How Many Arlo Cameras Can You Have A Complete Guide

You can have up to 15 Arlo cameras connected to a single base station or hub, depending on your specific Arlo model and subscription plan. Higher-tier plans and newer systems like Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra 2 support more devices and offer expanded cloud storage, making them ideal for whole-home or business surveillance. Always check compatibility and plan limits to maximize your setup.

Key Takeaways

• Unlimited cameras: Arlo allows unlimited cameras per account with cloud storage plans.
• Plan limits: Free tier supports only 5 cameras—upgrade for more devices.
• Base station capacity: Each base station supports up to 15 cameras max.
• Wi-Fi impact: More than 10 cameras may require a robust Wi-Fi network.
• Subscription scaling: Add cameras anytime but adjust your storage plan accordingly.

How Many Arlo Cameras Can You Have? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: You’ve just moved into a new home and want to make sure every corner is secure. You install an Arlo camera at the front door, another in the backyard, and maybe one in the garage. It feels great—until you realize you’ve hit a limit. Or worse, you’re unsure if you even *can* add more. That’s where the question “How many Arlo cameras can you have?” comes into play. It’s not just about the number of cameras; it’s about how they work together, how your Wi-Fi holds up, and whether your subscription plan supports your security dreams.

Whether you’re protecting a small apartment or a sprawling suburban estate, Arlo offers flexibility. But like any smart home system, it has its boundaries. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—how many cameras you can connect, what limits exist, and how to make the most of your setup. I’ve tested multiple Arlo systems over the years, from single-camera setups to homes with eight units, and I’ll share real-world insights, tips, and even a few lessons learned the hard way. Let’s get started.

Understanding Arlo’s Hardware and System Limits

When you’re building your Arlo security ecosystem, the first thing to understand is that there isn’t a single, universal number that applies to *everyone*. Instead, the number of Arlo cameras you can have depends on a few key factors: the base station or hub, your Wi-Fi network, and the Arlo product line you’re using. Let’s break this down.

Arlo Base Stations and Hubs: The Backbone of Your System

Most Arlo cameras (except newer Wi-Fi-only models like the Arlo Essential series) connect to a base station or hub. Think of this device as the “brain” of your system. It manages communication between your cameras and the Arlo app. Different base stations support different numbers of cameras:

• Arlo Pro Base Station (VMB4000/VMB4500): Supports up to 15 cameras.
• Arlo Pro 2/3/4 Base Station (VMB5000): Also supports up to 15 cameras.
• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540/VMB4560): Supports up to 20 cameras—a big upgrade for larger homes.
• Arlo Ultra 2 SmartHub (VMB5000): Supports up to 20 cameras with enhanced 4K streaming and local storage.

So, if you’re using an older Pro base station, you’re capped at 15 cameras. But if you upgrade to a SmartHub, you can double that potential. That’s a game-changer for larger properties or businesses.

Wi-Fi-Only Cameras: No Hub Needed, But Network Matters

Newer Arlo models like the Arlo Essential Indoor/Outdoor and Arlo Essential XL connect directly to your Wi-Fi. No base station required. This is great for renters or small apartments. But here’s the catch: your Wi-Fi router becomes the bottleneck.

Most home Wi-Fi routers can handle 20–30 smart devices before performance degrades. Since each Arlo camera uses bandwidth (especially when streaming or recording), you’ll want to be mindful. For example, if you have:

• 2 Arlo cameras (Essential)
• 3 smart bulbs
• 2 smart plugs
• 1 smart thermostat
• 3 smartphones
• 2 laptops

That’s already 13 devices. Add more cameras, and you’re pushing your router hard. I once had five Arlo Essential cameras on a basic ISP router, and the 2.4 GHz network became so congested that live streaming lagged. Upgrading to a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and using 5 GHz for cameras fixed it.

Product Line Differences: Not All Arlos Are Equal

Different Arlo product lines have different capabilities. For example:

• Arlo Go (LTE): These use cellular data, so they’re not limited by Wi-Fi. You can have many, but each needs its own SIM and data plan. Ideal for remote areas.
• Arlo Ultra 2: High-bandwidth 4K cameras. Use more data and require a strong Wi-Fi or SmartHub connection. Best for high-traffic areas, not for quantity over quality.
• Arlo Pro 4/5: Mid-tier, great balance. Work well in groups of 10–15 on a SmartHub.

So, while the hardware limit might be 15 or 20, the *practical* limit depends on your use case. More on that later.

Subscription Plans and How They Affect Camera Limits

Hardware limits are one thing, but your Arlo subscription plan can quietly cap how many cameras you can *actively use*. This is a common gotcha—especially for new users.

Free vs. Paid Plans: What You Get (and What You Don’t)

Arlo offers a free tier, but it’s quite limited. Here’s what you get:

• 7-day cloud storage for one camera (yes, just one).
• Motion detection alerts for all cameras.
• No person/vehicle/package detection (AI features).
• No continuous video recording (CVR).

So, even if you have five cameras, you can only access cloud storage for one. The rest? Their footage is stored locally (if you have a base station with a USB drive), but you can’t access it remotely unless you’re on the same network.

Now, if you upgrade to a paid plan, things change:

• Arlo Secure (Single Camera): $2.99/month per camera. 30-day cloud storage, AI detection, emergency response.
• Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera): $9.99/month for up to 5 cameras. Same features, but covers more units.
• Arlo Secure Plus: $14.99/month for up to 10 cameras.
• Arlo Safe & Secure Pro: $24.99/month for up to 20 cameras + 24/7 professional monitoring.

Real-World Example: The 8-Camera Home

Let’s say you have 8 Arlo Pro 4 cameras around your house and pool. You want full AI detection and 30-day cloud storage for all of them. With the free plan, only one camera is covered. To cover all eight, you’d need:

• Option 1: Eight single-camera plans = $23.92/month (not cost-effective).
• Option 2: One multi-camera plan (covers 5) + three single plans = $9.99 + $8.97 = $18.96/month.
• Option 3: Upgrade to Secure Plus ($14.99/month for up to 10 cameras) = covers all 8, saves $4/month.

The takeaway? Always check your subscription. You might technically *have* 10 cameras, but if your plan only covers 5, half your system is underutilized. I learned this when I added a backyard camera and realized my old plan didn’t include it. Had to upgrade—and it was worth it.

Local Storage: A Workaround for More Cameras?

If you don’t want to pay for cloud storage, you can use local storage with a base station or SmartHub. Just plug in a USB drive (up to 2TB), and cameras record to it. You can access footage via the Arlo app when on the same Wi-Fi.

This lets you have more cameras without subscription limits. But there are downsides:

• No remote access to footage (unless you’re on the same network).
• No AI detection (unless you pay).
• USB drive can fail (always back up important clips).

Still, for a 12-camera setup with a SmartHub and local storage, this can save hundreds a year. Just don’t rely on it for emergencies.

Wi-Fi, Bandwidth, and Network Performance

You can have 20 Arlo cameras, but if your Wi-Fi can’t handle it, the system will lag, disconnect, or fail to record. This is the *real* limiting factor for many users.

How Much Bandwidth Do Arlo Cameras Use?

It depends on the camera and settings. Here’s a general estimate:

• Arlo Essential (1080p): 0.5–1 Mbps during streaming.
• Arlo Pro 4 (2K): 1.5–2.5 Mbps.
• Arlo Ultra 2 (4K): 3–5 Mbps (can spike to 8 Mbps during motion).

Now, if you have five Arlo Ultra 2 cameras streaming simultaneously, that’s 15–25 Mbps. Add other devices (Netflix, Zoom, gaming), and your 100 Mbps internet might struggle. I saw this firsthand when my neighbor’s 4K camera triggered while my kids were on a Zoom call. The video froze, and the call dropped.

Tips to Optimize Your Network for Multiple Arlo Cameras

Here’s how I fixed my network issues:

• Use a dual-band router: Put Arlo cameras on the 5 GHz band (faster, less interference). Use 2.4 GHz for older devices.
• Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6: Handles more devices and reduces congestion. I upgraded to an ASUS RT-AX86U and saw a 40% drop in lag.
• Use a mesh network: If your home is large, a mesh system (like Arlo’s own Wi-Fi 6 mesh) extends coverage. I added two nodes in my backyard and eliminated dead zones.
• Lower video quality for non-critical cameras: My side gate camera doesn’t need 4K. I set it to 720p, saving bandwidth.
• Schedule recording: Only record at night or when motion is detected. Reduces constant data use.

One more tip: check your upload speed. Arlo sends data *to* the cloud, so upload matters. Most ISPs offer low upload (e.g., 10 Mbps down, 1 Mbps up). If your upload is below 5 Mbps, multiple 4K cameras will struggle.

Practical Use Cases: How Many Cameras Do You *Really* Need?

Now that we’ve covered the technical limits, let’s talk about practical limits. How many Arlo cameras do you actually need for your home?

Small Apartment or Studio (1–2 Cameras)

For a 600 sq ft apartment, one camera at the front door and one in the living room (facing the main entry) are usually enough. I helped my sister set up a single Arlo Essential at her apartment’s door. It covers the hallway, mailbox, and entry—perfect for renters.

Tip: Use a wide-angle lens (like the Essential’s 130°) to cover more area with one camera.

Single-Family Home (4–8 Cameras)

This is the most common setup. Here’s a typical layout:

• Front door (1 camera)
• Back door (1 camera)
• Garage (1 camera)
• Backyard (1–2 cameras, depending on size)
• Side yard (1 camera)
• Driveway (1 camera)

That’s 6–8 cameras. With a SmartHub and Arlo Secure Plus, this is very manageable. I have this setup, and it gives me peace of mind. The backyard cameras cover the pool and shed—no blind spots.

Large Property or Business (10+ Cameras)

For estates, farms, or small businesses, 10–20 cameras make sense. But here’s the catch: placement matters more than quantity.

• Don’t just add cameras—strategize. Focus on high-risk areas: gates, storage sheds, parking lots.
• Use Arlo Go (LTE) for remote areas (e.g., barn, detached garage). No Wi-Fi needed.
• Consider Arlo Floodlight Cameras for dark zones. They combine light and video.
• Use Arlo Video Doorbell as a primary entry point. It integrates with the app and has two-way talk.

I once consulted for a 5-acre property. They had 12 Arlo cameras: 4 at the main house, 3 at the barn, 2 at the gate, 2 at the workshop, and 1 at the pool. With a SmartHub and local storage, they spent $0 on subscriptions and still had full coverage.

The “Too Many” Problem: When More Isn’t Better

Here’s a lesson: more cameras don’t always mean more security. I had a friend who installed 10 cameras on a 1,200 sq ft home. He spent hours reviewing footage, got false alerts daily, and eventually turned half off. The stress wasn’t worth it.

Ask yourself:

• What are you protecting?
• Where are the real threats?
• Can one camera cover multiple areas?

Sometimes, a well-placed camera beats five poorly placed ones.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Limits at a Glance

Arlo Product	Max Cameras (Hub)	Wi-Fi Only?	Cloud Storage (Free Plan)	Recommended Max (Practical)	Best For
Arlo Pro Series	15 (VMB4500/5000)	No	1 camera	10–12	Homes, small businesses
Arlo Essential	No hub	Yes	1 camera	5–8 (Wi-Fi dependent)	Apartments, renters
Arlo Ultra 2	20 (VMB5000)	No	1 camera	8–10 (bandwidth-heavy)	High-security areas
Arlo Go (LTE)	No hub	No (cellular)	1 camera	Unlimited (with SIM/data)	Remote locations
Arlo SmartHub	20	No	1 camera	15–20	Large homes, estates

Note: “Practical max” considers Wi-Fi, bandwidth, and subscription limits, not just hardware.

Conclusion: Finding Your Arlo Sweet Spot

So, how many Arlo cameras can you have? The answer is: it depends. Technically, you can have up to 20 with a SmartHub and a robust Wi-Fi setup. But practically, the number depends on your home, network, budget, and security needs.

Start small. One or two cameras are enough for most apartments. For larger homes, 6–8 is a sweet spot—enough for full coverage without overwhelming your network or wallet. If you’re managing a big property, 10–20 is doable, but invest in a SmartHub, Wi-Fi 6, and a solid subscription plan.

Remember: more cameras ≠ more security. Focus on quality placement, reliable connectivity, and a subscription that covers your needs. I’ve seen homes with five cameras that feel safer than ones with 15 because the system works *with* them, not against them.

And don’t forget to test. Add one camera at a time. Check your app performance, Wi-Fi speed, and storage. Adjust as needed. Arlo is flexible—use that to your advantage.

At the end of the day, your goal isn’t to hit a number. It’s to feel safe. Whether that’s two cameras or twenty, Arlo can help you get there. Just do it smartly, and you’ll sleep easier knowing your home is protected—no matter how many cameras you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo cameras can you have on a single account?

You can have up to 200 Arlo cameras linked to a single account, depending on your subscription plan. This limit ensures seamless management for both residential and small business setups.

Is there a limit to how many Arlo cameras you can connect to one base station?

Yes, most Arlo base stations support up to 15–20 cameras simultaneously. Check your base station’s specifications (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Ultra) for exact compatibility limits.

Does the Arlo subscription plan affect how many cameras you can have?

Absolutely. Free accounts typically support 5 cameras, while paid plans (e.g., Arlo Secure) allow up to 200 cameras with cloud storage and advanced features.

Can you use multiple Arlo base stations to increase camera capacity?

Yes, adding a second base station lets you connect more cameras beyond a single base’s limit. Each base station manages its own set of cameras independently.

How many Arlo cameras can you have without a subscription?

Without a subscription, you can still have up to 5 cameras with live viewing and local storage. However, cloud recording and smart alerts require an active plan.

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

For large properties, Arlo’s 200-camera limit per account is ideal. Combine multiple base stations and wired/wireless cameras for full coverage with centralized control.