How Far Away Can Arlo Camera Be from Base Station Explained

The maximum distance an Arlo camera can be from its base station is typically 300 feet (90 meters) in open, unobstructed environments. Walls, interference, and other obstacles can significantly reduce this range, so optimal placement and Wi-Fi extenders may be needed for reliable performance. Always test signal strength during setup to ensure consistent connectivity.

Key Takeaways

• Max range is 300 feet: Arlo cameras work best within 300 feet of the base station.
• Wi-Fi interference reduces range: Avoid obstacles like walls or devices that weaken the signal.
• Line of sight matters: Clear, unobstructed paths ensure the strongest connection between camera and base.
• Use Arlo SmartHub: Extend range and improve performance with a dedicated SmartHub or extender.
• Test signal strength: Use the Arlo app to check real-time signal before final camera placement.
• Outdoor limits apply: Weather and terrain can reduce effective range in outdoor setups.

How Far Away Can Arlo Camera Be from Base Station Explained

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your shiny new Arlo security camera system. You’re excited to finally keep an eye on your backyard, front porch, or even that tricky blind spot in your garage. But as you place your camera further from the base station, a nagging question pops up: How far away can Arlo camera be from base station before it stops working? It’s a common concern, and honestly, one that keeps many homeowners up at night—especially if you live in a larger house or want coverage across a big property.

Let me tell you, I’ve been there. I once tried setting up an Arlo Pro 3 at the far end of my 100-foot-long backyard. The signal dropped like a stone after 60 feet. No video, no alerts, just a blinking red light mocking me. That’s when I realized: wireless range isn’t just about numbers on a box. It’s about real-world conditions—walls, trees, Wi-Fi interference, and even weather. In this guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about Arlo camera range, from technical specs to practical tips that actually work. Whether you’re securing a small apartment or a sprawling estate, this post will help you set up your system without the guesswork.

Understanding Arlo Camera Range: The Basics

Before we dive into distances and real-world performance, let’s get clear on what “range” actually means with Arlo systems. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi cameras that connect directly to your router, most Arlo cameras use a base station (also called a hub or gateway) as a middleman. The camera talks to the base station, and the base station connects to your home network. This setup has pros and cons, but one big advantage is improved battery life and reduced Wi-Fi congestion.

How Arlo Wireless Communication Works

Arlo cameras use proprietary wireless protocols, not standard Wi-Fi, to talk to the base station. For example:

• Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, and Ultra use a 2.4 GHz wireless connection (similar to Wi-Fi but optimized for low power).
• Arlo Pro 4 and newer models support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, offering faster data transfer.
• Arlo Go (LTE model) uses cellular data, so it doesn’t rely on a base station at all—more on that later.

This means your camera isn’t fighting for bandwidth with your laptop or smart TV. But it also means the connection is more sensitive to physical barriers and distance.

Official Range Claims vs. Reality

Arlo’s website often states a “maximum range” of 300 feet (91 meters) in open, unobstructed areas. Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: that’s under ideal conditions—no walls, no trees, no appliances, and no interference. Think of it like a clear, flat field with no obstacles. In reality, most homes aren’t built that way.

For example, I tested an Arlo Pro 3 in my backyard. With just one wooden fence (about 6 feet tall) and a few trees, the signal started struggling at 80 feet. Add a brick wall or metal garage door, and that number drops even further. So while 300 feet is technically possible, it’s more of a theoretical ceiling than a practical guide.

Factors That Reduce Effective Range

Several things can shorten the usable distance between your Arlo camera and base station:

• Building materials: Concrete, brick, metal, and thick stone block signals. Wood and drywall are better but still reduce range.
• Electronic interference: Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and other wireless devices can interfere.
• Weather: Heavy rain or snow can weaken the signal, especially for outdoor cameras.
• Camera orientation: Pointing the camera directly at the base station (line of sight) works best. Angled or obstructed views reduce performance.

So, how far away can Arlo camera be from base station in real life? Let’s break it down by environment.

Real-World Range: What to Expect in Different Environments

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how far your Arlo camera will actually work in different scenarios. I’ve tested various Arlo models in my own home, a friend’s suburban house, and even a rural property. Here’s what I found.

Indoor Range (Home or Office)

Inside your home, the range is generally shorter due to walls and appliances. But it’s also more predictable.

• Same room: 100% reliable. No issues at 30–50 feet, even with minor obstructions like a couch or table.
• Adjacent room (drywall walls): Works well up to 60–80 feet. I had an Arlo Pro 2 in my kitchen that connected to the base station in the living room (about 70 feet apart) with just one wall in between. Solid connection.
• Two or more walls: Range drops to 40–60 feet. Brick or concrete walls cut it even more—sometimes to 20–30 feet.
• Basement or attic: These are tricky. Concrete floors and metal ductwork can severely limit range. I once had to move a camera twice because the signal kept dropping from the basement to the first-floor base station.

Tip: If your base station is on the first floor, try placing the camera on the same floor or one above/below. Avoid diagonal distances (e.g., basement to second floor).

Outdoor Range (Backyard, Front Yard, Driveway)

Outdoor range is where things get interesting. No walls, but more variables.

• Open yard (no obstructions): You can often reach 150–200 feet. I tested an Arlo Pro 4 in my backyard with a clear line of sight to the base station (mounted on a second-floor window). It worked perfectly at 180 feet.
• With trees or shrubs: Each tree can reduce range by 10–20 feet. A dense tree line? That’s a signal killer. I had to reposition my front-yard camera because a large oak blocked the signal at 120 feet.
• Fences and sheds: Wooden fences are okay (5–10 feet loss), but metal or concrete sheds? Avoid placing cameras behind them. I once had a shed with a metal roof that completely blocked the signal at 60 feet.
• Sloped or uneven terrain: Hills or dips can block line of sight. If the camera is lower than the base station, it may struggle.

Practical example: A friend has a 250-foot-long driveway. He placed an Arlo Ultra at the far end, with the base station near the house. With a clear line of sight and no trees, it worked at 220 feet. But when he added a new wooden fence, the range dropped to 160 feet.

Multi-Story Homes and Large Properties

If you live in a big house or have a large property, you’ll face unique challenges.

• Two-story homes: Cameras on the second floor can connect to a first-floor base station, but range is limited by the floor and ceiling materials. In my case, a camera on the second floor worked at 50 feet (diagonally), but a camera in the backyard at the same distance didn’t.
• Three+ story homes: Consider a second base station or Wi-Fi extender. I know someone who installed a second base station in their basement to cover a backyard camera 100 feet away.
• Rural properties: If your house is far from outbuildings (barns, garages), you may need multiple base stations or an Arlo Go (LTE) model.

Tip: Use the Arlo app’s signal strength indicator to test placement before mounting. Look for 3–4 bars for reliable performance.

How to Extend Arlo Camera Range: 7 Practical Solutions

So what if your camera is just a little too far from the base station? Don’t panic. There are several ways to boost the signal and extend your range—without buying a new system.

1. Optimize Base Station Placement

The base station is the heart of your system. Place it:

• In a central location, as close to the middle of your coverage area as possible.
• Near a window if you have outdoor cameras (reduces signal loss through walls).
• Elevated (on a shelf or table) to improve line of sight.
• Away from metal objects, microwaves, and other electronics.

My fix: I moved my base station from a basement corner to a second-floor living room window. That one change added 40 feet of usable range for my backyard camera.

2. Use Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Bridge

The Arlo SmartHub (for newer models) and Arlo Bridge (for older ones) are designed to improve connectivity. They act as signal boosters and can extend range by 20–30%.

• SmartHub supports 5 GHz, reducing interference.
• Bridge connects via Ethernet for a more stable link.

Cost: Around $50–$70, but worth it if you have multiple cameras.

3. Add a Wi-Fi Extender (for Base Station)

If your base station connects to Wi-Fi (not Ethernet), a Wi-Fi extender can help. It doesn’t extend the camera-to-base range directly, but it ensures the base station has a strong internet connection, which is critical for video streaming.

Tip: Place the extender halfway between your router and base station.

4. Reduce Interference

Turn off or relocate devices that use 2.4 GHz, like:

• Old cordless phones
• Baby monitors
• Bluetooth speakers

I once had a Bluetooth speaker near my base station that caused constant disconnections. Moving it 10 feet away fixed the issue.

5. Use Ethernet for Base Station

Instead of Wi-Fi, connect your base station to your router with an Ethernet cable. This reduces latency and improves stability, especially for high-resolution cameras.

6. Reposition Cameras for Line of Sight

Even a small adjustment can make a big difference. Try:

• Mounting the camera higher (e.g., on a second-floor eave).
• Using a corner mount to angle the camera toward the base station.
• Trimming branches that block the signal.

7. Consider Arlo Go (LTE) for Remote Areas

If you have a shed, barn, or vacation home far from your base station, the Arlo Go uses cellular data. No Wi-Fi, no base station. Just insert a SIM card, and you’re good to go. Range? As far as your cellular coverage goes.

Comparing Arlo Models: Range by Camera Type

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to range. Let’s compare the most popular models.

Arlo Pro Series (Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4)

These are the workhorses of the Arlo lineup. They offer:

• Good battery life (6–12 months)
• 1080p or 2K video
• Strong wireless performance

Range: 100–200 feet in real-world conditions. Pro 4 has slightly better range due to 5 GHz support.

Arlo Ultra Series

The premium option with 4K video, color night vision, and a spotlight.

• More power-hungry, so range can suffer if the battery is low.
• Uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, so it’s less prone to interference.

Range: 120–220 feet. Best for large properties with clear sight lines.

Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor)

Budget-friendly, but with trade-offs.

• Shorter range (80–150 feet)
• No 5 GHz support
• Less robust in high-interference areas

Tip: Use these for small apartments or single-room coverage.

Arlo Go (LTE)

The outlier. No base station needed.

• Works anywhere with cellular coverage
• Monthly data plan required
• Ideal for remote locations

Range: Unlimited (as long as you have signal).

Data Table: Arlo Camera Range Summary

Arlo Model	Max Range (Ideal)	Real-World Range	Best For	Notes
Arlo Pro 2	300 feet	100–180 feet	Medium homes, indoor/outdoor	Good battery life
Arlo Pro 3	300 feet	110–190 feet	Large homes, clear yards	Improved wireless chip
Arlo Pro 4	300 feet	120–200 feet	Large properties, 2K video	5 GHz support
Arlo Ultra	300 feet	130–220 feet	Premium setups, 4K	Best range with SmartHub
Arlo Essential	250 feet	80–150 feet	Small spaces, budget	Limited interference handling
Arlo Go (LTE)	Unlimited	Cellular coverage	Remote areas, sheds	No base station needed

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Arlo System

So, how far away can Arlo camera be from base station? The short answer: up to 300 feet in perfect conditions, but 100–200 feet is more realistic for most homes. The key is understanding your environment and using smart placement and tools to maximize performance.

I’ve learned that patience pays off. Don’t rush the setup. Test camera positions with the app’s signal indicator. Move the base station if needed. And don’t be afraid to use accessories like SmartHubs or Wi-Fi extenders—they’re not cheating, they’re smart problem-solving.

Remember, every home is different. What works for your neighbor might not work for you. But with the tips and insights in this guide, you’ll be able to set up a reliable, high-performance Arlo system that covers exactly what you need—no more, no less.

At the end of the day, your security system should make you feel safe, not frustrated. So take your time, test often, and trust your eyes (and the app). Before you know it, you’ll have a setup that works like a charm—whether you’re watching your front porch or a distant shed. And that peace of mind? It’s worth every bit of effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far away can Arlo camera be from base station for reliable performance?

The maximum range between an Arlo camera and its base station is typically 300 feet (90 meters) in open, unobstructed areas. Walls, trees, or other obstacles can reduce this range significantly, often cutting it in half.

Does the Arlo camera’s distance from the base station affect video quality?

Yes, if the camera is near the maximum range, signal strength may weaken, causing lower video quality or delays. For best performance, keep the camera within 150–200 feet of the base station and minimize interference.

Can I extend the range between my Arlo camera and base station?

Yes, you can use Wi-Fi extenders or Arlo SmartHubs to boost the signal and extend the Arlo camera to base station distance. Placing the base station centrally and avoiding obstructions also helps maximize range.

Why does my Arlo camera disconnect when far from the base station?

Disconnects usually occur when the signal drops below a usable threshold due to distance or interference. Ensure the camera is within the recommended range and check for sources of Wi-Fi congestion nearby.

How do I check the signal strength between my Arlo camera and base station?

The Arlo app shows signal strength under the camera settings or device info. A strong signal (2–3 bars) ensures stable connectivity, while 1 bar or less suggests the camera is too far from the base station.

Is the 300-foot range the same for all Arlo camera models?

Most Arlo cameras, like the Ultra, Pro, and Go, share a similar 300-foot line-of-sight range. However, older or battery-powered models may have slightly reduced range due to power-saving transmission settings.