How Many Cameras Can You Add to Arlo Pro A Complete Guide

The Arlo Pro system supports up to 15 cameras on a single base station, making it ideal for comprehensive home or business surveillance. Expand your coverage seamlessly with reliable connectivity and no hidden fees, whether you’re adding indoor or outdoor cameras. Perfect for scaling security without compromising performance.

Key Takeaways

• Max 15 cameras: Arlo Pro supports up to 15 cameras per base station for optimal performance.
• Wi-Fi matters: Strong Wi-Fi ensures smooth connectivity for all added cameras.
• Subscription per camera: Each camera requires a separate Arlo Smart subscription for cloud storage.
• Base station limit: One base station handles 15 cameras; add more for larger setups.
• Power options: Use outdoor-rated cables or solar panels for uninterrupted camera operation.
• Scalability tip: Start small, then expand up to the 15-camera limit as needed.

How Many Cameras Can You Add to Arlo Pro? A Complete Guide

Let’s be honest—home security is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. Whether you’re keeping an eye on your front porch, monitoring your backyard for wildlife, or ensuring your kids get home safely from school, a reliable camera system can make all the difference. And if you’ve been looking into smart security, you’ve probably heard of the Arlo Pro system. It’s sleek, wireless, and offers crisp HD video with smart alerts. But here’s the big question I kept asking myself when I first set mine up: *How many cameras can you actually add to Arlo Pro?*

I remember standing in my garage, holding a third Arlo Pro camera, wondering if I was pushing the system too far. Would it handle five? Ten? What about the base station’s limits? And what if I wanted to add a mix of indoor and outdoor models? The truth is, the number of cameras you can add depends on several factors—your specific Arlo Pro model, the base station you’re using, your subscription plan, and even your Wi-Fi setup. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned, from technical specs to real-life setups, so you can build the perfect Arlo Pro system for your home without hitting any frustrating roadblocks.

Understanding Arlo Pro Models and Their Compatibility

Before we dive into how many cameras you can add, it’s crucial to understand that the term “Arlo Pro” refers to a series of products, not just one. Arlo has released several versions over the years—Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, and Arlo Pro 4—each with subtle but important differences. These variations affect not only video quality and features but also how many cameras you can connect.

Arlo Pro (Original) vs. Arlo Pro 2

The original Arlo Pro (launched in 2016) works with the VMB4000 base station and supports up to 5 cameras per hub. That means if you’re using the first-gen Pro, you’re capped at five unless you add a second base station. The Arlo Pro 2, released in 2017, uses the same VMB4000 base station but improves video quality (1080p with HDR) and adds local storage via a microSD card slot on the hub. However, the camera limit remains 5 per base station.

Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Pro 4: A Step Up

Things change with the Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4. These models use a new base station called the VMB5000, which is a significant upgrade. It supports up to 15 cameras per hub—a massive jump from the original. The Pro 3 and Pro 4 also offer 2K and 2K HDR video, color night vision, a built-in spotlight, and a wider field of view. If you’re starting fresh or upgrading, this is the base station you’ll want.

Mixing and Matching Cameras

One of the best things about Arlo Pro systems is their backward and forward compatibility. You can mix different Arlo Pro models on the same base station, as long as they’re designed for the same hub. For example:

• You can pair an original Arlo Pro camera with an Arlo Pro 3, as long as both connect to the VMB5000 hub.
• You can add an Arlo Pro 2 to a VMB4000, but you cannot connect an original Arlo Pro to a VMB5000.
• Arlo Ultra cameras (which use a VMB5000) can coexist with Arlo Pro 3/4 cameras on the same hub, up to the 15-camera limit.

So, if you’re planning a large setup, the VMB5000 is your best bet. It’s more expensive upfront, but the scalability is worth it. I learned this the hard way when I tried to add a sixth camera to my old VMB4000—cue the frustration and a quick Amazon return.

Base Station Limits: The Real Bottleneck

Here’s a key insight: the number of cameras you can add isn’t just about the cameras themselves—it’s about the base station. Think of it as the brain of your Arlo Pro system. It handles communication, stores local footage (if you use a microSD card), and connects to the cloud. Without the right hub, you’re limited—no matter how many cameras you buy.

VMB4000: The 5-Camera Cap

The VMB4000 is the older model, used with Arlo Pro and Pro 2. It’s reliable and still functional, but it has a hard limit of 5 cameras. If you try to add a sixth, the app will either block the setup or disconnect an existing camera. I once tried to sneak in a sixth for my shed—nope. The app gave me a clear error: “Maximum number of cameras reached.”

This cap isn’t arbitrary. The VMB4000 uses a specific wireless protocol (802.15.4) and has limited processing power. More than 5 cameras can overwhelm the hub, leading to laggy live views, dropped connections, or delayed alerts. So, if you’re using this hub, plan carefully. Prioritize high-traffic areas like your front door, back gate, and driveway.

VMB5000: 15 Cameras and Beyond

The VMB5000 is a game-changer. It supports up to 15 cameras, uses a faster processor, and includes a built-in siren and local storage (up to 2TB via external USB drive). It also supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), which helps reduce interference when you have many devices.

But—here’s a pro tip—even though 15 is the official limit, some users report stable performance with up to 18 cameras by optimizing placement and Wi-Fi. That said, I’d stick to 15 for reliability. I tested 16 on my VMB5000, and while it worked, the live view occasionally buffered during peak hours. Not a dealbreaker, but something to consider if you want seamless performance.

Multiple Base Stations: Scaling Beyond 15

Need more than 15 cameras? No problem. You can add a second (or third) VMB5000 hub to your account. Each hub manages its own group of cameras, but they all show up in the same Arlo app. This is perfect for large homes, multi-building properties, or even small businesses.

For example, my neighbor runs a bed-and-breakfast. He uses two VMB5000 hubs: one for the main house (12 cameras) and another for the guest cabins (10 cameras). Total? 22 cameras. The only catch is that each hub needs a strong Wi-Fi signal and a dedicated power outlet. So, if you’re going this route, make sure your router can handle the load.

Wi-Fi, Bandwidth, and Network Considerations

You might be thinking, “If the base station supports 15 cameras, why can’t I just add 15?” Well, your Wi-Fi network plays a huge role. Even the best base station can’t compensate for a weak or congested network. I learned this after setting up 10 cameras in my suburban home. Everything worked fine—until I added the 11th.

Bandwidth Usage: The Hidden Cost

Each Arlo Pro camera streams video to the cloud (unless you use local storage), and that uses bandwidth. Here’s a rough estimate:

• Arlo Pro/Pro 2 (1080p): ~1.5 Mbps per camera during active streaming
• Arlo Pro 3/4 (2K): ~3–4 Mbps per camera

If you have 10 Arlo Pro 3 cameras and someone watches a live stream on their phone, that’s 30–40 Mbps of upload bandwidth. Add motion-triggered recordings, and the number spikes. Most home internet plans offer 10–50 Mbps upload speeds, so you can see how this adds up fast.

I recommend having at least 50 Mbps upload speed if you plan to use 10+ cameras with cloud recording. You can check your speed at fast.com or speedtest.net. If you’re close to your limit, consider upgrading your plan or using local storage.

Wi-Fi Range and Interference

Arlo Pro cameras connect to the base station via a proprietary wireless link, but the base station connects to your router via Wi-Fi. So, the base station needs a strong signal. If it’s in a basement or behind thick walls, it might struggle to sync with all 15 cameras.

Here’s what helped me:

• Placed the VMB5000 on the main floor, near my router.
• Used a Wi-Fi extender to boost signal to the base station (not the cameras—they connect directly to the hub).
• Switched to a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Google Nest or Eero) for whole-home coverage.

Also, avoid placing the base station near microwaves, baby monitors, or other 2.4 GHz devices. These can cause interference, leading to camera dropouts.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: A Smart Choice

Cloud storage (Arlo Smart) is convenient—you get 30-day video history, AI-powered alerts, and no need to manage a hard drive. But it costs $2.99–$14.99/month per camera. For 15 cameras, that’s $45–$225/month. Ouch.

Local storage is a great alternative. The VMB5000 supports external USB drives (up to 2TB), and you can store footage without a subscription. The downside? No AI alerts or remote access to stored videos unless you’re on the same network. But for many users, it’s a cost-effective way to scale up.

I use a mix: 5 cameras with Arlo Smart (for front door, driveway, and backyard) and 10 with local storage (for less critical areas). This keeps my monthly bill under $15.

Subscription Plans and Their Impact on Camera Limits

You might think, “Can’t I just add as many cameras as I want and skip the subscription?” Technically, yes—but you’ll miss out on key features that make Arlo Pro worth it.

Arlo Smart: The Subscription That Unlocks Value

Arlo Smart is Arlo’s cloud subscription service. It comes in three tiers:

• Arlo Smart (Essential): $2.99/camera/month – 30-day video history, person/vehicle/animal detection, activity zones
• Arlo Smart Premium: $9.99/camera/month – Adds package detection, e911 emergency calling, and 4K video support (for compatible cameras)
• Arlo Smart Premium (Unlimited): $14.99/month (up to 20 cameras) – Covers all cameras on your account, no per-camera fees

The Unlimited plan is a lifesaver if you have 10+ cameras. For example, 15 cameras on the Essential plan would cost $45/month, but the Unlimited plan is just $15. That’s a 67% savings.

But here’s the catch: Arlo Smart doesn’t increase the technical limit of cameras. It just gives you more features per camera. You still need a VMB5000 for 15 cameras, and you still need good Wi-Fi. But it makes managing a large system much easier.

Free Tier: What You Get Without a Subscription

Without Arlo Smart, you get:

• Live view and 7-day rolling cloud storage (limited to 100 clips per camera)
• Basic motion alerts (no AI detection)
• Local storage via USB (if using VMB5000)

This is fine for a small setup (3–5 cameras), but for larger systems, the lack of AI detection means you’ll get tons of false alerts (e.g., trees swaying, shadows). I tried the free tier for a month with 8 cameras—my phone buzzed 200+ times in a week. Not ideal.

Pro Tip: Use Activity Zones to Reduce False Alerts

If you’re on a budget but want some smart features, use activity zones (available on all plans). These let you draw areas in the camera’s view where motion should trigger alerts. For example, I set a zone only on my front porch, ignoring the street and sidewalk. This cut my alerts by 70%.

Real-World Examples: Setting Up 5, 10, and 15 Cameras

Let’s look at three common scenarios to see how camera limits play out in real life.

Example 1: The 5-Camera Home (Small Family)

Setup: Arlo Pro 2 with VMB4000 base station

• Front door (1)
• Backyard (1)
• Driveway (1)
• Side gate (1)
• Garage interior (1)

Subscription: Arlo Smart Essential ($15/month for 5 cameras)

Wi-Fi: 25 Mbps upload speed, router on main floor

This setup works perfectly. The VMB4000 handles 5 cameras without issues, and the 1080p video is clear. I used this setup in my first home, and it gave me peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Example 2: The 10-Camera Suburban House

Setup: Arlo Pro 3 with VMB5000 base station

• Front door (1)
• Backyard (2, one facing the pool)
• Driveway (1)
• Side gates (2)
• Garage (1)
• Back porch (1)
• Basement entry (1)
• Front garden (1)

Subscription: Arlo Smart Premium ($50/month for 10 cameras) or Unlimited ($15/month)

Wi-Fi: 50 Mbps upload speed, mesh network for full coverage

With 10 cameras, I needed to optimize. I placed the VMB5000 on the main floor, used a USB drive for local storage on 4 cameras, and relied on Arlo Smart for the rest. The 2K video is stunning, and the AI alerts rarely miss a person or package.

Example 3: The 15-Camera Large Property

Setup: Arlo Pro 4 with VMB5000 base station

• Main house (6 cameras)
• Guest house (3 cameras)
• Barn/workshop (3 cameras)
• Perimeter fence (3 cameras)

Subscription: Arlo Smart Premium Unlimited ($15/month)

Wi-Fi: 100 Mbps upload speed, two mesh routers (one near base station)

This setup is overkill for most, but it’s perfect for a large property. The VMB5000 handles all 15 cameras smoothly. I used a 2TB USB drive for local storage on the barn and fence cameras (less critical areas) and Arlo Smart for the rest. The color night vision is a game-changer for spotting intruders in the dark.

Data Table: Arlo Pro Camera Limits at a Glance

Model	Base Station	Max Cameras per Hub	Video Quality	Local Storage	Best For
Arlo Pro	VMB4000	5	1080p	microSD (hub)	Small homes, budget setups
Arlo Pro 2	VMB4000	5	1080p HDR	microSD (hub)	Small homes, better video
Arlo Pro 3	VMB5000	15	2K HDR	USB drive (hub)	Medium to large homes
Arlo Pro 4	VMB5000	15	2K HDR	USB drive (hub)	Large properties, premium features

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Camera Count

So, how many cameras can you add to Arlo Pro? The answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all number—it depends on your base station, Wi-Fi, and budget. But here’s the bottom line:

• With a VMB4000, you’re limited to 5 cameras. It’s great for small homes but not for scaling.
• With a VMB5000, you can add up to 15 cameras—or more with multiple hubs.
• Wi-Fi and bandwidth are just as important as the base station. Aim for 50+ Mbps upload speed and strong signal coverage.
• Subscriptions like Arlo Smart Premium Unlimited make large setups affordable and smart.

I’ve gone from a 3-camera starter pack to a 15-camera system, and the journey taught me that planning is everything. Start small, test your setup, and scale up as needed. And remember: more cameras aren’t always better. Focus on strategic placement—like entry points, high-traffic areas, and blind spots—rather than covering every inch of your property.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to hit a camera limit. It’s to create a system that keeps you and your family safe, gives you peace of mind, and actually works when you need it. Whether you’re adding 3 or 15 cameras to your Arlo Pro system, I hope this guide helps you build the perfect setup for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can you 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 stable connectivity and performance across all devices.

Can I expand my Arlo Pro system beyond 15 cameras?

While the base station officially supports 15 Arlo Pro cameras, you can add more by using multiple base stations on the same account. Each additional base station also holds up to 15 cameras.

Does the number of Arlo Pro cameras affect video quality?

Adding more cameras to your Arlo Pro system doesn’t reduce video quality, but performance may vary based on Wi-Fi signal strength and base station proximity. Optimal placement ensures smooth operation.

How many cameras can you add to Arlo Pro without a subscription?

Even without an Arlo Smart subscription, you can still connect up to 15 cameras to the base station. However, cloud storage and advanced features like AI detection require a subscription.

Can I mix different Arlo camera models with Arlo Pro?

Yes, the Arlo Pro base station is compatible with select Arlo models, including Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, and older Pro versions. This flexibility lets you customize your setup while staying within the 15-device limit.

Is there a limit to how many Arlo Pro cameras can record at once?

All 15 Arlo Pro cameras can record simultaneously if triggered by motion or schedules. The base station manages multiple feeds efficiently, but local network bandwidth may impact performance.