How Many Arlo Cameras Can Be on One System A Complete Guide

You can connect up to 15 Arlo cameras to a single base station or hub, making it easy to scale your home security system without sacrificing performance. This limit applies across most Arlo models, though Wi-Fi and cloud connectivity may affect real-time monitoring and recording capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Max 15 cameras: Most Arlo systems support up to 15 cameras per base station.
• Pro models vary: Arlo Pro supports 5 cameras; Pro 2/3 handle 15 via SmartHub.
• Wi-Fi limits matter: Bandwidth and signal strength impact max camera performance.
• Cloud vs. local: Local storage allows more cameras than cloud-only plans.
• Mix camera types: Combine wired and wireless models within system limits.
• Expand with hubs: Add SmartHubs to scale beyond single-station limits.

How Many Arlo Cameras Can Be on One System? A Complete Guide

Let me paint a picture for you. You’ve just moved into a new home—maybe it’s a sprawling ranch, a cozy townhouse, or even a multi-unit rental. You’ve decided to upgrade your security setup with Arlo cameras, and you’re excited to get them installed. But as you start mapping out your coverage, a question pops into your mind: “How many Arlo cameras can I actually add to one system?” It’s a fair question, and honestly, one I wish I’d asked earlier when I first started my own Arlo journey.

Whether you’re securing a modest apartment or a large property with a pool, garage, and backyard, knowing the limits of your Arlo ecosystem can save you time, money, and frustration. In this guide, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of Arlo’s camera limits, compatibility, and real-world tips to help you plan your setup. We’ll cover everything from base station limitations to app performance, so you can make informed decisions—without the headache.

Understanding Arlo’s System Architecture

Before we jump into numbers, it helps to understand how Arlo’s system actually works. Unlike some other security brands, Arlo relies on a mix of hardware and cloud-based software to manage your cameras. This means the number of cameras you can add depends not just on the hardware but also on your internet connection, subscription plan, and even the app’s performance.

Base Stations vs. Wi-Fi Direct

Arlo offers two main ways to connect your cameras: through a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station) or directly to your Wi-Fi network (via Wi-Fi Direct, available on newer models like the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra 2). Here’s how they differ:

• Base Station/Hub: Acts as a central hub that connects to your router and communicates with your cameras via a secure, low-interference frequency (like 900 MHz). This is great for reducing Wi-Fi congestion and extending range.
• Wi-Fi Direct: Cameras connect directly to your home Wi-Fi. This simplifies setup but can strain your network if you have many cameras or a weak signal.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to add more than 10 cameras, a base station is usually the better choice. It reduces Wi-Fi load and can improve battery life for wire-free cameras.

Cloud vs. Local Storage

Arlo’s cloud storage (via a subscription) is what enables features like AI detection, activity zones, and 30-day video history. But here’s the catch: cloud limits are tied to your subscription plan, not just the hardware. For example:

• Free plan: Only 7 days of rolling storage and no AI features (limited to 5 cameras).
• Arlo Secure (paid): Offers 30 days of storage, AI detection, and support for more cameras (exact number varies).

If you’re using local storage (via a microSD card in a SmartHub), you bypass cloud limits, but you lose advanced features unless you’re on a paid plan.

Official Limits: What Arlo’s Website Says

Arlo’s official documentation provides some clear guidelines, but there are nuances. Let’s break it down by device type and setup.

Base Station/Hub Limits

Most Arlo base stations (like the VMB4540 or VMB5000) support up to 15 cameras per hub. This is a hard limit set by Arlo’s firmware. For example:

• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540): Max 15 cameras.
• Arlo Base Station (VMB3000): Also 15 cameras (older models).

Real-world example: If you have a 4-bedroom house with 2 outdoor cameras, 1 garage camera, 1 backyard camera, 1 front doorbell, and 1 basement camera (total 7), you’re well under the limit. But if you’re covering a large property with 10 outdoor cameras, 3 indoor cameras, and 2 doorbells (15 total), you’ve hit the cap.

Wi-Fi Direct (No Hub) Limits

For cameras that connect directly to Wi-Fi (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Ultra 2, Essential), the limit is technically unlimited per account, but Arlo recommends no more than 10 cameras per Wi-Fi network to avoid performance issues. Why? Because:

• Each camera streams 2K or 4K video, which eats up bandwidth.
• The Arlo app can slow down with too many live feeds open.
• Battery life may suffer due to constant Wi-Fi communication.

Tip: If you’re using Wi-Fi Direct, consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Arlo’s own mesh network) to handle the load.

Subscription Plan Limits

Your Arlo Secure plan determines how many cameras you can use with cloud features. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Arlo Secure (Single Camera): 1 camera, $2.99/month.
• Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera): Up to 5 cameras, $9.99/month.
• Arlo Secure Plus: Up to 10 cameras, $14.99/month.
• Arlo Secure Premium: Up to 20 cameras, $19.99/month.

Note: The Premium plan also includes 4K video, e911, and advanced AI features. If you’re adding more than 10 cameras, this is likely your best bet.

Real-World Performance: Beyond the Numbers

Here’s where things get messy. Arlo’s official limits are a starting point, but real-world performance depends on factors like your internet speed, router quality, and even the app’s stability.

Internet Bandwidth: The Silent Killer

Each Arlo camera (especially 2K/4K models) can use 2-5 Mbps of upload bandwidth when streaming or recording. If you have 15 cameras, that’s 30-75 Mbps—more than many home networks can handle. Signs of bandwidth strain include:

• Cameras going offline randomly.
• Delayed notifications (e.g., motion alerts take 10+ seconds to arrive).
• App crashes or slow loading.

Solution: Use a base station to offload traffic, or set cameras to record only when motion is detected (not 24/7). You can also adjust resolution settings in the Arlo app (e.g., drop from 4K to 2K).

Router and Network Quality

Even with a strong internet plan, a weak router can bottleneck your system. For Wi-Fi Direct setups:

• Use a dual-band or tri-band router (5 GHz for cameras, 2.4 GHz for devices).
• Place your router centrally, or use Wi-Fi extenders/mesh systems.
• Prioritize camera traffic in your router settings (QoS).

Personal story: I once had 8 Arlo Pro 4 cameras on a single router. Everything worked fine until I added a 9th—then the app started freezing. Upgrading to a mesh system fixed it instantly.

App Performance and User Experience

The Arlo app is powerful, but it’s not perfect. With 10+ cameras:

• Scrolling through the “All Cameras” view can lag.
• Opening multiple live feeds at once may crash the app.
• Managing schedules and rules becomes tedious.

Workaround: Create custom “Groups” in the app (e.g., “Front Yard,” “Backyard”) to organize cameras. You can also use the Arlo web portal for bulk edits.

Scaling Beyond 15 Cameras: Multi-Hub Setups

What if you need more than 15 cameras? Don’t worry—Arlo has a solution: multi-hub setups. Here’s how it works.

Adding a Second (or Third) Hub

You can pair multiple base stations/hubs to a single Arlo account. Each hub supports 15 cameras, so:

• 2 hubs = 30 cameras.
• 3 hubs = 45 cameras.

Example: A large estate with 30+ cameras might use:

• Hub 1: 15 outdoor cameras (perimeter, driveway, pool).
• Hub 2: 10 indoor cameras (living areas, basement).
• Hub 3: 5 doorbells and garage cameras.

Key requirements:

• Each hub must be connected to a separate router port or a strong Wi-Fi signal.
• Hubs must be within range of your cameras (usually 300+ feet with clear line of sight).
• You’ll need a Premium subscription to manage 20+ cameras with cloud features.

Managing Multi-Hub Systems

The Arlo app lets you view all hubs in one place, but there are quirks:

• Cameras from different hubs appear in separate groups (e.g., “Hub 1 Cameras,” “Hub 2 Cameras”).
• You can’t create activity zones that span multiple hubs.
• Battery status and settings are hub-specific.

Tip: Label your hubs clearly (e.g., “Hub – North Side,” “Hub – South Side”) to avoid confusion.

Practical Tips for Optimizing Your Arlo System

Now that you know the limits, let’s talk about how to get the most out of your setup. These tips are based on real-world testing and user feedback.

Prioritize Critical Areas

Not all cameras need 24/7 recording. For example:

• High-priority: Front door, garage, backyard (use 2K/4K, motion-activated).
• Low-priority: Hallways, side yards (use 1080p, schedule recording only at night).

This reduces bandwidth load and saves battery life for wire-free cameras.

Use Local Storage for Non-Critical Cameras

If you’re on a tight budget, consider using microSD cards in your SmartHub for cameras that don’t need cloud features (e.g., a garage camera). You’ll lose AI detection, but you’ll save on subscription costs.

Optimize Motion Detection Settings

False alerts (e.g., from trees or pets) can clog your feed and drain batteries. To reduce them:

• Use activity zones to ignore busy areas (like a busy street).
• Adjust sensitivity to “Medium” or “Low” for outdoor cameras.
• Enable AI detection (if on a paid plan) to filter out animals or vehicles.

Monitor System Health

Check your Arlo app regularly for:

• Battery levels (replace or recharge before they die).
• Camera status (offline cameras may need repositioning).
• Storage usage (cloud or local).

Pro tip: Set up email or app notifications for low battery or offline alerts.

Data Table: Arlo System Limits at a Glance

Setup Type	Max Cameras	Bandwidth Impact	Best For
Single Hub	15	Low (uses hub frequency)	Medium to large properties (15-20 cameras)
Wi-Fi Direct (No Hub)	10 (recommended)	High (uses home Wi-Fi)	Small homes, apartments (under 10 cameras)
Multi-Hub	15 per hub (e.g., 30 with 2 hubs)	Medium to high	Large estates, multi-building properties
Cloud Subscription (Premium)	20	Depends on camera count	Users who want AI features for 20+ cameras

Final Thoughts: Planning Your Perfect Arlo Setup

So, how many Arlo cameras can you add to one system? The short answer is: it depends. If you’re using a single hub, 15 cameras is the hard limit. With Wi-Fi Direct, 10 cameras per network is a practical cap. And if you need more, multi-hub setups can scale to 40+ cameras (or beyond).

The key is to balance your needs with performance. Don’t just max out the camera count—think about how you’ll use them. Do you really need 20 cameras, or can 12 well-placed ones do the job? Will your internet handle the load? And are you prepared to pay for a Premium subscription if you want AI features for all of them?

At the end of the day, Arlo is a flexible system, but it’s not magic. With smart planning, you can build a setup that’s powerful, reliable, and tailored to your home—without hitting frustrating limits. Happy installing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo cameras can be on one system?

Most Arlo systems support up to 15-20 cameras on a single account, depending on the specific base station or hub model. For example, the Arlo Pro systems typically allow 15 cameras, while newer SmartHub models may support more.

Can I add more than 15 Arlo cameras to one system?

Yes, but you’ll need a compatible Arlo SmartHub (like the VMB5000 or VMB4540) to exceed the standard 15-camera limit. These hubs can support up to 20 cameras, making them ideal for larger properties or advanced setups.

Does the number of Arlo cameras affect system performance?

Adding more cameras can impact bandwidth and storage, especially if you’re recording 24/7. To maintain optimal performance, ensure your Wi-Fi network and subscription plan (if using cloud storage) can handle the load.

Are there limits to how many Arlo cameras I can use with a free account?

Yes, free Arlo accounts restrict you to 5 cameras and 7 days of rolling cloud storage. For more cameras and extended storage, you’ll need a paid Arlo Secure subscription, which also unlocks advanced features like AI detection.

Can I mix different Arlo camera models on one system?

Absolutely! Arlo systems are designed to work with multiple camera models (e.g., Pro 4, Ultra, Essential) on the same account. Just ensure all cameras are compatible with your base station or SmartHub for seamless integration.

What’s the best way to manage many Arlo cameras on one system?

Use the Arlo app to organize cameras into custom groups, set up activity zones, and enable notifications for specific cameras. For large setups, consider local storage via a SmartHub to reduce reliance on cloud plans.