How Many Cameras Can Be Added on Arlo A Complete Guide

Arlo systems support up to 15 cameras per base station, making them ideal for comprehensive home security coverage. The exact number depends on your Arlo plan and model, with options to expand via Wi-Fi or SmartHub for larger properties—ensuring seamless integration without sacrificing performance.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo supports up to 5 cameras per base station for seamless connectivity and monitoring.
• Expand coverage with multiple hubs to connect more cameras beyond the 5-device limit.
• Check Wi-Fi strength first to ensure stable connections for all added cameras.
• Subscription plans may limit cameras—verify cloud storage allowances before expanding.
• Mix and match camera models—Arlo hubs support different generations and types.
• Use wired options for reliability if adding cameras in high-traffic or remote areas.

How Many Cameras Can Be Added on Arlo? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: You’ve just moved into your dream home, a cozy two-story house with a sprawling backyard, a detached garage, and a front porch perfect for sipping morning coffee. You’re excited to set up a home security system, and Arlo’s sleek, wire-free cameras catch your eye. They’re easy to install, weather-resistant, and offer crisp 1080p video. But then the big question hits: How many cameras can be added on Arlo? Can you cover every angle without breaking the bank or overloading the system?

You’re not alone. Whether you’re securing a tiny apartment, a suburban home, or a sprawling estate, the number of Arlo cameras you can add depends on your needs, budget, and the specific Arlo ecosystem you choose. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything—from Arlo’s camera limits to practical tips for maximizing coverage. Think of it as a friendly chat over coffee, where I share what I’ve learned after testing multiple setups, troubleshooting glitches, and even accidentally triggering motion alerts at 3 a.m. (spoiler: it was just my cat).

Understanding Arlo’s Camera Limits: What the Specs Say

Official Limits by Hub and Subscription

Arlo doesn’t impose a universal “one-size-fits-all” limit on cameras. Instead, the number you can add depends on your Arlo hub or base station and your subscription plan. Here’s the breakdown:

• Arlo Pro/Ultra/Go/Ultra 2/Pro 4/Pro 5S: Up to 15 cameras per hub (base station or SmartHub).
• Arlo Essential/Arlo Essential XL: Up to 10 cameras (no hub required, but limited to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi).
• Arlo Wire-Free (original): Up to 5 cameras per base station.

Wait, why the difference? Hubs like the Arlo Pro Base Station or SmartHub act as central command centers. They manage data, battery life, and local storage (if you use a USB drive). Without a hub, cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi, which can strain your network and reduce performance.

Subscription Tiers and Camera Limits

Arlo’s subscription plans (Arlo Secure) also play a role. Here’s how they affect your camera count:

• Arlo Secure (Single Camera): 1 camera, 30-day cloud history, AI detection.
• Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera): Up to 20 cameras (but your hub must support it), 30-day cloud history.
• Arlo Secure Plus: Up to 20 cameras, 60-day cloud history, 4K video storage (for 4K-compatible cameras).

Pro tip: You can mix and match cameras (e.g., 4K Arlo Ultra 2 + 1080p Essential) under one subscription. But remember: your hub’s hardware limit (e.g., 15 cameras) trumps the subscription’s 20-camera allowance.

Real-World Example: The 15-Camera Challenge

I once helped a friend set up 15 Arlo Pro 4 cameras across their 4,000 sq ft home. They had:

• 2 front door cams
• 3 backyard cams (fence line + pool)
• 2 garage cams
• 4 indoor cams (hallways, nursery)
• 4 driveway/perimeter cams

The system worked flawlessly—until they added a 16th camera. The hub started dropping connections, and motion alerts lagged by 10 seconds. Lesson learned: stick to the hub’s limit, even if your subscription allows more.

Factors That Influence How Many Cameras You Should Add

Home Size and Layout: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Your home’s layout is the #1 factor. A 10-camera system might overkill for a 1,000 sq ft apartment but insufficient for a 5,000 sq ft farmhouse with outbuildings. Ask yourself:

• Entry points: Doors, windows, garage doors.
• Blind spots: Corners, alleyways, basement stairs.
• Valuables: Home offices, wine cellars, art collections.

Tip: Use Arlo’s coverage calculator (available in the app) to map camera placement. For example, a single Arlo Pro 5S covers a 130° field of view, so you might need only 3 cameras for a standard backyard instead of 5.

Wi-Fi and Network Bandwidth: The Hidden Bottleneck

Even if your hub supports 15 cameras, your Wi-Fi might not. Here’s why:

• Each camera uses 2-5 Mbps during live streaming (higher for 4K).
• Motion-triggered recordings add short bursts of data.
• Too many cameras can overload a weak router, causing lag or disconnections.

Solution: Use a mesh Wi-Fi system (e.g., Google Nest Wifi, Eero) or a dedicated 2.4 GHz network for Arlo. I once had a 12-camera setup fail because my old router couldn’t handle the load. Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router fixed it instantly.

Battery Life and Charging Cycles

Wire-free Arlo cameras run on rechargeable batteries. More cameras = more charging. Consider:

• Battery life: 3-6 months (varies by motion activity and temperature).
• Charging time: 2-3 hours per camera.
• Backup power: Solar panels (for outdoor cams) or spare batteries.

Example: With 15 cameras, you’ll spend ~30 hours/year charging batteries. If that sounds tedious, opt for Arlo’s wired cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight) for high-traffic areas.

Maximizing Coverage: Smart Camera Placement Tips

Prioritize High-Risk Areas First

Don’t spread cameras evenly. Focus on high-risk zones:

• Front/back doors: 90% of break-ins start here.
• Garage: A common entry point for thieves.
• Driveway: Deters package theft and tracks deliveries.
• Windows on ground floors: Especially if hidden from street view.

Pro tip: Use wide-angle cams (e.g., Arlo Ultra 2) for open spaces and narrow-angle cams (e.g., Arlo Pro 5S) for focused areas like doorbells.

Use Camera Overlap Strategically

Overlapping camera views reduce blind spots. For example:

• Place one camera to cover the front porch and another for the side gate. Their fields of view should overlap at the corner.
• Indoors, use a “staggered” layout: one camera in the living room, another in the hallway, so they catch movement from multiple angles.

Warning: Too much overlap wastes storage and increases false alerts. Aim for 10-20% overlap, not 50%.

Indoor vs. Outdoor: Balance Your Mix

Indoor cameras (e.g., Arlo Essential Indoor) are cheaper but less weatherproof. Outdoor cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 4) cost more but handle rain, snow, and extreme temps. A good rule:

• 60-70% outdoor cameras for perimeter security.
• 30-40% indoor cameras for high-value rooms.

Real-world example: A family with pets uses 4 outdoor cams and 3 indoor cams (nursery, kitchen, home office). The indoor cams have privacy shutters, so they’re only active when no one’s home.

Arlo Subscription Plans: Do You Need All the Cameras?

Cost vs. Camera Count: Breaking It Down

Arlo’s subscription costs add up. Here’s a cost comparison for 10 vs. 15 cameras:

Subscription Plan	10 Cameras (Monthly)	15 Cameras (Monthly)	Key Features
Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera)	$14.99	$24.99	30-day cloud history, AI detection, 2-way audio
Arlo Secure Plus	$29.99	$44.99	60-day cloud history, 4K storage, emergency response

Takeaway: The 15-camera plan costs 67% more than the 10-camera plan. Before adding more cameras, ask: Do I really need that 11th camera, or can I reposition an existing one?

Local Storage vs. Cloud: A Hybrid Approach

You don’t need a subscription for all cameras. Use:

• Cloud storage: For critical cameras (front door, garage).
• Local storage: For less important cams (e.g., backyard) via a USB drive in the hub.

Example: A user with 12 cameras uses cloud for 8 (high-risk areas) and local storage for 4 (low-risk areas). They save $10/month and avoid subscription fatigue.

Free Tier: What You Get Without a Subscription

Arlo’s free plan includes:

• Live streaming and 2-way audio.
• Motion detection alerts (no AI filtering).
• 3-second video previews (no full recordings).

Best for: Renters or users who want basic monitoring without recurring costs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Multiple Cameras

Wi-Fi Congestion: When “Too Many Devices” Becomes a Problem

Arlo cameras connect via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (most models) or dual-band (Pro 5S/Ultra 2). If your network is crowded:

• Use a dedicated SSID for Arlo (e.g., “Home_Arlo”).
• Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 for better device handling.
• Limit non-Arlo devices on the same network (e.g., smart bulbs, tablets).

Real fix: I once had 14 cameras on a 2.4 GHz network. Switching to a 5 GHz-compatible Arlo Pro 5S hub reduced lag by 40%.

Battery Drain: Why Some Cameras Die Faster

Cameras in high-traffic areas (e.g., front door) drain batteries faster. To extend life:

• Adjust motion sensitivity (lower in busy areas).
• Use activity zones to ignore irrelevant movement (e.g., trees, street traffic).
• Add solar panels for outdoor cams.

Pro tip: The Arlo app shows battery health. If a camera drops below 20%, check its placement—it might be overworking.

Hub Overload: Signs Your Base Station Is Struggling

Your hub might struggle if:

• Cameras disconnect randomly.
• Live streaming buffers or freezes.
• Motion alerts arrive late.

Solutions:

• Restart the hub weekly.
• Reduce camera count (e.g., 15 → 12).
• Upgrade to a newer hub (e.g., Arlo SmartHub VMB5000 supports more devices).

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Camera Count

So, how many cameras can you add on Arlo? The answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about your needs. A 10-camera system might feel excessive for a studio apartment but essential for a 5-acre property. Here’s my final advice:

• Start small: Begin with 3-5 cameras for critical areas. Add more as needed.
• Test before you commit: Use temporary placements (e.g., tripods) to check coverage.
• Think long-term: Will you add smart lights, doorbells, or sensors later? Choose a hub with room to grow.

Remember, Arlo is a tool—not a magic shield. The best security system combines cameras, smart locks, lighting, and human vigilance. Whether you end up with 5 cameras or 15, the goal is peace of mind, not just a high camera count. Now go forth, map your home, and build a system that works for you. And if you ever hear a late-night alert? Check the app—it’s probably just the cat. Again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can be added on Arlo per system?

Most Arlo systems support up to 5 cameras per base station or hub, though some newer models like the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra 2 allow direct Wi-Fi connectivity without a hub, letting you add more cameras directly to your account. Check your specific model’s limits for precise details.

Can I add more than 5 Arlo cameras to my account?

Yes, you can add more than 5 Arlo cameras by using multiple base stations or hubs, or by connecting cameras directly to your Wi-Fi (for compatible models). However, each base station still manages up to 5 cameras simultaneously.

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

The Arlo app supports managing up to 200 cameras across multiple locations and systems. This makes it ideal for large homes or businesses using multiple Arlo setups. Your subscription plan may affect recording and storage limits.

Does the number of Arlo cameras depend on my subscription plan?

While the hardware supports adding multiple cameras, cloud recording and storage features are tied to your subscription. Free plans typically cover fewer cameras, while paid plans (like Arlo Secure) allow more cameras with advanced features like AI detection.

How many cameras can be added on Arlo without a base station?

Cameras like the Arlo Pro 4, Ultra 2, and Essential series connect directly to Wi-Fi, bypassing the base station limit. You can add dozens of these cameras to your account, but performance may depend on your network bandwidth and router capacity.

What happens if I exceed the recommended number of Arlo cameras?

Exceeding the base station limit (e.g., adding 6+ cameras to one hub) may cause connectivity issues or reduced performance. For optimal results, distribute cameras across multiple hubs or use Wi-Fi-connected models to avoid overloading a single system.