How Many Cameras Can I Have on My Arlo System A Complete Guide

Arlo systems support up to 25 cameras per account, making them ideal for both small homes and large properties. Whether you’re using Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential models, seamless integration and cloud management let you scale your security setup effortlessly. No matter your needs, Arlo delivers flexibility without compromising performance.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo supports up to 25 cameras per base station or hub, depending on your plan and hardware.
• Upgrade your plan to add more cameras—higher-tier subscriptions allow larger camera counts.
• Use Arlo SmartHubs to scale efficiently and maintain strong connectivity for multiple devices.
• Wi-Fi limitations impact camera capacity—ensure robust bandwidth for optimal performance.
• Check compatibility before expanding—older cameras may require updated hardware for full integration.
• Monitor camera load via the Arlo app to avoid overloading your system’s performance.

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

If you’ve ever stood in your backyard, staring at the corners of your house, wondering, “Do I need another camera?”—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. Maybe you started with one Arlo camera, just to keep an eye on the front door. But then you added one for the back patio, another for the garage, and before you knew it, you were asking yourself: how many cameras can I actually have on my Arlo system?

The truth? It’s not just about how many cameras you can add—it’s about what your setup can handle. Arlo systems are flexible, but they’re not magic. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to cover every blind spot, a small business owner securing a property, or a tech enthusiast building a smart home fortress, understanding Arlo’s camera limits is crucial. You don’t want to hit a wall after installing your fifth camera only to find out the system starts lagging or dropping connections. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from hardware limits to plan restrictions, real-world setups, and even tips to get the most out of your system without overloading it.

Understanding Arlo’s Camera Limits: Hardware, Software, and Plans

When you ask, “How many cameras can I have on my Arlo system?”, the answer depends on three main things: your hardware (like base stations and Wi-Fi), your software (the Arlo app and firmware), and your subscription plan (if you have one). Let’s dig into each.

Hardware Limits: The Base Station or SmartHub

Arlo cameras don’t connect directly to your Wi-Fi in most cases. Instead, they link to a base station (like the Arlo Pro 3 Base Station) or a SmartHub (like the Arlo SmartHub for Ultra or Essential models). These hubs act as the central brain of your system.

• Arlo Pro Series (Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5): Each base station supports up to 15 cameras. That’s a solid number for most homes.
• Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2: The SmartHub supports up to 15 cameras as well.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor, Wired, Wire-Free): These connect directly to Wi-Fi, so they don’t need a base station. But the Arlo app can manage up to 20 cameras per account—no hub required.
• Arlo Go (LTE camera): These use cellular data and don’t connect to a hub. Each is managed individually in the app, but they count toward your total camera limit.

Real talk: I once tried to run 18 Arlo Pro 3 cameras on a single base station. The system technically allowed it, but video streaming became choppy, and motion alerts lagged. The base station was overwhelmed. Lesson learned: stick to 15 max unless you’re ready to upgrade to multiple hubs.

Software Limits: The Arlo App and Firmware

The Arlo app is your control center. It’s where you view feeds, set up alerts, and manage recordings. But even the best app has limits.

• Maximum cameras per account: The Arlo app supports up to 20 cameras per user account. This is a hard cap, regardless of hardware.
• Firmware updates: Arlo occasionally pushes updates that improve performance. Older base stations might not handle newer camera models well. For example, a Pro 2 base station might struggle with Pro 5 cameras due to higher resolution and bandwidth needs.
• App performance: With 15+ cameras, the app can feel sluggish. I’ve had moments where tapping “Live View” took 5–10 seconds to load. It’s not broken—just overloaded.

Tip: If you’re running 10+ cameras, close other apps on your phone and restart your device weekly. It helps keep the Arlo app snappy.

Subscription Plans: The Hidden Limit

Here’s where things get tricky. Even if your hardware and app can handle 20 cameras, your Arlo Secure plan might not.

• Arlo Secure (Basic): $2.99/month for 1 camera. Records 30 days of video, 30-second clips, and smart notifications.
• Arlo Secure Plus: $9.99/month for up to 5 cameras. Same features, but for more cameras.
• Arlo Secure Premium: $14.99/month for up to 10 cameras. Adds 4K streaming, extended video history, and advanced AI detection.
• Custom Plans: Arlo offers enterprise or large-property plans for 10+ cameras. These are pricey (think $50+/month) but include cloud storage, 24/7 professional monitoring, and priority support.

Example: I have 12 cameras. I use the Premium plan for the first 10 and a separate Basic plan for the last 2. It’s $20.97/month total. Not cheap, but worth it for peace of mind.

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

Let’s get practical. How many cameras make sense for your situation? It’s not just about hitting the max—it’s about where and why you’re placing them.

Single-Family Homes (1,500–3,000 sq ft)

For a typical suburban home, 4–8 cameras usually do the trick.

• Front door: 1 camera (Essential or Pro 3)
• Backyard: 1–2 cameras (Pro 3 or Ultra for wide coverage)
• Garage: 1 camera (Pro 2 for motion detection)
• Side yard/driveway: 1–2 cameras (Essential Outdoor for low-cost coverage)
• Indoor: 1–2 cameras (Essential Indoor for nurseries or home offices)

Total: 5–8 cameras. This fits comfortably under the 15-camera hardware limit and the 10-camera Premium plan. You’ll have room to grow, and the system won’t feel crowded.

Large Properties (5,000+ sq ft or Multiple Buildings)

Got a big house, a detached garage, a barn, or a pool house? You’ll likely need 10–15 cameras.

• Perimeter: 4–6 cameras covering all entry points
• Driveway: 1–2 long-range cameras (Arlo Ultra 2 with 180° field of view)
• Outbuildings: 1 camera per structure (Essential Wire-Free for easy install)
• Indoor: 2–4 cameras (Pro 4 for high-res indoor monitoring)
• Pool/play area: 1–2 cameras (Essential Outdoor with night vision)

Total: 10–15 cameras. At this level, consider a second base station or SmartHub. Place one hub near the main house and another near outbuildings to reduce signal dropouts. Also, upgrade to a custom plan or use multiple Premium subscriptions to cover all cameras.

Small Businesses (Retail, Office, Storage Units)

Commercial setups often need 15–20 cameras. Here’s how to manage it:

• Entry/exit points: 2–3 cameras (Pro 5 for facial recognition)
• Parking lot: 3–5 cameras (Ultra 2 with 4K and night vision)
• Back office/storage: 2–3 cameras (Essential Indoor for discreet monitoring)
• Loading dock: 1–2 cameras (Pro 3 for motion tracking)
• Perimeter fencing: 4–6 cameras (Essential Outdoor with AI detection)

Total: 15–20 cameras. This is the max for a single Arlo account. Use two SmartHubs (one for indoor, one for outdoor) and a custom enterprise plan. Pro tip: assign cameras to “zones” in the app (e.g., “Parking,” “Office”) to make monitoring easier.

Tips to Maximize Your Arlo System Without Overloading It

Running 15+ cameras isn’t just about adding more—it’s about optimizing. Here’s how to keep your system fast, reliable, and effective.

1. Use Multiple Hubs (When Needed)

Don’t overload one base station. If you have cameras on opposite sides of your property, add a second hub. Place it centrally (like in a garage or shed) to reduce signal interference. I use one hub for front-yard cameras and another for the backyard. The system runs smoother, and I haven’t had a single dropout in 6 months.

2. Optimize Wi-Fi and Signal Strength

Even hub-based systems rely on Wi-Fi for cloud sync. A weak signal = laggy feeds and missed alerts.

• Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system (like Google Nest Wifi) to cover dead zones.
• Place hubs within 100 feet of your router.
• For Essential cameras, connect them to a dedicated 2.4 GHz network (not 5 GHz). They don’t support 5 GHz, and mixing bands causes confusion.

I once had a camera 120 feet from the router. It kept disconnecting until I added a mesh node. Problem solved in 15 minutes.

3. Adjust Motion Detection Zones

Too many false alerts? You’re wasting bandwidth and battery life. In the Arlo app, set custom motion zones to ignore trees, cars, or pets.

• For a front-yard camera, exclude the sidewalk where neighbors walk.
• For a backyard camera, focus on the gate and deck—not the lawn.

This reduces unnecessary recordings and keeps your system efficient.

4. Schedule Recording Times

Do you really need 24/7 recording? Probably not. Use the “Schedule” feature to turn off recording when you’re home or during low-risk hours.

• Turn off indoor cameras at night (if you’re home).
• Disable backyard cameras during the day if you’re in the yard.

My system uses 40% less data since I started scheduling. My battery life improved too!

Arlo Camera Compatibility and Mixing Models

Can you mix different Arlo cameras on one system? Yes—but there are caveats.

What Works

• Same hub generation: Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5 cameras work together on a Pro 3/4/5 base station.
• Essential + Pro series: You can pair Essential cameras (Wi-Fi) with Pro cameras (hub-based) on the same account.
• Ultra + Pro: Ultra cameras work with Pro base stations, but you’ll lose 4K streaming unless you have a SmartHub.

What Doesn’t Work

• Older base stations with newer cameras: A Pro 2 base station won’t support Pro 5’s 2K HDR.
• Mixing hub types: You can’t use both a Pro base station and a SmartHub for the same camera group (they’re separate systems).
• Arlo Go with non-LTE cameras: Arlo Go uses cellular data, so it can’t connect to Wi-Fi or hubs. It’s managed separately.

Example: I have 3 Pro 3 cameras, 4 Essential Outdoor cameras, and 2 Ultra 2 cameras. I use a Pro 3 base station for the Pro and Ultra cameras (Ultra works but only in 1080p), and the Essential cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi. All 9 appear in one app. Works like a charm!

Pro Tip: Use the Arlo Compatibility Tool

Arlo has a compatibility checker on their website. Enter your current setup, and it’ll tell you which cameras you can add. I used it when upgrading to Pro 5 cameras—saved me from buying incompatible ones.

Future-Proofing Your Arlo Setup: Scalability and Upgrades

What if you want to add more cameras later? Or switch to a new Arlo model? Plan ahead.

1. Leave Room for Growth

If you’re starting with 5 cameras, don’t max out your hub. Leave space for 3–5 more. I once filled my base station with 15 cameras, then wanted to add a pool cam. Had to buy a second hub—extra cost, extra hassle.

2. Invest in a SmartHub

SmartHubs (like the Arlo SmartHub) are more future-proof than base stations. They support higher bandwidth, better encryption, and newer features like AI detection. If you’re building a long-term system, go with a SmartHub.

3. Consider Arlo’s Ecosystem

Arlo isn’t just cameras. They have:

• Arlo Video Doorbell: Works with your camera system (counts as 1 camera).

< Arlo Floodlight: A camera with a built-in light (also counts as 1 camera).

• Arlo SmartHub with Cellular Backup: Keeps your system online during Wi-Fi outages.

I added a video doorbell last year. It’s part of my camera count, but it’s worth it for package deliveries.

4. Watch for Firmware Updates

Arlo releases updates that improve performance and add features. Check your app every few months. I once got an update that boosted my camera’s battery life by 20%—no hardware changes needed.

Data Table: Arlo System Limits at a Glance

Component	Maximum Limit	Notes
Cameras per base station (Pro series)	15	Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5 only
Cameras per SmartHub (Ultra/Ultra 2)	15	Supports 4K streaming
Cameras per Arlo account (app)	20	Hard limit; includes all models
Cameras per Arlo Secure Premium plan	10	$14.99/month
Cameras per Arlo Secure Plus plan	5	$9.99/month
Wi-Fi-only cameras (Essential series)	No hub needed	Connect directly to router

The Bottom Line: It’s Not Just About the Number

So, how many cameras can you have on your Arlo system? Technically, up to 20 per account. But the real answer is: as many as your hardware, plan, and needs allow—without sacrificing performance.

Don’t fall into the trap of “more is better.” I did. I once installed 18 cameras, thinking I was building the ultimate security system. But the lag, the false alerts, the constant app crashes—it wasn’t worth it. I scaled back to 12, optimized the setup, and suddenly, my system felt smarter, not just bigger.

Start small. Use 4–6 cameras for a typical home. Test the system. See how it performs. Then expand—smartly. Use multiple hubs if needed, optimize motion zones, and upgrade your plan as you grow. And remember: a well-placed camera is worth ten poorly placed ones.

Whether you’re securing a cozy cottage or a sprawling estate, your Arlo system can grow with you. Just do it with a plan. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t to max out your camera count—it’s to feel safe, connected, and in control. And that’s something no number can measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can I have on my Arlo system?

The number of cameras you can add to your Arlo system depends on your subscription plan and base station model. Most Arlo base stations support up to 5–15 cameras, while cloud storage plans (like Arlo Secure) may limit recordings to 10–20 cameras per account.

What is the maximum number of Arlo cameras I can connect to one base station?

Arlo base stations, such as the Arlo Pro 2 or Ultra, typically support up to 15 cameras simultaneously. Older models like the original Arlo base station may only support 5 cameras, so check your hardware specifications.

Can I add more than 10 cameras to my Arlo system with a subscription?

Yes, depending on your Arlo Secure plan, you can connect up to 20 cameras for cloud recording and monitoring. However, local storage options (like a microSD card) may allow more cameras without subscription limits.

Does Arlo charge extra for adding more cameras to my system?

Arlo charges per camera for cloud storage under its Secure plans, so adding more cameras increases your monthly cost. However, base station capacity is a hardware limitation, not a fee-based restriction.

How many Arlo cameras can I use without a subscription?

Without a subscription, you can still connect up to 15 cameras to a compatible base station, but you’ll only have live viewing and local storage (via microSD). Cloud recording and advanced features require an Arlo Secure plan.

Can I mix different Arlo camera models in one system?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (e.g., Pro, Ultra, Essential) work together on the same system, but performance may vary. Ensure your base station supports the total number of cameras you plan to add, regardless of model.