Does the Arlo Pro Camera Have a Siren Find Out Here

Yes, the Arlo Pro camera includes a built-in siren to deter intruders and alert you to potential threats. This 100+ decibel alarm can be triggered manually or automatically via motion detection, adding an extra layer of security to your smart home setup.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, it has a siren: Arlo Pro includes a built-in 100dB siren for emergencies.
• Manual or automatic: Activate the siren via app or set triggers like motion detection.
• Deter intruders effectively: Loud siren helps scare off unwanted visitors instantly.
• Customizable alerts: Adjust siren settings to match your security needs.
• No extra cost: Siren comes standard—no need for add-ons or upgrades.
• Works remotely: Trigger the siren from anywhere using the Arlo app.

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

Let’s face it—home security isn’t just about seeing what’s happening. It’s about doing something when something goes wrong. You’ve probably been in that moment: you’re at work, you get a motion alert from your Arlo Pro camera, and you see a shadowy figure near your back door. Your heart races. You want to scare them off—right now. But can your camera do that? Does it have a built-in siren to deter intruders before they even get close?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does the Arlo Pro camera have a siren?”—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners, renters, and small business owners alike. And the answer isn’t as simple as a “yes” or “no.” It depends on which Arlo Pro model you’re using, how you’ve set it up, and what your security goals are. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from built-in features to workarounds, real-world examples, and smart tips to maximize your camera’s deterrent power. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or thinking of upgrading, this is your go-to resource.

Understanding the Arlo Pro Camera Lineup

Which Arlo Pro Models Exist?

First things first: Arlo Pro isn’t just one camera. It’s a family of models, each with slightly different features. Knowing which one you have (or are considering) is key to answering our main question.

• Arlo Pro (Original): Released in 2016. This was the first in the Pro series—wire-free, weather-resistant, and 720p HD. It does not have a built-in siren.
• Arlo Pro 2: A 2017 upgrade with 1080p HD, activity zones, and optional continuous recording. It does have a built-in siren—but only when connected to the Arlo Pro 2 Base Station.
• Arlo Pro 3: Released in 2019. 2K HDR video, color night vision, spotlight, and—yes—a built-in siren. It works with or without a base station.
• Arlo Pro 4: A 2020 update. 2K HDR, no base station needed, and includes a built-in siren. Also has improved motion detection and a wider field of view.
• Arlo Pro 5S: The latest in the Pro line (2022). Adds 2K HDR with HDR+, a brighter spotlight, and a stronger siren than previous models.

Key Differences That Affect the Siren

Here’s the thing: the presence of a siren isn’t just about the camera. It’s also about the ecosystem. For example, the Arlo Pro 2’s siren only activates when the camera is paired with the Arlo Pro 2 Base Station. Without it, the siren is essentially disabled. That’s because the base station acts as the “brain” for certain functions, including the siren trigger.

But newer models like the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5S are smarter. They have onboard sirens, meaning the camera itself can sound the alarm—no base station required. This is a big deal for renters or people who want a simpler setup.

Tip: If you’re buying a used Arlo Pro 2, make sure the seller includes the base station. Otherwise, you’re missing out on one of its best security features.

Does the Arlo Pro Camera Have a Siren? The Straight Answer

Yes, But It Depends on the Model

So, does the Arlo Pro camera have a siren? The short answer: some do, some don’t.

• Arlo Pro (original): No built-in siren.
• Arlo Pro 2: Yes—but only with the base station.
• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S: Yes—built-in siren works independently.

The siren on newer models is loud—around 80–90 decibels, which is comparable to a lawnmower or a loud vacuum cleaner. That’s loud enough to startle an intruder, draw attention from neighbors, and make someone think twice about sticking around.

How the Siren Works in Practice

Let’s say you have an Arlo Pro 4. You’ve set up motion detection zones around your front porch. At 2 a.m., the camera detects motion. You get a push notification. You open the Arlo app and see someone trying to jiggle your doorknob.

Here’s where the siren shines: you can manually trigger it from your phone. One tap, and the camera blares. The person jumps, looks around, and runs off. You’ve just used your camera as a real-time deterrent—not just a recorder.

But it gets better: you can also set up automated siren triggers. For example:

• “If motion is detected between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., sound the siren after 3 seconds.”
• “If someone lingers in the driveway for more than 10 seconds, activate the siren and send a notification.”

This automation is available in the Arlo Smart subscription (more on that later). Without it, you can still manually trigger the siren—but you’ll need to be fast on the draw.

Real-World Example: The Midnight Package Theft

I know a homeowner in Texas who had a package stolen off his porch at 3 a.m. He had an Arlo Pro 3. The next time it happened, he was ready. He’d set up a “siren on linger” rule: if someone stayed near the front door for more than 8 seconds, the siren would go off automatically.

Sure enough, a thief showed up. The siren blared. The thief dropped the package and sprinted away. The camera caught everything—and the siren likely saved him from losing hundreds of dollars in deliveries.

How to Activate and Customize the Siren

Manual Siren Activation (All Siren-Enabled Models)

Activating the siren manually is simple:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone.
2. Tap the live view of the camera.
3. Look for the “Siren” button (usually a loudspeaker or alarm icon).
4. Tap it. The siren will sound for 30 seconds (default), then stop automatically.
5. You can tap again to extend it up to 5 minutes.

Pro Tip: If you’re using the app and don’t see the siren button, make sure your camera is online and the siren feature is enabled in settings. Sometimes a firmware update is needed.

Automated Siren Triggers (Requires Arlo Smart)

This is where things get powerful. With an Arlo Smart subscription (starting at $2.99/month per camera), you can create custom automation rules.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Go to the Arlo app > Settings > Smart Alerts.
2. Tap “Create Rule.”
3. Choose the camera and trigger (e.g., “Person detected”).
4. Set conditions (e.g., “Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.”).
5. Under “Actions,” select “Sound Siren.”
6. Set duration (30 sec to 5 min).
7. Save and enable the rule.

Example Rule: “If a person is detected in the backyard after dark, sound the siren for 1 minute and send a notification to my phone.”

Without Arlo Smart, you can still use basic automation—like turning on the spotlight or recording—but not the siren. So if you’re serious about proactive security, the subscription is worth it.

Customizing Siren Duration and Volume

Unfortunately, Arlo doesn’t let you adjust the siren volume. It’s set to “loud” and can’t be toned down. This is good for security but could be an issue if you live in an apartment or have noise-sensitive neighbors.

However, you can customize:

• Duration: 30 seconds (default), 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes.
• Trigger sensitivity: Adjust motion zones to reduce false alarms (e.g., ignore trees, pets, passing cars).
• Time-based rules: Only enable the siren during high-risk hours.

Tip: If you’re worried about noise complaints, set the siren to trigger only for “person” or “vehicle” detection—not general motion. This reduces false alarms and keeps neighbors happy.

Workarounds for Cameras Without a Built-in Siren

Using an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (Arlo Pro 2)

If you have an Arlo Pro 2 and want the siren, you must use the base station. The base station has a 90+ dB siren built into it. When motion is detected (and the rule is set), the base station sounds the alarm.

Setup steps:

1. Connect the base station to your router via Ethernet.
2. Pair the Arlo Pro 2 camera with the base station.
3. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Base Station > Siren.
4. Enable “Siren on Motion” or create a custom rule.

Note: The base station siren is louder than the camera’s built-in siren (on Pro 3/4/5S), but it’s located indoors. So it’s less effective at scaring off someone at your front door—but great for alerting you inside the house.

Adding an External Siren or Smart Plug

No built-in siren? No problem. You can use smart home integrations to create a DIY solution.

Option 1: Smart Plug + External Siren

• Plug a loud outdoor siren (like the Ecolink Wireless Siren) into a smart plug (e.g., TP-Link Kasa).
• Use IFTTT or SmartThings to link the Arlo camera to the smart plug.
• When motion is detected, the plug turns on, powering the siren.

Option 2: Alexa Routines (for Alexa-compatible Arlo cameras)

• Enable the Arlo skill in the Alexa app.
• Create a routine: “When Arlo detects motion, turn on Echo device and play siren sound.”
• Use a loud Echo device (like Echo Studio) for better volume.

Real-World Hack: A friend in Chicago used this setup with a $25 outdoor siren. When his Arlo Pro (original) detected motion at night, the siren went off in his backyard. It scared off raccoons and a would-be burglar—all without a built-in siren.

Using the Arlo Chime (For Audio Alerts, Not Siren)

The Arlo Chime is a small indoor speaker that plays a doorbell sound when motion is detected. It’s not a siren, but it can startle someone if they think someone’s home.

It’s a good option if:

• You want a subtle alert.
• You’re in a shared building.
• You don’t want to scare pets or kids.

But for true deterrence? You’ll still want a louder solution.

Comparing Arlo Pro Siren Features Across Models

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Model	Built-in Siren?	Max Siren Duration	Requires Base Station?	Siren Location	Smart Subscription Needed?
Arlo Pro (Original)	No	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Arlo Pro 2	Yes (with base station)	5 minutes	Yes	Base Station (indoor)	For automation only
Arlo Pro 3	Yes	5 minutes	No	Camera (outdoor)	For automation only
Arlo Pro 4	Yes	5 minutes	No	Camera (outdoor)	For automation only
Arlo Pro 5S	Yes (stronger)	5 minutes	No	Camera (outdoor)	For automation only

Note: Manual siren activation is available on all siren-enabled models without a subscription. Automation requires Arlo Smart.

Which Model Is Best for Siren Use?

If siren capability is a top priority, here’s how I’d rank them:

1. Arlo Pro 5S: Best all-around. Strongest siren, latest tech, no base station needed.
2. Arlo Pro 4: Great value. Same siren as Pro 3, but no base station required.
3. Arlo Pro 3: Solid choice, but slightly older tech.
4. Arlo Pro 2: Good siren, but base station dependency is a hassle.
5. Arlo Pro (Original): No siren. Consider upgrading or using workarounds.

Budget Tip: If you’re buying used, look for an Arlo Pro 4 bundle. It often includes the camera and a mount at a lower price than new Pro 5S models—and still has all the siren features you need.

Final Thoughts: Is the Siren Worth It?

So, does the Arlo Pro camera have a siren? Now you know: it depends. But for most people, the answer is yes—and it’s a game-changer.

The siren turns your camera from a passive observer into an active deterrent. It’s not just about recording crime—it’s about preventing it. Whether you manually trigger it from your phone at 2 a.m. or set up smart rules to protect your home while you’re away, the siren adds a layer of security that’s hard to beat.

And if you have an older model without a built-in siren? Don’t worry. With a few smart hacks—like a smart plug or base station—you can still get that loud, attention-grabbing alarm when you need it most.

Here’s my final advice: if you’re buying new, go for the Arlo Pro 4 or Pro 5S. They offer the best balance of price, performance, and siren capability. If you’re on a tight budget or already own an older model, use the workarounds we covered. Every bit of deterrence counts.

At the end of the day, peace of mind isn’t just about seeing the bad guys. It’s about making sure they don’t stick around. And with the right Arlo Pro setup, your camera can do exactly that—siren and all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arlo Pro camera have a siren built-in?

Yes, the Arlo Pro camera (including Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4 models) features a built-in 100+ dB siren that can be triggered manually or automatically via motion detection. This siren helps deter intruders and alerts you to potential security breaches.

How does the siren work on the Arlo Pro camera?

The Arlo Pro’s siren activates through the Arlo app when motion or audio is detected, or you can trigger it remotely for immediate deterrence. It can also be scheduled or set to auto-activate during specific modes like “Away” or “Disarmed.”

Can I control the Arlo Pro siren from the app?

Yes, the Arlo app lets you manually sound the siren on your Arlo Pro camera from anywhere, giving you real-time control over your home security. You can also adjust siren settings, such as duration and activation triggers, directly in the app.

Is the siren on the Arlo Pro camera loud enough to scare off intruders?

With a volume exceeding 100 decibels, the Arlo Pro’s siren is loud enough to startle intruders and draw attention to your property. Its piercing sound is designed to effectively deter trespassers and alert nearby individuals.

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

No, the built-in siren works without an Arlo Secure subscription—you can manually trigger it anytime. However, smart alert detection and automatic siren activation based on advanced triggers require a subscription plan.

Can I disable the siren on my Arlo Pro camera?

Yes, you can disable the siren in the Arlo app under camera settings if you prefer not to use it. This is useful in situations where false alarms might be triggered, or you only want motion alerts without the loud siren.