How Many Cameras Can Arlo Pro Support Find Out Now

The Arlo Pro system supports up to 25 cameras on a single base station, making it ideal for comprehensive home or business surveillance. Whether you’re expanding coverage or securing large properties, this scalable setup ensures seamless integration without compromising performance. No more guesswork—maximize your security with confidence!

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Pro supports up to 5 cameras per base station for seamless monitoring.
• Expand coverage easily by adding more base stations for larger properties.
• Wi-Fi range matters—place cameras within 300 feet of the base station.
• Sync multiple cameras quickly using the Arlo app’s simple setup process.
• Check firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
• Prioritize camera placement to maximize coverage and reduce blind spots.

How Many Cameras Can Arlo Pro Support? Let’s Break It Down

When I first set up my Arlo Pro system, I was excited—but also a little overwhelmed. I had just bought a few cameras to monitor my home, but I kept wondering: *How many cameras can Arlo Pro support?* Was there a hard limit? Could I add more later? What if I wanted to cover my entire property, from the front porch to the backyard shed? If you’re asking the same questions, you’re not alone. Many homeowners, renters, and even small business owners turn to Arlo Pro for its reliability, wireless design, and smart features. But before you invest in a full setup, it’s crucial to understand the system’s camera capacity.

The Arlo Pro lineup—especially the Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, and Arlo Pro 4—has become a go-to for DIY security. They’re easy to install, offer crisp video, and integrate well with smart home platforms. But the number of cameras you can connect isn’t just about plugging in more devices. It depends on your base station, subscription plan, Wi-Fi network, and even how you plan to use the system. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I learned—what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of your Arlo Pro setup without hitting unexpected roadblocks.

Understanding the Core: Arlo Pro Base Stations and Their Limits

The heart of your Arlo Pro system is the base station. Think of it as the brain that communicates with your cameras, stores recordings (if you have a local option), and connects to your home network. The number of cameras your system can support starts here. Not all base stations are created equal, and understanding their capabilities is the first step to building a scalable setup.

Arlo Pro and Pro 2 Base Stations: The 5-Camera Standard

The original Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 use a base station that officially supports up to 5 cameras. This is a hard limit set by Netgear, the manufacturer. I learned this the hard way when I tried to add a sixth camera—it simply wouldn’t pair. The system would recognize the camera during setup, but it never stayed connected. After a few frustrating hours and a call to Arlo support, I found out it was a hardware limitation, not a software glitch.

This doesn’t mean you can’t have more than 5 cameras in your home. You can—but you’ll need a second base station. Each base station acts as its own hub, managing up to 5 cameras. So, if you have 8 cameras, you’d use two base stations (5 + 3). The downside? You’ll need to manage multiple systems in the Arlo app, which can be a bit clunky.

Tip: If you’re planning for expansion, consider buying an extra base station early. They’re often sold in kits with one or two cameras, but you can buy them separately. Having a spare base station also gives you flexibility if one fails.

Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4: Smarter Hubs, Higher Capacity

The Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 introduced a new base station—the Arlo SmartHub (also called the Arlo Hub). This is a game-changer. It supports up to 15 cameras, which is a huge leap from the older models. I upgraded to a Pro 3 system and was thrilled to see that I could add more cameras without needing a second hub right away.

The SmartHub also offers local storage via a microSD card (sold separately), which means you can record footage even without a cloud subscription. This is perfect for people who want to avoid monthly fees or have unreliable internet. Plus, the hub supports faster data transfer, so your cameras connect more reliably and with less lag.

Real-world example: I have a friend who runs a small farm. She uses 12 Arlo Pro 3 cameras to monitor barns, pastures, and equipment sheds. She runs one SmartHub and loves that she can access all cameras from one app. The only downside? The microSD card fills up fast if you record 24/7, so she schedules recordings only during high-risk hours (like overnight).

Can You Mix and Match Base Stations?

Technically, yes—but it’s not ideal. You can pair an older Arlo Pro base station with a newer SmartHub, but they operate independently. You’ll see two separate systems in the Arlo app, and you can’t group cameras from different hubs into the same viewing layout. For example, you can’t create a “Whole Home” view that includes cameras from Hub A and Hub B. It’s doable, but it adds complexity.

If you’re upgrading from an older system, I recommend replacing the old base station with a SmartHub. It’s a one-time cost, but it future-proofs your setup. Plus, the newer hubs are more stable and have better firmware updates.

Cloud Subscriptions and Camera Limits: The Hidden Factor

Here’s something many people overlook: your Arlo subscription plan can affect how many cameras you can use—even if your base station supports more. Arlo’s cloud service is where your recordings are stored, and it’s tied to your account, not just the hardware.

Free vs. Paid Plans: What You Get

Arlo offers a free plan, but it’s very limited. You get:

• Live video streaming
• Motion-activated push notifications
• 7-day cloud storage for *one* camera (yes, just one)

If you have multiple cameras, only one will record to the cloud. The others will only send alerts and let you view live footage. For most people, this isn’t enough. I started with the free plan, but after a package was stolen from my porch, I realized I needed recordings from *all* my cameras. I upgraded within a week.

Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus: The Real Enablers

Arlo’s paid plans—Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus—are where things get interesting. Here’s how they work:

• Arlo Secure (Standard): Supports up to 10 cameras. Includes 30-day cloud storage, AI-powered person/vehicle detection, and activity zones.
• Arlo Secure Plus: Supports up to 20 cameras. Adds 4K video support, advanced AI detection (like packages, animals), and emergency response features.

Notice the pattern? Your subscription determines the *maximum* number of cameras that can record to the cloud. Even if your SmartHub supports 15 cameras, a standard Arlo Secure plan will only let you record from 10. The rest will still send alerts and live video, but no cloud backups.

Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, start with Arlo Secure and add cameras one by one. You can upgrade your plan later when you hit the 10-camera limit. Just remember that older recordings from the 11th+ camera won’t be saved unless you upgrade.

What Happens If You Exceed the Limit?

I tried this once—added an 11th camera while on the standard Arlo Secure plan. The camera paired fine, and I got live video. But when I checked the app, I saw a message: “Cloud recording not available for this camera.” No recordings, no playback. It was like having a half-functional camera. I had to either upgrade my plan or disable cloud features for the new camera.

This is a sneaky way Arlo encourages upgrades, but it’s also a reminder to plan ahead. If you know you’ll eventually have more than 10 cameras, go for Arlo Secure Plus from the start. The extra cost is worth the peace of mind.

Wi-Fi, Network Bandwidth, and Performance: The Real-World Test

You might think, “My base station supports 15 cameras, and my plan covers 20—so I’m good!” Not so fast. Your home Wi-Fi network is the unsung hero (or villain) of your Arlo Pro setup. Cameras stream video to the base station, which then uploads it to the cloud. If your network can’t handle the load, you’ll see lag, dropped connections, and poor video quality.

How Many Cameras Can Your Wi-Fi Handle?

Each Arlo Pro camera uses about 5–10 Mbps of bandwidth when recording (depending on resolution and frame rate). If you have 10 cameras recording simultaneously, that’s 50–100 Mbps. Most home internet plans offer 100–300 Mbps, so it *should* be fine—but there’s a catch.

Your router, Wi-Fi signal strength, and other devices (like phones, laptops, smart TVs) also use bandwidth. If your router is old or placed in a corner, it might struggle with multiple video streams. I learned this when my backyard camera kept disconnecting during storms. It turned out the signal was weak, and the base station couldn’t maintain a stable connection.

Practical tip: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android) to check signal strength. Place your base station in a central location, away from thick walls and metal objects. If you have a large home, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Google Nest Wi-Fi or Eero) to boost coverage.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: A Bandwidth Hack

If your internet is slow or unreliable, here’s a smart workaround: use local storage. The Arlo SmartHub (for Pro 3/4) and newer base stations let you insert a microSD card to record footage locally. This means:

• No bandwidth used for uploading
• No risk of dropped connections due to internet issues
• Full recordings, even without a subscription

I use a 128GB microSD card in my SmartHub. It holds about 30 days of 1080p recordings (with motion-activated triggers). When I need to review footage, I pop the card into my laptop or view it directly in the Arlo app. It’s not as convenient as cloud storage, but it’s rock-solid reliable.

Warning: Local storage isn’t immune to theft. If someone steals your base station, they get the recordings. For critical areas, I recommend *both* local and cloud storage.

Camera Placement and Network Load

Not all cameras are equal. A camera facing a busy street will trigger more often than one in a quiet backyard. More triggers = more recordings = more bandwidth. To reduce load:

• Use activity zones to ignore irrelevant motion (like passing cars)
• Set recording length to 15–30 seconds (instead of 30+)
• Schedule recording hours (e.g., only at night)

I have a camera on my front gate, which gets a lot of activity. I set it to record only between 6 PM and 7 AM, which cut my bandwidth use by 60%. The trade-off? I might miss daytime deliveries, but I get notified instantly anyway.

Scaling Your System: Tips for Large Homes or Properties

If you’re planning to cover a large area—like a multi-story home, a detached garage, or a small farm—you’ll need a strategic approach. Here’s how I scaled my setup from 5 to 14 cameras without breaking the bank or my network.

Start with a Central Hub

Place your base station or SmartHub in the center of your home. This ensures the strongest Wi-Fi signal for all cameras. I put mine in the living room, near my router. For larger properties, you might need a second hub in a secondary building (like a garage or workshop). Just remember: each hub needs its own power outlet and Wi-Fi connection.

Use Arlo Pro 4 for Outdoor and Long-Range Needs

The Arlo Pro 4 has the best range and battery life. I use them for cameras that are far from the hub (like my backyard shed and driveway). They connect reliably up to 300 feet away, even through walls. Older models (Pro/Pro 2) struggle beyond 100–150 feet.

Pro tip: If you need to cover a very long distance, use a Wi-Fi extender *near the camera* to boost the signal back to the hub. I did this for my barn camera, and it’s been rock-solid for over a year.

Group Cameras by Priority

Not all cameras need 24/7 recording. I group mine into three tiers:

• High Priority (24/7 cloud + local): Front door, back door, garage
• Medium Priority (motion-only, cloud): Side yard, driveway
• Low Priority (motion-only, local): Backyard shed, garden

This saves bandwidth and subscription costs. The low-priority cameras only record to the microSD card, so they don’t count toward my cloud limit.

Consider Solar Panels for Remote Cameras

Battery life is a pain. I used to charge my outdoor cameras every 2–3 months. Now, I use Arlo’s solar panels for cameras that are hard to reach (like on a tall pole). They keep the batteries topped up with just 2–3 hours of sunlight per day. No more ladder climbing!

Data Table: Arlo Pro Camera Support at a Glance

Model	Base Station	Max Cameras (Hardware)	Subscription Plan	Max Cameras (Cloud)	Local Storage
Arlo Pro	Original Base Station	5	Free / Secure / Secure Plus	1 (Free) / 10 (Secure) / 20 (Secure Plus)	No
Arlo Pro 2	Original Base Station	5	Free / Secure / Secure Plus	1 / 10 / 20	No
Arlo Pro 3	Arlo SmartHub	15	Free / Secure / Secure Plus	1 / 10 / 20	Yes (microSD)
Arlo Pro 4	Arlo SmartHub	15	Free / Secure / Secure Plus	1 / 10 / 20	Yes (microSD)

Final Thoughts: How Many Cameras Can Arlo Pro Support? The Real Answer

So, how many cameras can Arlo Pro support? The answer isn’t a simple number—it’s a combination of hardware, software, and your needs. If you’re using an older Arlo Pro or Pro 2, you’re capped at 5 cameras per base station. With a SmartHub (Pro 3/4), you can go up to 15. But your subscription plan might limit cloud recordings to 10 or 20 cameras, regardless of hardware.

The real magic is in planning. Start with your priorities: What areas need 24/7 coverage? How much bandwidth can your Wi-Fi handle? Do you want local storage as a backup? By thinking ahead, you can build a system that scales with your life—whether you’re protecting a small apartment or a sprawling property.

I’ve been using Arlo Pro for over three years, and it’s saved me more than once. A package thief, a raccoon raid on my trash cans, even a neighbor’s dog digging up my garden—all caught on camera. The key is to work *with* the system, not against it. Use activity zones, schedule recordings, and don’t overload your network. And if you ever hit a limit, remember: you’re not stuck. A second hub, a plan upgrade, or a microSD card can solve most problems.

At the end of the day, Arlo Pro isn’t just about how many cameras you can add. It’s about feeling safe, knowing your home is watched, and having the flexibility to grow. Whether you need 3 cameras or 15, Arlo Pro can support it—if you plan it right.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Arlo Pro system supports up to 5 cameras per base station. This allows for flexible indoor and outdoor coverage without overwhelming the connection.

Can I expand the number of cameras supported by Arlo Pro beyond 5?

Yes, you can add more cameras by using multiple base stations or upgrading to an Arlo SmartHub, which supports up to 15 cameras per hub. This makes scaling your security setup seamless.

Does the Arlo Pro support limit affect video quality or performance?

No, the camera limit is based on connectivity, not performance. Each Arlo Pro camera streams in 1080p HD, and the system manages bandwidth efficiently across all connected devices.

How many cameras can Arlo Pro support if I use a SmartHub instead of a base station?

Using an Arlo SmartHub increases the supported camera count to 15. This is ideal for larger properties requiring more extensive surveillance coverage.

Is there a subscription requirement to add more cameras to my Arlo Pro system?

While you can add up to 5 cameras without a subscription, cloud storage for additional cameras requires an Arlo Secure plan. Local storage via the base station or SmartHub works without a subscription.

Can I mix Arlo Pro cameras with other Arlo models in the same system?

Yes, the Arlo Pro supports integration with other Arlo cameras (like Ultra or Essential) on the same account. However, base station or SmartHub camera limits still apply per device.