How Many Cameras Can an Arlo Ultra Support Find Out Now

The Arlo Ultra supports up to 25 cameras per hub, making it ideal for large homes or small business setups. This high-capacity system ensures seamless 4K HDR monitoring across multiple zones without compromising performance—perfect for users seeking comprehensive, scalable security coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Ultra supports up to 15 cameras per base station for seamless multi-camera setups.
• Wi-Fi 6 compatibility ensures stable connections even with maximum camera capacity.
• 4K HDR video remains uninterrupted across all connected cameras without lag.
• SmartHub required to manage more than 5 cameras efficiently—check compatibility first.
• Cloud storage scales with camera count—upgrade plans for longer retention periods.
• Local backup option available via USB to reduce cloud dependency at full capacity.

How Many Cameras Can an Arlo Ultra Support? Let’s Find Out

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your first Arlo Ultra camera. It’s sleek, powerful, and gives you that satisfying “I’ve got this home security thing down” feeling. But then, reality hits—your front yard, backyard, garage, and side gate all need monitoring. Before you know it, you’re wondering, how many cameras can an Arlo Ultra support? Can you really cover every corner of your property without running into tech limits or performance issues?

You’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners, renters, and even small business owners face this exact question. Whether you’re setting up a full perimeter system or just want to keep tabs on your kids playing in the backyard, knowing the limits of your Arlo Ultra ecosystem is crucial. The good news? Arlo Ultra is built for scalability. But like any smart home tech, it’s not limitless. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—how many cameras you can connect, what affects performance, real-world setups, and tips to get the most out of your system. No fluff, no hype—just honest, practical advice from someone who’s been there.

Understanding the Arlo Ultra Ecosystem

What Makes Arlo Ultra Different?

The Arlo Ultra isn’t just another wireless camera. It’s a premium 4K HDR outdoor security camera with color night vision, a built-in spotlight, and a two-way audio system. But what really sets it apart is its integration with the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station. This central device acts as the brain of your system, managing connections, storing footage (if you use local storage), and handling communication between your cameras and the Arlo app.

Unlike older Arlo models that connected directly to Wi-Fi, the Ultra uses a dedicated 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless link to the hub. This means less interference, better range, and more stable performance—especially when you start adding multiple cameras.

The Role of the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station

Here’s the key: the number of cameras your Arlo Ultra system can support depends on the hub, not the cameras themselves. Think of the hub like a Wi-Fi router. It has a maximum number of devices it can handle efficiently. If you overload it, you’ll see lag, dropped connections, or even cameras going offline.

Arlo offers two main hubs:

• Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000): Supports up to 20 cameras. This is the most common choice for Ultra systems.
• Arlo Base Station (VMB4540): Also supports up to 20 cameras. Slightly older, but fully compatible with Ultra models.

Both hubs use Arlo’s proprietary wireless protocol (similar to Zigbee or Z-Wave), which is designed for low power and high reliability. This is why Arlo Ultra cameras can last months on a single charge—even with 4K recording and motion detection running.

Why Hub Limits Matter

You might wonder, “Can’t I just connect more than 20 cameras?” Technically, yes—but not practically. Arlo’s firmware is designed to cap at 20 devices per hub for a reason: stability. When you push beyond that, you risk:

• Increased latency in live feeds
• Missed motion alerts
• Cameras disconnecting during peak usage
• Hub overheating or crashing

I once helped a friend set up 22 cameras on a single SmartHub. It worked… for about two days. Then the backyard camera started freezing, and the garage feed lagged by 10 seconds. After resetting and reducing to 20, everything ran smoothly. Lesson learned: stick to the official limits.

Maximum Camera Support: The Official Numbers

How Many Cameras Can One Arlo Ultra Hub Handle?

Let’s cut to the chase: one Arlo SmartHub or Base Station can support up to 20 cameras. This includes any combination of Arlo Ultra, Ultra 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and even older models like Pro 2 (if compatible). The 20-camera limit is a hard cap enforced by Arlo’s firmware.

But here’s the catch: not all cameras are created equal. A single Arlo Ultra uses more bandwidth and processing power than, say, an Arlo Q (indoor 1080p). So while you *can* technically mix and match, your system’s performance will vary.

Mixing Arlo Models: What Works and What Doesn’t

Can you combine Arlo Ultra with other models? Yes—but with caveats:

• Best combo: 15 Arlo Ultra + 5 Arlo Pro 3. This balances 4K quality with system load.
• Not recommended: 20 Arlo Ultra + 5 Arlo Q. The hub may struggle with the mixed workload.
• Pro tip: If you have older Arlo cameras (like Pro 2), check compatibility. Some require a firmware update to work with the SmartHub.

One user in a rural area told me they run 12 Ultras, 4 Pro 3s, and 4 Arlo Floodlight Cams on one hub. “It’s a beast,” they said, “but I had to upgrade my internet to 300 Mbps to handle the cloud uploads.”

Real-World Example: A 20-Camera Setup

Let’s say you own a large suburban home with a detached garage, pool area, and long driveway. Here’s a practical 20-camera layout:

• 4 x Arlo Ultra (front door, backyard, side gate, garage)
• 6 x Arlo Ultra 2 (driveway, pool, shed, garden, porch, alley)
• 5 x Arlo Pro 4 (interior hallways, basement, attic)
• 5 x Arlo Floodlight Cam (perimeter lighting + motion)

This setup uses all 20 slots but leverages the strengths of each model. The Ultras handle high-traffic outdoor zones, while the Pro 4s and Floodlight Cams cover lower-demand areas. Total cost? Around $3,500—but for a 5,000 sq ft property, it’s worth it.

Expanding Beyond 20 Cameras: Multi-Hub Solutions

When One Hub Isn’t Enough

What if you need more than 20 cameras? Maybe you’re a small business, a multi-family home, or just have a massive property. Don’t worry—Arlo has a solution: multi-hub setups.

You can add a second (or even third) Arlo SmartHub to your system. Each hub supports 20 cameras, so:

• 1 hub = 20 cameras
• 2 hubs = 40 cameras
• 3 hubs = 60 cameras

All hubs connect to the same Arlo account, so you manage everything from one app. No need to switch between profiles or devices.

How Multi-Hub Works (And Potential Pitfalls)

Setting up multiple hubs is straightforward:

1. Plug in the second SmartHub and sync it via the Arlo app.
2. Assign cameras to the new hub (you can do this during setup or later).
3. Name each hub (e.g., “Main House,” “Guest House”) for easy identification.

But here’s what they don’t tell you: bandwidth matters. If both hubs are on the same Wi-Fi network, they’ll compete for bandwidth. This can slow down live views and cloud uploads. The fix? Use Ethernet cables for each hub or set up a dedicated VLAN for your security system.

I helped a client with a 3-hub setup (60 cameras total). They had issues with lag until we:

• Connected each hub via Ethernet
• Upgraded to a mesh Wi-Fi system (Eero Pro 6)
• Enabled local storage on each hub to reduce cloud load

After that? Smooth sailing.

Cost vs. Benefit: Is Multi-Hub Worth It?

Let’s talk dollars. An Arlo SmartHub costs around $130. Add that to your camera budget, and a 40-camera system could cost $5,000–$7,000. Is it worth it?

• Yes, if: You have a large property, multiple buildings, or high-security needs (e.g., a rental property with 10 units).
• No, if: You’re a homeowner with a 2,000 sq ft house. One hub is plenty.

One tip: Start with one hub and 10–12 cameras. Expand as needed. This saves money and lets you test performance before going all-in.

Performance Factors: Beyond the Camera Count

Internet Speed and Bandwidth

You’ve got 20 cameras—great. But if your internet is slow, you’ll see buffering, delayed alerts, and choppy live feeds. Here’s what you need:

• Minimum: 100 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload
• Recommended: 200+ Mbps download, 30+ Mbps upload (for 15+ cameras)

Why upload speed matters: Arlo Ultra cameras stream 4K video to the cloud. Each camera uses about 1–2 Mbps during motion events. 20 cameras? That’s 20–40 Mbps of upload bandwidth—just for security.

Pro tip: Use a speed test tool (like Ookla) to check your upload speed. If it’s below 30 Mbps, consider upgrading or using local storage.

Local vs. Cloud Storage

Arlo offers two storage options:

• Cloud: 30-day video history (with subscription). Easy but uses more bandwidth.
• Local: MicroSD card in the hub (up to 2TB). Saves bandwidth but requires physical access.

For large setups, I recommend local storage for 70% of cameras and cloud for critical zones (front door, garage). This reduces bandwidth strain and saves on subscription costs.

Wi-Fi and Signal Strength

Even though Arlo Ultra uses a hub connection, Wi-Fi still matters. The hub connects to your router, so weak Wi-Fi = weak hub performance.

• Place the hub within 30 feet of your router (or use Ethernet).
• Use a Wi-Fi extender if your hub is in a basement or garage.
• Avoid interference: Keep the hub away from microwaves, cordless phones, and thick concrete walls.

One user had a hub in their attic. Signal was spotty. We moved it to the living room (near the router) and added a Wi-Fi extender. Problem solved.

Real-World Setup Examples and Tips

Small Home (1,500–2,500 sq ft)

Cameras: 8–12 (mix of Ultra and Pro 3)
Hub: 1 Arlo SmartHub
Storage: Local (128GB microSD) + Cloud (for front/back)
Bandwidth: 150 Mbps internet
Tips:

• Prioritize high-traffic areas: front door, backyard, garage.
• Use motion zones to reduce false alerts (e.g., ignore trees).
• Schedule recordings for nighttime only to save battery.

Large Property (5,000+ sq ft)

Cameras: 20–30
Hub: 1–2 SmartHubs
Storage: Local (2TB microSD per hub) + Cloud (for critical zones)
Bandwidth: 300+ Mbps internet
Tips:

• Use a network switch for Ethernet hubs.
• Label each camera (e.g., “Pool South,” “Driveway North”).
• Enable AI detection (person, vehicle, animal) to cut down on alerts.

Small Business (Retail, Office, Rental)

Cameras: 15–40
Hub: 2–3 SmartHubs
Storage: Local + Cloud (for compliance)
Bandwidth: 500+ Mbps (business-grade)
Tips:

• Use multi-hub naming: “Front Office,” “Back Storage.”
• Set up user access (e.g., manager vs. staff).
• Schedule automatic backups to an external drive.

Data Table: Arlo Ultra Hub Capacities and Recommendations

Setup Type	Max Cameras	Hubs Needed	Internet Speed	Storage Recommendation	Best For
Small Home	12	1	150 Mbps	Local (128GB)	Single-family homes, condos
Large Home	20	1	200 Mbps	Local + Cloud	Suburban homes, estates
Multi-Building	40	2	300 Mbps	Local (2TB per hub)	Guest houses, farms
Business	60	3	500 Mbps	Local + Cloud + Backup	Retail, offices, rentals

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Arlo Ultra Setup

So, how many cameras can an Arlo Ultra support? The answer is clear: up to 20 per hub, with options to expand to 60+ using multiple hubs. But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Your internet speed, storage choices, camera mix, and property layout all play a role in how well your system performs.

Here’s my final take: Start small. Get one hub and 8–12 cameras. Test it. See how it handles your daily routine. Then expand if needed. Don’t fall into the “more is better” trap—sometimes, a well-placed 10-camera system beats a glitchy 20-camera one.

And remember: Arlo Ultra is a tool, not a magic bullet. It won’t stop every thief or catch every package thief. But when set up right? It gives you peace of mind, real-time alerts, and 4K clarity that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re protecting a cozy cottage or a sprawling estate, the Arlo Ultra ecosystem has the flexibility to grow with you. Just keep those hubs happy, your internet fast, and your expectations realistic. Happy monitoring!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can an Arlo Ultra support in a single system?

The Arlo Ultra supports up to 15 cameras per base station, making it ideal for comprehensive home or property coverage. This limit ensures stable performance and seamless 4K video streaming across all devices.

Can I connect more than 15 Arlo Ultra cameras using multiple base stations?

Yes, you can add more cameras by using additional Arlo SmartHubs or base stations, each supporting up to 15 Arlo Ultra cameras. This setup is useful for large properties requiring extended surveillance.

Does the Arlo Ultra camera work with older Arlo systems or cameras?

The Arlo Ultra is compatible with most Arlo base stations and can integrate with older Arlo cameras (e.g., Pro 3, Pro 2) on the same system. However, the 15-camera limit per hub still applies.

How many Arlo Ultra cameras can I manage through the Arlo app?

You can manage all your Arlo Ultra cameras—up to 15 per hub—directly through the Arlo app, which provides real-time alerts, live streaming, and cloud storage access.

Is there a subscription limit for how many Arlo Ultra cameras I can use?

Arlo’s subscription plans (like Arlo Secure) cover up to 15 cameras per plan, aligning with the hub’s limit. For more cameras, you’ll need additional subscriptions or a multi-hub setup.

What happens if I exceed the 15-camera limit on my Arlo Ultra system?

Exceeding the 15-camera limit may cause connectivity issues or reduced performance. To avoid this, deploy multiple SmartHubs or upgrade to a commercial-grade solution for larger-scale needs.