Does Arlo Make a Wired Camera Explore the Options Today

Yes, Arlo does offer wired camera options, including the popular Arlo Pro 5S 2K and Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell, delivering reliable, continuous power and enhanced video quality without battery concerns. These hardwired models are ideal for users seeking uninterrupted surveillance and seamless integration with existing home electrical systems, combining Arlo’s smart features with the stability of a wired connection.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo offers hybrid cameras: Some models support both wired and wireless use for flexible installation.
• No fully wired-only options: Arlo focuses on wire-free designs but includes wired power alternatives.
• Check power requirements: Wired Arlo cams need continuous power via adapters or PoE for reliability.
• Ideal for permanent setups: Wired power suits long-term indoor/outdoor monitoring without battery changes.
• Verify compatibility: Not all Arlo mounts/cables work with every model—review specs before buying.

Does Arlo Make a Wired Camera? Let’s Set the Record Straight

You’ve probably seen the sleek, wireless Arlo cameras mounted on homes, perched near front doors, or tucked into backyard corners. Their promise? Simple setup, no drilling, no wires—just peel-and-stick convenience. But what if you’re not sold on the wireless life? Maybe you’ve had battery-powered cameras die at the worst moment, or you’re tired of charging every few weeks. Or perhaps you’re building a new home and want something hardwired, reliable, and always on. That’s where the question comes in: Does Arlo make a wired camera?

If you’ve been searching for a wired Arlo option, you’re not alone. Many homeowners, renters, and even small business owners crave the peace of mind that comes with a camera that doesn’t rely on batteries or Wi-Fi signals that drop. You want 24/7 surveillance without the hassle. And while Arlo is best known for its wireless lineup, the answer isn’t a simple “no.” There are nuances, trade-offs, and even a few hidden gems in their ecosystem that might surprise you. So let’s dive in and explore what Arlo *actually* offers when it comes to wired security—without the marketing fluff.

Arlo’s Core Identity: Wireless, But Not Entirely

The Wireless Advantage (And Its Downsides)

Arlo built its reputation on wireless freedom. Their cameras are designed to be easy to install—no electrician needed, no wall fishing, no drilling through stucco. Just mount, sync, and go. This is perfect for renters, DIYers, or anyone who wants to avoid permanent changes to their home.

But here’s the catch: wireless cameras come with trade-offs. Battery life is a big one. Most Arlo wireless models (like the Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Essential) last 3–6 months on a charge, depending on activity and temperature. That means you’ll need to climb a ladder (or use a pole charger) every few months. And if you forget? Your camera goes dark—just when you need it most.

Then there’s Wi-Fi dependency. If your internet drops, some features (like cloud recording or remote alerts) stop working. While local storage options exist, they’re not always seamless.

Where Wired Fits In

This is where wired cameras shine. A wired camera is powered continuously, so no more battery anxiety. It’s also less likely to be affected by Wi-Fi hiccups, assuming it has a direct connection or uses a local hub. For high-traffic areas (like a front porch with constant motion), a wired option can reduce false alerts and improve reliability.

But here’s the truth: Arlo doesn’t currently offer a fully wired, standalone camera in the traditional sense—like a hardwired outdoor bullet camera that plugs into an outlet or connects to a power line. Their focus remains on battery-powered and wire-free designs.

That said, Arlo *does* offer solutions that blur the line between wired and wireless. These are the real stars of the show for anyone craving more reliability without sacrificing Arlo’s smart features.

The Closest Thing to a Wired Arlo: The Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 with Wired Kits

Meet the Wired Charging Kits

Arlo’s answer to the wired camera dilemma? The Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4—wireless cameras that can be made semi-permanent with the help of a wired charging kit. Think of it as a hybrid solution: the camera itself is still battery-powered, but you can keep it charged indefinitely using a power adapter and a low-voltage cable.

The kit includes:

• A weatherproof outdoor power adapter (plugs into a standard outlet)
• A 25-foot or 50-foot low-voltage cable (thin, flexible, and designed to blend into walls or trim)
• A magnetic charging connector that attaches to the camera

You run the cable from an outdoor outlet to the camera location, plug in the adapter, and connect it to the camera. The camera stays charged 24/7—no more battery swaps.

Why This Works (And When It Doesn’t)

This setup is ideal if you want:

• Always-on power: No more worrying about dead batteries during storms or holidays.
• Easy removal: Unlike a hardwired camera, you can still take the camera down if needed (e.g., for cleaning, repairs, or moving).
• Weather resistance: The cable and adapter are rated for outdoor use, so rain or snow won’t be an issue.

But it’s not perfect. A few things to keep in mind:

• You still need an outdoor outlet: If you don’t have one near your camera location, you’ll need to install one—which might require an electrician.
• Visible cable: While the cable is thin, it’s still visible. Some people run it along gutters, under eaves, or through conduit to hide it. Others just accept it as a trade-off for reliability.
• Not truly “wired”: The camera still uses Wi-Fi for video streaming. So if your internet goes down, live viewing and cloud storage stop. But local recording (via an Arlo SmartHub) can still work.

Pro tip: Pair the Pro 4 with the Arlo SmartHub (sold separately). It creates a local network for your cameras, so even if your Wi-Fi drops, recordings are saved to a microSD card. It’s the closest thing Arlo offers to a true wired, always-on system.

Arlo’s Indoor Wired Option: The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

A True Wired Camera (For Inside the Home)

Here’s the exception to the rule: the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera is a fully wired camera. It plugs into a standard wall outlet using a 10-foot power cord. No batteries, no charging—just plug it in and forget about it.

This camera is designed for indoor use (hence the name), making it perfect for:

• Nurseries or kids’ rooms
• Home offices
• Living rooms or hallways
• Pet monitoring

It’s compact, discreet, and delivers 1080p HD video with two-way audio and night vision. It also supports motion detection and real-time alerts through the Arlo app.

Limitations of the Indoor Model

But before you get too excited, there are a few things to consider:

• Indoor only: The camera isn’t rated for outdoor use. The power cord isn’t weatherproof, and the housing isn’t designed for rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.
• No local storage: Unlike some outdoor models, it doesn’t support microSD card storage. You’ll need an Arlo SmartHub for local backup (which adds cost).
• Wi-Fi dependent: Like all Arlo cameras, it relies on Wi-Fi for live streaming. If your internet drops, you lose remote access (though the SmartHub can help).

Still, for indoor monitoring, it’s a solid choice. And if you’re building a hybrid system (wired indoors, hybrid outdoors), it fits perfectly into the Arlo ecosystem.

Real-world example: One homeowner I know uses the Essential Indoor for a baby monitor in the nursery. She loves that she never has to charge it, and the two-way audio lets her soothe her baby without going into the room. She paired it with an Arlo Pro 4 (with a wired charging kit) on the back porch—giving her both wired reliability and outdoor coverage.

How Arlo Compares to True Wired Competitors

Who Offers “Real” Wired Cameras?

If you’re looking for a traditional wired camera—one that’s hardwired into your home’s electrical system or connected via PoE (Power over Ethernet)—Arlo isn’t your best bet. But other brands do. Here’s how Arlo stacks up against key competitors:

Brand/Model	Wired Type	Power Source	Key Feature	Best For
Arlo Pro 4 (with charging kit)	Hybrid (battery + wired charging)	Outdoor power adapter	2K HDR, local storage with SmartHub	Outdoor coverage with easy removal
Arlo Essential Indoor	Fully wired	Wall outlet	1080p, two-way audio	Indoor monitoring
Ring Spotlight Cam Wired	Fully wired	Outdoor power adapter or solar	Built-in siren, motion-activated lights	Deterrent + surveillance
Google Nest Cam (Wired)	Fully wired	Wall outlet or PoE adapter	AI-powered alerts, 24/7 recording	Indoor/outdoor with Google integration
Eufy Security Wired Outdoor	Hardwired (PoE)	PoE or wall adapter	No subscription, local storage	No monthly fees
Reolink PoE Cameras	Hardwired (PoE)	PoE or power adapter	4K, color night vision	High-resolution outdoor surveillance

The Trade-Offs: Convenience vs. Reliability

Here’s the reality: Arlo’s hybrid approach gives you flexibility—you can move cameras, take them down, or reconfigure your system easily. But if you want a permanent solution with zero maintenance, brands like Reolink, Eufy, or Ring might be better.

For example:

• Ring Spotlight Cam Wired is a direct competitor to Arlo Pro 4 with a charging kit. It’s fully powered and has built-in lights and a siren—great for deterrence. But it’s harder to remove, and you still need an outdoor outlet.
• Eufy Wired Outdoor uses PoE (Power over Ethernet), so it gets both power and internet from a single cable. No Wi-Fi dropouts, no batteries. But you need to run Ethernet cable—which might mean drilling through walls or hiring an electrician.
• Google Nest Cam (Wired) offers seamless integration with Google Assistant and 24/7 recording (with a Nest Aware subscription). But it’s pricier, and outdoor models need a weatherproof outlet.

The takeaway? If you want the easiest path to a “wired-like” experience with Arlo, the Pro 4 + charging kit is your best bet. If you want true wired reliability and don’t mind the setup, consider other brands—or use Arlo for indoor and a competitor for outdoor.

Building a Hybrid Arlo System: The Best of Both Worlds

Mix and Match for Your Needs

You don’t have to go all-in on one type of camera. A hybrid system can give you the reliability of wired power where it matters most, and the flexibility of wireless elsewhere.

Here’s how to build one:

1. Use Arlo Essential Indoor for inside: Plug it into an outlet in a high-traffic area (like a hallway or living room). No batteries, no worries.
2. Use Arlo Pro 4 with a charging kit for critical outdoor spots: Front porch, back door, garage. These areas get the most use, so always-on power is key.
3. Use wireless Arlo models for less critical areas: Side yard, garden, or shed. These can be battery-powered and charged every few months.
4. Add an Arlo SmartHub: This creates a local network for your cameras. Even if your Wi-Fi drops, recordings are saved to a microSD card. It’s a game-changer for reliability.

Tips for a Smooth Setup

• Plan your outlet locations: Before buying, check if you have outdoor outlets near where you want cameras. If not, consider installing one (or use a solar panel for wireless models).
• Hide the charging cable: Use conduit, run it under eaves, or paint it to match your trim. A little effort goes a long way.
• Use the Arlo app to test signal strength: Place the SmartHub where it can “see” all your cameras. Weak signals can cause lag or dropouts.
• Label your cameras: In the app, name each camera (e.g., “Front Porch – Wired,” “Backyard – Wireless”). It makes troubleshooting easier.

Personal story: I helped a friend set up a hybrid Arlo system after her wireless camera died during a break-in attempt. She now has the Essential Indoor in the hallway, a Pro 4 (wired kit) on the front porch, and a wireless model in the backyard. The SmartHub keeps everything connected locally. She hasn’t had a single outage in six months—and she loves that she can check the front porch camera anytime, even when the internet is down.

Final Thoughts: Does Arlo Make a Wired Camera?

So, does Arlo make a wired camera? The short answer: not in the traditional sense. They don’t sell a hardwired outdoor camera that’s permanently connected to your home’s power or network. But they do offer practical, reliable alternatives that deliver many of the benefits of wired systems—without the permanent installation.

The Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 with wired charging kits are the closest thing to a wired outdoor camera. They give you 24/7 power, easy removal, and full integration with the Arlo app. The Arlo Essential Indoor is a true wired camera—perfect for inside the home. And when paired with the Arlo SmartHub, you get local storage and network reliability that rivals fully wired systems.

Are there better options if you want only wired cameras? Absolutely. Brands like Reolink, Eufy, and Ring offer hardwired, PoE, and fully powered models that might be a better fit for permanent installations. But if you love Arlo’s app, design, or ecosystem, their hybrid approach is a smart compromise.

At the end of the day, the best system is one that works for you. If you value flexibility, easy setup, and the ability to move cameras around, Arlo’s wired-like options are worth exploring. If you want zero maintenance and maximum reliability, consider a dedicated wired brand—or build a hybrid system that uses the best of both worlds.

So go ahead: explore the options. Try the Arlo Pro 4 with a charging kit for your front porch. Plug in an Essential Indoor for peace of mind at night. And if you’re feeling ambitious, add a SmartHub to keep everything running—even when the internet doesn’t. Your home’s security shouldn’t be limited by wires… or the lack of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arlo make a wired camera for home security?

Yes, Arlo offers wired camera options like the Arlo Pro 5S 2K and Arlo Ultra 2, which support continuous power via a weather-resistant outdoor cable. These models combine wired reliability with high-resolution video and smart features.

What are the benefits of choosing a wired Arlo camera?

Wired Arlo cameras provide uninterrupted power, eliminating the need for battery changes, and often deliver higher video quality (up to 4K). They’re ideal for 24/7 monitoring and areas with frequent activity.

Can I use an Arlo wired camera outdoors?

Absolutely. Many wired Arlo cameras, such as the Pro 5S 2K, are designed for outdoor use with weather-resistant housing and cables. They perform well in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

Is the Arlo Ultra 2 a wired or wireless camera?

The Arlo Ultra 2 is a hybrid model—it supports both battery operation and wired power via an optional outdoor cable. This flexibility makes it suitable for permanent or temporary setups.

Do all Arlo cameras require a hub or base station if they’re wired?

Most wired Arlo cameras still require a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub) for connectivity and cloud storage, even when powered by a cable. The exception is the Arlo Wired Doorbell, which connects directly to your home’s wiring.

Are there any fully wired (no battery) Arlo cameras?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 5S 2K and Arlo Essential Wired Outdoor Camera are designed to run entirely on wired power, with no backup battery. They’re perfect for users who prefer zero-maintenance setups.