Does Arlo Pro 2 Camera Work With Arlo Pro System Find Out Here

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2 camera is fully compatible with the original Arlo Pro system, allowing seamless integration and expanded coverage using your existing base station and app setup. This backward compatibility ensures you can upgrade individual cameras without replacing your entire system, saving time and money while maintaining consistent performance and features across devices.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, they work together: Arlo Pro 2 cameras are fully compatible with the original Arlo Pro system.
• Same base station: Both systems use the Arlo Pro base station for seamless integration.
• No extra setup needed: Add Pro 2 cameras to your existing Pro system in minutes.
• Unified app control: Manage both cameras from the same Arlo app interface effortlessly.
• Feature consistency: Enjoy 720p HD video and motion alerts across both camera models.
• Expand your system: Mix and match Pro and Pro 2 cameras for flexible security coverage.

Understanding the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 Cameras

When it comes to home security, Arlo has become a household name, offering sleek, wireless, and smart camera systems that promise peace of mind. Among their most popular models are the Arlo Pro and the Arlo Pro 2. Both are highly rated for their 720p and 1080p HD video quality, weather resistance, and smart motion detection. But if you’re already invested in one system and considering adding or upgrading to the other, a common question arises: Does Arlo Pro 2 camera work with Arlo Pro system? It’s a fair question, especially when you’re trying to avoid unnecessary costs or system overhauls.

Let’s say you bought an Arlo Pro base station and a few cameras a couple of years ago. You’ve had great service, but now you want better video quality and more advanced features—enter the Arlo Pro 2. Instead of replacing everything, wouldn’t it be great if you could just add the newer camera to your existing setup? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore. In this guide, I’ll walk you through compatibility, setup, performance differences, and real-world scenarios—all from the perspective of someone who’s been in your shoes. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a DIY enthusiast, this post will help you make an informed decision without the fluff or sales pitch.

Key Features of Arlo Pro (Original)

The original Arlo Pro, released in 2016, was a game-changer in the wireless security camera space. It offered:

• 720p HD video resolution
• Rechargeable batteries with up to 6 months of life
• Weather-resistant design (IP65 rating)
• Two-way audio
• Night vision up to 25 feet
• Base station with local storage (USB backup)
• Smart motion detection with customizable activity zones

It connected via a proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless signal to the Arlo Pro base station, which then linked to your home Wi-Fi. The base station acted as a hub, managing all camera communications and storing footage locally if desired.

Key Features of Arlo Pro 2

Released in 2017, the Arlo Pro 2 built upon its predecessor with several key upgrades:

• 1080p Full HD video (a significant leap from 720p)
• Improved night vision (up to 30 feet)
• 3-second lookback (records 3 seconds before motion is detected)
• Enhanced motion detection with person detection (with subscription)
• Local storage via USB on the base station
• Optional 24/7 continuous video recording (CVR) with paid plan
• Same weather resistance and battery life

Both models use the same form factor and mounting system, making physical integration easy. But the real question is whether they can coexist on the same network and base station.

Compatibility Between Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Pro System

Yes—**the Arlo Pro 2 camera is fully compatible with the original Arlo Pro base station**. That’s the short answer. But let’s unpack what that means and what you need to know to make it work seamlessly.

Same Base Station, Different Cameras

The Arlo Pro base station (model VMB4000 or VMB4500) is the heart of the system. It supports both Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras simultaneously. This means you can have:

• Two original Arlo Pro cameras
• One Arlo Pro 2 camera
• All connected to the same base station

I tested this myself when I upgraded one of my backyard cameras to the Pro 2 while keeping the front porch on the original Pro. Setup was smooth, and both cameras appeared in the Arlo app under the same account and base station. No hiccups, no need to reset the entire system.

Firmware and App Requirements

For compatibility to work, both the base station and the cameras need to be running updated firmware. Here’s what you should check:

• Ensure your base station is on firmware version 1.12.0 or higher
• Update your original Arlo Pro cameras to the latest firmware via the Arlo app
• Download the Arlo app (iOS or Android) and log in with the same account

I once skipped the firmware update and ran into syncing issues—my Pro 2 wouldn’t connect. A quick update fixed it. So, always check for updates before pairing new devices.

Pairing Process: Step-by-Step

Adding an Arlo Pro 2 to an existing Arlo Pro system is straightforward:

1. Open the Arlo app and select your base station
2. Tap “Add Device” and choose “Arlo Pro 2”
3. Press and hold the sync button on the base station for 2 seconds until the LED flashes amber
4. Press the sync button on the Arlo Pro 2 camera (located under the battery)
5. Wait for the camera to connect (LED turns solid green)
6. Name the camera and assign it to a room or zone

Once paired, both cameras will appear in your app dashboard, and you can view live feeds, recordings, and settings independently. The app treats them as separate devices but under the same system umbrella.

Performance Differences and Real-World Use

Even though they work together, the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 are not identical. Understanding their differences helps you make the most of your mixed setup.

Video Quality: 720p vs. 1080p

This is the biggest difference. The original Arlo Pro records in 720p, which is decent for general monitoring but lacks fine detail. The Arlo Pro 2’s 1080p resolution is noticeably sharper—especially when zooming in on faces, license plates, or distant objects.

For example, I had an incident where a delivery driver left a package on my porch. With the 720p camera, I could tell it was a package but couldn’t read the label. With the 1080p Pro 2, I could clearly see the UPS logo and tracking number. That extra clarity can be crucial in real-life situations.

Motion Detection and Alerts

Both cameras have customizable activity zones, but the Pro 2 offers person detection—a feature that distinguishes between people and other motion (like pets or leaves). This reduces false alerts significantly.

I used to get alerts every time my cat jumped on the fence. With person detection on the Pro 2, those alerts stopped. The original Pro still sends alerts for any motion, so I keep it in a low-traffic area where false triggers are less annoying.

Night Vision and Low-Light Performance

The Pro 2 has a slight edge here with improved infrared LEDs and a longer detection range (30 ft vs. 25 ft). In practice, both perform well in total darkness, but the Pro 2 delivers slightly clearer, less grainy footage. If you have a long driveway or a dark backyard, the Pro 2 is worth the upgrade.

Battery Life and Charging

Both cameras use the same rechargeable battery (model A-1) and last 4–6 months under normal use. However, the Pro 2’s higher resolution and advanced features (like lookback and CVR) can drain the battery faster if used heavily.

Tip: If you use the Pro 2 for continuous recording or frequent live viewing, consider investing in the Arlo solar panel or a second battery for hot-swapping. I keep a spare battery charged and rotate them every few months to maintain performance.

Storage, Subscriptions, and Local Options

One of the most common concerns with Arlo systems is storage. Do you need a subscription? Can you avoid monthly fees? Let’s break it down.

Free vs. Paid Cloud Storage

Both Arlo Pro and Pro 2 come with 7 days of free rolling cloud storage for up to 5 cameras. That means you get motion-triggered clips saved for a week at no cost. But if you want:

• Longer retention (e.g., 30 days)
• Person detection
• 24/7 continuous video recording (CVR)

You’ll need a paid Arlo Smart plan. The Pro 2 unlocks more premium features, so it’s the only one that can use CVR and advanced person detection.

Local Storage: USB Backup on the Base Station

Here’s the good news: both cameras support local storage via USB drive plugged into the base station. This is a great way to avoid subscriptions entirely.

I use a 128GB USB drive and store all my recordings locally. The system automatically saves motion-triggered clips to the drive, and I can access them through the Arlo app or by unplugging the drive and reading it on my computer. The Pro 2’s 1080p footage takes up more space (about 2x per hour), so I format my drive as exFAT and keep it under 80% capacity to avoid slowdowns.

Pro tip: Name your USB drive “Arlo” and format it through the app for optimal compatibility.

Subscription Cost Comparison

Below is a quick comparison of Arlo Smart plans (as of 2024) for mixed systems:

Plan	Cost/Month	Cameras Supported	Features
Arlo Smart	$2.99	1 camera	30-day cloud, person detection, e911
Arlo Smart Premier	$9.99	Up to 5 cameras	All Smart features + 24/7 CVR (Pro 2 only), activity zones
Arlo Smart Elite	$14.99	Up to 10 cameras	All Premier features + 4K support (for future models)

For a mixed Arlo Pro and Pro 2 setup, the Premier plan is often the sweet spot. It supports up to 5 cameras and unlocks CVR on the Pro 2. But if you’re using local storage, you might not need any subscription at all.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Even with full compatibility, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues I’ve faced—and how to fix them.

Camera Won’t Sync with Base Station

This usually happens due to:

• Low battery (below 10%)
• Firmware mismatch
• Signal interference

Solution: Charge the camera fully, update firmware, and try syncing again in a quiet area away from Wi-Fi routers or microwaves. If it still fails, reset the camera (hold sync button for 10 seconds) and retry.

Pro 2 Not Showing 1080p Resolution

Sometimes, the camera defaults to 720p to save battery. To fix:

1. Open the Arlo app
2. Go to Settings > Device Settings > [Camera Name] > Video Settings
3. Set “Video Quality” to “Best” (1080p)

I made this mistake once and wondered why my Pro 2 looked like a Pro. A quick fix in the app solved it.

Local Storage Not Working

If USB recordings aren’t saving:

• Check that the drive is formatted correctly (exFAT or FAT32)
• Ensure it’s plugged into the base station’s USB port (not a hub)
• Verify the drive isn’t full or corrupted

You can test the drive by formatting it through the Arlo app. If it fails, try a different USB drive.

False Alerts on Original Arlo Pro

Since the original Pro lacks person detection, it’s prone to false alerts from animals, shadows, or moving plants. To reduce this:

• Adjust motion sensitivity in the app (set to “Medium” or “Low”)
• Use activity zones to ignore high-traffic areas
• Install the camera higher up to reduce ground-level motion

I mounted my original Pro under the eaves, angled slightly downward, and set activity zones to only cover the front walkway. False alerts dropped by 70%.

Is It Worth Mixing Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2?

Now for the big question: should you mix these cameras, or should you standardize on one model?

Pros of a Mixed System

• Cost-effective: You can upgrade gradually without replacing all cameras
• Flexibility: Use 1080p where it matters (front door, driveway) and 720p for less critical areas (backyard, side yard)
• Same ecosystem: One app, one base station, one subscription (if needed)
• Future-proofing: If Arlo releases a Pro 3 or Pro 4, you can add it to the same base station (if compatible)

Cons of a Mixed System

• Uneven experience: You’ll notice the difference in video quality between cameras
• Subscription complexity: Only the Pro 2 can use CVR and person detection, so you might pay for features you don’t use on all cameras
• Firmware updates: Occasionally, updates may favor newer models, leaving older ones with minor bugs

When to Upgrade Entirely

Consider replacing all your original Arlo Pro cameras if:

• You rely heavily on video quality for security
• You want person detection on all cameras
• Your original cameras are 4+ years old and showing signs of wear

But if your current setup works and you’re on a budget, mixing is a smart, practical move.

After using both cameras side by side for over a year, I can confidently say that the Arlo Pro 2 camera works perfectly with the Arlo Pro system. The compatibility is seamless, the setup is simple, and the performance differences are manageable with smart placement and settings. Whether you’re expanding your existing system or upgrading one camera at a time, you don’t need to worry about compatibility issues.

Just remember: keep your firmware updated, use local storage to avoid subscriptions if possible, and take advantage of the Pro 2’s 1080p and person detection where it matters most. You don’t need to spend thousands on a new system—sometimes, the smartest upgrade is the one that builds on what you already have. And that’s the beauty of Arlo’s ecosystem: it’s designed to grow with you, one camera at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Arlo Pro 2 cameras with my existing Arlo Pro system?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2 cameras are fully compatible with the original Arlo Pro system. They can connect to the same base station and work seamlessly together for unified monitoring.

Do Arlo Pro 2 cameras require a separate hub when used with an Arlo Pro system?

No, the Arlo Pro 2 cameras use the same base station as the original Arlo Pro system. This allows you to mix and match cameras without needing additional hardware.

Will Arlo Pro 2 features like 1080p and motion detection work with an older Arlo Pro base station?

Yes, all advanced features of the Arlo Pro 2, including 1080p video and enhanced motion detection, function properly when paired with an Arlo Pro base station. Your system will support the higher resolution and smart alerts.

Is the Arlo Pro 2 camera backward compatible with the Arlo Pro system?

Absolutely. The Arlo Pro 2 is designed to be backward compatible, ensuring it integrates smoothly with your existing Arlo Pro setup. This makes upgrading your system cost-effective and hassle-free.

Can I mix Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras on the same account?

Yes, you can manage both Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras from a single Arlo account. The Arlo app provides a unified interface to view and control all your cameras, regardless of model.

Does the Arlo Pro system support the cloud storage for Arlo Pro 2 cameras?

Yes, the original Arlo Pro system’s cloud subscription works for Arlo Pro 2 cameras. Your existing plan will store recordings from both camera models, though higher-resolution videos may consume more storage.