How Many Arlo Pro Cameras Per House for Full Coverage

For full coverage, most homes need 4–6 Arlo Pro cameras to monitor entry points, blind spots, and high-traffic areas effectively. Adjust based on your home’s size, layout, and security priorities—larger properties or multi-story homes may require additional units for seamless protection.

Key Takeaways

• Assess your home layout: Identify blind spots and entry points for optimal camera placement.
• Start with 4 cameras: Covers most single-story homes with front, back, and side views.
• Use wide-angle models: Arlo Pro’s 130° lens reduces the number needed per floor.
• Add 1-2 per floor: Multi-story homes require extra cameras for stairwells and upper entries.
• Prioritize high-risk zones: Focus on doors, garages, and dark areas first.
• Expand with smart sensors: Combine cameras with motion detectors for efficient coverage.

How Many Arlo Pro Cameras Per House for Full Coverage

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your first Arlo Pro camera, and you’re feeling pretty proud. You’ve got the front door covered, and you can check in on your home from your phone while sipping coffee at your favorite café. But then, a few days later, you notice a blind spot near the side gate—or worse, a delivery person sneaking around the back porch that you missed entirely. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions I hear from homeowners is, how many Arlo Pro cameras per house do I actually need for full coverage?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your home’s layout, how many entry points you have, and what you’re trying to protect. Maybe you live in a cozy bungalow with a single driveway, or perhaps you’ve got a sprawling two-story house with a pool, a detached garage, and a backyard that feels like its own zip code. Either way, getting the right number of cameras means balancing security, convenience, and budget. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key factors to consider, share real-world examples, and help you figure out exactly how many Arlo Pro cameras you need—without overdoing it or leaving dangerous blind spots.

Understanding Your Home’s Security Needs

Before you start clicking “add to cart” on a six-pack of Arlo Pro cameras, take a step back and ask yourself: What am I actually protecting? Security isn’t just about covering every inch of your property—it’s about smart coverage. The Arlo Pro series (including the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5S) offers high-definition video, night vision, motion detection, and weather resistance, but even the best camera can’t do its job if it’s pointing in the wrong direction.

Assess Your Entry Points

Start by doing a walk-around of your home. Literally. Walk the perimeter and count every door, window, gate, and driveway. These are your primary entry points—places where someone could gain access. For most homes, this includes:

• The front door
• The back door or patio door
• Side doors (e.g., to a garage or garden)
• Driveway entrances (especially if you have a long or private drive)
• Ground-level windows (especially those hidden from street view)

Each of these is a potential blind spot. For example, my friend Sarah had a single Arlo Pro at her front door. It was great for catching porch pirates, but she never saw the guy who climbed through a basement window at 2 a.m. until she added a second camera facing the side yard.

Consider Your Home’s Layout

Not all homes are created equal. A ranch-style house with a simple rectangular footprint will need fewer cameras than a multi-level home with a wraparound porch, a detached garage, or a U-shaped driveway. Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

• Small home (1,000–1,500 sq ft, single story): 3–4 cameras
• Medium home (1,500–2,500 sq ft, one or two stories): 4–6 cameras
• Large home (2,500+ sq ft, multiple stories, outbuildings): 6–8+ cameras

For example, my own 1,800 sq ft two-story house has a front porch, back deck, side garage door, and a long driveway. I started with three cameras but quickly realized I needed a fourth to cover the back corner of the yard where the trash cans are—a favorite spot for raccoons (and occasionally, nosy neighbors).

Key Areas That Need Arlo Pro Camera Coverage

Now that you’ve assessed your entry points, let’s talk about the must-have zones. These are the spots where Arlo Pro cameras truly shine—and where skipping coverage could leave you vulnerable.

1. Front Door and Porch

The front door is the most obvious place for a camera, and for good reason. It’s where deliveries happen, where visitors arrive, and where porch pirates strike. An Arlo Pro camera here gives you:

• Clear facial recognition (especially with 2K or 4K models)
• Package detection alerts
• Two-way audio to talk to delivery drivers or unexpected visitors

Pro tip: Mount the camera high enough (8–10 feet) to avoid tampering, but low enough to capture faces. I learned this the hard way when my first camera was mounted too high and only caught the tops of heads.

2. Back and Side Doors

These are often overlooked, but they’re prime targets for break-ins. Back doors are frequently less visible from the street, and side doors (like those leading to garages) are easy to access from alleys or neighboring yards. A single Arlo Pro camera covering the back door and adjacent patio can prevent a lot of headaches.

For homes with multiple side doors (e.g., a garden gate and a garage door), consider a camera with a wide field of view (like the Arlo Pro 5S with 160°) or use two cameras to eliminate overlap.

3. Driveway and Garage

Your driveway isn’t just for cars—it’s a high-traffic zone for deliveries, guests, and potential intruders. An Arlo Pro camera here helps you:

• Monitor for suspicious vehicles
• Verify license plates (with the right model and lighting)
• Keep an eye on kids or pets playing near the street

Garages are especially important if you store tools, bikes, or vehicles. A camera facing the garage door (or inside, if it’s attached) can deter theft and record any unusual activity.

4. Backyard and Pool Area

If you have a pool, a trampoline, or a play area, you’ll want coverage here for safety—not just security. Arlo Pro cameras with night vision and motion zones let you check in on kids after dark or spot a stray dog wandering into the yard.

For pool owners, consider a camera with weather resistance (all Arlo Pro models are IP65-rated) and a wide-angle lens to cover the entire area. One user I know mounted a camera on a tree branch to get a bird’s-eye view of her pool and deck—no blind spots!

5. Windows and Ground-Level Access Points

Don’t forget the windows. Ground-level windows, especially those hidden by bushes or fences, are easy targets. A camera facing these areas can capture attempted break-ins before they happen.

Tip: Use motion zones to focus on the window itself, not the entire yard. This reduces false alerts from passing animals or falling leaves.

How Camera Placement Affects Coverage

You could have a dozen Arlo Pro cameras, but if they’re poorly placed, you’ll still have gaps. Placement isn’t just about where you put the camera—it’s about how you mount it, angle it, and optimize it for your needs.

Height and Angle Matter

Mounting height affects both security and usability. Too high, and you lose facial detail. Too low, and someone can reach up and disable it. Here’s what I recommend:

• Front/back doors: 8–10 feet high, angled slightly downward
• Driveway: 10–12 feet high, angled to cover the entire length
• Backyard: 6–8 feet high (for wider coverage), or use a tree mount for a higher vantage point

For example, I mounted my driveway camera on a lamppost at 11 feet. It covers the entire 50-foot driveway and captures license plates when cars pull in. But it’s also high enough that no one can reach it without a ladder.

Field of View and Overlap

Arlo Pro cameras have a 130°–160° field of view (depending on the model). That sounds wide, but it’s not infinite. To avoid blind spots, you’ll need overlap—especially at corners or around obstacles like trees or fences.

Think of it like this: If your front yard is L-shaped, a single camera might cover the straight part but miss the bend. A second camera, mounted at the corner, fills the gap. I call this the “corner rule”—always place a camera at every major corner of your property.

Lighting and Night Vision

Arlo Pro cameras have excellent night vision (up to 25 feet with color night vision on newer models), but they still need some ambient light. If a camera is pointed into a dark alley or a shadowy backyard, it might not capture clear footage.

Solution? Add a motion-activated light near the camera. The Arlo Pro 5S has a built-in spotlight, which helps, but external lighting (like a solar-powered floodlight) can make a big difference. One user told me she added a $20 solar light next to her backdoor camera—now her nighttime footage is crystal clear.

Arlo Pro Camera Models and Their Coverage Capabilities

Not all Arlo Pro cameras are the same. The Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5S have different features that affect how much area they can cover. Choosing the right model for each location can save you money and improve performance.

Arlo Pro 3 vs. Pro 4 vs. Pro 5S: A Quick Comparison

Here’s a breakdown of key specs:

Feature	Arlo Pro 3	Arlo Pro 4	Arlo Pro 5S
Resolution	2K	2K	2K/4K (with HDR)
Field of View	160°	160°	160°
Night Vision	Color (with spotlight)	Color (with spotlight)	Color (with spotlight + IR)
Spotlight	Yes	Yes	Yes (brighter)
Weather Resistance	IP65	IP65	IP65
Best For	Budget coverage, general use	Mid-range, better low-light performance	High-end, 4K detail, best night vision

For most homes, the Arlo Pro 4 is the sweet spot—it offers great 2K video, color night vision, and a wide field of view at a reasonable price. But if you have a large property or want the best possible detail (e.g., for license plate or facial recognition), the Pro 5S is worth the upgrade.

When to Use Each Model

• Front door: Pro 4 or Pro 5S (for facial recognition)
• Backyard: Pro 3 or Pro 4 (wide coverage)
• Driveway: Pro 5S (4K for license plates)
• Garage: Pro 3 (budget-friendly, good enough for motion detection)
• Pool area: Pro 4 (color night vision for safety checks)

One user I spoke with has a mix: Pro 5S at the front door and driveway, Pro 4 in the backyard, and a Pro 3 in the garage. “It’s not about having the best camera everywhere,” he said. “It’s about having the right camera in the right place.”

Real-World Examples: How Many Cameras Do Different Homes Need?

Let’s look at a few real-life scenarios to see how the “how many Arlo Pro cameras per house” question plays out in practice.

Example 1: The Cozy Bungalow (1,200 sq ft)

Home: Single-story, 2 bedrooms, 1 car garage, small backyard.

Entry points: Front door, back door, garage door, 2 ground-level windows.

Camera setup: 4 cameras total.

• Front door: Arlo Pro 4 (facial recognition, package alerts)
• Back door: Arlo Pro 3 (motion detection, night vision)
• Garage door: Arlo Pro 3 (vehicle monitoring)
• Backyard corner: Arlo Pro 3 (wide view of yard and side gate)

This setup covers all entry points and eliminates blind spots. The homeowner uses motion zones to focus on doors and windows, reducing false alerts from passing cats.

Example 2: The Suburban Two-Story (2,200 sq ft)

Home: Two-story, 4 bedrooms, detached garage, long driveway, pool.

Entry points: Front door, back door, side garage door, 3 ground-level windows, pool gate.

Camera setup: 6 cameras total.

• Front door: Arlo Pro 5S (4K, facial recognition)
• Driveway: Arlo Pro 5S (license plate capture)
• Back door & patio: Arlo Pro 4 (wide view)
• Side garage door: Arlo Pro 3 (motion detection)
• Pool area: Arlo Pro 4 (safety monitoring)
• Backyard corner: Arlo Pro 3 (tree mount, bird’s-eye view)

This homeowner also uses a smart light near the back door to improve night vision. The result? No blind spots, and clear footage even in low light.

Example 3: The Rural Farmhouse (3,000+ sq ft)

Home: Two-story, barn, workshop, long driveway, multiple outbuildings.

Entry points: Front door, back door, side door, 5 ground-level windows, barn door, workshop door, 2 gates.

Camera setup: 8 cameras (with potential for more).

• Front door & porch: Arlo Pro 5S (facial recognition)
• Driveway (2 cameras): Pro 5S (entry and exit points)
• Back door & patio: Arlo Pro 4
• Barn door: Arlo Pro 3 (motion detection)
• Workshop door: Arlo Pro 3
• Side gate: Arlo Pro 3
• Backyard corner: Arlo Pro 4 (tree mount)
• Workshop window: Arlo Pro 3 (ground-level coverage)

This homeowner uses a combination of wired and wireless cameras, with a dedicated Arlo SmartHub to handle the increased data load. “It’s overkill for a city house,” he says, “but out here, I need every camera I can get.”

Budget, Storage, and Smart Features: The Hidden Factors

You’ve figured out how many Arlo Pro cameras per house you need—but there’s more to consider. Budget, storage, and smart features can make or break your setup.

Cost Per Camera

Arlo Pro cameras range from $150 (Pro 3) to $250+ (Pro 5S). Multiply that by the number of cameras, and the cost adds up fast. For a 6-camera setup, you’re looking at $900–$1,500 just for the hardware.

Tip: Buy in kits. Arlo offers 2-camera, 3-camera, and 4-camera kits at a slight discount. You can also wait for sales (like Black Friday) to save 20–30%.

Cloud Storage and Local Options

Arlo’s cloud storage starts at $3/month per camera, which covers 30 days of rolling video history. For 6 cameras, that’s $18/month—or $216/year. If you want 24/7 recording or longer history, the cost goes up.

Alternative? Use a microSD card (up to 2TB) for local storage. The Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 5S support this, and it’s free once you buy the card. One user I know uses 512GB cards in all 6 of her cameras—she saves the footage and only uploads clips to the cloud when needed.

Smart Features and Integrations

Arlo Pro cameras work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. You can create routines like “When the front door camera detects motion, turn on the porch light” or “If the garage camera sees a car, send a notification.”

But beware: Too many cameras can overwhelm your smart home system. I recommend starting with 3–4 cameras, testing the integrations, and adding more gradually.

So, how many Arlo Pro cameras per house do you really need? The answer depends on your home, your budget, and your security goals. But here’s the bottom line: Start with your entry points. Cover every door, window, and driveway with at least one camera. Then, add coverage for high-risk areas like backyards, pools, and outbuildings.

For most homes, 4–6 cameras will give you full coverage. Smaller homes can get by with 3–4, while larger or rural properties might need 6–8+. And remember—it’s not about having the most cameras. It’s about having the right cameras in the right places.

Take your time. Do a walk-around. Sketch out a plan. And don’t rush to buy more than you need. I’ve seen too many people buy six cameras, only to realize three would have been enough. With a little planning, you can achieve full coverage—without breaking the bank or cluttering your property.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to have cameras. It’s to have peace of mind. And with the right setup, your Arlo Pro system can deliver just that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo Pro cameras do I need for full house coverage?

The number of Arlo Pro cameras needed depends on your home’s size and layout, but typically 4–6 cameras provide full coverage for most single-family homes. Prioritize entry points, blind spots, and high-traffic outdoor areas.

Can I use multiple Arlo Pro cameras with one base station?

Yes, a single Arlo Pro base station supports up to 15 cameras, making it easy to scale your system across large properties. This flexibility lets you mix indoor and outdoor Arlo Pro models seamlessly.

How many Arlo Pro cameras per house are ideal for a two-story home?

For a two-story house, 5–7 Arlo Pro cameras are recommended: 2–3 for the ground floor, 1–2 for the upper level, and 1–2 for backyard/garage coverage. Adjust based on unique architectural features.

Do I need an Arlo Pro camera for every window and door?

Not necessarily—strategic placement trumps quantity. Use wide-angle lenses to cover multiple entry points with one camera, and focus on vulnerable areas like first-floor windows and side gates.

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

For sprawling properties, you can connect up to 15 Arlo Pro cameras to a single base station, ensuring comprehensive coverage of driveways, outbuildings, and perimeter zones. Consider additional base stations for ultra-large estates.

How many Arlo Pro cameras per house are needed for a small apartment?

A small apartment or condo may only require 1–2 Arlo Pro cameras, placed at the main entrance and balcony/patio. Opt for indoor models to monitor interior spaces if needed.