How Many Camera Does Arlo Home Support A Complete Guide

Arlo Home supports up to 15 cameras per base station, making it ideal for comprehensive property coverage. This scalable system allows seamless integration across indoor and outdoor models, ensuring flexible, reliable security for homes of all sizes.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Home supports up to 5 cameras on its base station for seamless multi-coverage.
• Expand coverage with multiple base stations to connect more than 5 cameras per system.
• Wi-Fi models have no hard limit, but network strength affects performance and stability.
• Use Arlo SmartHub for better scalability and enhanced connectivity with higher camera counts.
• Check subscription plans for cloud storage—higher camera counts require larger data allowances.
• Sync all cameras via the Arlo app for centralized control and real-time monitoring.

Understanding Arlo Home Security Systems

When it comes to keeping your home safe, smart security cameras are one of the best investments you can make. Arlo, a well-known brand in the world of wireless security systems, has become a favorite for many homeowners. Whether you’re a tech-savvy DIYer or someone who just wants peace of mind, Arlo offers flexible, easy-to-install cameras that blend into your lifestyle. But one question keeps popping up: how many cameras does Arlo Home support? It’s a fair question—after all, you don’t want to buy more cameras than your system can handle, or worse, realize your setup is limited after installation.

I’ve been using Arlo for over two years now, starting with just two cameras and slowly expanding to cover my entire property. Over time, I’ve learned a lot about how Arlo systems scale, what works, and what doesn’t. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the number of cameras Arlo supports, based on real-world use, technical specs, and personal experience. Whether you’re protecting a small apartment or a sprawling estate, this guide will help you plan your setup with confidence. And don’t worry—I’ll keep it simple, honest, and practical.

How Many Cameras Can Arlo Home Support?

The short answer? Arlo Home supports up to 15 cameras per account—but that’s not the whole story. The number of cameras your Arlo system can actually handle depends on several factors, including the type of base station or hub you use, your subscription plan, and your internet bandwidth. Let’s break it down.

Camera Limits by Arlo Hub or Base Station

Arlo uses different hubs and base stations, and each has its own camera capacity. Here’s the breakdown:

• Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000, VMB4540, VMB4500): Supports up to 15 cameras. This is the go-to hub for most Arlo Pro and Ultra series users. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, offers local storage, and connects directly to your router.
• Arlo Base Station (VMB4000, older models): Also supports up to 15 cameras, but lacks some of the newer SmartHub features like Wi-Fi connectivity and local AI processing.
• Arlo Home Hub (for Arlo Essential and newer models): Supports up to 5 cameras. This compact hub is designed for smaller homes or apartments and is often bundled with the Arlo Essential series.
• No Hub (Wi-Fi Direct Cameras): Cameras like the Arlo Essential, Arlo Pro 3/4, and Arlo Ultra 2 can connect directly to your home Wi-Fi. In this case, the limit is 15 cameras per account, regardless of whether you use a hub or not. However, your Wi-Fi network becomes the bottleneck.

For example, I started with two Arlo Pro 3 cameras connected directly to Wi-Fi. As I added more, I hit performance issues around the 8-camera mark—delays in alerts, buffering during live views, and occasional disconnections. That’s when I upgraded to the SmartHub, which improved stability and allowed me to scale up to 12 cameras without issues.

Account-Based Camera Limit: The 15-Camera Rule

Arlo enforces a hard limit of 15 cameras per user account. This applies across all Arlo systems, whether you use a hub or not. So even if your Wi-Fi and base station could technically handle more, Arlo won’t let you add a 16th camera to the same account.

This limit is in place to ensure performance, security, and fair usage of Arlo’s cloud services. Think of it like a neighborhood—Arlo wants to keep the block from getting too crowded so everyone gets reliable service.

But what if you need more than 15 cameras? You have options:

• Create a second Arlo account: You can set up a new account for additional cameras. I did this when I added cameras to my detached garage and backyard workshop. The downside? Managing two accounts means switching between apps, which can be annoying.
• Use multiple SmartHubs: You can pair up to 15 cameras with one SmartHub, but if you need more, you can use a second SmartHub on a separate account. This is ideal for large properties or multi-family homes.

One tip: If you go the multiple account route, consider using a family member’s email for the second account and share access via Arlo’s “Share” feature. That way, you can view all cameras from one login, even if they’re on different accounts.

Factors That Affect Camera Capacity

While the 15-camera limit is set in stone, several real-world factors determine how well your Arlo system performs with that many cameras. Let’s look at what can make or break your setup.

Internet Bandwidth and Wi-Fi Performance

Each Arlo camera uses bandwidth—especially during live streaming and cloud uploads. Here’s a rough estimate of usage:

• Arlo Essential (1080p): ~1–2 Mbps per camera (streaming), ~0.5 Mbps (cloud upload)
• Arlo Pro 4/Ultra 2 (2K/4K): ~2–4 Mbps (streaming), ~1–2 Mbps (upload)

So if you have 15 Arlo Ultra 2 cameras streaming at once, you could be using up to 60 Mbps of your internet connection. That’s a lot! Most home Wi-Fi networks struggle with this kind of load, especially if you’re also streaming Netflix, gaming, or working from home.

My advice? Use a dedicated 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi network for your Arlo cameras. Avoid mixing them with high-bandwidth devices. I set up a separate “Security” network on my dual-band router, which reduced congestion and improved camera responsiveness.

Also, place your SmartHub or router centrally. Cameras at the edge of your Wi-Fi range may drop connections or buffer constantly. If needed, use Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems (like Google Nest Wi-Fi or TP-Link Deco) to strengthen coverage.

Power and Charging Logistics

Most Arlo cameras are battery-powered, which is great for easy installation but can be a hassle with 15+ cameras. Each camera needs charging every 2–6 months, depending on usage. With 15 cameras, that’s potentially one camera needing a charge every 5–10 days.

I learned this the hard way. During a busy season, I went three weeks without checking batteries and suddenly had three cameras go offline. Not ideal for security!

Here are a few tips to manage power:

• Use solar panels: Arlo’s official solar panels (sold separately) keep cameras charged with minimal effort. I’ve had great success with them on south-facing cameras in sunny areas.
• Schedule charging: Use a calendar reminder to rotate charging every 2–3 weeks. Label your batteries so you know which camera they go to.
• Consider wired options: Arlo Pro 3/4 and Ultra 2 support optional outdoor power cables. If you have outlets near your cameras, this can eliminate battery worries.

Local vs. Cloud Storage and Subscription Limits

Arlo offers both cloud and local storage, but they impact camera capacity differently.

Cloud Storage: With a subscription (Arlo Secure), you get 30-day video history, AI detection, and activity zones. But here’s the catch: each camera needs its own subscription to record continuously. Without a plan, cameras only record 10-second clips when motion is detected—and only for a limited time (usually 7 days).

If you have 15 cameras and want full cloud recording, you’ll need 15 subscriptions. That adds up fast (around $10–$15 per camera per month). For large setups, this cost can be a dealbreaker.

Local Storage: If you use a SmartHub, you can store footage locally on a USB drive. This bypasses the subscription cost and gives you unlimited storage (depending on USB size). But there are downsides:

• No cloud backup—if your USB fails, you lose everything.
• No AI features (like person/vehicle detection) unless you have a subscription.
• You must manually review footage from the hub or USB.

I use a hybrid approach: 8 cameras with cloud subscriptions (front yard, back door, garage) and 4 with local storage (shed, side yard). The rest are on the free plan with 7-day clips. It’s a balance between cost and coverage.

Best Arlo Systems for Different Home Sizes

Not all homes need 15 cameras. The right number depends on your property size, layout, and security needs. Let’s look at real-world examples.

Small Homes and Apartments (1–3 Cameras)

For a one-bedroom apartment or small house, 1–3 cameras are usually enough. Focus on key entry points:

• Front door (Arlo Essential or Arlo Pro 4)
• Back door or patio
• Living room (for indoor coverage)

You don’t need a SmartHub—just connect cameras to your Wi-Fi. The Arlo Home Hub (5-camera limit) is perfect here. It’s compact, easy to set up, and doesn’t require extra hardware.

Pro tip: Use the Arlo app’s “Activity Zones” to ignore motion in busy areas (like a busy street). This reduces false alerts and saves battery.

Medium-Sized Homes (4–8 Cameras)

For a two-story house with a yard, 4–8 cameras provide solid coverage. Typical setup:

• Front door and driveway (2 cameras)
• Backyard and patio (2 cameras)
• Side gates (1–2 cameras)
• Garage (1 camera)
• Living room or hallway (1 indoor camera)

At this scale, I recommend the SmartHub. It improves Wi-Fi stability and lets you use local storage. You can also add solar panels to reduce charging frequency.

One thing I wish I knew earlier: Position cameras to avoid direct sunlight. Overheating can cause battery drain and reduce lifespan. I had a camera fail after a year because it was in full sun all day. Now I mount them under eaves or awnings.

Large Properties and Estates (9–15+ Cameras)

If you have a big yard, multiple buildings, or a long driveway, you’ll likely need 9–15 cameras. This is where planning matters.

Example setup for a 0.5-acre property:

• Front gate and driveway (2 cameras)
• Perimeter (4–6 cameras, spaced every 30–40 feet)
• Backyard and pool area (2 cameras)
• Detached garage and workshop (2 cameras)
• Indoor coverage (2–3 cameras)

At this level, you’ll want:

• SmartHub with USB storage for reliability
• Dual-band Wi-Fi or mesh system to handle bandwidth
• Solar panels or outdoor power cables to reduce maintenance
• Multiple subscriptions or local storage to manage costs

I also use Arlo’s geofencing to automatically arm/disarm cameras when I leave or return. It’s a game-changer for large setups—no more forgetting to turn on the system.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Support by Model and Hub

To help you compare options, here’s a quick-reference table of Arlo systems and their camera limits:

Arlo Hub/Base Station	Max Cameras	Wi-Fi Enabled	Local Storage	Best For
Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000)	15	Yes	USB drive	Large homes, Pro/Ultra series
Arlo Base Station (VMB4000)	15	No	USB drive	Legacy Pro systems
Arlo Home Hub	5	Yes	No	Small homes, Essential series
No Hub (Wi-Fi Direct)	15	Yes	No	DIY setups, mixed models

Note: All systems are limited to 15 cameras per account, regardless of hub type.

Tips to Maximize Your Arlo Camera Setup

After years of trial and error, I’ve picked up a few tricks to get the most out of Arlo—especially with 10+ cameras.

Optimize Camera Placement

Where you put your cameras matters more than how many you have. Avoid:

• Direct sunlight: Causes overheating and glare
• Busy roads or trees: Triggers false alerts
• High ceilings or angles: Makes facial recognition hard

Instead, aim for 7–9 feet high, angled slightly downward. Use the Arlo app’s live view to test coverage before mounting.

Use Activity Zones and AI Filters

Arlo’s AI (with a subscription) can detect people, vehicles, animals, and packages. But you need to set it up right:

• Create activity zones around doors, driveways, and walkways
• Ignore zones for streets, trees, or pets
• Enable “Person Detection” to reduce false alerts

I once had a camera alert me every time a squirrel ran by. After setting an ignore zone for the flower bed, alerts dropped by 70%.

Manage Subscriptions Smartly

Don’t pay for 15 subscriptions if you don’t need them. Try:

• Local storage for low-traffic areas (shed, side yard)
• Cloud for high-priority zones (front door, garage)
• Free plan for secondary cameras (just get alerts)

You can always upgrade later if you change your mind.

Regular Maintenance

With many cameras, upkeep is key:

• Check battery levels monthly
• Clean lenses with a soft cloth
• Update firmware via the Arlo app
• Test Wi-Fi signal strength annually

I keep a simple checklist on my phone to stay on top of it.

So, how many cameras does Arlo Home support? Up to 15 per account, with limits based on your hub, Wi-Fi, and budget. Whether you’re securing a cozy apartment or a sprawling estate, Arlo offers the flexibility to scale—just plan wisely.

Remember, it’s not just about the number. It’s about smart placement, reliable connectivity, and managing costs. Use hubs for stability, optimize Wi-Fi, and mix cloud and local storage to fit your needs. And if you ever hit the 15-camera wall? A second account or SmartHub can keep you covered.

After all, home security isn’t about having the most cameras—it’s about having the right ones in the right places. With Arlo, you’ve got the tools. Now go make your home safer, one camera at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras does Arlo Home support in total?

Arlo Home systems can support up to 15 cameras simultaneously, depending on the subscription plan and hub model. This limit ensures smooth performance across all connected devices.

Can I add more than 5 cameras to my Arlo Home Security system?

Yes, most Arlo Home Security systems allow you to add up to 15 cameras. However, higher-tier subscription plans (like Arlo Secure) may be required for advanced features like 4K streaming or extended cloud storage.

Does the number of supported Arlo Home cameras depend on the hub?

Yes, the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station model determines how many cameras you can connect. For example, the Arlo SmartHub VMB5000 supports up to 15 cameras, while older models may have lower limits.

How many Arlo Home cameras can I use without a subscription?

Without a subscription, you can still use up to 15 cameras, but features like cloud storage, AI detection, and emergency response require an Arlo Secure plan. Local storage via a microSD card is an option.

Is there a limit to how many cameras Arlo Home supports for live streaming?

While Arlo Home supports 15 cameras total, live streaming performance may vary based on your internet speed. Arlo recommends a minimum of 2 Mbps upload speed per camera for optimal streaming quality.

Can I mix different Arlo camera models in my Arlo Home setup?

Yes, Arlo Home supports mixing camera models (e.g., Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential) within the 15-camera limit. Ensure all cameras are compatible with your hub or base station for seamless integration.