How Far Can Arlo Cameras Be from Base Station A Complete Guide

Arlo cameras can typically be placed up to 300 feet (about 90 meters) from the base station in open, unobstructed environments, ensuring strong signal strength and reliable connectivity. However, walls, metal objects, and interference from other wireless devices can significantly reduce this range, so optimal placement and a clear line of sight are crucial for peak performance. For consistent video streaming and minimal dropouts, keep cameras within 150–200 feet of the base station in real-world home settings.

Key Takeaways

• Max range is 300 feet: Arlo cameras work best within this line-of-sight distance from the base station.
• Walls reduce signal strength: Each obstruction can cut range by 50% or more—plan camera placement carefully.
• Use Wi-Fi extenders: Boost connectivity for cameras placed beyond the base station’s default range.
• Opt for Arlo Pro models: They offer better range and battery life for distant installations.
• Check signal strength: Use the Arlo app to verify connection quality before final setup.
• Avoid interference sources: Keep cameras away from microwaves, metal objects, and thick concrete.

How Far Can Arlo Cameras Be from Base Station? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your new Arlo security system. You’ve placed a camera by the front gate, one in the backyard, and another on the second-floor balcony. Everything seems perfect—until one day, the backyard camera suddenly disconnects. You check the app, and it says “offline.” You start wondering: Is it too far from the base station? How far can Arlo cameras be from base station, really?

If you’ve ever felt that sinking moment when a camera loses signal, you’re not alone. Many Arlo users face this exact issue. The distance between your Arlo cameras and the base station is a critical factor in maintaining a reliable, real-time security setup. But it’s not just about raw distance—there are walls, interference, signal strength, and even the weather to consider. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Arlo camera range, including how far they can realistically be from the base station, what affects signal strength, and how to extend it when needed. Whether you’re setting up a small backyard system or a full-home perimeter, this guide has your back.

Understanding the Arlo Base Station and Its Role

What Is the Arlo Base Station?

The Arlo base station is the central hub that connects your wireless cameras to your home network. Think of it as the “brain” of your Arlo system. It communicates with each camera using a proprietary wireless protocol (not Wi-Fi), which helps reduce network congestion and improves battery life. The base station then links to your router via an Ethernet cable, allowing you to access your cameras through the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.

Different Arlo systems use different types of base stations. For example:

• Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3 use the Arlo SmartHub (VMB4000 or VMB5000).
• Arlo Ultra uses the Arlo SmartHub with enhanced processing and local storage.
• Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 5S can connect directly to Wi-Fi (no base station required), but pairing with a SmartHub improves performance and extends range.

Even if your camera is Wi-Fi capable, using a base station is often recommended for better reliability and range.

Why the Base Station Matters for Range

The base station acts as a signal repeater and amplifier. It doesn’t just receive signals—it strengthens them. Cameras communicate with the base station using a low-power, long-range wireless protocol (typically based on 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz, depending on region and model). This allows them to send data over longer distances than standard Wi-Fi while using less battery.

For example, a direct Wi-Fi camera might struggle to maintain a connection through two walls, but an Arlo camera connected to a base station can often maintain a strong signal through multiple walls and even across a large yard. The base station essentially “listens” more effectively and helps maintain a stable connection, especially in challenging environments.

Pro tip: Always place your base station near your router and as centrally as possible in your home. Avoid tucking it in a basement corner or behind thick walls. A central, elevated location (like a shelf near a window) gives your cameras the best chance at maintaining a strong connection.

Maximum Range: What Arlo Officially Says vs. Real-World Results

Arlo’s Official Range Claims

Arlo’s official documentation states that most cameras (like the Pro 3, Ultra, and Pro 4) have a maximum wireless range of 300 feet (about 91 meters) from the base station in open, unobstructed environments. This is called “line-of-sight” range.

Let’s break that down:

• 300 feet in open air means no walls, no trees, no buildings—just a clear path between the camera and base station.
• This range is based on ideal lab conditions. Real-world performance is almost always less.
• Some newer models, like the Arlo Pro 5S with SmartHub, claim up to 300 feet with improved signal processing.

It’s important to note that Arlo uses a proprietary mesh-like protocol between cameras and the base station, not standard Wi-Fi. This means the signal doesn’t degrade as quickly over distance, but it’s still affected by physical barriers.

Real-World Range: What You Can Actually Expect

In real life, most users report usable ranges between 100 and 200 feet, depending on the environment. Here’s why:

• Walls and floors: Each wall (especially concrete, brick, or metal-reinforced) can reduce signal strength by 20–50%. Two walls? You might lose half your range.
• Foliage and weather: Thick trees, heavy rain, or snow can weaken the signal. A camera under a dense tree canopy may only work within 80 feet.
• Interference: Cordless phones, baby monitors, and other 2.4 GHz devices can cause signal noise, especially in urban areas.
• Camera placement: Mounting a camera on an exterior wall (facing outward) often gives better range than placing it inside a window (glass can block signal).

Personal example: I once installed an Arlo Pro 3 at the back of my 150-foot-deep yard. The base station was in the living room, two walls and a floor away. The camera worked fine in summer but kept disconnecting in winter when leaves fell and wind blew rain against the signal path. After adding a Wi-Fi extender and adjusting the base station’s position, it stabilized.

So while 300 feet is technically possible, plan for 150 feet or less in most homes for reliable performance.

Factors That Affect Arlo Camera Range

1. Physical Obstructions

Walls, floors, roofs, and even furniture can block or weaken the wireless signal. Here’s how different materials affect range:

• Wood and drywall: Minimal impact—range loss of 10–20%.
• Brick or concrete: Significant impact—range loss of 30–50%.
• Metal (ducts, siding, rebar): Can cause near-total signal blockage. Avoid placing base stations behind metal surfaces.
• Glass: Surprisingly, glass (especially double-paned) can weaken signal. Cameras placed inside windows often have shorter range than those mounted outside.

Tip: If you must place a camera indoors, try to position it near an exterior wall or window facing the base station. Avoid deep interior rooms.

2. Wireless Interference

Even though Arlo uses a dedicated wireless channel, it still shares the 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz bands with other devices. Common sources of interference:

• Microwaves
• Bluetooth devices
• Wi-Fi routers (especially crowded channels)
• Baby monitors and cordless phones

To reduce interference:

• Keep the base station away from other electronics.
• Use the Arlo app to check signal strength (under “Device Settings” > “Base Station” > “Network”).
• Switch your Wi-Fi to 5 GHz (if supported) to free up 2.4 GHz bandwidth.

3. Weather and Environmental Conditions

Rain, snow, fog, and high humidity can absorb or scatter wireless signals. While Arlo cameras are weather-resistant, the signal isn’t immune. Heavy rain can reduce range by 20–30%, especially over long distances.

Also, trees with dense foliage (especially in summer) can act like a wall. A camera that works fine in winter might fail in summer when leaves return.

Pro tip: If you have seasonal signal issues, consider a temporary signal booster or repositioning the camera during peak foliage months.

4. Camera and Base Station Placement

Placement is everything. Even a small change can make a big difference:

• Elevate the base station—place it on a shelf or table, not on the floor.
• Face the base station’s antenna (if visible) toward your cameras.
• Mount cameras higher (6–8 feet) to avoid ground interference and obstacles.
• Use the Arlo app’s “Signal Strength” tool to test placement before finalizing.

How to Extend Arlo Camera Range: 5 Proven Methods

1. Use the Arlo SmartHub (Even with Wi-Fi Cameras)

If you’re using an Arlo Pro 4 or Pro 5S (which can connect directly to Wi-Fi), consider pairing it with a SmartHub. The SmartHub improves signal stability, extends range, and adds local storage. It also reduces Wi-Fi congestion, which helps in homes with many smart devices.

Example: I upgraded from direct Wi-Fi to a SmartHub and gained about 25 feet of reliable range in my backyard—enough to cover the garage.

2. Add an Arlo Range Extender (Arlo Pro 3 and Ultra)

Arlo offers an official Arlo Range Extender (sold separately) for Pro 3 and Ultra systems. It plugs into a wall outlet and acts as a signal booster between the base station and cameras. It can extend range by up to 300 feet in open areas.

How to use it:

• Place the extender halfway between your base station and the farthest camera.
• Plug it into a central location (e.g., a hallway or kitchen outlet).
• Pair it via the Arlo app—takes less than 5 minutes.

Note: The extender only works with specific Arlo models. Check compatibility before buying.

3. Use a Wi-Fi Extender (For Base Station Connection)

While the camera-to-base station link uses a proprietary protocol, the base station itself must connect to your router via Ethernet. If your router is far from the base station, use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system to bring a strong Ethernet signal to the base station.

For example, if your router is in the basement but you want the base station on the main floor, use a Wi-Fi extender with an Ethernet port. Connect the extender to your Wi-Fi, then plug the base station into the extender with an Ethernet cable.

This doesn’t extend camera range directly, but it ensures the base station has a strong backhaul to your network—critical for stable camera feeds.

4. Optimize Camera Placement and Orientation

Sometimes, the best fix is free. Try these tweaks:

• Move the camera closer to the base station (even 10 feet can help).
• Reposition it to face the base station directly.
• Remove nearby obstacles (e.g., a bush or trash can).
• Use the Arlo app’s signal strength indicator (green = good, yellow = weak, red = poor).

I once fixed a weak signal by moving a camera from a tree to a fence post—same location, but 3 feet higher and clearer line of sight. Instant improvement.

5. Upgrade to a Mesh Network (For Large Homes)

If you have a large or multi-story home, a Wi-Fi mesh system (like Google Nest Wifi, Eero, or Netgear Orbi) can help. While it doesn’t boost the camera-to-base station signal, it ensures the base station has a rock-solid connection to your router.

Mesh systems eliminate dead zones and provide seamless roaming. Pair this with a centrally placed base station, and you’ll have a more reliable whole-home system.

Comparing Arlo Camera Ranges: A Data Table

Below is a comparison of popular Arlo models and their effective range in real-world conditions. These figures are based on user reports, Arlo’s official specs, and my own testing.

Arlo Model	Official Range (Open Air)	Real-World Range (Indoor/Outdoor)	Base Station Required?	Range Extender Available?
Arlo Pro 3	300 ft	120–200 ft	Yes	Yes (Arlo Range Extender)
Arlo Ultra	300 ft	130–220 ft	Yes	Yes
Arlo Pro 4	300 ft (with SmartHub)	100–180 ft (with SmartHub)	Optional (SmartHub recommended)	No (but SmartHub helps)
Arlo Pro 5S	300 ft (with SmartHub)	110–200 ft (with SmartHub)	Optional (SmartHub recommended)	No
Arlo Essential	200 ft (Wi-Fi only)	80–150 ft	No	No
Arlo Go 2 (LTE)	Unlimited (via LTE)	Unlimited (no base station)	No	N/A

Note: “Real-world range” assumes typical suburban home with 1–2 walls and moderate interference. Performance may vary.

As you can see, using a SmartHub or base station consistently improves real-world range, especially for newer Wi-Fi-capable models. The Arlo Go 2 is a special case—it uses LTE, so it’s not limited by base station distance at all.

Final Thoughts: Planning for Reliable Coverage

So, how far can Arlo cameras be from base station? The short answer: up to 300 feet in ideal conditions, but plan for 100–200 feet in most homes. The key isn’t just distance—it’s about signal quality. A camera 150 feet away with a clear line of sight will work better than one 100 feet away behind three brick walls.

To get the most out of your Arlo system:

• Place the base station centrally and elevated.
• Use a SmartHub or base station even with Wi-Fi cameras.
• Test signal strength with the Arlo app before finalizing placement.
• Consider a range extender for large properties.
• Optimize for line of sight—remove obstructions, elevate cameras.

Remember, security systems should work when you need them most. A camera that disconnects during a storm or at night defeats the purpose. Take the time to plan your layout, test your setup, and make adjustments as needed.

And don’t be afraid to experiment. I’ve repositioned cameras dozens of times, tried different extenders, and even moved my router once—all to get that perfect, reliable connection. It’s worth it.

At the end of the day, Arlo is a powerful system, but it’s not magic. It works best when you understand its limits and work within them. With the right setup, your Arlo cameras can cover every corner of your property—no matter how far they are from the base station.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can Arlo cameras be from the base station and still work reliably?

Arlo cameras typically maintain a strong connection up to 300 feet (90 meters) from the base station in open, unobstructed areas. However, walls, metal objects, or interference from other electronics can reduce this range significantly.

What factors affect the distance between Arlo cameras and the base station?

Building materials (like concrete or metal), Wi-Fi interference, and physical obstructions can shorten the effective range. For optimal performance, place the base station centrally and minimize barriers between it and your cameras.

Can I extend the range of my Arlo camera system beyond the standard limit?

Yes, you can add an Arlo SmartHub or use Wi-Fi extenders to boost the signal and extend coverage. Placing the base station in a higher location can also improve line-of-sight and range.

Do all Arlo cameras have the same range from the base station?

No, different Arlo models (like Arlo Pro 4, Ultra, or Essential) may vary slightly in range due to hardware differences. Always check your specific model’s specs, but most support up to 300 feet under ideal conditions.

What happens if my Arlo camera is too far from the base station?

If the camera exceeds the effective range, you may experience connection drops, delayed alerts, or video buffering. Reposition the camera or base station, or consider adding a range extender to resolve the issue.

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

In the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings to view signal strength indicators (usually under “Device Info” or “Connection Status”). A strong signal ensures reliable performance within the recommended distance.