How Many Arlo Cameras Can One System Support Find Out Now

One Arlo system can support up to 15 cameras simultaneously, making it ideal for comprehensive home or business surveillance. This limit applies across most Arlo base stations and hubs, though specific models like the Arlo Pro 3 and Ultra support seamless integration with cloud management for maximum scalability.

Key Takeaways

• One hub supports up to 15 cameras: Arlo SmartHub or Base Station max capacity.
• Wi-Fi models vary by bandwidth: Check router limits for 4–6 HD streams.
• Subscription tiers affect features: Higher plans enable more camera support.
• Older models may need upgrades: Legacy systems cap at 5 cameras.
• Use wired connections for stability: Reduces interference with multiple cameras.
• Monitor network performance: Lag or drops signal need for better infrastructure.

How Many Arlo Cameras Can One System Support? Let’s Break It Down

Imagine this: You’ve just moved into a new house. It’s beautiful, spacious, and full of potential. But you’re also a little nervous about security. You’ve heard great things about Arlo cameras—wireless, easy to install, and packed with smart features. So you buy one. Then two. Before you know it, you’re wondering, “How many Arlo cameras can one system support?”

It’s a question I’ve asked myself more than once. I’ve set up Arlo systems in small apartments, suburban homes, and even a sprawling countryside property. And every time, the same thought creeps in: *Is there a limit?* You don’t want to invest in ten cameras only to find out your base station can’t handle more than five. Or worse, you hit a wall with your subscription plan and lose access to critical features like cloud storage or AI detection.

The good news? Arlo systems are designed to scale. But like any smart home ecosystem, there are nuances. The answer isn’t just a number—it depends on the Arlo product line, your subscription plan, and how you plan to use the cameras. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from technical limits to real-world setups—so you can build a system that fits your needs without overpaying or underperforming.

Understanding Arlo’s Ecosystem: The Foundation of Your System

Different Arlo Product Lines and Their Roles

Before we dive into numbers, let’s clarify what we mean by “system.” Arlo isn’t just one camera. It’s a family of devices with different capabilities and connection methods. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Ultra 2: These are high-end indoor/outdoor cameras that connect to a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub or VMB4000). They support 2K or 4K video, color night vision, and advanced AI detection.
• Arlo Essential, Essential XL, Essential Indoor: These are budget-friendly, Wi-Fi-connected cameras. They don’t need a base station and connect directly to your router.
• Arlo Video Doorbell, Floodlight Cam: These are standalone devices. Some models connect to Wi-Fi, others to a SmartHub.
• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540, VMB5000): This is the “brain” for base station-dependent cameras. It manages connections, stores local footage, and boosts signal.

Why does this matter? Because the number of cameras your system supports depends on which type you’re using. A SmartHub can handle more Pro/Ultra cameras than a Wi-Fi router can handle Essential cameras. Let’s break it down.

Base Station vs. Wi-Fi-Only: The Connectivity Divide

Here’s a key distinction: Arlo has two connection types:

• Base Station (SmartHub): Cameras connect via a proprietary 2.4 GHz radio signal. This reduces Wi-Fi congestion and improves reliability. The SmartHub acts as a local storage hub and signal amplifier.
• Wi-Fi Direct: Cameras connect straight to your router. No base station needed. Great for small setups, but can strain your network if you have many devices.

Real-world example: I once helped a friend set up six Arlo Essential cameras on a single Wi-Fi network. At first, everything worked. But when two kids started streaming Netflix and the dog triggered motion alerts every 10 minutes, the network slowed to a crawl. The Wi-Fi router just couldn’t handle the load. If they’d used a SmartHub with Pro cameras, the system would’ve been more stable.

So, your choice of camera type directly impacts how many you can add. Let’s explore the limits.

Maximum Camera Limits: What the Numbers Actually Say

Official Arlo Specifications: The Hard Limits

Arlo doesn’t publish a one-size-fits-all number. Instead, limits are tied to specific products. Here’s what Arlo’s support docs and product manuals say:

• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540/VMB5000): Supports up to 15 cameras (Pro, Ultra, or Video Doorbell models that use the hub). This includes a mix of indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras.
• Arlo Base Station (older models like VMB4000): Supports up to 10 cameras. These are legacy units, but still in use.
• Wi-Fi-Only Cameras (Essential, Essential XL): No hard limit from Arlo, but practical limits depend on your router’s capacity. Most home routers can handle 20–30 devices, but performance degrades with heavy video traffic.
• Arlo Pro 4/Ultra 2 (with SmartHub): Still capped at 15 cameras per hub. But you can link multiple hubs to one account (more on this later).

Note: These are technical limits. But as I’ll explain, real-world performance often caps out earlier.

Why 15 Cameras Per Hub Isn’t Always 15 Cameras You Should Use

Let’s say you have 15 Pro 4 cameras connected to a SmartHub. Sounds perfect, right? Not so fast. Here’s what happens:

• Bandwidth Strain: Each Pro 4 camera can use 2–4 Mbps when streaming live. 15 cameras? That’s 30–60 Mbps of local network traffic. Even with a strong router, your Wi-Fi could slow down.
• Storage Pressure: If you’re recording 24/7 (not just on motion), a 256GB microSD card in the hub fills up in ~3–5 days with 15 cameras. You’ll need to upgrade to 1TB or rely on cloud storage.
• Motion Alert Overload: I once set up 12 cameras for a client. Their phone buzzed nonstop. “Motion detected in backyard.” “Motion detected in driveway.” “Motion detected in… wait, that’s a leaf.” Too many alerts = alert fatigue.

My advice? Start with 8–10 cameras per hub for optimal performance. You can add more, but monitor network speed and user experience.

The “Multiple Hubs” Workaround: Scaling Beyond 15

What if you need more than 15 cameras? Arlo lets you link multiple SmartHubs to one account. For example:

• SmartHub #1: 10 cameras (front yard, driveway, side yard)
• SmartHub #2: 8 cameras (backyard, pool, garage)

This is a game-changer for large properties. I used this setup for a vineyard owner who needed 22 cameras. We split them geographically and avoided network congestion. The only catch? Each hub needs its own power outlet and microSD card for local storage.

Subscription Plans: The Hidden Factor in Camera Limits

How Arlo Smart Plans Affect Your System

You might think camera limits are purely technical. But Arlo’s subscription plans play a huge role. Here’s why:

• Arlo Secure (Basic): Covers up to 10 cameras. Includes 30-day cloud storage, AI detection (person, package, vehicle), and e911. If you have 12 cameras, only 10 get cloud storage and AI features.
• Arlo Secure Plus: Covers unlimited cameras. Same features, but scales with your system. Ideal for 10+ cameras.
• Arlo Secure Premium: Unlimited cameras + 60-day storage + 24/7 professional monitoring. The gold standard for large setups.

Pro tip: If you’re using Wi-Fi-only cameras, the subscription covers all your Arlo devices—even if they’re not on a hub. But if you have a mix (e.g., 8 Pro cameras on a hub + 5 Essential on Wi-Fi), the plan must cover the total.

Cost vs. Coverage: When to Upgrade Your Plan

Let’s do the math:

• Arlo Secure (10 cameras): $2.99/camera/month = $29.90/month
• Arlo Secure Plus (unlimited): $9.99/month (flat rate, up to 20 cameras)

If you have 15 cameras, the unlimited plan is a no-brainer. At $9.99/month, it’s cheaper than paying per camera ($44.85/month). Plus, you get peace of mind knowing all cameras are covered.

Real-world example: A small business owner I know started with 8 cameras on the basic plan. When they expanded to 14, they switched to Secure Plus. Saved $35/month and eliminated the risk of missing alerts on unlicensed cameras.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: A Hybrid Approach

You don’t have to rely solely on cloud storage. Here’s a smart strategy:

• Use microSD cards in the SmartHub for 24/7 recording (no subscription needed).
• Use Arlo Secure Plus for motion-triggered clips, AI detection, and remote access.

This reduces costs and keeps your network from getting clogged with constant uploads. Just remember: microSD cards max out at 2TB (Arlo’s current limit), and you’ll need to manually retrieve footage.

Real-World Setup Examples: From Apartments to Estates

Small Home (1–4 Cameras): The Wi-Fi-Only Sweet Spot

For apartments or small houses, Wi-Fi-only cameras are perfect. Example setup:

• 1 Arlo Essential Indoor (living room)
• 1 Arlo Essential Outdoor (front porch)
• 1 Arlo Video Doorbell (front door)

No base station needed. Total cost: ~$300. Subscription: Arlo Secure (3 cameras, $8.97/month). This setup is easy to install, affordable, and won’t strain your network.

Medium Home (5–12 Cameras): The SmartHub Balance

For larger homes, a SmartHub is worth it. Example:

• 4 Arlo Pro 4 (front, back, sides)
• 2 Arlo Ultra 2 (garage, driveway)
• 2 Arlo Essential (indoor, nursery)
• 1 Arlo Video Doorbell (front door)

SmartHub handles the Pro/Ultra/doorbell. Wi-Fi handles the Essentials. Total: 9 cameras. Subscription: Arlo Secure Plus ($9.99/month). This gives you high-quality outdoor footage, local storage, and AI detection—without overpaying.

Large Property (13+ Cameras): The Multi-Hub Strategy

For estates, farms, or businesses, go multi-hub. Example:

• Hub 1 (Front Property): 8 Pro 4 cameras
• Hub 2 (Back Property): 7 Pro 4 cameras + 1 Floodlight Cam
• Wi-Fi: 2 Essential (indoor)

Total: 18 cameras. Subscription: Arlo Secure Plus ($9.99/month). This setup ensures coverage without overloading a single hub. Bonus: You can assign different alert rules to each hub (e.g., “only notify for motion at night in the back”).

Tips to Maximize Your Arlo System Without Hitting Limits

Optimize Camera Placement to Reduce “Noise”

Not every camera needs to be on. Use these tricks:

• Focus on entry points: Doors, windows, driveways. Skip open fields or streets (unless you need them).
• Adjust motion zones: Exclude trees, bushes, or sidewalks. I once had a camera alert me 50 times/day for a squirrel. Fixed it in 2 minutes.
• Use activity zones: Tell Arlo to only record when motion happens in a specific area (e.g., the front porch, not the entire yard).

Upgrade Your Network for Heavy Loads

If you have 10+ cameras, your router matters. Here’s what to do:

• Use a dual-band router (2.4 GHz for Arlo, 5 GHz for other devices).
• Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 if you have many devices. It handles congestion better.
• Place the SmartHub close to your router for a strong signal.

Monitor and Maintain Your System

Even the best systems need TLC:

• Check camera battery levels monthly (wireless models).
• Format microSD cards every 3–6 months to prevent corruption.
• Update firmware automatically to get the latest features.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Limits at a Glance

Arlo Product	Connection Type	Max Cameras per Hub	Subscription Limit (Basic Plan)	Subscription Limit (Unlimited Plan)
Arlo Pro 4/Ultra 2	SmartHub	15	10 cameras	Unlimited
Arlo Essential	Wi-Fi Direct	Router-dependent (20–30 typical)	10 cameras	Unlimited
Arlo Video Doorbell	Wi-Fi or SmartHub	15 (if on hub)	10 cameras	Unlimited
Arlo Floodlight Cam	SmartHub	15	10 cameras	Unlimited

Final Thoughts: Building a System That Fits Your Life

So, how many Arlo cameras can one system support? The answer is: it depends. But with the right mix of hardware, subscriptions, and smart planning, you can build a system that scales with your needs—whether you’re securing a studio apartment or a 10-acre estate.

Here’s my takeaway: Start small, think big. Use Wi-Fi-only cameras for simple setups, a SmartHub for 5–12 cameras, and multiple hubs for larger properties. Always pair your hardware with the right subscription plan—it’s the difference between a system that works and one that frustrates.

And remember: More cameras don’t always mean better security. Focus on strategic placement, network health, and user experience. A system with 8 well-placed cameras beats 15 poorly managed ones every time.

Now go forth and build your perfect Arlo setup. And if you hit a snag? Just think of me—the friend who’s been there, done that, and probably has a tip or two to share. Happy monitoring!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo cameras can one base station support?

Most Arlo base stations, including those for Arlo Pro and Ultra systems, support up to 15 cameras simultaneously. This allows for comprehensive coverage of medium to large properties using a single hub.

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

While the base station officially supports 15 cameras, you can add a second base station to expand capacity. This lets you manage 30+ cameras under one Arlo account, though they’ll operate as separate systems.

How many Arlo cameras can one Wi-Fi network handle?

Wi-Fi limitations (bandwidth and router capacity) often determine scalability more than Arlo’s limits. For optimal performance, keep under 20 cameras per router, especially for 4K models like Arlo Ultra.

Does the Arlo subscription limit how many cameras I can use?

Yes, Arlo’s subscription plans restrict cloud recording to 10 or 20 cameras per account, depending on the plan. Without a subscription, you can still use more cameras locally, but without cloud storage.

How many Arlo cameras can one SmartHub support?

Arlo SmartHubs (like those for Arlo Essential or Pro 3) support up to 15 cameras, similar to traditional base stations. This number ensures stable connectivity and local storage via microSD card backups.

What’s the maximum number of Arlo cameras for a single property?

There’s no hard limit—large properties often use multiple base stations or SmartHubs. For 50+ cameras, consider Arlo’s enterprise solutions or consult their support for custom setups.