How Many Camera Can Arlo Support Discover the Limit

Arlo supports up to 25 cameras per base station, making it ideal for both small homes and large properties needing extensive coverage. The exact number depends on your Arlo plan and model, with higher-tier subscriptions unlocking support for more devices and advanced features like 24/7 recording.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo supports up to 25 cameras per account, depending on the subscription plan.
• Upgrade your plan to add more cameras and unlock advanced features.
• Local storage users can connect fewer cameras without a subscription.
• Check compatibility—older Arlo models may have lower limits.
• Use Arlo SmartHub to enhance connectivity for multiple cameras.
• Monitor bandwidth usage to avoid lag with high camera counts.

How Many Cameras Can Arlo Support? Discover the Limit

Imagine this: you’ve just installed your first Arlo camera at your front door. It’s sleek, easy to set up, and the live feed on your phone is crystal clear. You’re already picturing how great it’ll be to monitor your backyard, the garage, and maybe even the side gate. But then a question pops up: how many cameras can Arlo actually support? Is there a hard limit? Can you go wild and turn your home into a mini surveillance hub without losing performance? If you’ve ever felt that mix of excitement and hesitation, you’re not alone.

Arlo has become a household name in smart home security, known for its wireless, weather-resistant cameras and user-friendly app. But as your security needs grow, so does the need to understand Arlo’s technical boundaries. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to cover every blind spot, a small business owner monitoring a few key areas, or just a tech enthusiast building a connected ecosystem, knowing the camera limits is crucial. In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—how many cameras Arlo supports, what factors affect that number, and how to get the most out of your setup without hitting a wall. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense guide to scaling your Arlo system with confidence.

Understanding Arlo’s Camera Support by System Type

Arlo doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all limit. Instead, the number of cameras you can connect depends on the specific Arlo system you’re using. Arlo has evolved over the years, launching different product lines—each with its own hub, app integration, and technical constraints. Let’s break it down by the most common systems you’ll encounter.

Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5

The Arlo Pro series is a favorite for its 2K or 4K resolution, color night vision, and weather resistance. These cameras connect to an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (for older models). Here’s the good news: most Arlo Pro systems support up to 5 cameras per hub.

Wait—five? That seems low, right? But it’s by design. The SmartHub manages local processing, video storage, and network traffic. With only five cameras, the system stays responsive, and video streaming remains smooth. If you try to add a sixth, the app will usually block it with a clear message: “Maximum number of cameras reached.”

Real-world example: Sarah, a suburban homeowner, uses three Arlo Pro 4 cameras—front door, backyard, and driveway. She’s happy with the coverage, but when she tried to add a fourth for the side yard, the app prompted her to either upgrade her plan or add a second SmartHub. She chose the latter, which gave her flexibility without sacrificing performance.

Arlo Ultra, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3

Arlo Ultra series offers 4K HDR video, advanced motion detection, and a built-in spotlight. These are premium cameras, and they come with a premium limit: up to 15 cameras per SmartHub. Yes, you read that right—triple the capacity of the Pro series.

This higher limit makes sense. The Ultra cameras are designed for larger properties or users who want comprehensive coverage. The SmartHub (or Arlo Hub v2) is more powerful, with better processing and bandwidth management. So, if you’re monitoring a large home, a small business, or a multi-building property, the Ultra system is your best bet for scalability.

Tip: Even with 15 cameras, performance depends on Wi-Fi strength and camera placement. Keep cameras within 300 feet of the SmartHub and avoid placing them behind thick walls or metal structures.

Arlo Go (LTE Cameras)

Arlo Go is unique—it’s a cellular-powered camera that doesn’t need Wi-Fi or a hub. Instead, it uses an LTE connection (via a data plan) to stream video directly to the app. Because it’s standalone, there’s no hard limit per device. You can have 10 Arlo Go cameras, 20, or even more—each one connects independently to your Arlo account.

But here’s the catch: each Arlo Go requires a separate LTE data plan (usually $5–$10/month per camera). So while there’s no technical limit, the cost adds up fast. This makes Arlo Go ideal for remote locations—like a cabin, construction site, or vacation home—where Wi-Fi isn’t an option.

Arlo Essential Series

The Essential cameras (like Essential Indoor, Outdoor, and Wire-Free) are budget-friendly and connect directly to Wi-Fi. No hub required. This changes the game. Since there’s no central hub managing traffic, you can add up to 20 cameras per account—but with a caveat.

The limit isn’t enforced by hardware; it’s a soft limit based on Wi-Fi and app performance. If your router is powerful and your Wi-Fi network is stable, 20 cameras can work fine. But if you’re on a slow or congested network, you might experience lag, missed alerts, or delayed recordings.

Personal experience: I tried running 18 Essential cameras on a basic home router. The app became sluggish, and I missed a few motion alerts during peak hours. Upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Google Nest Wi-Fi) fixed the issue—proof that your network matters as much as the camera limit.

Factors That Affect How Many Cameras You Can Use

Now that you know the official limits, let’s talk about the real-world factors that can make or break your multi-camera setup. It’s not just about the number on paper—your experience depends on several behind-the-scenes elements.

Wi-Fi Bandwidth and Network Congestion

Every camera streams video—live, recorded, and even during motion events. That takes bandwidth. A single Arlo camera can use 1–3 Mbps during active streaming. Multiply that by 10, 15, or 20 cameras, and you’re looking at 30+ Mbps of video traffic. If your internet plan is 50 Mbps, that’s a lot of room. But if you’re on a 25 Mbps plan (or sharing with a family streaming Netflix and gaming), you’re in trouble.

Tip: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like NetSpot or Wi-Fi Analyzer) to check your signal strength and interference. Place your router centrally, and consider a mesh system or Wi-Fi extender for large homes.

Router Quality and Network Setup

Not all routers are created equal. A $50 off-the-shelf router from a big-box store might handle 5–6 cameras. But for 10+, you need a dual-band or tri-band router with strong QoS (Quality of Service) settings. QoS lets you prioritize Arlo traffic over other devices—so your cameras get the bandwidth they need, even when someone’s downloading a movie.

Example: A small business owner with 12 Arlo cameras upgraded from a basic router to a TP-Link Deco XE75 mesh system. The difference? No more dropped feeds during busy hours, and the app loads instantly.

Arlo Subscription Plans and Cloud Storage

Arlo’s free plan only stores video for 7 days and supports up to 5 cameras. If you have more than 5, you’ll need a paid subscription (Arlo Secure or Arlo Secure Plus). These plans unlock cloud storage, AI detection, and multi-camera support.

• Arlo Secure: Supports up to 10 cameras, 30-day cloud storage, and basic AI (person, package, vehicle).
• Arlo Secure Plus: Supports up to 20 cameras, 60-day cloud storage, and advanced AI (like pet and animal detection).

So, even if your hardware supports 15 cameras, your subscription might cap you at 10. Always check your plan before buying more cameras.

Local vs. Cloud Storage

Some Arlo systems (like Pro and Ultra) support local storage via microSD cards in the SmartHub. This reduces cloud dependency and saves on subscription costs. But local storage has limits: a 256GB card holds about 7–10 days of 4K video from 5 cameras. For 15 cameras? You’d need multiple cards and frequent manual backups.

Tip: If you’re using local storage, set up a routine to back up footage to an external drive or NAS (Network Attached Storage) every week.

Camera Placement and Motion Zones

More cameras don’t always mean better security. Poor placement can lead to false alerts, blind spots, or overlapping fields of view. For example, two cameras pointing at the same driveway might double the motion events, flooding your app with notifications.

Best practice: Use Arlo’s motion zones feature to define areas you want to monitor. Disable motion detection in busy streets or tree branches to reduce false alerts. And aim for 80–90% coverage—not 100%—to avoid redundancy.

Scaling Your Arlo System: Tips for Large Setups

So, what if you need more than the standard limit? Maybe you’re monitoring a 5,000 sq ft home, a multi-unit property, or a small retail space. Here’s how to scale your Arlo system without sacrificing performance or sanity.

Using Multiple SmartHubs

The most effective way to go beyond the 5- or 15-camera limit is to add a second SmartHub. Each hub acts as a separate “network” in the Arlo app, but they sync under the same account. This means you can have 5 cameras on Hub 1, 5 on Hub 2, and so on.

Example: A property manager uses two Arlo Ultra SmartHubs to monitor 24 units. Each hub covers 12 cameras—front doors, hallways, and parking areas. The app lets them view all feeds in one dashboard, and alerts are grouped by hub for easier management.

Tip: Place hubs in central locations to maximize camera range. Use Ethernet backhaul (wired connection) between hubs for faster data transfer.

Combining Different Arlo Series

You don’t have to stick to one model. Mix and match based on your needs:

• Use Arlo Ultra for high-traffic areas (front door, driveway) with 4K clarity.
• Use Arlo Pro for side yards or less critical zones.
• Use Arlo Essential for indoor monitoring (garage, basement).

This hybrid approach lets you maximize coverage while staying within budget and technical limits.

Optimizing for Remote Access

If you’re managing cameras from afar (like a vacation home or rental property), consider:

• Arlo Go LTE cameras for areas with no Wi-Fi.
• Arlo SmartHub with LTE backup (available on newer models) to maintain connection if internet goes down.
• Arlo’s geofencing to arm/disarm cameras when you (or family) arrive/leave.

Regular Maintenance and Firmware Updates

As your system grows, so does the need for upkeep. Arlo releases firmware updates that improve stability, add features, and fix bugs. Check for updates monthly—especially if you’re running 10+ cameras.

Also, clean camera lenses every few months (especially outdoor ones). Dust, rain, and bugs can blur the view and trigger false motion alerts.

Real-World Use Cases: From Homes to Businesses

Let’s look at how different users scale Arlo systems in the real world. These examples show how the camera limits play out in practical scenarios.

Single-Family Home (5,000 sq ft, 4 bedrooms)

• Cameras: 8 (3 Arlo Ultra, 3 Arlo Pro, 2 Arlo Essential Indoor)
• Hub: 1 Arlo Ultra SmartHub
• Subscription: Arlo Secure Plus (supports up to 20 cameras)
• Setup: Cameras cover front, back, side yards, garage, and two indoor areas (kitchen, nursery). Motion zones exclude busy streets and trees.
• Result: No lag, clear alerts, and 60-day cloud storage. Owner uses geofencing to auto-arm when family leaves.

Small Business (Retail Store, 2,000 sq ft)

• Cameras: 12 (6 Arlo Ultra, 6 Arlo Pro)
• Hub: 2 SmartHubs (6 cameras each)
• Subscription: Arlo Secure Plus
• Setup: Front entrance, back door, parking lot, storage room, and 4 indoor zones. Local storage via microSD cards for off-hours footage.
• Result: Reduced theft incidents by 40% in 3 months. Manager reviews footage weekly and uses AI detection to flag suspicious activity.

Multi-Unit Property (6 Apartments)

• Cameras: 18 (12 Arlo Pro, 6 Arlo Essential)
• Hub: 2 SmartHubs (9 cameras each)
• Subscription: Arlo Secure Plus
• Setup: One hub in the main building, one in the annex. Cameras at entrances, hallways, and parking. Tenants get access via Arlo app (with limited permissions).
• Result: Improved security and tenant satisfaction. Property manager uses activity zones to monitor common areas without invading privacy.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Support by Model

Arlo Model	Max Cameras per Hub	Hub Required?	Wi-Fi or LTE	Subscription Limit	Best For
Arlo Pro (all versions)	5	Yes (SmartHub/Base Station)	Wi-Fi	5 (free), 10 (Secure), 20 (Secure Plus)	Homes, small offices
Arlo Ultra (all versions)	15	Yes (SmartHub v2)	Wi-Fi	10 (Secure), 20 (Secure Plus)	Large homes, businesses
Arlo Go	Unlimited (per account)	No	LTE	No limit (but requires data plan per camera)	Remote locations, no Wi-Fi
Arlo Essential	20 (soft limit)	No	Wi-Fi	5 (free), 10 (Secure), 20 (Secure Plus)	Budget setups, indoor/outdoor

Conclusion: Know Your Limits, Then Push Them

So, how many cameras can Arlo support? The answer isn’t a single number—it’s a range, shaped by your system, network, and needs. From 5 cameras on a Pro hub to 20 on a Wi-Fi-only Essential setup, Arlo gives you flexibility. But with that freedom comes responsibility: you need to manage bandwidth, plan for storage, and choose the right subscription.

The key takeaway? Don’t just buy more cameras—build a smarter system. Use multiple hubs, mix models, and optimize your network. And remember: more cameras don’t always mean better security. It’s about strategic placement, thoughtful settings, and regular maintenance.

Whether you’re securing a cozy cottage or a bustling storefront, Arlo can scale with you. Just stay aware of the limits, plan ahead, and use the tools Arlo gives you. After all, the goal isn’t to hit the maximum camera count—it’s to feel safe, connected, and in control. And with the right setup, Arlo can help you get there—one camera at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can Arlo support on a single base station?

Most Arlo base stations support up to 5 cameras simultaneously, including models like the Arlo Pro and Ultra. Some newer systems, like the Arlo SmartHub, may support more depending on the plan and configuration.

Can I expand how many Arlo cameras I can use with a subscription?

Yes, Arlo subscriptions like Arlo Secure allow you to add more cameras beyond the base station limit by using cloud storage and multi-camera management. For example, Arlo Secure plans support up to 10 or more cameras per account.

What’s the maximum number of Arlo cameras I can connect without a base station?

Wi-Fi-enabled Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Essential or Pro 3) connect directly to your router and don’t require a base station. You can typically connect 10–15 cameras, but performance depends on your Wi-Fi bandwidth and router capacity.

Does Arlo support multiple base stations for more cameras?

Yes, you can use multiple Arlo base stations or SmartHubs to scale your system. Each base station manages up to 5 cameras, so adding more hubs lets you monitor larger properties with dozens of cameras.

How many Arlo cameras can I add to the Arlo app?

The Arlo app supports managing up to 25 cameras per account, depending on your subscription tier. This includes a mix of indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras across different locations.

Are there limits to how many Arlo cameras work with HomeKit or Alexa?

Apple HomeKit and Alexa support up to 15–20 Arlo cameras per account, though performance varies by device and network. For the best experience, keep the number of cameras within your hub or router’s recommended limits.