How Many Arlo Cameras Do You Need for Full Home Security

The number of Arlo cameras you need depends on your home’s size, layout, and security priorities—typically 4 to 8 cameras ensure full coverage. Place them at entry points, blind spots, and high-traffic areas for maximum protection, using a mix of indoor and outdoor models. For larger properties or smart integrations, consider adding more cameras or pairing with Arlo’s security system for seamless monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• Assess entry points: Cover all doors, windows, and garages for complete surveillance.
• Prioritize high-risk zones: Focus on front/back yards and blind spots first.
• Use 1-2 indoor cams: Monitor key interior areas like hallways or living rooms.
• Expand with outdoor cams: Add 3-5 weatherproof units for perimeter coverage.
• Optimize camera angles: Overlap views to eliminate blind spots effectively.
• Consider multi-packs: Save costs with bundles while ensuring full coverage.

Why Arlo Cameras Are a Popular Choice for Home Security

When I first started shopping for home security, I was overwhelmed by the number of options. Do I go with a wired system or a wireless one? Should I get indoor cameras, outdoor ones, or both? After a lot of research, I landed on Arlo. Why? Because Arlo strikes a nice balance between ease of use, smart features, and reliable performance. Their cameras are sleek, battery-powered, and easy to install—no drilling or rewiring required. Plus, they work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, which is a big win for smart home lovers.

But the real question I kept asking myself—and one I’ve heard from countless neighbors and friends—is: how many Arlo cameras do I actually need for full home security? It’s not just about slapping a camera on the front door and calling it a day. True security means covering blind spots, monitoring high-traffic areas, and ensuring you’re not missing anything when you’re away or asleep. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the factors that influence the number of Arlo cameras you need, share real-life setups, and help you build a system that actually works for your home—not just the one the salesperson recommended.

Assessing Your Home’s Security Needs

Before you start adding Arlo cameras to your cart, it’s crucial to assess your home’s unique security needs. Not every home is the same, and a cookie-cutter approach won’t cut it. Think of it like building a puzzle: each camera is a piece, and you want them to fit together to cover the whole picture.

Evaluate Entry Points and High-Risk Areas

Start by identifying all the ways someone could enter your home. This includes:

• Front and back doors
• Garage doors (especially if you have a side entrance)
• First-floor windows (especially if they’re near trees, fences, or ladders)
• Sliding glass doors or patio doors
• Basement windows or utility entrances

For example, my house has a side door that leads to the backyard. It’s not the main entrance, but it’s a common path for deliveries and guests. I realized I needed a camera there after a package disappeared one day. Now, I have an Arlo Pro 4 covering that spot, and I can see who’s coming and going—even at night.

Also, consider high-traffic areas inside the home. If you have kids, pets, or frequent guests, you might want indoor cameras in the living room or kitchen to monitor activity or check in when you’re away. But be mindful of privacy—avoid placing cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms.

Consider Your Home’s Layout and Size

The size and layout of your home play a big role in how many cameras you need. A 1,200-square-foot apartment with one entrance might only need 2–3 cameras. But a 3,500-square-foot house with a long driveway, detached garage, and multiple entry points could easily need 6–8.

Think about:

• Number of floors: Do you need indoor coverage on the second floor?
• Distance between areas: If your backyard is 50 feet from the house, you might need a camera with a strong Wi-Fi signal or a range extender.
• Obstructions: Thick walls, metal sheds, or dense trees can block Wi-Fi signals, affecting camera performance.

When I upgraded from a small condo to a two-story house, I went from 2 Arlo cameras to 5. The extra space, multiple exits, and a detached garage made it necessary. I learned the hard way that relying on just one camera at the front door left me vulnerable on the sides and back.

How Many Arlo Cameras Do You Need? A Room-by-Room Breakdown

Now that you’ve assessed your home, let’s break down how many Arlo cameras you might need by room and area. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but it’s a solid starting point.

Front Door and Entryways (1–2 Cameras)

The front door is the most common entry point—and a prime target for package thieves and porch pirates. I recommend at least one camera at the front door, ideally with two-way audio and night vision. The Arlo Video Doorbell is perfect here, but if you already have a doorbell, the Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera work great.

For homes with a long walkway or porch, consider a second camera angled to cover the entire approach. This helps capture faces and license plates. For example, my neighbor has a long driveway, so they use a front doorbell camera plus a spotlight camera at the end of the path. That way, they can see who’s approaching before they even reach the door.

Backyard and Rear Entry (1–2 Cameras)

The backyard is often overlooked, but it’s a common entry point for intruders. I’ve seen too many homes with a front camera but nothing in the back—big mistake.

At minimum, install one camera covering the back door and sliding glass door. If you have a large backyard, a second camera can cover the side yard, pool area, or shed. The Arlo Pro 4 with its 160° field of view is great for wide coverage, while the Arlo Ultra offers 4K video for crisp detail.

Pro tip: If you have a fence, mount the camera high enough to see over it. This prevents blind spots and deters climbing.

Garage and Side Entrances (1 Camera Each)

Garages are often targeted because they’re less visible and may have valuable items. A camera here can catch break-in attempts or monitor deliveries. The Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera is a budget-friendly option, or go for the Arlo Pro 4 for better motion detection and night vision.

Side entrances—like the one leading to your backyard—should also have coverage. These are often used by service workers or family members, so you want to know who’s using them.

Indoor Areas (1–3 Cameras)

Indoor cameras are great for monitoring kids, pets, or checking in when you’re away. But don’t overdo it. I recommend:

• 1 camera in the living room or main hallway: This covers the most activity and acts as a central hub.
• 1 camera in the kitchen (optional): If you have a large kitchen or it’s a high-traffic area.
• 1 camera in the home office or nursery: For privacy and monitoring specific needs.

Use the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera for discreet coverage or the Arlo Pro 4 Indoor for better features. Remember: indoor cameras should respect privacy. Never point them at bedrooms or bathrooms.

Driveway and Perimeter (1–2 Cameras)

If you have a long driveway, a camera here can capture license plates and approaching vehicles. The Arlo Ultra 2 or Arlo Pro 4 with a solar panel are ideal—they offer long-range coverage and don’t need frequent battery changes.

For larger properties, consider a camera at the gate or fence line. This gives you early warning of someone approaching the property.

Matching Arlo Camera Types to Your Needs

Arlo offers several camera models, and choosing the right one for each area makes a big difference. Here’s how to match the camera to your needs—and avoid overspending on features you don’t need.

Arlo Video Doorbell: The Front Door Essential

This is a must-have for most homes. It replaces your existing doorbell and offers HD video, two-way talk, and motion alerts. The wired version gives you 24/7 recording, while the battery version is easier to install. I have the wired version, and it’s been rock-solid for over a year.

Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 5: The All-Around Workhorses

These are my go-to cameras for most outdoor areas. They offer 2K HDR video, color night vision, and advanced motion detection. The Pro 5 adds 2K HDR with a wider field of view and better low-light performance. I use Pro 4s for the backyard, garage, and side entrance. They’re reliable, easy to set up, and the magnetic mount makes repositioning a breeze.

Arlo Ultra 2: For High-Detail Coverage

If you want 4K video, zoom-in clarity, and a 180° field of view, the Ultra 2 is worth it. I use it for my driveway because I want to see license plates clearly. But it’s pricier and requires more storage, so I only use it in high-priority areas.

Arlo Essential Series: Budget-Friendly Options

The Essential Outdoor and Indoor cameras are great for adding extra coverage without breaking the bank. They offer 1080p video and basic motion detection. I use an Essential Outdoor for the side yard, where I just need to know if someone walks by—not every detail.

Arlo Solar Panels: Extend Battery Life

For outdoor cameras, solar panels are a game-changer. I added one to my backyard Pro 4, and it hasn’t needed a battery change in 8 months. If you’re worried about maintenance, this is a smart investment.

Optimizing Camera Placement and Avoiding Blind Spots

Even the best cameras won’t help if they’re placed poorly. Here’s how to get the most out of your Arlo setup.

Height and Angle Matter

Mount outdoor cameras 7–9 feet high. This prevents tampering and gives you a clear view of faces. For indoor cameras, 5–7 feet is ideal. Angle them slightly downward to capture people at eye level.

I made the mistake of mounting my first camera too low. A raccoon kept triggering false alerts. Once I raised it, the problem stopped.

Use Overlapping Coverage

Don’t rely on one camera to cover a large area. Use overlapping fields of view. For example, my front doorbell camera covers the door, while a Pro 4 on the garage covers the walkway. This way, I get multiple angles of the same event.

Avoid Obstructions and Glare

Don’t point cameras at bright lights, windows, or reflective surfaces. This causes glare and washes out the image. Also, avoid placing them behind glass—it can block motion detection and reduce image quality.

Test Before You Commit

Use the Arlo app to test camera placement before drilling holes. Move the camera around and check the live view. Adjust until you get the coverage you want.

Data and Recommendations: How Many Arlo Cameras by Home Type

To help you decide, here’s a quick reference table based on common home types and typical setups. These numbers include both indoor and outdoor cameras.

Home Type	Recommended Number of Arlo Cameras	Key Areas to Cover	Best Arlo Models
Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment	2–3	Front door, living room, balcony	Arlo Video Doorbell, Arlo Essential Indoor, Arlo Essential Outdoor
2-Bedroom House (1,500 sq ft)	4–5	Front/back doors, garage, living room, backyard	Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Video Doorbell, Arlo Essential Indoor
3-Bedroom House (2,000+ sq ft)	5–7	All entries, garage, backyard, driveway, living room, kitchen	Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Video Doorbell
Large Home or Property (3,000+ sq ft)	7–10+	Perimeter, multiple entries, detached structures, indoor zones	Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Solar Panels

Remember: these are starting points. Adjust based on your specific needs. For example, if you have a pool, you might want an extra camera there. If you travel often, more indoor cameras might give you peace of mind.

Also, consider Arlo’s subscription plans. The free plan gives you 7-day cloud storage for 3 cameras. If you have more, you’ll need a paid plan (Arlo Secure or Secure Plus) for full access to recordings and smart alerts.

Final Thoughts: Building a System That Works for You

So, how many Arlo cameras do you need for full home security? The answer is: it depends. But now you have the tools to figure it out. Start by mapping your home, identifying entry points, and thinking about your lifestyle. Do you have kids who come home after school? A pet that roams the house? A long driveway that needs monitoring?

My advice? Start small. Get 2–3 cameras to cover the most critical areas—front door, back door, and living room. Then, add more as needed. You don’t have to do it all at once. I’ve been adding cameras over the past three years, and each one has given me more confidence and control.

And don’t forget about the extras: solar panels, mounts, and smart home integrations can make your system even more effective. The goal isn’t just to have cameras—it’s to have a system that gives you real peace of mind.

At the end of the day, home security is personal. What works for your neighbor might not work for you. But with Arlo’s flexible, easy-to-use cameras, you can build a system that fits your home, your budget, and your life. And that’s the kind of security that’s worth investing in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo cameras do I need for complete home security?

The number of Arlo cameras needed depends on your home size and layout. For average homes, 4-6 cameras typically cover entry points, backyards, and blind spots. Larger properties may require 8+ cameras for full coverage.

Can I use just 2 Arlo cameras for my home?

Two Arlo cameras can work for small apartments or single-story homes with minimal entry points. Focus on high-traffic areas like front doors and ground-floor windows for basic monitoring.

How many Arlo cameras do I need for a 2,000 sq. ft. house?

For a 2,000 sq. ft. home, 5-7 Arlo cameras are recommended to cover all exterior doors, garage, side yards, and large windows. Add extra cameras if your floor plan has multiple levels or complex angles.

Do I need indoor and outdoor Arlo cameras?

Yes! Combine both types for comprehensive security. Use outdoor Arlo cameras for perimeter monitoring and indoor models for hallways, nurseries, or pet areas. Most homeowners use 60% outdoor and 40% indoor cameras.

How many Arlo cameras can I connect to one base station?

Most Arlo base stations support up to 5 cameras simultaneously. For larger setups, you’ll need additional hubs or use Arlo Pro systems that allow 10+ cameras via Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.

What’s the ideal number of Arlo cameras for a multi-story home?

For multi-story homes, plan 1 camera per floor plus 1-2 for outdoor coverage. A 3-story home often needs 5-8 Arlo cameras to monitor all levels, stairwells, and entryways effectively.