How Many Cameras Can I Hook Up to My Arlo The Ultimate Guide

You can connect up to 25 Arlo cameras to a single base station or hub, depending on your Arlo system model and subscription plan. Higher-tier plans support more cameras and advanced features, making scalability easy for homes or small businesses—check compatibility to maximize your setup.

Key Takeaways

• Max 15 cameras: Arlo supports up to 15 cameras per base station for optimal performance.
• Wi-Fi matters: Strong Wi-Fi ensures stable connections when using multiple Arlo cameras.
• Subscription limits: Higher-tier plans allow more cameras with cloud storage access.
• Mix and match: Combine Arlo Ultra, Pro, and Essential models seamlessly in one system.
• Local storage option: Use microSD cards to bypass cloud limits for supported cameras.
• Bandwidth check: Monitor network load to avoid lag with 10+ cameras connected.

How Many Cameras Can I Hook Up to My Arlo? Let’s Break It Down

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your first Arlo camera, and it’s working like a charm. You’re checking in on your front porch from your phone, feeling like a tech-savvy superhero. Then it hits you—what if you could cover more of your home? The backyard, the garage, the side gate? Suddenly, the question pops up: How many cameras can I hook up to my Arlo?

You’re not alone. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or small business owner, Arlo’s ecosystem is designed to scale. But the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your base station, subscription plan, Wi-Fi strength, and even the Arlo model you own. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—no jargon, no fluff. Just real talk about how to build a camera setup that fits your needs, your budget, and your sanity.

Understanding Arlo’s Camera Limits: The Big Picture

Let’s cut to the chase. Arlo doesn’t have a single “max number” of cameras. Instead, limits are tied to your hardware and software setup. Think of it like a puzzle: each piece (camera, base station, app) has to fit together just right.

1. Base Station or Hub: Your Network’s “Home Base”

Most Arlo systems use a base station or hub to connect cameras to your home network. Here’s the catch: Each base station supports up to 15 cameras. This applies to:

• Arlo Pro 2/3/4/5
• Arlo Ultra
• Arlo Essential
• Arlo Go (LTE)

For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 3 base station, you can add 15 cameras total—no more. But wait! There’s a workaround: You can link multiple base stations to one Arlo account. So, if you have two base stations, you can have 30 cameras. Just remember: each base station needs its own power outlet and Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) connection.

2. Wi-Fi-Only Cameras: The Wild Card

Some Arlo models, like the Arlo Essential Spotlight or Arlo Essential Indoor, connect directly to your Wi-Fi—no base station required. These are “Wi-Fi-only” cameras. But here’s the twist: Arlo’s app limits you to 20 Wi-Fi-only cameras per account, regardless of base stations. Why? Because the app needs to manage video streams, alerts, and storage. Too many Wi-Fi cameras can overload your router or the app itself.

3. The “Hidden” Limit: Your Internet Bandwidth

Even if Arlo’s rules let you add 30 cameras, your internet speed and router might say “nope.” Each camera uses bandwidth when streaming, recording, or sending alerts. For example:

• A single 1080p Arlo camera uses ~1 Mbps during live streaming.
• 15 cameras = ~15 Mbps if all stream simultaneously (rare, but possible).

If your internet is 25 Mbps, you’ll hit a wall. Pro tip: Use a mesh Wi-Fi system or upgrade to 100+ Mbps if you’re scaling beyond 10 cameras.

Breaking Down Arlo’s Subscription Tiers (And How They Affect Camera Limits)

Here’s where things get sticky. Your Arlo subscription plan impacts how many cameras you can use—and what features they get. Let’s demystify this.

1. Free vs. Paid Plans: What You Get

Arlo offers a free tier with basic features:

• 7 days of rolling cloud storage (for 1 camera only).
• No AI detection (e.g., “person” or “package” alerts).
• No 24/7 recording.

Want to add more cameras to the free plan? You can—but only the first camera gets 7-day cloud storage. The rest? They’ll only record when triggered (motion/activity), and clips are saved locally (if you have a microSD card).

2. Arlo Secure Plans: The Camera Multiplier

To unlock cloud storage and AI features for multiple cameras, you need a paid plan. Here’s how they work:

• Arlo Secure (Single Camera): $2.99/month for 1 camera. 30-day cloud storage, AI detection.
• Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera): $9.99/month for up to 5 cameras. Same features, but shared across all.
• Arlo Secure Plus: $14.99/month for up to 10 cameras. Adds 4K streaming (for Ultra cameras) and 24/7 recording (if you have a compatible base station).
• Arlo Secure Premium: $19.99/month for up to 20 cameras. Includes everything, plus 24/7 professional monitoring (optional).

Example: If you have 8 cameras, the Secure Plus plan is your sweet spot. The Multi-Camera plan ($9.99) would require two separate subscriptions (5 + 3 cameras), costing $19.98—more than the Premium plan!

3. The “Gotcha” with 24/7 Recording

Want constant recording? Only Arlo Pro 3/4/5 and Ultra base stations support it—and only with Secure Plus or Premium. Even then, 24/7 recording eats up storage fast. Arlo gives you 24/7 recordings stored for 30 days (with Secure Plus) or 60 days (Premium). But if you have 15 cameras recording nonstop, that’s terabytes of data—and a higher chance of missing alerts due to “notification fatigue.”

Real-World Examples: How Families and Businesses Use Arlo

Let’s get practical. How do real people use Arlo at different scales? Here are three scenarios—with lessons you can steal.

1. The Suburban Family (6 Cameras)

Setup: Arlo Pro 3 base station + 6 Pro 3 cameras (front door, back door, garage, two side yards, backyard).

• Subscription: Arlo Secure Multi-Camera ($9.99/month).
• Why it works: Covers all entry points without overkill. The base station’s 2K resolution and color night vision handle low-light areas well.
• Tip: Use activity zones to avoid false alerts (e.g., ignore the neighbor’s cat in the side yard).

2. The Small Business Owner (12 Cameras)

Setup: Two Arlo Ultra base stations + 12 Ultra cameras (storefront, parking lot, warehouse, office, back alley).

• Subscription: Arlo Secure Premium ($19.99/month).
• Why it works: 4K resolution captures license plates. The second base station extends Wi-Fi coverage to the warehouse.
• Tip: Label each camera (e.g., “Back Alley 1”) in the app to avoid confusion.

3. The Renter (3 Cameras)

Setup: Three Arlo Essential Indoor cameras (living room, bedroom, kitchen)—no base station.

• Subscription: Free tier.
• Why it works: Renters avoid drilling holes. Cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi and store clips on microSD cards.
• Tip: Use privacy modes (e.g., turn off the bedroom camera when home).

Troubleshooting Common Camera Limit Issues

Even with the right setup, things can go sideways. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.

1. “My Base Station Says ‘Camera Limit Reached’”

This happens when you hit the 15-camera limit. Solutions:

• Add a second base station (if you have the budget).
• Replace some Wi-Fi-only cameras with base station models (if you’re under 15 total).
• Use microSD cards for local storage on extra cameras (bypassing the cloud).

2. “My App Crashes with Too Many Cameras”

The Arlo app isn’t designed for 20+ cameras on a phone. Fixes:

• Use the web app (app.arlo.com) for better performance.
• Create “groups” (e.g., “First Floor,” “Backyard”) to organize cameras.
• Disable unused cameras temporarily (e.g., turn off the garage camera when you’re home).

3. “My Wi-Fi Can’t Handle All These Cameras”

If your router freezes or cameras disconnect, try:

• Upgrade to a mesh Wi-Fi system (e.g., Google Nest, Eero).
• Assign static IP addresses to each camera (via your router’s settings).
• Lower camera resolution (e.g., switch 4K cameras to 1080p).

Data Table: Arlo Camera Limits at a Glance

Arlo Component	Max Cameras Supported	Notes
Base Station (Pro/Ultra)	15 per base station	Link multiple base stations to one account.
Wi-Fi-Only Cameras (Essential)	20 per account	No base station needed. Limited cloud storage without subscription.
Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera)	5 cameras	$9.99/month. 30-day cloud storage.
Arlo Secure Plus	10 cameras	$14.99/month. Includes 4K and 24/7 recording.
Arlo Secure Premium	20 cameras	$19.99/month. Best for large homes/businesses.
Free Tier	Unlimited cameras	Only 1 camera gets 7-day cloud storage.

Final Thoughts: Build Your System Smart

So, how many cameras can you hook up to your Arlo? The answer is: As many as your base station(s), Wi-Fi, and subscription allow—but don’t forget the human factor. More cameras don’t always mean better security. A well-placed 5-camera setup can outperform a 15-camera system if it covers critical areas and avoids false alerts.

Here’s my final advice:

• Start small. Add cameras as needed (e.g., after a package theft or break-in).
• Prioritize quality over quantity. A single 4K Ultra camera at your front door beats three grainy 720p cameras.
• Test your Wi-Fi first. Run a speed test with all cameras active before buying more.
• Use local storage. MicroSD cards are a budget-friendly way to add cameras without paying for extra cloud storage.

At the end of the day, Arlo’s flexibility is its superpower. Whether you’re securing a studio apartment or a 10,000-square-foot warehouse, there’s a configuration that works. Just remember: Your home’s security isn’t about the number of cameras—it’s about peace of mind. And with the right setup, Arlo can give you both.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can I hook up to my Arlo system?

The number of cameras you can connect depends on your Arlo subscription and base station model. Most Arlo setups support 5–25 cameras, with higher-tier plans allowing more devices.

Does my Arlo base station limit how many cameras I can add?

Yes, older base stations like the Arlo Pro 2 support up to 5 cameras, while newer models like the Arlo SmartHub VMB5000 can handle up to 25. Always check your hardware’s specifications.

Can I mix different Arlo camera models in one system?

Yes, Arlo systems allow mixing cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Ultra, or Essential) on the same base station. However, all cameras must use the same hub and be compatible with your subscription plan.

How many cameras can I hook up to Arlo without a subscription?

Without a subscription, you’re limited to 5 cameras and basic features like live viewing. For more cameras and cloud storage, you’ll need an Arlo Secure plan (supports up to 25 cameras).

Will adding more cameras slow down my Arlo system?

Adding cameras shouldn’t slow performance if your Wi-Fi and base station can handle the load. For 10+ cameras, use a wired Ethernet connection and ensure strong signal strength.

Can I expand my Arlo system later if I start with fewer cameras?

Absolutely! You can add more cameras anytime, but ensure your base station and subscription plan support the increased number. Upgrade your plan or hub if needed.