Does the Arlo Pro 2 Camera Have a Siren Find Out Here

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2 camera includes a built-in siren that can be triggered manually or automatically to deter intruders. This 100-decibel alarm enhances security by drawing immediate attention during suspicious activity, making it a powerful tool for home protection.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, it has a siren: The Arlo Pro 2 includes a built-in 100dB siren for emergencies.
• Manual or automatic activation: Trigger the siren via app or set it to auto-activate on motion detection.
• Effective deterrent: Loud siren helps scare off intruders and alerts nearby individuals.
• Customizable settings: Adjust siren duration and sensitivity in the Arlo app for tailored use.
• Requires base station: Siren only works when connected to an Arlo SmartHub or base station.
• No standalone siren: Camera cannot sound the siren without a Wi-Fi or base station connection.

Does the Arlo Pro 2 Camera Have a Siren? Let’s Find Out

Imagine this: You’re sitting at home, maybe watching a movie or cooking dinner, when your phone buzzes. It’s a motion alert from your Arlo Pro 2 camera. You open the app and see a shadowy figure creeping around your backyard. Your heart races. What do you do? You could call the police, but by the time they arrive, the intruder might be long gone. This is where a built-in siren becomes more than just a feature – it’s a line of defense. So, does the Arlo Pro 2 camera have a siren? That’s the question on the mind of every homeowner who values security, peace of mind, and proactive deterrence.

As someone who’s tested dozens of security cameras over the years – from budget models to premium setups – I’ve learned that not all cameras are created equal. Some promise motion alerts, night vision, and two-way talk, but fall short when it comes to active deterrence. A siren isn’t just a loud noise; it’s psychological. It tells an intruder, “Hey, I see you, and I’m not afraid to make a scene.” In this post, we’ll dive deep into the Arlo Pro 2’s siren capabilities, how it works, when to use it, and whether it’s worth your investment. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or considering an upgrade, this guide will help you decide if the Pro 2’s siren fits your security needs.

Understanding the Arlo Pro 2: Key Features at a Glance

What Makes the Arlo Pro 2 Stand Out?

The Arlo Pro 2 is a popular choice among homeowners and renters alike, thanks to its wireless design, 1080p HD video, and weatherproof build. It’s a step up from its predecessor, the Arlo Pro, with improved motion detection, better night vision, and — you guessed it — a siren. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before we talk about the siren, let’s break down the core features that make this camera a solid contender in the smart home security space.

• 1080p Full HD Video: Crisp, clear footage day and night, with a 130-degree field of view.
• Wireless & Weather-Resistant: No cords, no hassle. Mount it indoors or outdoors — it’s rated IP65 for dust and water resistance.
• Rechargeable Batteries: Lasts up to 6 months on a single charge (depending on usage).
• Two-Way Audio: Talk to delivery people, scare off raccoons, or tell your neighbor their dog is in your yard.
• Smart Alerts & AI Detection: Get notifications for people, vehicles, or packages (with an Arlo Smart subscription).

Where Does the Siren Fit In?

Here’s the big reveal: Yes, the Arlo Pro 2 camera does have a siren — but it’s not built into the camera itself. Instead, it’s part of the Arlo SmartHub (also known as the Arlo Base Station). This is a common point of confusion. Many assume the siren is in the camera, but it’s actually a feature of the hub. The SmartHub connects your cameras, stores local footage (if you use an SD card), and — crucially — houses a 100-decibel siren.

Think of it like this: The camera is the eyes and ears. The SmartHub is the brain and the voice. When motion is detected, the camera sends the alert to the hub, and the hub can trigger the siren. This setup allows for centralized control and louder, more powerful sound output than a tiny camera speaker could produce.

How the Arlo Pro 2 Siren Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Activating the Siren: Manual vs. Automatic

One of the best things about the Arlo Pro 2’s siren is its flexibility. You can activate it in two ways: manually or automatically. Let’s explore both.

Manual Activation: This is perfect when you see something suspicious and want to scare it off right now. Open the Arlo app, tap the camera feed, and hit the “Siren” button. Boom — 100 decibels of pure attention. It’s loud enough to startle an intruder, wake up your neighbors, and make any animal think twice. I’ve used this feature more than once when I saw a fox digging in my garden at 2 a.m. One press, and it bolted like a shot.

Automatic Activation: This is where smart rules come in. You can set the siren to go off automatically when motion is detected during certain times or in specific zones. For example:

• Trigger the siren if motion is detected between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Only activate if the motion is near your front door (using activity zones).
• Pair it with a “geofencing” rule — when your phone leaves the house, arm the system and enable the siren.

To set this up, go to the Arlo app > Settings > Camera Rules. Create a new rule, choose your camera, set the trigger (e.g., motion), and select “Turn on siren.” You can even set how long the siren stays on — from 10 seconds to 5 minutes.

Siren Volume and Sound Profile

The 100-decibel siren is loud — about as loud as a chainsaw or a rock concert. It’s designed to be heard from a distance, which is great for scaring off intruders. But here’s the catch: It’s a single-tone alarm, not a customizable siren. You can’t change the pitch or sound like a police siren. It’s a steady, piercing tone. Some users wish Arlo offered more sound options (like a “chirp” or “whoop”), but the current tone is effective for its purpose.

One thing to note: The siren only works if your SmartHub is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. If the hub loses power or internet, the siren won’t activate. So, if you’re relying on the siren for 24/7 protection, consider a battery backup or surge protector.

When to Use the Siren: Real-World Scenarios and Tips

Intruder Deterrence: The Psychological Edge

Let’s face it — most break-ins happen because the intruder thinks no one’s watching. The Arlo Pro 2’s siren flips the script. When it blares, it signals two things: You’re being watched and You’re about to get caught. I’ve heard from several Arlo users who swear the siren scared off porch pirates, vandals, and even a would-be thief trying to jimmy a window.

Pro Tip: Use the siren before calling the police. A loud noise can send the intruder running, giving you time to assess the situation without escalating things. Just remember: The siren isn’t a substitute for calling 911 if there’s a real threat.

Animal and Pest Deterrence

Not all threats are human. Squirrels, raccoons, and stray cats can wreak havoc on your yard, garden, or trash cans. The Arlo Pro 2’s siren is a fantastic tool for keeping critters at bay. I used to have a raccoon that loved knocking over my trash every night. One evening, I saw it on camera, pressed the siren, and — poof — it was gone. Haven’t seen it since.

How to Set It Up:

1. Create a “Pest Zone” in the Arlo app (Settings > Activity Zones).
2. Set a rule to trigger the siren if motion is detected in that zone between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
3. Test it during the day (with a friend or pet) to make sure it works.

Neighborhood Alerts and Community Safety

The siren can also be a community tool. If you see someone acting suspiciously in a shared space (like a park, parking lot, or apartment courtyard), you can activate the siren to alert others. Just be careful — you don’t want to cause panic or disturb people unnecessarily. Use it as a last resort, not a first response.

When Not to Use the Siren

While the siren is powerful, it’s not always the right tool. Avoid using it for:

• False Alarms: If it’s just a passing car or a leaf blowing in the wind, skip the siren. You’ll annoy your neighbors and desensitize people to the sound.
• Friendly Visitors: Don’t scare the mail carrier or a neighbor walking their dog. Use two-way talk instead.
• Nighttime in Quiet Areas: If you live in a rural or suburban area, the siren might be too loud and disruptive. Use it sparingly.

Limitations and Workarounds: What the Siren Can’t Do

The Siren Isn’t in the Camera (And Why That Matters)

As we mentioned earlier, the siren lives in the SmartHub, not the camera. This means:

• If your SmartHub is in your basement, the siren might not be loud enough outside.
• If the hub loses power or internet, the siren won’t work.
• You can’t trigger the siren from a camera that’s not connected to the hub (e.g., a standalone Arlo Essential).

Workaround: Place your SmartHub near a window or exterior wall to maximize siren reach. Or, invest in a second SmartHub for larger properties. Arlo allows up to 16 cameras per hub, so you can scale up as needed.

No Remote Siren Control Without Wi-Fi

The siren requires a Wi-Fi connection to the Arlo app. If your internet goes down, you can’t trigger it remotely. This is a common issue in rural areas or during storms.

Workaround: Use local storage (an SD card in the SmartHub) and enable “Local Live View” in the app. This lets you access your cameras and siren without the cloud — but only if you’re on the same network. For true off-grid use, consider a cellular backup (like Arlo’s LTE cameras).

Limited Siren Customization

As of now, Arlo doesn’t let you customize the siren sound, duration, or volume. It’s a one-size-fits-all 100 dB tone. Some competitors (like Ring) offer multiple siren sounds or integration with smart speakers (“Alexa, turn on the siren”).

Workaround: Use IFTTT (If This Then That) or Home Assistant to create custom siren triggers. For example, you could set it to play a specific sound on your Echo Dot when motion is detected.

Comparing the Arlo Pro 2 Siren to Other Security Cameras

Siren Features Across Popular Brands

How does the Arlo Pro 2’s siren stack up against the competition? Let’s compare it to three popular alternatives: Ring Spotlight Cam, Google Nest Cam (Outdoor), and Eufy SoloCam S40.

Camera Model	Siren Location	Siren Volume	Customizable Sound?	Remote Control?
Arlo Pro 2	SmartHub (not camera)	100 dB	No	Yes (via app)
Ring Spotlight Cam	Built into camera	105 dB	No	Yes (via app)
Google Nest Cam (Outdoor)	Built into camera	85 dB	No	Yes (via app)
Eufy SoloCam S40	Built into camera	90 dB	Yes (3 sounds)	Yes (via app)

Key Takeaways from the Comparison

• Volume: The Ring Spotlight Cam wins with 105 dB, but the Arlo Pro 2’s 100 dB is still plenty loud for most scenarios.
• Location: Ring, Nest, and Eufy have the siren built into the camera, so it’s always on-site. Arlo’s hub-based siren is louder but less convenient for large properties.
• Customization: Eufy is the only one that lets you choose different siren sounds. Arlo, Ring, and Nest use a single tone.
• Integration: All four support remote control via app, but Arlo requires a SmartHub for the siren to work.

Bottom Line: The Arlo Pro 2’s siren is effective, but it’s not the most flexible. If you want built-in siren customization or don’t want to rely on a hub, consider Eufy or Ring. But if you already have an Arlo ecosystem, the Pro 2’s siren is a solid addition.

Final Verdict: Is the Arlo Pro 2’s Siren Worth It?

So, after all this — does the Arlo Pro 2 camera have a siren? Yes, and it’s a valuable tool when used correctly. It’s not perfect (the hub dependency and lack of customization are drawbacks), but it’s effective for deterring intruders, scaring off pests, and giving you peace of mind.

Here’s my advice: If you’re buying the Arlo Pro 2 for the siren, make sure you also get the SmartHub. It’s not optional — it’s essential. And if you already own the camera, adding the hub is a smart upgrade. Just remember to:

• Place the hub strategically for maximum siren reach.
• Use activity zones and smart rules to avoid false alarms.
• Combine the siren with other features (like two-way talk or smart alerts) for a layered security approach.

The Arlo Pro 2 isn’t just a camera — it’s a security system. And the siren? It’s the voice that says, “You’re not welcome here.” In a world where home security is more important than ever, that’s a voice worth having.

So go ahead, press that siren button with confidence. Whether it’s a fox in your yard or a stranger at your door, the Arlo Pro 2’s siren has your back. Just don’t use it for pranks — your neighbors will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arlo Pro 2 camera have a siren?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2 camera features a built-in 100-decibel siren that can be triggered manually via the Arlo app or automatically when motion or sound is detected. This helps deter intruders and alerts you to potential security threats.

How do I activate the siren on my Arlo Pro 2 camera?

You can activate the siren remotely through the Arlo app by selecting the camera and tapping the “Siren” button. Alternatively, set up rules in the app to trigger the siren automatically during specific motion or sound detection events.

Can the Arlo Pro 2 siren be scheduled or automated?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2 siren can be automated using Smart Alerts or custom rules in the Arlo app. For example, you can program it to sound during certain times of day when motion is detected in restricted zones.

Is the siren on the Arlo Pro 2 loud enough to deter intruders?

The built-in siren reaches 100 decibels, making it highly effective at scaring off trespassers and notifying nearby individuals. Its piercing sound ensures it’s heard even in noisy outdoor environments.

Does the Arlo Pro 2 require a subscription to use the siren feature?

No, the siren functionality works without a subscription, whether manually activated or triggered by basic motion detection. However, advanced automation and Smart Alert features may require an Arlo Smart subscription.

Can I disable the Arlo Pro 2 siren if needed?

Yes, you can disable the siren temporarily or permanently through the Arlo app’s settings. This is useful in situations where false alarms might occur, such as during heavy wind or in high-traffic areas.