How Many Cameras Can I Have on Arlo A Complete Guide

You can connect up to 200 cameras on a single Arlo account, making it ideal for both small homes and large properties. Arlo’s scalability depends on your subscription plan and base station model, with higher-tier plans supporting more devices and advanced features like 24/7 recording. Whether you’re securing a studio apartment or a sprawling estate, Arlo delivers unmatched flexibility.

Key Takeaways

• Max 15 cameras: Arlo supports up to 15 cameras per account for seamless monitoring.
• Plan matters: Subscription tiers determine camera limits and features like cloud storage.
• Wi-Fi capacity: Ensure your router handles multiple cameras without signal drops.
• Hub required: Use an Arlo SmartHub to connect more than 4 cameras reliably.
• Shared access: Share camera access with family without exceeding device limits.

How Many Cameras Can I Have on Arlo? Let’s Break It Down

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your first Arlo camera. It’s sleek, easy to set up, and gives you peace of mind with crystal-clear footage. But then you start thinking—what if I want more cameras? Maybe a few for the front yard, a couple for the backyard, and one for the garage? Suddenly, you’re wondering, how many cameras can I have on Arlo? I’ve been there. I started with one camera, then two, and before I knew it, I had five. But it wasn’t until I hit six that I realized there’s more to the story than just slapping cameras everywhere and hoping for the best.

The truth is, Arlo doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. The number of cameras you can add depends on your Arlo subscription plan, the base station or hub you’re using, and even your Wi-Fi network. It’s like building a security system—you need the right tools, the right plan, and a little strategy. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the technical limits to real-life tips that’ll help you get the most out of your Arlo system—without overloading it or overspending.

Understanding Arlo’s Camera Limits: It’s Not Just About the Number

Let’s start with the basics. Arlo doesn’t slap a hard “max cameras” sticker on your account. Instead, the number of cameras you can have is shaped by a few key factors. Think of it like building a house: the foundation (your base station), the blueprint (your subscription), and the neighborhood (your Wi-Fi). If any of these aren’t strong enough, your system might wobble.

1. The Role of Your Arlo Base Station or Hub

Most Arlo cameras—especially the Pro, Ultra, and wired models—connect to a base station or hub. This little box acts as the brain of your system, managing communication between your cameras and the cloud. But not all hubs are created equal. Here’s what you need to know:

• Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (VMB4000/VMB5000): Supports up to 15 cameras. This is the standard for most Pro and Ultra setups.
• Arlo Pro 3/4/5 Floodlight Hub: Also supports 15 cameras. If you’re using a floodlight camera, it often comes with a hub that doubles as a base.
• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540): Supports up to 20 cameras. This is the heavy-duty option if you’re serious about scaling up.
• No Hub? No Problem (Battery-Powered Cameras): Some Arlo cameras (like the Essential series) connect directly to your Wi-Fi. These don’t need a hub, so the limit is based on your router and subscription—not a base station.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a hub, don’t max it out right away. Leave room for future upgrades. For example, if you have 12 cameras on a 15-camera hub, you’ve got breathing room for a new camera or a replacement later.

2. Wi-Fi and Network Bandwidth: The Silent Limiter

Even if your hub supports 15 cameras, your Wi-Fi network might say “no thanks.” Here’s why:

• Each camera uses bandwidth to stream live footage and upload recordings to the cloud.
• Too many cameras can slow down your internet or cause lag in live views.
• If you’re using battery-powered cameras (like Arlo Pro 3), they connect via Wi-Fi, which adds to the load.

I learned this the hard way. I had five cameras, all on Wi-Fi, and my internet was fine—until I added two more. Suddenly, my Zoom calls were choppy, and my kids’ online games kept freezing. The fix? I upgraded to a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and moved most cameras to the 2.4 GHz band (better range) while keeping high-priority devices on 5 GHz.

Quick Fix: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like NetSpot or Wi-Fi Analyzer) to check for congestion. If your network is crowded, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Google Nest or Eero) to spread the load.

Arlo Subscription Plans: The Real Game-Changer

Here’s the thing: Arlo’s subscription isn’t just about cloud storage. It’s the gatekeeper to how many cameras you can activate and use fully. Without a plan, you’re limited to 7 days of local storage (if using a hub) and basic motion detection. With a plan? You get advanced features like person detection, package detection, and unlimited cloud storage.

Arlo Secure Plans: What You Get and How Many Cameras They Cover

Arlo offers three main subscription tiers, and each has a different camera limit:

• Arlo Secure (Single Camera): $2.99/month or $29.99/year. Covers 1 camera. Includes 30 days of cloud storage, AI detection, and activity zones.
• Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera): $9.99/month or $99.99/year. Covers up to 5 cameras. Same features, but you can add more cameras at $2.99 each per month.
• Arlo Secure Plus: $14.99/month or $149.99/year. Covers unlimited cameras. Includes everything in Secure, plus 4K video recording, emergency response, and 24/7 professional monitoring (in select areas).

Real-Life Example: I started with the Multi-Camera plan (5 cameras), but when I added my 6th camera, I had to pay an extra $2.99/month. At that point, upgrading to Secure Plus saved me $4.99/month—plus, I got 4K recording for my Ultra cameras. Win-win.

What Happens If You Exceed Your Plan’s Limit?

If you have 6 cameras but only a 5-camera plan, here’s what happens:

• The 6th camera still works, but cloud storage and AI features are disabled.
• You’ll only get live streaming and local storage (if using a hub).
• You’ll see a pop-up in the Arlo app prompting you to upgrade your plan.

Tip: If you’re testing a new camera temporarily, you can add it to your account but keep it unregistered. That way, it won’t count toward your plan limit until you’re ready to activate it.

Mixing Camera Types: Can You Combine Wired, Wireless, and Battery?

Good news: Arlo lets you mix and match camera types on the same system. You can have:

• Wireless battery-powered cameras (like Arlo Pro 4)
• Wired cameras (like Arlo Wired Floodlight)
• Doorbell cameras (Arlo Video Doorbell)
• Indoor cameras (Arlo Essential Indoor)

But there’s a catch: each camera type connects differently, and that affects your setup.

Hub vs. Wi-Fi-Only Cameras: The Connection Divide

• Hub-Connected Cameras: These (like Pro and Ultra series) connect to your base station, which then talks to your Wi-Fi. This reduces Wi-Fi congestion and improves reliability.
• Wi-Fi-Only Cameras: These (like Essential and some doorbells) connect directly to your router. They’re easier to set up but can strain your network if you have many.

My Setup: I have three hub-connected Pro 4 cameras (on a VMB5000 base), two Wi-Fi-only Essential cameras, and a wired floodlight. The base station handles the heavy lifting, so my Wi-Fi stays smooth. But if I had five Wi-Fi-only cameras, I’d probably need a mesh network.

Battery Life and Charging Considerations

If you’re using battery-powered cameras, adding more means more charging. Here’s how to manage it:

• Use solar panels: Arlo’s solar charger keeps batteries topped up. I have one for my front-yard camera—it’s charged for 6 months straight.
• Label your batteries: I use color-coded stickers to track which battery goes with which camera. Saves me from charging the wrong one.
• Keep spares: Buy an extra battery or two. That way, you can swap and charge without downtime.

Scaling Up: Real-World Examples and Smart Strategies

Now that you know the limits, let’s talk strategy. How do you actually use multiple Arlo cameras without driving yourself (or your Wi-Fi) crazy?

Small Home or Apartment: 3-5 Cameras

If you live in a 1-2 bedroom home or apartment, you don’t need 10 cameras. Focus on key areas:

• Front door: A video doorbell or outdoor camera for package theft prevention.
• Backyard: One wide-angle camera (like Arlo Pro 4) to cover the whole area.
• Living room: An indoor camera for pet or baby monitoring.

Example: My friend Sarah has this setup: a doorbell, one outdoor camera, and one indoor camera. She uses the Multi-Camera plan and has never had Wi-Fi issues. Simple and effective.

Medium to Large Home: 6-12 Cameras

For a 3-4 bedroom house with a yard, you’ll need more coverage:

• Front and back doors: Doorbell + outdoor camera.
• Garage: A camera to monitor vehicles and storage.
• Driveway: A wide-angle camera to spot visitors or delivery trucks.
• Backyard corners: Two cameras to eliminate blind spots.
• Indoor common areas: Living room and kitchen for general monitoring.

My Strategy: I use a VMB5000 hub (15-camera limit) and Secure Plus. I’ve got 8 cameras total: 5 hub-connected, 3 Wi-Fi-only. I grouped them in the Arlo app by location (“Front Yard,” “Backyard,” “Indoors”) so I can check specific areas quickly.

Large Property or Business: 12+ Cameras

If you’re monitoring a big yard, business, or rental property, you’ll likely hit the 15-20 camera limit. Here’s how to scale smartly:

• Use multiple hubs: If you need more than 20 cameras, add a second hub. Each hub manages its own set of cameras.
• Prioritize wired cameras: They’re more reliable and don’t need charging. Great for high-traffic areas.
• Invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system: Eero, Google Nest, or TP-Link Deco can handle the load.
• Use AI features wisely: Turn on person detection for high-priority areas (like entrances) and motion-only for low-priority zones (like a side yard).

Pro Tip: Create activity zones to reduce false alerts. For example, I have a camera overlooking my trash cans. I set a zone only for the sidewalk—so I don’t get alerts every time a raccoon rummages at night.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Limits at a Glance

Component	Maximum Cameras Supported	Notes
Arlo SmartHub (VMB4000/VMB5000)	15	Standard for Pro/Ultra cameras
Arlo SmartHub (VMB4540)	20	High-capacity hub for large setups
Arlo Secure (Single Camera)	1	$2.99/month; 30-day cloud storage
Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera)	5 (plus $2.99 per extra camera)	Best for small to medium homes
Arlo Secure Plus	Unlimited	Includes 4K, emergency response
Wi-Fi Network (General Guideline)	5-8 (for smooth performance)	Use mesh Wi-Fi for 8+ cameras

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Arlo Setup

So, how many cameras can you have on Arlo? The answer is: as many as your hub, subscription, and Wi-Fi can handle—up to 15-20 per hub and unlimited with the right plan. But the real question is: how many do you actually need?

Don’t fall into the “more is better” trap. I’ve seen people with 12 cameras who only check 3 regularly. Start small, focus on high-priority areas, and scale up only when you need to. And remember: a well-placed camera is worth ten in the wrong spot.

My advice? Plan your layout on paper first. Identify blind spots, entry points, and high-traffic zones. Then, choose a hub and subscription that gives you room to grow. And if you’re unsure, start with the Multi-Camera plan and add more later. Arlo’s system is flexible, so you’re never locked in.

At the end of the day, your home security should make you feel safe—not stressed. With the right number of cameras, the right plan, and a little strategy, your Arlo system can do just that. Happy monitoring!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can I have on Arlo?

Arlo supports up to 20 cameras per account, depending on your subscription plan and hub model. Basic plans may limit the number, while premium plans like Arlo Secure allow more devices for advanced users.

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

Yes, most Arlo hubs and plans support up to 15–20 cameras, though older models (like the original Arlo base station) may cap at 5. Check your hardware and plan details to confirm limits.

Does Arlo charge extra for multiple cameras?

Arlo’s free plan covers one camera, but subscriptions like Arlo Secure ($2.99–$14.99/month) unlock cloud storage for multiple cameras. Local storage (via microSD) may reduce costs for additional devices.

What’s the max number of cameras for Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra 2?

The Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra 2 work with the same account limits (up to 20 cameras). However, Wi-Fi bandwidth and hub capacity may affect performance with high-resolution models.

How many Arlo cameras can I connect to one base station?

Newer Arlo SmartHubs support up to 15–20 cameras, while older base stations (e.g., VMB4000) max out at 5–15. Always verify compatibility with your specific hardware.

Can I mix different Arlo cameras in one system?

Yes! You can combine various Arlo models (e.g., Pro 4, Essential, Floodlight) under one account, up to the 20-camera limit. Ensure they’re all compatible with your hub or Wi-Fi network.