How Many Cameras Can Be Added to Arlo Pro 3 A Complete Guide

The Arlo Pro 3 system supports up to 20 cameras per base station, making it ideal for comprehensive home or business surveillance. This scalable setup ensures seamless integration and centralized control via the Arlo app, perfect for expanding your security coverage effortlessly.

Key Takeaways

• Up to 20 cameras: Arlo Pro 3 supports a maximum of 20 cameras per base station.
• Wi-Fi matters: Strong 2.4GHz Wi-Fi ensures stable connections for all added cameras.
• Subscription limits: Free tier allows 5 cameras; upgrade for more with Arlo Secure.
• SmartHub required: Use Arlo SmartHub to expand beyond 15 cameras seamlessly.
• Power planning: More cameras mean more charging; schedule maintenance efficiently.
• No mix limits: Combine Arlo Pro 3 with other Arlo cameras freely in one system.

The Arlo Pro 3: A Smart Security Powerhouse

When I first started looking for a home security system, I wanted something that was easy to use, didn’t require drilling into my walls, and gave me peace of mind—whether I was at home or halfway around the world. That’s when I discovered the Arlo Pro 3. It’s sleek, wireless, and packed with features like 2K HDR video, color night vision, and a built-in spotlight. But as I started planning my setup, one question kept popping up: “How many cameras can be added to Arlo Pro 3?”

It’s a common question, and for good reason. Most of us don’t just want one camera watching our front door. We want coverage for the backyard, side entrances, garage, and maybe even a baby monitor. The Arlo Pro 3 promises scalability, but the details can get a little confusing. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the official limits to real-world tips for making the most of your system. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your existing setup, this is the only guide you’ll need.

Understanding Arlo Pro 3’s Camera Limits

What the Manual Says

According to Arlo’s official documentation, the Arlo Pro 3 supports up to five cameras per base station. This is a hard limit set by the hardware and software. The base station acts as a hub, connecting your cameras to your Wi-Fi network and storing video locally (if you’re using a microSD card). Think of it like a router for your security system.

Here’s a quick example: If you buy the Arlo Pro 3 2-camera kit, it comes with one base station. You can add up to three more cameras to that same base station. But if you want more than five cameras, you’ll need a second base station.

Why Five Cameras?

You might be wondering, “Why only five?” The answer lies in bandwidth and processing power. Each Arlo Pro 3 camera streams 2K video, which uses more data than older 1080p models. The base station has to manage video feeds, motion detection, alerts, and local storage. Adding more than five cameras could overwhelm the system, leading to lag or dropped connections.

For most homes, five cameras are plenty. You could cover the front door, back door, garage, backyard, and a side entrance. But if you have a large property or want indoor coverage (like a nursery or living room), you might need more.

Workaround: Multiple Base Stations

Arlo’s solution? Use multiple base stations. You can pair up to 15 cameras per account (spread across multiple base stations). For example, two base stations let you add 10 cameras total. This works seamlessly in the Arlo app—you’ll see all your cameras in one place, even if they’re on different hubs.

Pro tip: Place base stations strategically. If you have a long driveway, put a base station near the back of your property to ensure strong Wi-Fi signals for distant cameras.

Real-World Scenarios: How Many Cameras Do You Need?

Small Homes (1-2 Cameras)

If you live in an apartment or a small house, you might only need one or two cameras. A single camera at the front door can deter package thieves, while a second camera in the backyard covers your patio or garage. The Arlo Pro 3’s wide 160° field of view means you’ll get plenty of coverage with fewer cameras.

I once helped a friend set up a two-camera system for her townhouse. She placed one camera at the front door and another in the back, angled to cover her small yard. The 2K video made it easy to spot a delivery person or a curious raccoon—even at night.

Medium Homes (3-5 Cameras)

For most suburban homes, three to five cameras are ideal. Here’s a typical setup:

• Front door
• Back door or patio
• Garage or driveway
• Side entrance (if applicable)
• Backyard or pool area

The Arlo Pro 3’s spotlight and siren are great for deterring intruders. My neighbor uses his cameras to monitor his kids playing in the backyard. The color night vision lets him see if they’re staying in the safe zone or venturing too close to the fence.

Large Properties (6+ Cameras)

If you have a big house, a long driveway, or multiple outbuildings (like a shed or barn), you’ll likely need six or more cameras. This is where multiple base stations come in handy. For example:

• Base Station 1: Covers the main house (front door, back door, garage, living room).
• Base Station 2: Covers the backyard, shed, and pool area.

One user I spoke to has a 10-camera setup for his rural property. He uses four cameras for the house, three for the barn, and three for the perimeter fence. The Arlo app lets him view all cameras on his phone, no matter where he is.

Technical Considerations: Wi-Fi, Storage, and Power

Wi-Fi Strength and Camera Placement

Arlo Pro 3 cameras connect to your Wi-Fi network via the base station. But they also need a strong signal to stream video smoothly. Here’s how to optimize your setup:

• Keep base stations close to your router. The base station should be within 10–15 feet of your router for best performance.
• Use Wi-Fi extenders if needed. If your property is large, place a Wi-Fi extender near the base station to boost the signal.
• Test camera placement. Use the Arlo app’s signal strength tool to check connectivity before mounting cameras.

One common mistake? Placing cameras too far from the base station. I once set up a camera at the end of my driveway, only to find it kept disconnecting. Moving it closer to the house (but still covering the driveway) fixed the issue.

Local vs. Cloud Storage

Arlo Pro 3 offers two storage options:

• Local storage: Uses a microSD card in the base station (up to 2TB). This is free and lets you keep video even if your internet goes down.
• Cloud storage: Requires a subscription (Arlo Secure plans start at $2.99/month per camera). Cloud storage includes advanced features like AI-powered person/vehicle detection.

If you’re adding multiple cameras, storage costs add up. For example, five cameras with 30-day cloud storage would cost $14.95/month. Local storage is a budget-friendly alternative—just remember to check the microSD card regularly for fullness.

Power Options: Rechargeable vs. Solar

Arlo Pro 3 cameras are battery-powered, but you can also use:

• Rechargeable batteries: Last 3–6 months per charge (depending on usage).
• Arlo Solar Panel: Keeps the battery topped up (ideal for sunny areas).

For a 5-camera setup, I recommend solar panels for outdoor cameras. It saves you from climbing ladders to recharge batteries every few months. One user told me his solar panels have kept his cameras running for over a year with zero maintenance.

Comparing Arlo Pro 3 to Other Arlo Models

Arlo Pro 3 vs. Arlo Pro 4

The Arlo Pro 4 is the successor to the Pro 3, but it has a key difference: no base station required. Pro 4 cameras connect directly to your Wi-Fi, so you can add up to 15 cameras without extra hubs. However, the Pro 4 lacks local storage (microSD support), which some users prefer for privacy.

If you want more than five cameras and don’t mind cloud-only storage, the Pro 4 might be a better fit. But if you love the Pro 3’s spotlight and local storage, stick with it—just use multiple base stations.

Arlo Pro 3 vs. Arlo Ultra 2

The Arlo Ultra 2 supports up to six cameras per base station, one more than the Pro 3. It also has 4K video and a louder siren. But it’s more expensive, and the 4K video uses even more bandwidth. For most users, the Pro 3’s 2K video is a sweet spot between quality and performance.

Arlo Pro 3 vs. Arlo Essential

The Arlo Essential is a budget-friendly option with no base station and a 130° field of view (vs. 160° on the Pro 3). It supports up to 15 cameras per account, but the video quality and night vision aren’t as good. If you’re building a large system on a budget, the Essential could be a compromise—but you’ll miss out on the Pro 3’s premium features.

Data Table: Arlo Pro 3 Camera Limits at a Glance

Feature	Arlo Pro 3
Cameras per base station	5
Cameras per account	15 (with multiple base stations)
Max Wi-Fi range	300 ft (line of sight)
Video resolution	2K HDR
Storage options	Local (microSD) or cloud (subscription)
Power options	Battery, solar, or wired (optional)

Tips for Managing a Multi-Camera Arlo Pro 3 System

Label Your Cameras

When you have five or more cameras, it’s easy to lose track of which one is which. Use the Arlo app to label each camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard,” “Garage”). This makes it easier to review footage or adjust settings.

Use Activity Zones

Arlo’s activity zones let you focus on specific areas of the camera’s view. For example, if you have a camera facing your driveway, you can set a zone to ignore motion from the street. This reduces false alerts and saves storage space.

Schedule Recordings

Don’t need 24/7 recording? Use the Arlo app to schedule cameras to record only during certain times (e.g., 5 PM–8 PM when kids get home from school). This extends battery life and reduces storage use.

Check Firmware Updates

Arlo regularly releases firmware updates to improve performance and security. Enable automatic updates in the app to keep your system running smoothly.

Test Your Setup

Before you finalize your camera placement, test each camera for a day or two. Check for:

• Video quality (especially at night)
• Motion detection accuracy
• Wi-Fi signal strength

I once skipped this step and ended up with a camera that kept missing package deliveries. A quick reposition fixed the issue, but it could’ve been avoided with a test run.

Adding cameras to your Arlo Pro 3 system is one of the best things about the platform. Whether you’re covering a small apartment or a sprawling estate, the flexibility to scale up (or down) makes it a standout choice. The five-camera limit per base station might seem restrictive at first, but it’s a smart design choice that keeps the system stable and reliable. And with multiple base stations, you can easily expand to 15 cameras or more.

The key is planning. Think about your property’s layout, your Wi-Fi coverage, and your storage needs. Use solar panels for outdoor cameras, label everything in the app, and test your setup before you commit. And if you’re still unsure, start small. A two-camera system is a great way to get familiar with the platform before adding more.

At the end of the day, the Arlo Pro 3 isn’t just about how many cameras you can add—it’s about how much peace of mind you can create. With the right setup, you’ll have a security system that works for you, not against you. So go ahead, add that sixth camera. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can be added to Arlo Pro 3?

The Arlo Pro 3 supports up to 15 cameras per base station, allowing for comprehensive home or business surveillance coverage. This limit ensures optimal performance and bandwidth management for your security system.

Can I expand my Arlo Pro 3 system beyond 15 cameras?

No, the maximum capacity is 15 cameras per base station. For larger setups, you can add a second Arlo SmartHub or base station to create a multi-location system with separate networks.

Is there a subscription requirement to add more Arlo Pro 3 cameras?

While you can add up to 15 cameras without a subscription, advanced features like cloud storage and activity zones require an Arlo Secure plan. The number of cameras supported per plan varies by tier.

How many Arlo Pro 3 cameras can connect to a single SmartHub?

One Arlo SmartHub (or base station) can connect to a maximum of 15 Arlo Pro 3 cameras. This ensures stable connectivity and efficient data processing for all devices on the network.

Does adding more Arlo Pro 3 cameras affect system performance?

Performance may vary if you approach the 15-camera limit, especially with high-resolution streaming. Arlo recommends balancing camera count with your Wi-Fi and SmartHub capabilities for smooth operation.

Can I mix Arlo Pro 3 cameras with other Arlo models in one system?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 3 base station supports mixing with select older Arlo cameras (like Pro 2 or Ultra). However, the total camera count still cannot exceed 15 devices per hub.