motion detection?

No. If motion detection is disabled, your Arlo camera won’t trigger recordings, meaning no audio is saved. Audio is tied to video recording events in all Arlo models.

Is Arlo audio recording private and secure?

Arlo encrypts audio and video data during transmission and storage. However, privacy depends on your network security and account settings—always use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.