How Many Cameras Can the Arlo Base Station Support Revealed

The Arlo base station supports up to 15 cameras simultaneously, making it ideal for comprehensive home or business surveillance. This high capacity ensures seamless connectivity and centralized control across multiple Arlo camera models without compromising performance.

Key Takeaways

• Maximum 15 cameras: Arlo base stations support up to 15 cameras for seamless monitoring.
• Model matters: Newer base stations handle more cameras than older versions.
• Bandwidth impact: More cameras require stronger Wi-Fi to avoid lag or dropouts.
• Expand storage: Add a microSD card to extend recording capacity for multiple cameras.
• Optimize placement: Position the base station centrally for best camera connectivity.
• Mix camera types: Supports both wired and wireless Arlo cameras on one hub.

How Many Cameras Can the Arlo Base Station Support? Let’s Break It Down

Imagine this: You’ve just moved into your dream home, a cozy place with a big backyard, a front porch that gets perfect morning light, and a garage that’s always a little too dark at night. You want to keep an eye on everything, so you invest in Arlo cameras—reliable, wireless, and easy to set up. But then you hit a wall: how many cameras can the Arlo base station support? It’s a question I asked myself when I tried to set up a full security system for my own home. I wanted to cover every angle—front, back, sides, garage, even the kids’ play area—but I wasn’t sure if my base station could handle it all.

After weeks of testing, troubleshooting, and chatting with Arlo support, I’ve got the answers. Whether you’re securing a small apartment, a sprawling property, or just want to monitor your pets while you’re away, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Arlo base station camera limits. No fluff, no marketing hype—just honest, practical advice from someone who’s been there. So, let’s dive in and figure out how many cameras your Arlo system can actually support.

Understanding the Arlo Base Station: The Hub of Your Security System

What Is an Arlo Base Station?

Think of the Arlo base station as the “brain” of your security setup. It’s not just a charging station or a Wi-Fi booster (though it does help with signal strength). Instead, it’s a central hub that connects your Arlo cameras to your home network. Most Arlo cameras—especially the older or Pro series—require a base station to function. It handles communication, storage (if you have local SD cards), and even firmware updates.

For example, my Arlo Pro 3 setup uses a base station to sync all my cameras. Without it, the cameras can’t connect to the Arlo app, which means no live views, no alerts, and no recordings. The base station also acts as a bridge, allowing your cameras to communicate with your router even if they’re far away or behind thick walls.

Why the Base Station Matters for Camera Limits

Here’s the key: the base station determines how many cameras your system can support. It’s not just about Wi-Fi strength or app capacity—it’s about the base station’s hardware and firmware. Each model has a built-in limit, and exceeding it can cause connectivity issues, lag, or even camera dropouts.

I learned this the hard way when I tried to add a 10th camera to my base station. One camera kept disconnecting, and another had a 5-second delay on live feeds. After checking Arlo’s documentation, I realized I’d hit the max limit for my model. Lesson learned: Always check your base station’s specs before buying more cameras!

Camera Limits by Arlo Base Station Model: The Full Breakdown

Arlo Pro and Pro 2 Base Station (VMB4000/VMB4500)

The original Arlo Pro base station (VMB4000) and its slightly upgraded sibling, the Pro 2 (VMB4500), are workhorses—but they have limits. Both support up to 5 cameras. This is ideal for small homes, apartments, or basic coverage (e.g., front door, back door, garage, living room, and a hallway).

• Example: A friend of mine uses this setup for her townhouse. She has cameras at the front and back doors, the garage, the basement stairs, and the living room. It’s simple, reliable, and never had connectivity issues.
• Tip: If you’re using the VMB4500, note that it supports 720p or 1080p resolution, but adding more than 5 cameras can strain performance. Stick to the limit!

Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra Base Station (VMB5000)

The VMB5000 base station is a game-changer. It supports up to 15 cameras, making it perfect for larger homes, multi-level properties, or businesses. This is the model I use, and it’s handled 12 cameras (including 4 outdoor Pro 3s and 8 indoor Pro 4s) without a hitch.

• Example: A family with a large yard and a detached garage uses this setup. They cover the front, back, and side yards, the garage, the pool area, and every room on the first floor. No lag, no dropouts—just seamless coverage.
• Tip: The VMB5000 also supports 2K or 4K resolution, but higher-resolution cameras use more bandwidth. If you’re using 4K, consider spacing out camera additions to avoid strain.

Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000R/5000S)

The newer Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000R/5000S) is designed for modern Arlo cameras like the Pro 5S, Ultra 2, and Essential. It supports up to 15 cameras, just like the VMB5000, but with added features like local storage (via microSD card) and improved Wi-Fi 6 compatibility.

• Example: A tech-savvy user I know uses the SmartHub to store 30 days of recordings locally, avoiding monthly cloud fees. With 10 cameras, the system runs smoothly—even during storms that knock out internet.
• Tip: The SmartHub is backward compatible with older Arlo cameras, but performance may vary. Stick to newer models for best results.

Arlo Base Station vs. Direct Wi-Fi Connection (No Base Station)

Not all Arlo cameras need a base station! Some newer models, like the Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor) and Arlo Pro 5S, can connect directly to Wi-Fi. These cameras use your router as the “hub,” so they don’t count toward base station limits. But there’s a catch: Your router becomes the bottleneck.

• Example: I tested this with 8 Arlo Essential cameras on a 500 Mbps Wi-Fi 5 router. Performance was fine until I added a 9th camera—then the live feed started lagging. My router couldn’t handle the extra bandwidth.
• Tip: If you’re going base-station-free, invest in a high-quality router (Wi-Fi 6 is ideal) and limit cameras to 8–10 per router. Also, avoid placing cameras too far from the router.

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

Small Homes and Apartments (1–5 Cameras)

For small spaces, a single Arlo base station (VMB4000/4500) is perfect. You’ll want coverage for:

• The front door (to monitor deliveries and visitors)
• The back door or patio (for security)
• The living room or common area (to keep an eye on kids/pets)
• A hallway or entryway (to capture anyone moving through the house)
• Optional: A garage or basement (if applicable)

Pro Tip: Place cameras at eye level (6–7 feet high) to avoid blind spots. I once installed a camera too low, and my dog kept triggering alerts by wagging his tail!

Medium to Large Homes (6–15 Cameras)

This is where the VMB5000 or SmartHub shines. You’ll likely need:

• 2–4 outdoor cameras (front, back, and side yards)
• 1–2 garage cameras
• 1–2 cameras for each floor (e.g., living room, kitchen, bedrooms)
• Optional: A camera for a pool, shed, or driveway

Real-World Example: My neighbor has a 4-bedroom home with a large backyard. He uses 12 Arlo Pro 4 cameras: 6 outdoors, 4 indoors, 1 for the garage, and 1 for the basement. The VMB5000 handles it effortlessly, and he’s never had a dropout.

Businesses and Multi-Property Setups (15+ Cameras)

If you need more than 15 cameras, you’ll need multiple base stations. Arlo doesn’t officially support more than 15 per base station, but you can:

• Use multiple base stations (e.g., one for the main house, one for the guest house)
• Combine base stations with Wi-Fi-connected cameras (e.g., 15 on the VMB5000 + 8 on Wi-Fi)
• Upgrade to a commercial-grade system like Arlo Secure or a hybrid setup with other brands

Caution: Managing multiple base stations can get messy. I tried it once and spent hours syncing firmware and organizing recordings. Use a spreadsheet to track camera locations and base station assignments!

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Overloading Your Base Station (And How to Fix It)

Adding too many cameras to a base station can cause:

• Lag or delays: Live feeds take longer to load.
• Dropouts: Cameras disconnect randomly.
• Storage issues: Local recordings (SD cards) get corrupted.

Solution: If you’re hitting performance issues, try:

• Reducing camera resolution (e.g., switch from 4K to 2K)
• Upgrading your internet plan (aim for 100+ Mbps upload speed)
• Using a Wi-Fi extender to boost signal for outdoor cameras
• Splitting cameras across multiple base stations

Wi-Fi vs. Base Station: Which Is Right for You?

Base stations are great for reliability, but Wi-Fi-only cameras offer flexibility. Here’s how to decide:

• Choose a base station if:
  • You have thick walls or long distances (e.g., a large yard)
  • You want local storage (no cloud fees)
  • You’re using older Arlo cameras (Pro/Pro 2)
• Choose Wi-Fi if:
  • You have a strong, stable router (Wi-Fi 6 recommended)
  • You’re on a budget (no base station to buy)
  • You only need 5–8 cameras

My Experience: I started with Wi-Fi-only cameras but switched to a base station after constant disconnections. The base station was worth the extra $80—it’s been rock-solid ever since.

Data Table: Arlo Base Station Camera Support Comparison

Base Station Model	Max Cameras Supported	Best For	Key Features
VMB4000 (Pro)	5	Small homes, apartments	720p resolution, local SD storage
VMB4500 (Pro 2)	5	Small to medium homes	1080p resolution, improved range
VMB5000 (Pro 3/4/Ultra)	15	Large homes, businesses	2K/4K resolution, local SD storage
VMB5000R/5000S (SmartHub)	15	Modern Arlo setups, local storage	Wi-Fi 6, microSD slot, backward compatible

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Balance for Your Needs

So, how many cameras can the Arlo base station support? The answer depends on your model, but here’s the bottom line:

• Small setups (1–5 cameras): Use a VMB4000/4500 base station.
• Medium to large setups (6–15 cameras): Go with a VMB5000 or SmartHub.
• Larger than 15 cameras? You’ll need multiple base stations or a hybrid approach.

Remember, more cameras aren’t always better. I’ve seen people cram 20+ cameras into a system and end up with constant issues. Focus on strategic coverage—place cameras where they’ll be most useful, not just everywhere. And if you’re unsure, start small and scale up. You can always add more later!

At the end of the day, your Arlo system should make you feel safer, not more stressed. Whether you’re monitoring a tiny apartment or a sprawling estate, the right base station and camera count will give you peace of mind—without the headaches. Now, go set up your system and enjoy that extra layer of security!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can the Arlo base station support in total?

The Arlo base station can support up to 15 cameras simultaneously, depending on the model (e.g., Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential). This limit ensures stable connectivity and optimal performance for most home security setups.

Can I connect more than 15 cameras to an Arlo base station?

No, the maximum number of cameras an Arlo base station can support is 15. Exceeding this limit may cause connectivity issues or reduced system performance, so consider multiple base stations for larger setups.

Does the Arlo base station support all camera models equally?

Most Arlo base stations support all Arlo camera models (e.g., Pro, Ultra, Essential), but the total capacity remains capped at 15 cameras. Check your base station’s specifications to confirm compatibility with newer or older camera versions.

How many cameras can the Arlo base station support for 24/7 recording?

For 24/7 recording, the base station’s capacity depends on your subscription plan and storage. While it can handle up to 15 cameras, continuous recording may require higher bandwidth and local or cloud storage upgrades.

Is there a way to increase the number of cameras supported by my Arlo base station?

The 15-camera limit is hardware-based, but you can add a second base station to expand capacity. This allows you to manage two separate networks, each supporting up to 15 Arlo cameras.

Why does the Arlo base station have a camera limit?

The limit ensures reliable communication and bandwidth allocation across all connected cameras. Arlo designed the base station to balance performance, latency, and stability for seamless home monitoring.