How Many Cameras Can Be Added to Arlo Pro A Complete Guide

The Arlo Pro system supports up to 15 cameras per base station, making it ideal for comprehensive home or business surveillance. This scalable setup ensures seamless integration and high-quality monitoring across multiple zones without sacrificing performance.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Pro supports up to 15 cameras per base station. Ideal for comprehensive home coverage.
• Wi-Fi extenders boost connectivity for larger setups. Ensures seamless camera performance.
• Subscription plans affect multi-camera recording options. Choose wisely for uninterrupted cloud storage.
• Each camera requires a strong signal for optimal function. Position base station centrally.
• Local storage works independently of camera count limits. Use USB drives for extra security.

How Many Cameras Can Be Added to Arlo Pro A Complete Guide

Imagine this: You’ve just moved into a new house with a spacious yard, a long driveway, and a backyard shed that’s seen better days. You’ve heard great things about the Arlo Pro security system—reliable, wireless, and easy to install. You buy the base kit with two cameras and think you’re all set. But then you start wondering: How many cameras can be added to Arlo Pro? Can I cover the front porch, back patio, side gate, garage, and shed without buying a whole new system? And what if I want to add indoor cameras for the kids’ rooms?

You’re not alone. Many Arlo Pro users start small and quickly realize their security needs grow. Whether you’re a homeowner, a small business owner, or just someone who likes to keep tabs on their property, understanding the camera limits of your Arlo Pro system is crucial. It’s not just about plugging in more cameras—it’s about knowing the technical limits, practical considerations, and real-world performance when scaling up. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about adding cameras to your Arlo Pro system—no fluff, just real answers from someone who’s been in your shoes.

Understanding the Arlo Pro Ecosystem

What Is Arlo Pro?

The Arlo Pro is a line of wireless, weather-resistant security cameras developed by Netgear. Unlike traditional wired systems, Arlo Pro cameras run on rechargeable batteries, connect via Wi-Fi to a central hub (the base station), and stream video to the cloud or local storage. The system is designed for flexibility—easy to install, scalable, and compatible with smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

Arlo Pro has evolved over the years. The Arlo Pro (1st gen), Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, and Arlo Pro 4 are the main models. While they share core features—HD video, night vision, motion detection, two-way audio—each generation brings improvements in resolution, battery life, and connectivity. For this guide, we’ll focus on the Pro 2 and later models, as they’re the most widely used today.

How the System Works: Base Station vs. Cameras

The heart of the Arlo Pro system is the base station. It’s a small device that connects to your home router via Ethernet. All Arlo Pro cameras (except Arlo Pro 4, which can connect directly to Wi-Fi) communicate with this hub using a secure, encrypted 2.4 GHz radio signal. The base station acts as a bridge between your cameras and the internet, managing video uploads, firmware updates, and local storage if you use a USB drive.

Here’s a key point: The number of cameras you can add depends on the base station, not the cameras themselves. Think of it like a Wi-Fi router—your phone doesn’t limit how many devices connect; the router does. Same with Arlo Pro. The base station has a maximum capacity, and once you hit it, you can’t add more cameras without upgrading or using a workaround.

Why This Matters for Scalability

Let’s say you start with a 2-camera kit. You’re happy with the coverage. But six months later, you install a new shed, add a second-floor balcony, and realize you need more eyes on your property. You buy two more cameras. Then you add a pet cam in the living room. Before you know it, you’re at 6 cameras. Can you go to 8? 10? What happens if your base station starts lagging?

Understanding the ecosystem helps you plan ahead. You don’t want to hit a wall halfway through your setup. Plus, more cameras mean more bandwidth, more cloud storage needs, and more battery changes. Knowing the limits helps you avoid headaches down the road.

Maximum Camera Limits by Arlo Pro Model

Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2: The Classic Hub

The original Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 use the same base station (model VMB4000 or VMB4500). This hub supports up to 15 cameras. That’s a solid number for most homes. A 15-camera setup can cover:

• Front yard (2 cameras)
• Backyard (2 cameras)
• Driveway (1 camera)
• Side gates (2 cameras)
• Garage (1 camera)
• Basement/utility room (1 camera)
• Indoor living areas (3 cameras)
• Spare for future use (3 cameras)

Real-world example: My friend Sarah uses 14 Arlo Pro 2 cameras across her 3,000 sq ft home and 0.5-acre yard. She has two base stations (more on that later), but she says 15 cameras on one hub would be manageable—just requires careful placement to avoid Wi-Fi congestion.

Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4: New Hub, New Rules

Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 use a newer base station (VMB5000). This hub also supports 15 cameras. However, there’s a twist: Arlo Pro 4 can connect directly to Wi-Fi, bypassing the base station entirely. This means you can have:

• Up to 15 cameras connected to the VMB5000 hub (Pro 3 or older)
• Plus, additional Pro 4 cameras connected directly to your router

Netgear doesn’t specify a hard limit for Wi-Fi-only Pro 4 cameras, but real-world reports suggest 10–15 direct Wi-Fi cameras per router is a safe ceiling, depending on your router’s capabilities. For example, a high-end Wi-Fi 6 router (like the Netgear Nighthawk) can handle more devices than a basic ISP-provided router.

Tip: If you’re mixing Pro 3 and Pro 4 cameras, use the base station for outdoor cameras (they’re more bandwidth-heavy due to higher resolution and night vision) and Wi-Fi for indoor Pro 4 cameras (lower resolution, less data).

Arlo Pro 5S: The Hybrid Approach

The Arlo Pro 5S (released in 2023) is a hybrid. It can connect to the VMB5000 hub or directly to Wi-Fi, giving you maximum flexibility. The same 15-camera limit applies to the hub, but you can add more via Wi-Fi. This is ideal for large properties where you need 20+ cameras.

Example: A small business owner uses 12 Pro 5S cameras on the hub for perimeter coverage and 8 Pro 4 cameras on Wi-Fi for indoor monitoring. Total: 20 cameras. He says the key is using a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Eero) to ensure strong, consistent signal across all devices.

What Happens If You Exceed the Limit?

If you try to add a 16th camera to a VMB4000 or VMB5000 hub, the Arlo app will block you. You’ll see an error: “Maximum number of devices reached.” There’s no software override—you must either:

• Remove an existing camera
• Add a second base station (more on this below)
• Use Wi-Fi-only cameras (Pro 4/5S)

Using Multiple Base Stations for Larger Setups

Can You Add a Second Hub?

Yes! Arlo allows you to connect multiple base stations to a single Arlo account. This is the best way to scale beyond 15 cameras if you’re using Pro 2, Pro 3, or Pro 5S cameras that rely on the hub.

Here’s how it works:

1. Buy a second VMB4000 (for Pro/Pro 2) or VMB5000 (for Pro 3/5S)
2. Connect it to your router via Ethernet (use a different LAN port or a switch)
3. Pair it with your Arlo account using the app
4. Add new cameras to the second hub

Each hub supports 15 cameras, so two hubs = 30 cameras. Three hubs = 45. The limit is practical, not technical—you’re constrained by Wi-Fi congestion, power outlets, and your patience for managing multiple hubs.

Practical Tips for Multi-Hub Setups

• Label your hubs: Name them “Front Yard Hub” and “Back Yard Hub” in the app to avoid confusion.
• Use a switch: If your router doesn’t have enough Ethernet ports, buy a 5-port Gigabit switch (~$20).
• Place hubs strategically: Put one hub near the front of your house and another near the back to reduce signal interference. Arlo cameras use a proprietary radio protocol, but physical distance still matters.
• Monitor bandwidth: Each hub uploads video to the cloud. Two hubs = double the data usage. Check your internet plan to avoid overage fees.

Real-World Example: A 25-Camera Home

Mark, a homeowner in Texas, has a 4,500 sq ft house with a pool, tennis court, and guest house. He uses:

• 15 Arlo Pro 3 cameras on Hub 1 (VMB5000)
• 10 Arlo Pro 5S cameras on Hub 2 (VMB5000)
• Total: 25 cameras

He says the setup was tricky at first—“I had to reboot both hubs twice during setup”—but now it runs smoothly. His only complaint: “The app shows all cameras together, so I have to scroll a lot. But the ‘Groups’ feature helps.”

Limitations of Multi-Hub Systems

While powerful, multi-hub setups have drawbacks:

• Cost: Each hub costs $100–$150. That’s a big investment for 15 extra cameras.
• Complexity: Managing two hubs means more firmware updates, battery checks, and potential sync issues.
• Local storage: If you use USB drives for local storage, you’ll have two separate drives to manage.

For most users, a single hub is enough. Only go multi-hub if you truly need 20+ cameras.

Cloud Storage and Bandwidth Considerations

How Many Cameras Can Your Internet Handle?

Here’s a surprise: Your internet speed might limit your camera count more than the base station. Each Arlo Pro camera streams video to the cloud, and that uses bandwidth. Here’s a rough estimate:

Camera Model	Resolution	Bandwidth (per camera, active)	Bandwidth (per camera, standby)
Arlo Pro 2	1080p	0.5 Mbps	0.1 Mbps
Arlo Pro 3	2K	1.0 Mbps	0.2 Mbps
Arlo Pro 4/5S	2K	1.0 Mbps	0.2 Mbps

Let’s say you have 15 Arlo Pro 3 cameras. In standby mode, they use ~3 Mbps (15 x 0.2). When motion is detected, that jumps to 15 Mbps (15 x 1.0). If multiple cameras trigger at once, your upload speed could be overwhelmed.

Rule of thumb: Your internet upload speed should be at least 2x the total bandwidth of your cameras when active. For 15 Pro 3 cameras, that’s 30 Mbps upload. Most fiber plans offer this, but many cable or DSL connections don’t. Test your speed at speedtest.net.

Cloud Storage Plans: How They Scale

Arlo offers several cloud storage plans. Here’s how they work with camera counts:

Plan	Cost/Month	Camera Limit	Storage Duration	Best For
Arlo Secure (1 camera)	$2.99	1 camera	30 days	Single-camera setups
Arlo Secure (Unlimited)	$14.99	Unlimited cameras	30 days	Multi-camera homes
Arlo Secure Plus	$19.99	Unlimited cameras	60 days	High-security needs

The “Unlimited” plan is a game-changer for large setups. For $15/month, you can have 20, 30, or even 50 cameras with 30-day cloud storage. But remember: more cameras = more motion alerts. You’ll get hundreds of notifications per day if you’re not careful.

Tip: Use activity zones to reduce false alerts. For example, set your front yard camera to ignore the street but detect the driveway. This cuts down on unnecessary recordings and saves bandwidth.

Local Storage: An Alternative for Heavy Users

If you have a fast, reliable internet connection, consider using a USB drive for local storage. Each base station supports up to a 2TB drive (formatted to FAT32 or exFAT). Local storage has no monthly fee, and video is accessible even if the internet goes down.

But there’s a catch: Local storage is shared across all cameras on the hub. If you have 15 cameras, they all write to the same drive. This means:

• Video is overwritten after the drive fills up (typically 2–4 weeks, depending on activity)
• You can’t search footage by camera—you have to browse the entire drive
• Drive failure = loss of all footage

For 5–10 cameras, local storage is great. For 15+, cloud storage is more practical.

Tips for Optimizing Large Arlo Pro Setups

Camera Placement: Less Is More

More cameras don’t always mean better security. Poor placement can create blind spots or false alerts. Follow these rules:

• Overlap coverage: Position cameras so their fields of view overlap by 10–20%. This reduces gaps and improves tracking.
• Avoid backlighting: Don’t point cameras directly at the sun. Use shaded areas or install hoods.
• Height matters: Mount cameras 8–10 feet high to avoid tampering and reduce glare.
• Use mounts: Arlo’s magnetic mounts are convenient but not secure. Use screws for permanent installations.

Battery Management for 10+ Cameras

Battery life drops as you add more cameras. Arlo Pro 3 batteries last 3–6 months, but heavy use (e.g., 20+ recordings/day) can cut that to 1–2 months. For a 15-camera setup, that’s a lot of charging.

Tips:

• Use solar panels: Arlo’s solar charger (~$50) keeps batteries topped up. Great for outdoor cameras.
• Rotate batteries: Buy extra batteries (~$30 each) and swap them monthly.
• Adjust sensitivity: Lower motion sensitivity to reduce recordings and save battery.

App and Notification Management

With 10+ cameras, the Arlo app can feel overwhelming. Use these features to stay sane:

• Groups: Create groups like “Front Yard,” “Back Yard,” “Indoor.” Tap a group to see all cameras at once.
• Schedules: Set cameras to turn off at night (e.g., backyard cameras from 11 PM to 6 AM).
• Smart Alerts: Enable AI detection (people, vehicles, packages) to reduce false alerts.

Final Thoughts: Scaling Your Arlo Pro System

So, how many cameras can be added to Arlo Pro? The short answer: Up to 15 per base station, with options to scale further using multiple hubs or Wi-Fi-only cameras (Pro 4/5S). For most homes, 15 cameras is more than enough. But for large properties, businesses, or multi-building setups, Arlo’s ecosystem supports 30, 45, or even 50+ cameras with careful planning.

The key is understanding your limits—not just technical, but practical. More cameras mean more bandwidth, more storage, more battery changes, and more notifications. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of “more is better,” but sometimes simplicity wins. Ask yourself: Do I really need a camera in the attic? Or could I use motion sensors instead?

My advice? Start small, scale thoughtfully. Buy a 2-camera kit, install it, and see how it works. Add one camera at a time, test the performance, and adjust your setup. Use activity zones, smart alerts, and local storage to reduce complexity. And if you ever hit 15 cameras on a hub, don’t panic—just add a second hub or switch to Wi-Fi cameras.

Arlo Pro is one of the most flexible security systems out there. With the right approach, you can build a setup that fits your needs—no matter how big or small.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can be added to Arlo Pro?

The Arlo Pro system supports up to 15 cameras per base station, making it ideal for medium to large properties. This limit ensures optimal performance and stable connectivity across all devices.

Can I expand my Arlo Pro system beyond 15 cameras?

While a single Arlo Pro base station supports 15 cameras, you can add more cameras by using multiple base stations on the same account. Each additional base station allows another 15-camera capacity.

Does adding more cameras slow down the Arlo Pro system?

No, adding more cameras to your Arlo Pro base station won’t slow it down, as long as you stay within the 15-camera limit. The base station is designed to handle multiple feeds simultaneously without lag.

How many Arlo Pro cameras can I add without a subscription?

You can add up to 15 Arlo Pro cameras even without a subscription, but you’ll need a plan for cloud storage and advanced features like motion detection. Local storage via the base station remains free.

Is there a limit to how many cameras Arlo Pro supports in a single location?

The Arlo Pro system allows up to 15 cameras per base station in one location. For larger setups, use multiple base stations to maintain reliable connectivity and video quality.

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

Yes, you can mix Arlo Pro cameras with other Arlo models (like Ultra or Go) on the same account, but they’ll share the 15-camera limit per base station. Check compatibility for optimal performance.