How Many Cameras Can Arlo Smart Hub Support Revealed

The Arlo Smart Hub supports up to 15 cameras simultaneously, making it ideal for comprehensive home or business surveillance setups. This high-capacity connectivity ensures seamless integration and centralized control across all your Arlo devices, maximizing coverage without sacrificing performance.

Key Takeaways

• Max 15 cameras: Arlo Smart Hub supports up to 15 cameras for seamless connectivity.
• Optimize performance: Fewer cameras reduce lag and improve system reliability.
• Wi-Fi 6 ready: Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 for smoother multi-camera streaming.
• Check compatibility: Not all Arlo cameras work with every Smart Hub model.
• Expand storage: Use local storage to save footage and reduce cloud costs.
• Prioritize placement: Position hub centrally for strong camera signal coverage.

How Many Cameras Can Arlo Smart Hub Support? A Deep Dive

Imagine this: you’ve just moved into a new home, and the first thing on your mind is security. You want to keep an eye on your front porch, backyard, driveway, and maybe even the garage. So, you start looking into smart home security systems and land on Arlo. It’s sleek, reliable, and packed with features. But then you hit a wall—how many cameras can the Arlo Smart Hub actually support? Is it two, five, ten? Can you really cover your entire property without buying multiple hubs?

You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions people ask when setting up an Arlo system. Whether you’re securing a cozy apartment, a sprawling suburban house, or even a small business, knowing your limits is crucial. Over the years, I’ve helped friends and family set up Arlo systems in homes ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 square feet. And every time, the same question pops up: “Can the Smart Hub handle all these cameras?” In this post, I’m going to walk you through exactly how many cameras the Arlo Smart Hub can support, why it matters, and what you can do if you hit that limit. We’ll also cover real-life scenarios, tips for optimizing performance, and how to future-proof your setup. No fluff, no hype—just honest, practical advice.

Understanding the Arlo Smart Hub: What It Is and Why It Matters

The Arlo Smart Hub is more than just a Wi-Fi extender for your cameras. Think of it as the brain of your Arlo security system. It’s a small, unassuming device that connects to your router and acts as a bridge between your Arlo cameras and the internet. It’s especially important for certain Arlo models, like the Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential series, which use a proprietary wireless protocol (called Arlo RF) for faster, more reliable communication.

How the Smart Hub Works

Unlike Wi-Fi cameras that connect directly to your router, many Arlo cameras connect to the Smart Hub using a 2.4 GHz wireless link. This has several advantages:

• Less Wi-Fi congestion: Your home Wi-Fi stays free for laptops, phones, and streaming devices.
• Better range: The hub can be placed in a central location, extending the reach of your cameras—even to the far corners of your yard.
• Improved battery life: Arlo RF is more efficient than Wi-Fi, so your cameras last longer between charges.

But here’s the catch: the Smart Hub isn’t a limitless gateway. It has a maximum number of cameras it can support, and that number depends on several factors—including the model of the hub, the type of cameras, and how you use them.

Different Models, Different Limits

Arlo has released several versions of the Smart Hub over the years. The most common ones are:

• Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000): This is the standard model, compatible with Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential cameras.
• Arlo Base Station (VMB4000): An older model, still used with Pro 2 and Pro 3 cameras.
• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540): A newer version with enhanced processing and support for more devices.

Each has slightly different capabilities, but the VMB5000 and VMB4540 are the ones you’ll encounter most today. And yes—they both have a cap on how many cameras they can support.

The Official Camera Limit: What Arlo Says (and What It Really Means)

According to Arlo’s official documentation, the Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000 and VMB4540) supports up to 15 cameras. That’s the number you’ll find in the user manual, on the website, and in most customer service responses. But here’s the thing: that number is more of a guideline than a hard rule.

Why 15 Cameras Is the “Sweet Spot”

Arlo designed the Smart Hub to handle 15 cameras under optimal conditions. That means:

• Cameras are spread out evenly (not all clustered in one area).
• You’re not recording 24/7 (motion-triggered recording is fine).
• Your home network is stable, with minimal interference.
• You’re using compatible cameras (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Essential).

In real life, I’ve seen people run 14 cameras smoothly—but the 15th camera often causes issues. Why? Because it’s not just about the number of cameras. It’s about the data load they create.

When 15 Is Too Many

Let’s say you have:

• 8 outdoor cameras (4K Ultra models) recording 24/7.
• 3 indoor cameras (Essential series) with constant motion detection.
• 4 doorbell cameras sending live streams every time someone rings.

That’s 15 cameras—but your Smart Hub might struggle. Why? Because 4K video, continuous recording, and frequent live streaming eat up bandwidth and processing power. The Smart Hub has to manage video encoding, motion alerts, and cloud uploads for all of them. At a certain point, it starts to slow down.

I once helped a friend set up a 12-camera system. Everything worked fine for a week—until they added a 13th camera. Suddenly, live feeds lagged, motion alerts were delayed, and the hub would occasionally reboot. After some troubleshooting, we discovered the issue: the hub was overwhelmed by the data load, even though it was technically under the 15-camera limit.

The Real-World Limit: 10–12 Cameras for Best Performance

Based on my experience and feedback from Arlo users, here’s what I recommend:

• For light to moderate use (motion-triggered recording): 15 cameras are doable, but monitor performance.
• For heavy use (24/7 recording, 4K, frequent live viewing): Stick to 10–12 cameras per hub.
• For mixed use (some 24/7, some motion-triggered): 12–14 cameras is the sweet spot.

Think of it like a highway: 15 cars can drive on it, but if they’re all speeding trucks, traffic slows down. The same applies to your Arlo system.

Factors That Affect How Many Cameras Your Smart Hub Can Handle

The “15-camera limit” is just the start. Several factors can make your hub perform better—or worse. Here’s what really matters.

Camera Type and Resolution

Not all cameras are created equal. A 1080p Essential camera uses far less data than a 4K Ultra camera. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Essential (1080p): Lightweight. 15+ of these should be fine.
• Pro 3/Pro 4 (2K): Moderate load. 12–14 recommended.
• Ultra (4K): Heavy load. 10–12 max for smooth performance.

Tip: If you’re using 4K cameras, consider lowering the resolution to 2K or 1080p when motion is detected. You can still record 4K for important events, but save bandwidth during routine monitoring.

Recording Mode: Motion vs. 24/7

This is huge. Cameras that record only when motion is detected are much easier on the hub than those recording 24/7. If you have 10 cameras set to 24/7 recording, your hub is working nonstop. But if they’re motion-triggered, it’s only active when needed.

Example: My cousin has a 10-camera system. Five are set to 24/7 (front/back yard, garage, driveway, porch). The other five are motion-triggered (indoor, side yard, shed). The hub handles it well—but if she switched all to 24/7, she’d need a second hub.

Network Stability and Interference

The Smart Hub connects to your router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. For best performance, use Ethernet. A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection can cause the hub to lose sync with cameras, leading to delays or dropouts.

Also, avoid interference. Microwaves, baby monitors, and other 2.4 GHz devices can disrupt Arlo RF signals. Place the hub away from these devices, and ideally, in a central location.

Firmware and Updates

Arlo regularly releases firmware updates that improve performance and stability. An outdated hub might struggle with newer cameras or features. Always keep your hub and cameras updated.

Tip: Check for updates monthly. You can do this in the Arlo app under Settings > My Devices > [Hub Name] > Firmware.

Number of Users and Live Streams

If multiple people are watching live feeds at once, the hub has to send multiple streams. This can slow things down. If you have a large family or share access with neighbors, keep an eye on performance during peak times.

Solutions When You Hit the Limit: Scaling Your Arlo System

So what happens if you need more than 15 cameras? Or if your hub is struggling with 10? Don’t worry—there are smart ways to scale your system without sacrificing performance.

Add a Second Smart Hub

The most straightforward solution is to add a second Arlo Smart Hub. Each hub can support up to 15 cameras, so with two, you can run up to 30.

How to set it up:

• Connect the second hub to your router via Ethernet.
• Place it in a different area of your home (e.g., basement, garage, or far corner).
• Assign cameras to the nearest hub for best signal strength.

Example: A friend runs a small farm. He has 12 outdoor cameras and 6 indoor ones. He uses two Smart Hubs—one for the house (8 cameras), one for the barn and fields (10 cameras). Each hub handles its own zone, and performance is flawless.

Use Wi-Fi Cameras (When Possible)

Some Arlo cameras, like the Essential series, can connect directly to Wi-Fi instead of the hub. If you have a strong Wi-Fi network, you can offload a few cameras to your router, freeing up space on the hub.

Tip: Use this for cameras in areas with excellent Wi-Fi coverage (e.g., near the router). Avoid it for outdoor cameras far from the house—they might lose signal.

Optimize Camera Settings

You don’t need all cameras running at full power. Try these tweaks:

• Reduce resolution: Drop 4K to 2K or 1080p for non-critical cameras.
• Adjust motion sensitivity: Lower sensitivity to reduce false alerts and recording time.
• Use activity zones: Tell the camera to ignore areas like trees or busy streets.
• Schedule recording: Only record 24/7 during high-risk hours (e.g., 10 PM–6 AM).

These small changes can significantly reduce the load on your hub.

Upgrade Your Internet Plan

If you’re streaming a lot of 4K video or backing up to the cloud, your internet speed matters. A slow upload speed (under 10 Mbps) can cause delays and buffering. Consider upgrading to a plan with at least 25–50 Mbps upload speed.

Real-World Examples: How Different Users Handle Camera Limits

Let’s look at three real-life setups to see how people manage their Arlo systems.

Case 1: The Suburban Home (12 Cameras, One Hub)

User: Sarah, homeowner in a 2,500 sq ft house with a large backyard.

Setup:

• 4 Arlo Ultra (4K) – front yard, backyard, driveway, garage.
• 3 Arlo Pro 4 (2K) – porch, side yard, shed.
• 3 Arlo Essential (1080p) – indoors (living room, kitchen, nursery).
• 2 Arlo Video Doorbell – front and back doors.

Settings:

• 4K cameras: 24/7 recording, 4K resolution.
• 2K cameras: motion-triggered, 2K resolution.
• 1080p cameras: motion-triggered, 1080p.
• Doorbell: motion-triggered, 1080p.

Performance: Smooth. No lag or dropouts. The hub handles the load well because only 4 cameras are recording continuously.

Case 2: The Small Business (20 Cameras, Two Hubs)

User: Mark, owner of a retail store and warehouse.

Setup:

• 12 Arlo Ultra – store, warehouse, parking lot.
• 8 Arlo Essential – office, break room, loading dock.

Hubs: Two VMB4540 hubs—one in the store, one in the warehouse.

Settings: All cameras set to motion-triggered, 2K resolution (Ultra) and 1080p (Essential).

Performance: Excellent. Each hub handles 10 cameras with ease. The system runs 24/7 without issues.

Case 3: The Large Estate (25 Cameras, Two Hubs + Wi-Fi)

User: James, homeowner with a 5-acre property.

Setup:

• 10 Arlo Ultra – perimeter, pool, stables.
• 8 Arlo Pro 4 – house, driveway, guest house.
• 7 Arlo Essential – indoors and near Wi-Fi.

Hubs: Two VMB5000 hubs—one in the main house, one in the guest house.

Wi-Fi Cameras: 5 Essential cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi (near the router).

Settings: Mix of 24/7 and motion-triggered, mostly 2K resolution.

Performance: Good. The Wi-Fi cameras offload some load, and the hubs handle the rest. Occasional lag when all 25 are active, but rare.

Setup	Total Cameras	Hubs Used	Wi-Fi Cameras	Performance
Suburban Home	12	1	0	Excellent
Small Business	20	2	0	Excellent
Large Estate	25	2	5	Good

Final Thoughts: Planning Your Arlo System for Success

So, how many cameras can the Arlo Smart Hub support? Officially, up to 15. But in practice, the real answer depends on your cameras, settings, and usage. For most people, 10–12 cameras is the ideal range for smooth performance—especially if you’re using 4K or 24/7 recording.

Remember, the Smart Hub is just one piece of the puzzle. Your internet speed, camera settings, and physical layout all play a role. If you hit the limit, don’t panic. Adding a second hub, using Wi-Fi cameras, or optimizing settings can help you scale without sacrificing quality.

At the end of the day, security is about peace of mind. You don’t need every camera running at peak performance all the time. Focus on what matters—your home, your family, your peace. With a little planning, your Arlo system can deliver exactly that.

And if you’re still unsure? Start small. Add a few cameras, test the hub, and expand as needed. You’ll learn what works for your home—and avoid the headache of an overloaded system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can Arlo Smart Hub support in total?

The Arlo Smart Hub can support up to 15 Arlo cameras simultaneously, including a mix of wired and wireless models. This makes it ideal for medium to large home security setups.

Can the Arlo Smart Hub support multiple camera types at once?

Yes, the Arlo Smart Hub is compatible with up to 15 cameras across various Arlo models, including Pro, Ultra, and Essential series. This flexibility allows you to customize your surveillance system with indoor, outdoor, or doorbell cameras.

Does the Arlo Smart Hub support more than 15 cameras with an upgrade?

No, the 15-camera limit is hardware-based and cannot be expanded through firmware or subscription upgrades. If you need more cameras, consider using multiple Smart Hubs or upgrading to the Arlo Base Station for higher capacity.

Is there a limit to how many Arlo cameras can connect to one Smart Hub via Wi-Fi?

While the Smart Hub supports up to 15 cameras total, Wi-Fi performance may vary based on signal strength and interference. For optimal results, use the included Ethernet cable for hub connectivity and position cameras within reliable range.

How does the Arlo Smart Hub handle 4K cameras in terms of supported device count?

Each 4K Arlo camera counts as one device toward the 15-camera limit on the Smart Hub. However, 4K streaming may require stronger bandwidth, so ensure your network can handle the increased data load.

Can I mix Arlo Smart Hub-supported cameras with non-Arlo brands?

No, the Arlo Smart Hub only supports Arlo-branded cameras and accessories. Third-party cameras won’t integrate with the hub’s software or security features, even if they use the same protocols.