topic Re: Arlo Home Security Questions in Arlo

Arlo Home Security Questions

itozz — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 11:25:06 GMT

Hi all. I currently have a VMB4000 with two older 720p cameras. I'm buying a new house and wanted to upgrade the cameras, add a video doorbell, and buy a keypad/sensors for doors/windows. Building a system like this is new to me, so I'm just wondering exactly how these components work. I know the VMB4000 will still handle the cameras and doorbell while the keypad will handle the sensors, but will the keypad and base station talk to each other? Will I be able to enable/disable recording of the cameras by arming the keypad?

Also, everybody in this sub seems pretty jaded by Arlo. Should I consider other cameras? Seems like almost everyone who sells cameras is trying to also sell a subscription, but I haven't had any of the issues that others are reporting of missing events, lag, etc. I've looked at the Nest cameras, but apparently they are even more aggressive with subscriptions.

Thanks for any input on this. I was just about to pull the trigger on buying everything, but after stopping by this sub, I'm hesitant.

Re: Arlo Home Security Questions

StephenB — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 11:38:57 GMT

@itozz wrote:

Hi all. I currently have a VMB4000 with two older 720p cameras. I'm buying a new house and wanted to upgrade the cameras, add a video doorbell, and buy a keypad/sensors for doors/windows. Building a system like this is new to me, so I'm just wondering exactly how these components work. I know the VMB4000 will still handle the cameras and doorbell while the keypad will handle the sensors, but will the keypad and base station talk to each other? Will I be able to enable/disable recording of the cameras by arming the keypad?

You will need an Arlo Secure subscription to get recordings on all the currently sold cameras and doorbells.

If you are replacing all the cameras, you might not need the base - most of the new cameras (Ultras being the exception) can connect directly to your home wifi. If you want local storage, consider upgrading the base as well as the cameras (getting a VMB4540 or VMB5000 smarthub).

The system is integrated in the Arlo Cloud, so arming the keypad will also arm the cameras.

Re: Arlo Home Security Questions

ShayneS — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:37:49 GMT

@itozz

Thanks for reaching out!

We have many options for hardware as well as being able to integrate with partners such as HomeKit or SmartThings. We can help you build out a system if you like, feel free to ask away and we will be here to help : )