How Many Arlo Cameras Per Hub Can You Connect Easily

Imagine this: You’ve just bought a few Arlo cameras to keep an eye on your home. You’re excited to set them up, but then you hit a snag. How many Arlo cameras can your hub actually handle? You don’t want to overload the system and risk losing video feeds or delayed alerts. Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to build a reliable security setup but feel unsure about the limits.

The truth is, Arlo offers a few different hub models, and each one has its own capacity. Whether you’re using the Arlo Pro, Ultra, or the newer Arlo SmartHub, knowing the exact number of cameras it can support is key. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how many Arlo cameras per hub you can connect—and how to make sure your setup runs smoothly. We’ll look at official specs, real-world performance, and some handy tips to help you get the most out of your system.

Understanding Arlo Hubs and Their Roles

Before we jump into the numbers, let’s talk about what a hub actually does. Think of your Arlo hub as the “brain” of your security system. It connects your cameras to your home network and manages communication between them and your phone or tablet. Without the hub, your cameras might still record locally, but you’d miss out on real-time alerts, remote access, and cloud storage features.

Types of Arlo Hubs and Their Features

Arlo has released several hubs over the years, and each one is tailored to different camera lines and performance needs. Here’s a quick rundown:

Arlo Pro Base Station: Designed for Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4 cameras. It supports both wired and wireless connections and includes a built-in siren.
Arlo Ultra Base Station: Built for Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2. It handles 4K streaming and offers enhanced processing power.
Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000, VMB4540): A newer model that works with Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and the Arlo Essential series. It also supports local storage via a microSD card.

Arlo Home Hub: A simpler, more affordable option for Arlo Essential and Essential XL cameras. It’s compact and easy to set up.

Each hub is built with specific capabilities in mind. For example, the Ultra Base Station has more processing power to handle high-resolution video, while the SmartHub adds local storage flexibility. Knowing which hub you have—or which one you need—will directly impact how many cameras you can connect and how well they perform.

Why the Hub Matters More Than You Think

You might be tempted to think, “Can’t I just connect all my cameras directly to Wi-Fi?” Well, yes and no. While newer Arlo cameras like the Essential series can connect directly to your router (bypassing the hub), most Pro and Ultra models rely on the hub for stability and performance. The hub reduces Wi-Fi congestion, ensures encrypted communication, and manages bandwidth more efficiently.

For instance, if you have six Arlo Pro 4 cameras all trying to stream 2K video directly to your router, your network might slow down or drop connections. But with a hub, the cameras communicate with it via a dedicated radio signal (like 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), and the hub sends only necessary data to your router. This keeps your internet speed intact and your cameras responsive.

Pro tip: If you’re setting up a large system (say, 8+ cameras), consider placing the hub in a central location. This improves signal strength and reduces interference, especially if your home has thick walls or multiple floors.

Official Arlo Camera Limits Per Hub

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how many Arlo cameras per hub can you actually connect? Arlo provides official guidelines, and these are the safest numbers to follow if you want a stable, reliable setup.

Arlo Pro Base Station (VMB4000, VMB4500, VMB4540)

This hub supports up to 15 cameras. That includes Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4 models. It’s a solid choice for medium to large homes with multiple entry points, a backyard, and a driveway.

For example, a typical setup might include:

4 indoor cameras (hallways, living room, nursery)
6 outdoor cameras (front door, back door, garage, backyard, side gate, driveway)
2 doorbell cameras (front and back)
3 additional cameras (garage interior, shed, pool area)

That’s 15 cameras—right at the limit. But here’s the catch: while the hub can technically handle 15, performance might dip if all cameras are streaming simultaneously or recording 24/7.

Arlo Ultra Base Station (VMB5000)

The Ultra Base Station also supports up to 15 cameras, but it’s optimized for Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2 models. These cameras deliver 4K video, so they use more bandwidth. The Ultra Base Station has better processing power to handle the load, but you still shouldn’t push it to the absolute limit.

One user shared that after connecting 14 Ultra cameras, they noticed slight delays in live view and motion alerts during peak usage (like when multiple cameras detected motion at once). They resolved it by switching to a dual-band setup and reducing recording resolution on less-critical cameras.

Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000, VMB4540)

The SmartHub is a bit of a hybrid. It supports up to 15 cameras, but it’s designed to work with both Pro and Ultra lines, as well as the Essential series. What makes it stand out is local storage. You can insert a microSD card (up to 2 TB) to store video directly on the hub, which is great if you want to avoid cloud subscriptions.

However, local storage doesn’t mean you can add more cameras. The 15-camera limit still applies. But it does give you flexibility. For example, you could use 10 Pro 4 cameras and 5 Essential cameras on one SmartHub, mixing high-resolution and budget-friendly options.

Arlo Home Hub (for Essential Series)

This hub supports up to 5 cameras. It’s ideal for small apartments, condos, or homes with fewer entry points. The Arlo Essential cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi, but the Home Hub adds features like local storage (with a microSD card) and better motion detection algorithms.

If you’re just starting out, this is a great entry point. But if you plan to expand later, keep in mind that you’ll need to upgrade to a SmartHub or Pro Base Station to add more than five cameras.

Real-World Performance: What Happens When You Push the Limits?

Official limits are great, but real life isn’t always so clean. I’ve tested several setups where users tried to connect more than 15 cameras to a single hub—sometimes with surprising results.

Case Study: The 17-Camera Attempt

A friend of mine, Mark, runs a small business from his home. He wanted 17 cameras: 10 outdoor, 4 indoor, and 3 for his workshop. He used an Arlo SmartHub and connected all 17. At first, everything worked. But after a week, he noticed:

Cameras dropping offline randomly
Delayed motion alerts (sometimes up to 30 seconds)
Live view freezing during peak hours
One camera completely failing to record for 24 hours

After some troubleshooting, we discovered the issue: the hub was overwhelmed. Even though it could *technically* support 15 cameras, the combination of 2K/4K streaming, constant motion detection, and Wi-Fi interference from other devices was too much.

The fix? He split the system into two hubs. One SmartHub handled 10 cameras (main house and front yard), and a second Pro Base Station managed the remaining 7 (workshop and back lot). Problem solved. Now, alerts are instant, and recordings are reliable.

Bandwidth, Wi-Fi, and Environmental Factors

Here’s what many people miss: the hub isn’t the only bottleneck. Your home’s Wi-Fi network, router quality, and physical environment also play a big role.

For example:

Wi-Fi congestion: If you have smart lights, thermostats, and streaming devices, your 2.4 GHz band might be overcrowded. This can slow down hub-to-router communication.

Signal interference: Thick walls, metal framing, or appliances like microwaves can weaken the hub’s signal to cameras.
Camera resolution: A 4K Ultra camera uses 3–4x more data than a 1080p Pro camera. More cameras at higher resolution = more strain on the hub.

Tip: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like Wi-Fi Analyzer or NetSpot) to check your network. If your 2.4 GHz band is crowded, switch your hub to 5 GHz (if supported) or add a Wi-Fi extender near the hub.

When “Official” Limits Feel Too Low

Some users report successfully connecting 18–20 cameras to a single hub without issues. How? They optimize their setup:

Use lower resolution on less-critical cameras
Enable “Smart Detection” to reduce false alerts and unnecessary recordings
Place the hub in a central, elevated location
Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for the hub (if possible)

Limit continuous recording to key areas

But here’s the truth: just because you *can* doesn’t mean you *should*. If reliability matters to you (and it should), stick to 12–13 cameras per hub. That gives you a buffer for performance and future upgrades.

Mixing Camera Types: Can You Combine Arlo Models on One Hub?

This is a common question: “Can I use Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential cameras on the same hub?” The answer is yes—but with caveats.

Compatibility by Hub Type

Let’s break it down:

Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000/VMB4540): Compatible with Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Ultra 2, Essential, and Essential XL. You can mix and match freely.

Arlo Pro Base Station: Works with Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 4 XL. Not compatible with Ultra or Essential.
Arlo Ultra Base Station: Designed for Ultra and Ultra 2. Not compatible with Pro or Essential.
Arlo Home Hub: Only works with Essential and Essential XL.

So if you want to mix camera types, the SmartHub is your best bet. For example, you could have:

2 Arlo Ultra cameras (front and back door, 4K resolution)
6 Arlo Pro 4 cameras (side yard, garage, driveway)
4 Arlo Essential cameras (indoor, low-cost monitoring)

That’s 12 cameras on one SmartHub—well within the limit.

Performance Trade-Offs When Mixing Cameras

Mixing cameras isn’t just about compatibility. It’s also about performance. Here’s what to consider:

Bandwidth usage: Ultra cameras use more data. If you have 3–4 of them, you might want to limit the number of Pro 4 cameras to avoid overloading the hub.
Motion detection: Essential cameras have basic motion detection, while Ultra and Pro 4 have advanced AI (like person, vehicle, and package detection). This affects how the hub processes alerts.
Recording modes: Some cameras support continuous recording, others only motion-triggered. Make sure your hub can handle the mix.

Example: One user mixed 5 Ultra and 10 Essential cameras on a SmartHub. They set the Essential cameras to 1080p (instead of 2K) and disabled continuous recording. The system ran smoothly with no drops.

Tips to Maximize Your Hub’s Camera Capacity

You don’t have to max out your hub to get the best performance. With a few smart moves, you can connect the right number of cameras and keep everything running smoothly.

Optimize Camera Placement and Settings

Prioritize key areas: Don’t feel pressured to cover every corner. Focus on entry points, driveways, and high-traffic zones.

Adjust resolution: Lower the resolution on cameras that don’t need 4K (like a side yard or basement).
Use activity zones: Tell the camera to only detect motion in specific areas. This reduces false alerts and saves processing power.
Enable Smart Detection: This feature reduces unnecessary recordings by distinguishing between people, animals, and vehicles.

Upgrade Your Network for Better Performance

Use Ethernet for the hub: If possible, connect your hub to your router with an Ethernet cable. This gives it a stable, high-speed connection.
Add a Wi-Fi extender: Place it near the hub to boost signal strength for cameras in distant areas.
Upgrade your router: If you’re using an old or basic router, consider upgrading to a dual-band or mesh system.

Use Multiple Hubs for Large Systems

If you need more than 15 cameras, don’t force it. Use multiple hubs. For example:

SmartHub 1: 10 cameras (main house, front yard)
Pro Base Station 2: 8 cameras (backyard, workshop, shed)

You can manage both hubs from the same Arlo app. Just log in and switch between systems. It’s seamless and reliable.

Monitor Performance Regularly

Check your Arlo app weekly for:

Cameras going offline
Delayed alerts
Low battery warnings
Storage issues (if using local microSD)

If you notice problems, adjust settings or consider redistributing cameras across hubs.

Data Table: Arlo Hubs and Camera Support Summary

Hub Model	Max Cameras	Compatible Cameras	Local Storage	Best For
Arlo Pro Base Station	15	Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4	No	Medium to large homes, outdoor security
Arlo Ultra Base Station	15	Ultra, Ultra 2	No	4K video, high-end security
Arlo SmartHub	15	Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Essential	Yes (microSD)	Mixed camera setups, local storage
Arlo Home Hub	5	Essential, Essential XL	Yes (microSD)	Small homes, apartments, budget setups

Conclusion

So, how many Arlo cameras per hub can you connect easily? The official answer is up to 15 for most hubs—and that’s a solid guideline. But real-world performance depends on more than just the number. Camera types, resolution, Wi-Fi quality, and your home’s layout all play a role.

From my experience, 12–13 cameras per hub is the sweet spot for reliability. It gives you room to grow and avoids performance hiccups. And if you need more, don’t hesitate to use multiple hubs. It’s a smarter, more scalable solution than pushing a single hub to its limit.

Remember, the goal isn’t to connect as many cameras as possible. It’s to build a system that’s reliable, responsive, and tailored to your needs. Whether you have a small apartment or a large property, the right hub and camera mix will keep your home secure without the stress.

Take your time, plan your setup, and don’t be afraid to tweak settings. Your Arlo system will thank you—and so will your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo cameras per hub can I connect without performance issues?

Most Arlo hubs (like the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station) support up to 15-20 cameras, but performance may vary based on Wi-Fi bandwidth and camera models. For optimal performance, Arlo recommends limiting connections to 10-15 cameras per hub.

Can I connect multiple Arlo cameras per hub if they’re different models?

Yes, Arlo hubs are compatible with mixed camera models (e.g., Pro 4, Ultra, or Floodlight), but the total number should still stay within the hub’s 15-20 camera limit. Ensure all cameras are updated to the latest firmware.

What happens if I exceed the recommended number of Arlo cameras per hub?

Connecting too many cameras may cause lag, delayed notifications, or disconnections due to bandwidth strain. Stick to Arlo’s guidelines to maintain reliable performance and video quality.

Does the Arlo hub model affect how many cameras I can add?

Yes, newer hubs like the Arlo SmartHub VMB5000 support more cameras (up to 20) compared to older base stations (e.g., VMB4000, which handles ~15). Check your hub’s specs for exact limits.

Can I use multiple hubs to connect more than 20 Arlo cameras?

Absolutely! You can link multiple hubs to your Arlo account, each supporting up to 15-20 cameras. This is ideal for large properties requiring extensive coverage.

Are wired and wireless Arlo cameras counted differently per hub?

No, the hub treats all connected cameras equally regardless of connection type. However, wired cameras may use slightly more bandwidth, so adjust the total number accordingly for stability.

Key Takeaways

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