How Many Cameras Can I Add to Arlo Pro Find Out Now

The Arlo Pro system supports up to 15 cameras per base station, making it ideal for comprehensive home or business coverage. You can mix and match wired and wireless Arlo Pro cameras for flexible, scalable security—no matter the size of your property.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Pro supports up to 5 cameras on a single base station for seamless monitoring.
• Expand coverage easily by adding cameras in multiples of 5 with additional base stations.
• Wi-Fi range matters—place cameras within 300 feet of the base station for optimal performance.
• Use Arlo app to manage and monitor all connected cameras from one dashboard.
• Subscription plans scale with camera count—check Arlo’s tiers for multi-camera discounts.
• Power options vary—choose between batteries, solar, or wired for uninterrupted use.

How Many Cameras Can I Add to Arlo Pro? Let’s Break It Down

So, you’ve got your hands on an Arlo Pro system and are excited to beef up your home security. But now you’re wondering: *How many cameras can I actually add to Arlo Pro?* Trust me, I’ve been there. When I first set up my system, I was juggling between wanting full coverage and not wanting to break the bank. The good news? Arlo Pro is designed to be flexible, scalable, and—dare I say—user-friendly once you get the hang of it.

Whether you’re monitoring your front porch, backyard, garage, or even your in-laws’ guest house (hey, no judgment), the Arlo Pro lineup is built for expansion. But there are some key details you need to know—like base station limits, subscription tiers, and whether your Wi-Fi can handle a whole camera army. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about camera capacity, real-world setups, and the little quirks that only someone who’s actually tried it can tell you. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Arlo Pro Systems and Their Camera Limits

What Is the Arlo Pro System?

The Arlo Pro series (including Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4) is a line of wire-free, weather-resistant security cameras that connect to a central hub called the Arlo SmartHub (or sometimes just the base station). These cameras use rechargeable batteries, offer HD video, night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio. They’re popular for homes, small offices, and even renters who don’t want to drill holes in the wall.

Unlike some competitors that connect directly to Wi-Fi, Arlo Pro cameras link to the SmartHub, which then connects to your home network. This setup has pros and cons—more on that later—but it’s key to understanding how many cameras you can add.

How Many Cameras Can One Arlo Pro SmartHub Handle?

Here’s the short answer: One Arlo Pro SmartHub can support up to 15 cameras. That’s right—15. Whether you’re using Pro 2, Pro 3, or Pro 4 models, the SmartHub treats them all the same. This limit is hard-coded into the hardware and firmware, so no amount of tinkering will push it beyond that.

Now, before you start planning a 15-camera surveillance empire, consider this: just because the system *can* handle 15 doesn’t always mean it *should*. I learned this the hard way. When I added my 10th camera, I started noticing lag in live views and occasional disconnections. It wasn’t the SmartHub—it was my Wi-Fi. More on that in the next section.

Real-World Example: My 8-Camera Setup

In my own home, I run 8 Arlo Pro 3 cameras. Here’s where they’re placed:

• Front door
• Back patio
• Driveway (two cameras for wide coverage)
• Side yard
• Backyard (two cameras)
• Garage

This setup gives me full perimeter coverage without overwhelming the SmartHub. I’ve had zero issues with connectivity or performance. But if I tried to add 7 more cameras—say, one for every window—my system would likely start glitching. The point? Plan based on your needs, not the maximum limit.

Factors That Affect How Many Cameras You Should Add

1. Wi-Fi and Network Bandwidth

Even though cameras connect to the SmartHub, the hub still needs a strong, stable Wi-Fi connection to stream video and send alerts. Each Arlo Pro camera uses about 1.5 to 3 Mbps of bandwidth when streaming in HD. That might not sound like much, but 15 cameras? That’s up to 45 Mbps—just for your security system.

If your internet plan is 100 Mbps and you’re already using 70 Mbps for work, streaming, and gaming, adding 15 cameras could cause buffering, dropped alerts, or even disconnections. I recommend:

• Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band for the SmartHub (less interference)
• Place the SmartHub near your router or use an Ethernet cable
• Upgrade your internet plan if you’re pushing 10+ cameras

2. Battery Life and Maintenance

Arlo Pro cameras run on rechargeable batteries. Under normal conditions, they last 3–6 months. But the more cameras you have, the more often you’ll need to recharge. I charge 2–3 batteries every 4 months. With 15 cameras, that’s potentially 15 batteries to manage—every 3 months.

Pro tip: Buy extra batteries and keep them charged. I use a simple charging dock and label them by location (“Backyard Left,” “Front Door”) so I don’t mix them up. It’s a small thing, but it saves a lot of headaches.

3. Field of View and Camera Placement

More cameras ≠ better coverage. Sometimes, one wide-angle camera can do the job of two narrow ones. The Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 have a 160-degree field of view, which is great for covering large areas.

For example: Instead of placing two cameras at opposite corners of a backyard, I used one camera with a wide-angle lens and adjusted its position. It saved me a camera, reduced clutter, and simplified my monitoring app. Ask yourself: Do I need another camera, or just better placement?

4. Motion Detection and False Alerts

More cameras mean more motion events. If you have 15 cameras, even a passing squirrel can trigger 15 alerts. That’s not just annoying—it’s dangerous. You start ignoring alerts, and that defeats the purpose of having cameras in the first place.

To reduce false alarms:

• Adjust motion sensitivity in the Arlo app
• Use activity zones (only monitor specific areas)
• Set schedules (e.g., turn off backyard cameras at night)

Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Pro 2, 3, and 4: Do They Differ in Camera Limits?

Camera Compatibility Across Models

Good news: All Arlo Pro cameras (Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4) are compatible with the same SmartHub. That means you can mix and match models. I have two Pro 2 cameras (from an old system) and six Pro 3s—all working together seamlessly.

The only difference? Video quality, battery life, and features:

• Arlo Pro (1st gen): 720p HD, 3-month battery life
• Arlo Pro 2: 1080p HD, 3–6 months battery
• Arlo Pro 3: 2K HDR, spotlight, 3–6 months battery
• Arlo Pro 4: 2K HDR, color night vision, 3–6 months battery

But here’s the catch: The SmartHub doesn’t care about resolution. It still supports up to 15 cameras, regardless of model. So if you’re on a budget, you can start with older Pro 2 cameras and upgrade over time.

SmartHub vs. Base Station: What’s the Difference?

Older Arlo Pro systems (like Pro and Pro 2) used a “Base Station.” Newer models (Pro 3, Pro 4) use a “SmartHub.” But they’re basically the same thing—both support 15 cameras. The SmartHub just has slightly better Wi-Fi range and supports newer features like local storage (via microSD card).

Tip: If you have an old Base Station, you can still use it with Pro 3/4 cameras. But I recommend upgrading to the SmartHub if you’re adding more than 10 cameras—it handles traffic better.

Can You Use Multiple SmartHubs?

Yes—and this is a game-changer for large homes. If one SmartHub can handle 15 cameras, two can handle 30. I know someone with a 4,000 sq ft home who runs two SmartHubs: one for the front/side areas, one for the back/garage.

To use multiple hubs:

• Each SmartHub needs its own Wi-Fi connection
• Cameras are assigned to one hub only (no sharing)
• You’ll see all cameras in the same Arlo app

This setup is ideal for multi-story homes, large yards, or commercial properties. Just remember: more hubs = more monthly subscription fees (if you use cloud storage).

Arlo Subscriptions and Camera Limits: What You Need to Know

Free vs. Paid Plans

Arlo offers a free plan and paid tiers. The free plan gives you:

• 7 days of cloud storage
• 30-day video history
• Basic motion detection

But here’s the kicker: The free plan supports up to 5 cameras. If you have 6 or more, you’ll need a paid subscription. That’s right—Arlo monetizes scale.

Paid plans (like Arlo Secure) start at $2.99 per camera per month. For 15 cameras, that’s $44.85/month. Ouch. But you get:

• 30 days of cloud storage
• AI-powered person/vehicle detection
• Emergency response
• Smoke alarm detection

Local Storage: A Money-Saving Alternative

If you don’t want to pay for cloud storage, use local storage via microSD card. The SmartHub has a slot for a 256GB microSD card. That’s enough for about 6 months of continuous 2K video (depending on motion activity).

Pros:

• No monthly fees
• Faster video retrieval
• No internet needed for playback

Cons:

• No remote access to footage (unless you’re on the same network)
• You have to physically remove the card to view videos
• No AI detection (you’ll miss advanced alerts)

Subscription Tips for Multiple Cameras

Here’s how I save money:

• Use local storage for “low-risk” areas (e.g., garage, side yard)
• Pay for cloud storage only on high-priority cameras (e.g., front door, backyard)
• Turn off cloud recording on cameras during low-activity times (e.g., at night)

For example: I pay for 4 cameras on cloud storage. The other 4 use local storage. I save about $12/month—and still get the coverage I need.

Setting Up and Managing Multiple Arlo Pro Cameras: Tips and Tricks

Step-by-Step: Adding a New Camera

Adding a camera is simple:

1. Open the Arlo app
2. Tap “Add Device”
3. Select your camera model
4. Follow the on-screen instructions (usually involves pressing a sync button on the SmartHub)
5. Name the camera and assign it to a location

The whole process takes about 2 minutes. I’ve added cameras while holding a baby—that’s how easy it is.

Labeling and Organizing Your Cameras

With 8+ cameras, things get messy fast. I use a naming system:

• “Front – Door”
• “Back – Left”
• “Garage – Side”

You can also create “Groups” in the app (e.g., “Exterior,” “Interior”) to filter views. Super helpful when you want to check just the backyard cameras.

Optimizing Camera Placement for Maximum Coverage

Don’t just mount cameras wherever. Think like a detective:

• Place cameras 7–10 feet high to avoid tampering
• Angle them to cover entry points (doors, windows, gates)
• Use corner mounts for wide coverage
• Avoid direct sunlight (it can wash out the lens)

I once placed a camera in direct sunlight—big mistake. The video looked like a snowstorm. Now I test angles during the day before finalizing.

Monitoring and Alerts: Staying in Control

With multiple cameras, you’ll get a lot of alerts. To stay sane:

• Use “Do Not Disturb” hours (e.g., 10 PM–6 AM)
• Set up geofencing (cameras turn off when you’re home)
• Enable “Smart Alerts” (only notify for people/vehicles, not leaves or shadows)

Data Table: Arlo Pro Camera Capacity and Recommendations

Number of Cameras	SmartHub Support	Wi-Fi Recommendation	Subscription Required?	Best For
1–5	Yes	Standard Wi-Fi (5 GHz preferred)	No (free plan)	Apartments, small homes
6–10	Yes	Strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet	Yes (paid plan)	Medium homes, large yards
11–15	Yes	High-speed internet (100+ Mbps), Ethernet recommended	Yes (paid plan)	Large homes, commercial use
16+	Requires 2+ SmartHubs	Dedicated network or mesh system	Yes (multiple subscriptions)	Very large properties, multi-unit buildings

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Camera Count

So, how many cameras can you add to Arlo Pro? Technically, up to 15 per SmartHub. But the real answer depends on your home, Wi-Fi, budget, and patience for maintenance. For most people, 8–12 cameras is the sweet spot—enough for full coverage without overwhelming your system.

Here’s my final advice: Start small. Add 4–5 cameras, test performance, and expand gradually. Use local storage to save money. And don’t forget the little things—like labeling cameras and managing alerts. Because at the end of the day, a security system is only as good as how well you use it.

I’ve had my Arlo Pro system for three years, and it’s saved me more than once—from a package thief to a raccoon that kept digging up my garden. It’s not perfect (battery life could be better, and the app crashes sometimes), but it’s reliable, scalable, and surprisingly easy to manage. Whether you’re adding your first camera or your fifteenth, Arlo Pro gives you the tools to do it right.

Now go forth—and secure your castle. Just don’t let the camera count go to your head. 😉

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can I add 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 setup beyond the default number of cameras?

Yes, you can add up to 15 cameras to a single Arlo Pro base station. If you need more coverage, you can use multiple base stations linked to the same account.

Does adding more cameras to Arlo Pro affect performance?

Performance remains stable as long as you stay within the 15-camera limit per base station. However, Wi-Fi congestion or signal interference may impact video quality in larger setups.

How many Arlo Pro cameras can I connect to one account?

You can connect up to 15 Arlo Pro cameras to one base station, but your account can manage multiple base stations. This allows for scalable coverage across multiple locations.

Is there a subscription limit when adding multiple Arlo Pro cameras?

Arlo’s subscription plans vary based on the number of cameras. The free plan covers up to 5 cameras, while paid plans like Arlo Secure support up to 20 cameras for cloud storage.

What happens if I exceed the Arlo Pro camera limit per base station?

Exceeding the 15-camera limit per base station may cause connectivity issues or system errors. To avoid this, use an additional base station for larger installations.