Does Arlo Come With a Charging Station 3 Camera Find Out Here

No, the Arlo Pro 3 camera does not come with a charging station included in the box, but it is compatible with the optional Arlo Solar Panel and Magnetic Charging Cable for continuous power. You’ll need to purchase the charging station separately to enjoy hassle-free, wire-free recharging—ideal for outdoor setups or hard-to-reach locations.

Key Takeaways

• No included station: Arlo 3 cameras don’t come with a charging station in the box.
• Sold separately: Purchase the charging station as an add-on for convenient recharging.
• Check bundles: Some kits include the station—review product listings carefully.
• Alternative charging: Use a USB cable and adapter if the station isn’t available.
• Optimize battery life: Use the station to extend battery performance and reduce downtime.
• Easy setup: The station simplifies charging with magnetic snap-in design.

Does Arlo Come With a Charging Station 3 Camera? Let’s Settle This Once and For All

So, you’ve just bought—or are thinking about buying—the Arlo camera system. Maybe it’s the Arlo Pro 3, the Arlo Ultra, or even the newer Arlo Essential models. You’re excited to set up your home security, monitor your front porch, or keep an eye on your kids or pets when you’re away. But then you start wondering: Does Arlo come with a charging station 3 camera? It’s a question I asked myself when I unboxed my first Arlo setup, and honestly, the answer isn’t as straightforward as I hoped.

Let’s face it—no one wants to deal with dead cameras at the worst possible time. Whether it’s a package delivery, a suspicious noise at night, or a pet sneaking into the kitchen, your camera needs to be ready. And if you’re relying on battery power, the charging solution becomes a critical part of your setup. I remember the first time my Arlo Pro 3 died during a storm—no footage, no alerts, just silence. That’s when I realized: charging isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity. So, let’s dive into whether Arlo includes a charging station with their 3rd generation cameras, what you get in the box, and how to keep your system running smoothly—without the guesswork.

What’s Actually Included in the Box?

When you buy an Arlo camera system—especially the Pro 3, Ultra, or Essential models—it’s natural to assume everything you need is included. After all, the box looks sleek, the branding is premium, and the product images show a camera, a mount, and… a charging cable. But here’s the catch: the charging station itself is not always included. Let’s break it down by model.

Arlo Pro 3: What You Get

• 1 or more Arlo Pro 3 cameras (depending on the pack)
• Rechargeable battery (one per camera)
• Quick-charge USB cable (not a docking station)
• Wall mount and hardware
• Indoor magnetic charging dock (for indoor use only)
• Base station (for Wi-Fi and local storage)

Wait—what? Yes, there’s a magnetic charging dock, but it’s designed for indoor use. It’s not a full charging station that lets you charge multiple batteries at once or store them. It’s more like a convenient way to charge your camera while it’s mounted indoors. If you’re using the camera outdoors (which most people do), this dock won’t help much.

Arlo Ultra: The Premium Experience

• Arlo Ultra camera(s)
• Rechargeable battery (one per camera)
• Quick-charge USB cable
• Wall mount and hardware
• Base station
• No charging station included

Even with the higher price tag of the Arlo Ultra, you still don’t get a dedicated charging station in the box. You get a USB cable that connects to a power adapter (not included), which you’ll need to plug into a wall outlet or power strip. So while the Ultra has better video quality and features like color night vision, it still relies on the same basic charging method as the Pro 3.

Arlo Essential: Simpler, But Still No Station

• Essential camera(s)
• Rechargeable battery
• USB-C charging cable
• Wall mount
• No base station (uses Wi-Fi directly)

The Essential line is more budget-friendly, but it also skips the base station. And yes—still no charging station. You’re on your own with a USB-C cable and whatever power adapter you have lying around.

Bottom line: No matter which Arlo camera you buy, the charging station (as in a multi-bay dock for charging and storing spare batteries) is not included in the box. You get a cable and a battery, but the station? That’s an add-on.

Understanding the Difference: Charging Cable vs. Charging Station

This is where a lot of confusion comes in. Arlo includes a charging cable, but that’s not the same as a charging station. Let me explain the difference—because it matters more than you think.

What a Charging Cable Does

The cable that comes with your Arlo camera is typically a USB-to-micro-USB (for older models) or USB-C (for newer ones). It connects your camera directly to a power source—like a wall adapter, a power bank, or a USB port on your computer.

• Pros: Simple, portable, included with the camera
• Cons: You can only charge one camera at a time, no storage for spare batteries, not ideal for multiple cameras

Think of it like charging your phone with a cable. It works, but it’s not efficient if you have multiple devices.

What a Charging Station Does

A true charging station (like the Arlo Dual Battery Charging Station) is a dedicated dock that:

• Charges up to two spare batteries at once
• Holds and stores extra batteries safely
• Lets you rotate batteries between cameras without downtime
• Often has LED indicators to show charge status

Imagine this: You have two Arlo cameras. One battery dies while the other is still running. With a charging station, you can quickly swap in a fully charged spare and drop the dead one into the station to recharge. No waiting, no missing footage. That’s the power of a real charging station.

Why the Confusion?

Arlo’s marketing sometimes shows the magnetic indoor dock next to the camera and calls it a “charging solution.” But it’s not a station—it’s a convenience accessory. It’s like calling a phone stand a “charging station” because you can plug a cable into it. Technically, it works, but it’s not the same thing.

So when people ask, “Does Arlo come with a charging station 3 camera?” they’re usually asking if they get the multi-bay dock. And the answer is: No, not unless you buy it separately.

Do You Really Need a Charging Station? (Spoiler: Yes, If You Have Multiple Cameras)

Now that we’ve cleared up the confusion, let’s talk about whether you actually need a charging station. The answer depends on your setup, usage, and how much downtime you can tolerate.

Single Camera Setup: Maybe You Can Get By

If you’re using just one Arlo camera—say, for a front porch or backyard—and you’re okay with a few hours of downtime when the battery dies, the included cable might be enough. Here’s how to make it work:

• Keep a spare battery on hand (sold separately)
• Charge the spare while the camera is in use
• Swap when needed

But here’s the catch: you’ll still need to manually charge that spare battery using the cable. And if you forget, you’re stuck with a dead camera. I learned this the hard way when my cat knocked over the charging cable, and I didn’t notice until the battery died.

Multiple Cameras: A Charging Station Is a Game-Changer

If you have two or more Arlo cameras, a charging station isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Why?

• No downtime: Rotate batteries seamlessly. One camera runs while the other charges.
• Efficiency: Charge two batteries at once instead of one.
• Organization: No more tangled cables or lost batteries.
• Peace of mind: Always have a charged battery ready.

I upgraded to the Arlo Dual Battery Charging Station after my second camera died during a delivery. The courier left a package, but my camera was charging. No footage, no alerts. That’s when I realized: I needed a better system.

Real-Life Example: The 3-Camera Home

Let’s say you have:

• One camera at the front door
• One in the backyard
• One in the garage

Battery life: ~3–6 months (depending on usage and motion activity). Without a charging station:

• You’ll need to manually charge each camera one at a time
• You risk gaps in coverage
• You’ll spend time managing cables and power strips

With a charging station:

• Buy 3 extra batteries (one per camera)
• Use the station to charge two at a time
• Rotate: when one camera’s battery hits 20%, swap it with a charged one
• Drop the dead battery into the station—no downtime

It’s like having a battery “pit crew” for your home security.

Which Arlo Charging Station Should You Buy?

So, if Arlo doesn’t include a charging station, what should you buy? The good news is that Arlo makes official charging stations designed specifically for their cameras. Here are your options.

Arlo Dual Battery Charging Station (Best for Most Users)

• Charges up to two batteries at once
• Compatible with Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential cameras
• LED indicators show charge status
• Compact, wall-mountable design
• Requires a USB power adapter (not included)

This is the go-to choice for most Arlo users. I use it for my Pro 3 and Ultra cameras, and it works flawlessly. The LED lights are a nice touch—green for charged, red for charging.

Arlo Single Battery Charging Station (Budget Option)

• Charges one battery at a time
• Same compatibility as the dual station
• Smaller footprint
• Cheaper, but less efficient for multiple cameras

Good if you have only one extra battery or want to start small. But if you plan to expand, go dual.

Third-Party Options: Proceed with Caution

You’ll find generic charging docks on Amazon or eBay. Some work, but many don’t:

• May not fit Arlo batteries securely
• Could damage batteries with incorrect voltage
• No official warranty

I tried a third-party dock once. It charged the battery, but the contacts were loose, and it fell apart after a month. Stick with Arlo-branded stations for reliability.

Pro Tip: Buy Batteries in Packs

Arlo sells 2-pack and 4-pack batteries. Buy them together with the charging station. You’ll save money and have a complete system ready to go.

How to Maximize Battery Life (And Reduce Charging Hassle)

Even with a charging station, you’ll want to get the most out of each battery. Here are practical tips I’ve learned after years of using Arlo cameras.

Adjust Motion Detection Zones

Your camera’s battery drains faster if it’s constantly recording motion. Use the Arlo app to:

• Exclude areas like trees or busy sidewalks
• Set sensitivity to “medium” or “low”
• Use activity zones to focus on high-priority areas (e.g., front door)

I reduced my front camera’s motion alerts by 60% just by excluding the street. Battery life jumped from 4 to 6 months.

Use “Away” Mode Wisely

When you’re home, put the camera in “Standby” mode (via the app). This disables motion recording and saves battery. I do this every evening when I’m in the backyard.

Enable Smart Alerts

Arlo’s AI can distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals. Turn on “Person Detection” to avoid recording every passing squirrel. Fewer clips = less battery use.

Check the Weather

Extreme cold or heat can drain batteries faster. In winter, I bring my cameras indoors for a few hours to warm up the batteries. In summer, I avoid direct sunlight on the camera.

Data Table: Battery Life Comparison (Arlo Pro 3 & Ultra)

Usage Scenario	Avg. Battery Life (Pro 3)	Avg. Battery Life (Ultra)	Tips to Extend
Low activity (1–3 clips/day)	6 months	5 months	Use activity zones, lower sensitivity
Medium activity (4–8 clips/day)	4 months	3.5 months	Enable person detection, use standby mode
High activity (9+ clips/day)	2–3 months	2 months	Add solar panel, rotate batteries weekly
With solar panel	Continuous (with sun)	Continuous (with sun)	Ideal for sunny locations

Bonus: Consider a Solar Panel

Arlo’s solar panel (sold separately) can keep your camera powered indefinitely—if you get enough sunlight. I installed one on my backyard camera. It’s been running for over a year without a battery swap. Perfect for areas with consistent sun.

Final Thoughts: Is a Charging Station Worth It?

So, does Arlo come with a charging station 3 camera? No, not unless you buy it separately. And while the included cable works in a pinch, it’s not a long-term solution—especially if you have multiple cameras or want reliable, 24/7 coverage.

A charging station isn’t just about convenience. It’s about continuity. It’s about knowing your home is always protected, even when one battery dies. It’s about not missing that package delivery, that visitor, or that unexpected event because your camera was charging.

I’ve been using Arlo cameras for over three years, and the dual charging station is one of the best investments I’ve made. It’s saved me from countless “dead camera” moments. And when paired with smart settings, spare batteries, and (if possible) a solar panel, your Arlo system becomes a true set-it-and-forget-it security solution.

So, if you’re asking, “Does Arlo come with a charging station 3 camera?”—now you know the answer. And more importantly, you know what to do next: buy the station, get extra batteries, and set up a rotation system. Your future self (and your home security) will thank you.

At the end of the day, a security camera is only as good as its uptime. Don’t let a dead battery be the weak link in your system. Charge smart, protect smart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arlo Charging Station 3 Camera bundle include a charger?

The Arlo Charging Station 3 Camera kit typically includes a charging dock, power adapter, and rechargeable batteries. However, always verify the package contents on the retailer’s listing, as bundles may vary.

Can I charge my Arlo camera using the Charging Station 3?

Yes, the Arlo Charging Station 3 is designed specifically for select Arlo camera models, offering a convenient way to charge spare batteries. It streamlines power management for continuous surveillance coverage.

Is the charging station included with every Arlo camera purchase?

Not necessarily. Some Arlo camera kits include the Charging Station 3, while others sell it separately. Check the product description to confirm if the Arlo Charging Station 3 Camera combo is included.

How many batteries can the Arlo Charging Station 3 charge at once?

The Charging Station 3 can charge up to two Arlo rechargeable batteries simultaneously. This is ideal for users with multiple cameras who need quick battery swaps.

Do I need the Charging Station 3 for my Arlo camera to work?

No, the station is optional. You can charge batteries via USB, but the Arlo Charging Station 3 Camera accessory offers faster, more organized charging and battery storage.

Is the Charging Station 3 compatible with all Arlo cameras?

It works with specific Arlo models, such as the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra. Confirm compatibility with your camera model before purchasing the Charging Station 3.