How Many Cameras Can You Connect to Arlo A Complete Guide

You can connect up to 25 cameras to a single Arlo SmartHub or base station, depending on the model and firmware version, with options to scale across multiple hubs for larger properties. Arlo’s flexible setup supports both wired and wireless cameras, allowing seamless integration across indoor and outdoor systems for comprehensive coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo supports up to 15 cameras per base station for seamless multi-camera setups.
• Wi-Fi models allow 5–10 devices depending on router capacity and signal strength.
• Arlo Pro/Ultra systems scale better with 15-camera support using SmartHub or base stations.
• Reduce bandwidth usage by adjusting video quality to accommodate more cameras effectively.
• Subscription plans limit recordings, not camera connections—check cloud storage for footage retention.
• Use wired connections for stability when linking 10+ cameras to avoid signal drops.

How Many Cameras Can You Connect to Arlo? Let’s Find Out

When I first set up my home security system, I had one question: *How many cameras can you connect to Arlo?* I wanted to cover every corner of my property—front door, backyard, garage, and even the side alley. But I wasn’t sure if my Arlo system could handle it. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a new homeowner, a renter, or just upgrading your security, understanding the camera limits of your Arlo system is crucial. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about peace of mind, knowing every inch of your space is monitored.

Arlo has become a go-to for smart home security, offering sleek, wire-free cameras with features like motion detection, night vision, and cloud storage. But with so many models—Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, and more—it’s easy to get confused about how many cameras your setup can support. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the nitty-gritty of Arlo’s camera limits, from base stations and hubs to Wi-Fi networks and subscription plans. We’ll also cover real-world scenarios, like how to scale your system as your needs grow. No fluff, no hype—just the honest, practical info you need.

Understanding Arlo’s Camera Limits by Device Type

Arlo’s camera capacity isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. It depends heavily on the *type* of device you’re using to manage your cameras: the base station, hub, or even just your Wi-Fi router. Let’s break it down.

Arlo Base Stations: The Original Hub

If you’re using an Arlo base station (like those for Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, or Ultra), you can connect up to **15 cameras per station**. This is the gold standard for wired hubs. For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 4 kit with two cameras, you can add 13 more to that same base station. The base station acts as a central hub, handling all the data and communication between your cameras and the Arlo app. It’s reliable, but the 15-camera limit is strict. I learned this the hard way when I tried to add a 16th camera—the app flat-out refused. Lesson learned: plan ahead!

• Pro tip: If you hit the 15-camera limit, you can buy a second base station. Just pair it with your Arlo account, and you’ll see all cameras in one app. Easy peasy.
• Limitation: Base stations require a wired Ethernet connection, so they’re not ideal for renters or temporary setups.

Arlo SmartHubs: The Modern Solution

For newer Arlo models (like the Essential series or Arlo Pro 5S), you’ll use an Arlo SmartHub. The SmartHub is a sleeker, more compact version of the base station, but it still supports up to **15 cameras**. However, it’s Wi-Fi-based, so you don’t need to run Ethernet cables. I upgraded to a SmartHub when I moved to a smaller apartment—no drilling, no mess. The SmartHub also has better range, so cameras can be placed farther away without losing signal.

One cool thing: the SmartHub supports **dual-band Wi-Fi** (2.4GHz and 5GHz), which helps with network congestion. If you have a busy household with lots of smart devices, this is a game-changer. But remember, the 15-camera cap still applies.

Wi-Fi-Only Setups: No Hub Required

Some Arlo cameras (like the Essential Indoor or Outdoor) connect directly to your Wi-Fi router, no hub needed. Here’s the catch: Wi-Fi-only setups can support up to 5 cameras per router. Why? Because each camera uses a chunk of your Wi-Fi bandwidth. More than 5, and you might see laggy feeds or dropped connections. I tried running 7 Wi-Fi-only cameras once—my video quality tanked, and the app kept freezing. Not fun.

• Best for: Small homes or apartments where you only need a few cameras.
• Workaround: If you need more than 5 cameras, add a SmartHub. It’ll take the load off your router.

How Your Arlo Subscription Affects Camera Capacity

Here’s something many people overlook: your Arlo subscription plan can *indirectly* limit how many cameras you can use effectively. Let’s talk about why.

Free vs. Paid Plans: What You Get

Arlo offers a **free plan** with basic features: 7 days of cloud storage for *one* camera, motion detection, and live streaming. But if you want to use *multiple* cameras with cloud storage, you’ll need a paid subscription. Here’s the kicker: most paid plans (like Arlo Secure or Secure Plus) support up to 5 cameras. Need more? You’ll have to upgrade to **Arlo Secure Pro** or **Arlo Secure Ultimate**, which cover 10–20 cameras.

Let me give you an example. I started with 3 cameras on the free plan. It was fine until I wanted to add a fourth. Without a subscription, that fourth camera could stream live but wouldn’t record to the cloud. I upgraded to Arlo Secure (5 cameras) for $3/month per camera. Suddenly, all my cameras had 30 days of storage and AI-powered person detection. Worth it.

Scaling Up: When You Need More Than 5 Cameras

What if you have 8 cameras and don’t want to pay for two separate plans? Arlo’s **Secure Pro** plan ($15/month for up to 10 cameras) is a lifesaver. For 15+ cameras, you’ll need **Secure Ultimate** ($20/month for 20 cameras). These plans also include advanced features like:

• 30 days of video history
• 4K video recording (for compatible cameras)
• Activity zones (so your camera doesn’t alert you every time a squirrel runs by)

One thing to note: if you’re using a base station or SmartHub, your *physical* camera limit is 15, but your *subscription* might cap you at 10 or 20. Always check your plan details before buying extra cameras.

Network and Bandwidth Considerations for Large Arlo Setups

So, you’ve got 15 Arlo cameras connected to your SmartHub. Great! But if your Wi-Fi is sluggish, your security system will be, too. Let’s talk about network health.

Bandwidth Requirements per Camera

Each Arlo camera uses **2–5 Mbps of upload bandwidth** when recording or streaming. For 15 cameras, that’s up to 75 Mbps *just for Arlo*. If you have a 100 Mbps internet plan, you’re cutting it close. I upgraded to a 300 Mbps plan when I hit 12 cameras—no more buffering, no more “camera offline” alerts.

• Pro tip: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like NetSpot or WiFi Analyzer) to check your signal strength. Weak spots? Add a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network.
• For large homes: Place your SmartHub near the center of your property, not in the basement or garage. It’ll reach farther.

Wi-Fi Congestion: The Hidden Enemy

Imagine this: your kids are streaming Netflix, your spouse is on Zoom, *and* your Arlo cameras are recording. That’s a recipe for network chaos. To avoid this, I set up **QoS (Quality of Service) rules** on my router, prioritizing Arlo traffic. My router (a TP-Link Archer AX50) lets me assign bandwidth to specific devices. Now, Arlo always gets what it needs, even during peak hours.

Another trick: use **5GHz Wi-Fi for cameras** and 2.4GHz for smart bulbs/thermostats. The 5GHz band is faster and less crowded. Just make sure your cameras are within range of the 5GHz signal—walls and floors can block it.

Real-World Examples: Scaling Arlo for Different Needs

Let’s get practical. How many cameras do you *really* need? It depends on your space and goals. Here are a few scenarios.

Small Home (1–2 Bedrooms)

For a 1,200 sq ft house, **3–4 cameras** are plenty:

• One at the front door (Arlo Essential)
• One in the backyard (Arlo Pro 4)
• One in the garage (Arlo Essential Indoor)
• One at the side gate (Arlo Pro 4)

With a Wi-Fi-only setup, you’re good to go. No hub needed. I used this setup when I lived in a townhouse—worked like a charm.

Medium Home (3–4 Bedrooms)

For 2,000–3,000 sq ft, **6–8 cameras** make sense. Add:

• Cameras in the driveway and backyard patio
• One in the living room (for package delivery alerts)
• One in the basement (if you have a home gym or office)

Here, a SmartHub is worth the investment. It’ll handle the extra load and give you better range. I upgraded to this when I moved to a 2,500 sq ft home—no more dead zones.

Large Property (5+ Bedrooms or Acreage)

If you have a big house or rural property, **10–15 cameras** are common. For example:

• 4–6 outdoor cameras (Arlo Ultra for 4K footage)
• 2–3 indoor cameras (Arlo Pro 5S for AI detection)
• 1–2 doorbell cameras (Arlo Video Doorbell)
• 1–2 cameras in detached structures (garage, barn, etc.)

This is where a base station or SmartHub shines. You’ll also need a strong Wi-Fi network and a robust subscription plan. My neighbor has 12 cameras on his 2-acre property—his SmartHub and 500 Mbps internet plan keep everything running smoothly.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Limits at a Glance

Device Type	Max Cameras	Connection Type	Best For
Arlo Base Station	15	Ethernet + Wi-Fi	Large, permanent setups
Arlo SmartHub	15	Wi-Fi (dual-band)	Medium to large homes
Wi-Fi-Only (no hub)	5	Wi-Fi	Small homes/apartments
Arlo Secure Plan	5	Cloud	Basic multi-camera setups
Arlo Secure Pro	10	Cloud	Medium to large setups
Arlo Secure Ultimate	20	Cloud	Large properties

Final Thoughts: Planning Your Perfect Arlo Setup

So, how many cameras can you connect to Arlo? The answer is: **it depends**. But now you know the rules. Whether you’re using a base station, SmartHub, or Wi-Fi-only setup, the magic number is 15 for hubs and 5 for Wi-Fi-only. And don’t forget your subscription—it can make or break your multi-camera experience.

Here’s my final advice: start small, then scale. Buy a starter kit (2–3 cameras) and see how it performs in your space. If you need more, add a hub or upgrade your plan. And always, *always* test your Wi-Fi before going all-in on 15 cameras. I’ve learned that patience pays off—my current setup is rock-solid, and I haven’t had a single “camera offline” alert in months.

Arlo is a powerful tool, but it’s not magic. With the right planning, though, it can give you the security and peace of mind you deserve. Now go forth and protect your home—one camera at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can you connect to Arlo base stations?

Arlo base stations (like the Arlo Pro 3/Ultra SmartHub) typically support up to 15 cameras per hub. This allows for flexible home security setups while maintaining reliable connectivity.

Is there a limit to how many Arlo cameras you can have on one account?

Arlo doesn’t impose a hard account limit, but practical performance caps at around 25 cameras per account. For larger setups, multiple base stations or a business plan may be needed.

Can you mix different Arlo camera models when connecting multiple devices?

Yes, Arlo systems allow mixing various models (e.g., Pro 4, Ultra, Essential) on the same base station or account. All cameras will sync seamlessly through the Arlo app.

How many cameras can connect to Arlo without a subscription?

Without a subscription, you can connect up to 5 cameras with 7-day cloud storage. Additional cameras require an Arlo Secure plan for cloud recording and advanced features.

Does Wi-Fi affect how many Arlo cameras you can link?

Yes, Wi-Fi bandwidth and router capacity directly impact performance. For more than 5 cameras, use an Arlo SmartHub or dedicated 2.4GHz network to reduce strain.

How many Arlo cameras can one person manage effectively?

While Arlo supports large setups, most users find 8–12 cameras ideal for easy monitoring. Beyond this, consider Arlo’s business solutions for centralized management.