How Many Arlo Cameras Can I Add to My System

You can add up to 15 Arlo cameras to a single base station or hub, making it easy to scale your home security system as needed. This limit applies across most Arlo models, though Wi-Fi–only cameras connect directly to your router and don’t count toward the base station total—ideal for flexible, whole-home coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Check your hub model: Older hubs support fewer Arlo cameras—verify compatibility first.
• Upgrade for scalability: Newer Arlo systems support up to 15 cameras per hub.
• Wi-Fi matters: Strong 2.4GHz connections ensure stable multi-camera performance.
• Use Arlo Secure: Cloud plans unlock higher camera limits and advanced features.
• Optimize with rules: Set activity zones to reduce bandwidth when adding cameras.
• Wired options help: Ethernet-connected hubs handle more cameras reliably.

How Many Arlo Cameras Can I Add to My System? A Complete Guide

So, you’ve got your first Arlo camera up and running, and you’re loving the peace of mind it brings. Maybe it’s catching the mail carrier at your front door, keeping an eye on the backyard while the kids play, or simply deterring the occasional squirrel from raiding your trash cans. But now you’re wondering: *How many Arlo cameras can I add to my system?*

You’re not alone. Whether you’re securing a cozy apartment, a sprawling suburban home, or even a small business, the flexibility of Arlo’s ecosystem is one of its biggest selling points. But like any smart home setup, there are limits—both technical and practical. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about expanding your Arlo system, from how many cameras your hub or base station can support, to Wi-Fi and bandwidth considerations, to real-world tips for maximizing performance. No fluff, no marketing hype—just honest, practical advice based on real user experiences.

Understanding Arlo System Components and Their Limits

Before we dive into numbers, it’s important to understand *how* Arlo systems work. Unlike some competitors that rely solely on cloud storage and Wi-Fi, Arlo uses a mix of devices to manage camera connections, local processing, and data flow. This means the number of cameras you can add depends not just on your internet plan, but on the physical hardware you own.

Base Stations vs. SmartHubs: What’s the Difference?

Arlo’s older models (like Arlo Pro, Pro 2, and Ultra) use a Base Station, while newer systems (Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Essential, and newer) often use a SmartHub. Both serve as central hubs that connect your cameras to your home network and the Arlo app.

• Base Station (VMB4000, VMB4500, VMB5000): Can support up to 15 cameras. This includes a mix of wired and wireless Arlo models, as long as they’re compatible with the hub.
• SmartHub (VMB5000, VMB5000R, VMB4540): Also supports up to 15 cameras, but with improved processing, local storage options (via microSD), and better integration with newer Arlo features like AI detection.

Here’s a real-world example: Sarah, a homeowner in Austin, started with one Arlo Pro 2 camera and a Base Station. Over two years, she gradually added more—two more Pro 2s, a Pro 3, and a doorbell. By the time she hit 12 cameras, she noticed slight lag when streaming multiple feeds. She was still under the 15-camera limit, but performance was affected by Wi-Fi congestion, not the hub itself.

No Hub? No Problem—Wi-Fi-Only Cameras

Newer Arlo models like the Arlo Essential and Arlo Essential XL connect directly to your Wi-Fi router—no hub required. These are great for renters or smaller homes, but they come with their own limits.

• Each Wi-Fi-only camera connects directly to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
• There’s no hard limit from Arlo’s side—you could technically add 20 of these if your router can handle it.
• However, most consumer-grade routers start to struggle with more than 10–15 active devices, especially if they’re streaming video.

Tip: If you’re using Wi-Fi-only cameras, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Google Nest Wifi or TP-Link Deco) to distribute the load and avoid dead zones.

Cloud vs. Local Storage: Does It Affect Camera Count?

Storage doesn’t directly limit how many cameras you can add, but it *does* affect performance and cost.

• Cloud storage: Arlo’s subscription plans (like Arlo Secure or Arlo Secure Plus) let you store video in the cloud. Each plan has a camera limit (e.g., 5 cameras on the basic plan, 20+ on higher tiers).
• Local storage: SmartHubs support microSD cards (up to 256GB), allowing you to record without a subscription. This is great for reducing costs, but you’ll need to manually manage and back up footage.

Example: Mark runs a small office with 10 Arlo Pro 4 cameras. He uses a SmartHub with a 256GB microSD card for local storage. He still pays for a 10-camera Arlo Secure plan to get AI detection and cloud backups for critical areas (like the front entrance and server room). This hybrid approach keeps costs down while ensuring reliability.

Wi-Fi and Bandwidth: The Hidden Limiting Factors

You might think, “If Arlo says 15 cameras, I can just add 15.” But in practice, your Wi-Fi network is often the real bottleneck. Cameras stream video, send alerts, and update firmware—all of which use bandwidth.

How Much Bandwidth Do Arlo Cameras Use?

Arlo cameras use different amounts of bandwidth depending on resolution, motion detection, and whether they’re actively recording.

• Idle (no motion): ~10–50 Kbps per camera (mostly heartbeat signals).
• Streaming (live view or playback): 0.5–2 Mbps per camera (1080p).
• Recording (motion-triggered): 0.3–1.5 Mbps per camera, depending on settings.

Let’s say you have 10 cameras recording 10 motion events per day, each lasting 30 seconds. That’s roughly 5–10 GB of data per month. Add in live streaming, firmware updates, and app syncs, and you could easily hit 15–20 GB—not a lot for a 100 Mbps plan, but a concern for slower or capped internet.

Wi-Fi Range and Signal Strength

Arlo cameras rely on strong Wi-Fi signals. If a camera is too far from the router or hub, it may:

• Drop offline frequently.
• Have delayed motion alerts.
• Fail to record or stream in high resolution.

Real tip: Use the Arlo app’s “Camera Health” feature to check signal strength. If it’s “Poor” or “Fair,” consider:

• Repositioning the camera.
• Adding a Wi-Fi extender or mesh node.
• Using the SmartHub as a Wi-Fi repeater (some models support this).

Example: Lisa added a camera to her detached garage, 80 feet from the house. It kept disconnecting. She added a mesh node in the backyard, and now the camera works flawlessly—even in heavy rain.

2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: Which Band Should You Use?

Most Arlo cameras only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (except Arlo Ultra 2 and newer, which support dual-band). Why? Because 2.4 GHz travels farther and penetrates walls better—critical for outdoor cameras.

• 2.4 GHz: Better range, but more crowded (microwaves, baby monitors, etc.). Can slow down with too many devices.
• 5 GHz: Faster speeds, but shorter range and poor wall penetration.

Tip: If you have a dual-band router, set your Arlo cameras to 2.4 GHz, but keep other devices (like phones and laptops) on 5 GHz to reduce congestion.

Arlo Subscription Plans and Camera Limits

Even if your hardware can support 15+ cameras, your Arlo subscription might not. Arlo’s cloud plans are designed to scale with your needs, but they come with per-camera limits and features.

Arlo Secure Plans: What You Get

Here’s a quick breakdown of Arlo’s current subscription tiers (as of 2024):

Plan	Cameras Supported	Cloud Storage	Key Features
Arlo Secure (Basic)	1–5 cameras	30-day rolling	Motion detection, cloud storage, 720p video
Arlo Secure (Plus)	1–10 cameras	30-day rolling	1080p, AI detection (person/vehicle), emergency alerts
Arlo Secure (Premium)	1–20 cameras	30-day rolling	4K support, package detection, 24/7 emergency dispatch
Arlo Secure (Unlimited)	20+ cameras	30-day rolling	All Premium features, multi-user access, business support

Note: Some plans are billed per camera (e.g., $3/camera/month), while others are flat-rate. The Unlimited plan is ideal for large homes or small businesses.

Can You Use More Cameras Than Your Plan Allows?

Technically, yes—but with trade-offs.

• Cameras beyond your plan limit won’t record to the cloud.
• You’ll still get motion alerts and live streaming, but no video history.
• If you have a SmartHub with microSD, you can store footage locally—but you’ll need to manage it manually.

Example: James has 18 cameras but only pays for the 10-camera Plus plan. He uses local storage for 8 of them and relies on the cloud for the most important ones (front door, back gate, garage). He checks the local footage weekly to back it up to an external drive.

Is a Subscription Worth It?

Depends on your needs. If you:

• Want AI detection (e.g., “Was that a person or a raccoon?”),
• Need reliable cloud backups,
• Or want emergency dispatch features,

…then yes, a subscription is worth the cost. But if you’re tech-savvy and okay with manual management, local storage can save you money.

Practical Tips for Expanding Your Arlo System

Adding more cameras isn’t just about hitting a number—it’s about creating a reliable, efficient system. Here are real-world tips from users who’ve scaled their setups.

Start Small, Then Scale

Don’t buy 10 cameras at once. Start with 2–3 in critical areas (front door, back yard, driveway). Test performance, Wi-Fi strength, and app usability. Then add more gradually.

Pro tip: Label your cameras in the Arlo app (e.g., “Front Porch,” “Back Deck”) so you don’t get confused later.

Optimize Camera Placement

• Place cameras within 30–50 feet of the hub or router.
• Avoid pointing them at direct sunlight or reflective surfaces (triggers false motion alerts).
• Use mounting brackets to angle cameras downward slightly—reduces glare and improves motion detection.

Use a Dedicated Network (If Possible)

For large systems (10+ cameras), consider setting up a separate 2.4 GHz network just for your cameras. This keeps them off your main network, reducing congestion.

How to do it: Most modern routers let you create a “Guest Network” or “IoT Network.” Name it something like “Arlo-Cams” and connect all your Arlo devices to it.

Upgrade Your Internet Plan

If you’re adding more than 5 cameras, consider upgrading to a 100 Mbps or faster plan. It’s not just about speed—it’s about handling multiple streams at once.

Example: Maria has 12 cameras and a 50 Mbps plan. When she tried to stream 4 feeds at once, the app froze. She upgraded to 150 Mbps, and now everything runs smoothly.

Monitor and Maintain

• Check camera health weekly in the app.
• Clean lenses (dust and rain can blur footage).
• Update firmware regularly—Arlo often releases fixes for connectivity issues.

Real-World Examples: How Many Cameras Do People Actually Use?

Let’s look at a few real scenarios to see how camera limits play out in practice.

Small Home (1–4 Cameras)

Typical setup: 1–2 outdoor cameras (front/back), 1 indoor (living room or nursery), maybe a doorbell.

• Uses Wi-Fi-only or a single hub.
• No bandwidth issues.
• Often uses the basic Arlo Secure plan.

“I have three cameras and a doorbell,” says Tom. “The app works perfectly, and I never worry about Wi-Fi.”

Medium Home (5–10 Cameras)

Setup: Covers perimeter, driveway, backyard, garage, and 1–2 indoor areas.

• Uses a SmartHub or Base Station.
• May need a Wi-Fi extender for backyard cameras.
• Uses Arlo Secure Plus (10 cameras).

“I hit 8 cameras last year,” says Priya. “The SmartHub handles it fine, but I had to add a mesh node to reach the shed.”

Large Home or Business (10–20+ Cameras)

Setup: Full perimeter, multiple entry points, indoor zones, maybe a detached garage or warehouse.

• Uses SmartHub with local storage + cloud plan.
• Dedicated IoT network.
• 100+ Mbps internet.
• Arlo Secure Premium or Unlimited.

“We have 16 cameras at our office,” says David. “The SmartHub is rock-solid, but we upgraded our internet and added a mesh system. It was worth it for peace of mind.”

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Number

So, how many Arlo cameras can you add? The short answer: up to 15 per hub or SmartHub, and as many as your Wi-Fi, internet, and budget allow for Wi-Fi-only models.

But the real answer is more nuanced. It’s not just about hitting a number—it’s about creating a system that works for *your* home, *your* lifestyle, and *your* needs.

Think about:

• Your home layout: A single-story house is easier to cover than a multi-floor home with a basement.
• Internet reliability: A 10-camera system on a weak 25 Mbps connection will struggle.
• Your comfort with tech: Managing 15 cameras with local storage takes time and effort.
• Your security goals: Do you need AI detection? 24/7 recording? Emergency alerts?

At the end of the day, Arlo is designed to scale. Whether you’re starting with one camera or building a 20-camera fortress, the system can grow with you. Just take it step by step, monitor performance, and don’t be afraid to upgrade your network or plan as needed.

And remember: more cameras aren’t always better. A well-placed, well-maintained 5-camera system can do more than a neglected 15-camera one. Focus on quality, not quantity—and you’ll get the most out of your Arlo investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo cameras can I add to my base station?

Most Arlo base stations support up to 5 cameras simultaneously. However, newer models like the Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra 2 can handle more devices when connected via Wi-Fi or a SmartHub.

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

Arlo allows up to 15 cameras per account across multiple locations. This limit ensures optimal performance for cloud storage, live streaming, and motion detection features.

Can I add more than 5 Arlo cameras using multiple base stations?

Yes, you can use multiple base stations to expand your system beyond 5 cameras. Each base station supports up to 5 cameras, and they can be managed under a single Arlo account.

How many Arlo cameras can I add if I use a SmartHub?

The Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540) supports up to 15 cameras directly, making it ideal for larger setups. It also improves battery life and reduces Wi-Fi congestion.

Does Arlo’s subscription plan affect how many cameras I can add?

Yes, Arlo’s free plan allows 5 cameras with 7-day rolling storage. Higher-tier plans (e.g., Arlo Secure) support more cameras and offer extended storage or AI detection features.

What happens if I exceed the maximum number of Arlo cameras?

If you exceed the camera limit, Arlo will prompt you to upgrade your plan or add another base station/SmartHub. Performance may degrade if the system is overloaded.