Arlo Base Station Guide 2026: Which Base Station Do You Need?
Arlo's camera system uses a base station (sometimes called SmartHub) as the central hub between cameras and your router. Unlike Eufy's HomeBase, Arlo base stations historically haven't enabled no-subscription local storage — they're mainly for camera communication and siren functionality. Here's what you need to know in 2026.
What Arlo Base Stations Do
- Wireless hub for Arlo cameras that need one (mainly older Pro generations)
- Built-in 100dB siren that can activate remotely or on motion
- USB storage slot for local recording (limited, not a full alternative to Arlo Secure cloud)
- Ethernet connection to router for reliable camera uplink
Arlo Base Station Models
Arlo SmartHub VMB5000
The current-generation hub. Required for Arlo Ultra and some Arlo Pro cameras. Supports full 4K streaming from Ultra cameras. USB backup storage slot. Ethernet preferred connection.
Best for: Arlo Ultra camera owners; newer Arlo systems.
Arlo Base Station VMB4540
Previous generation. Works with Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3 cameras. USB storage slot. Still functional but being phased out in favor of SmartHub.
Best for: Existing Arlo Pro 1-3 owners who need a replacement.
Original Arlo Base Station VMB3000
Legacy. For original Arlo / Arlo Pro cameras only. No USB storage. Consider upgrading to newer base if you're expanding.
Best for: Only if forced by legacy camera compatibility.
Which Arlo Cameras Need A Base Station
- Requires base station: Arlo Ultra, Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Pro (original), Arlo Pro 2, some Pro 3 configurations
- Base station optional: Arlo Essential, Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Pro 5S (these can work WiFi-direct but base station adds features)
- No base station needed: Arlo Essential Indoor, Arlo Essential Wired Doorbell (direct WiFi)
The Local Storage Limitation
Unlike Eufy HomeBase which offers full no-subscription operation, Arlo base stations' USB storage is limited — it's backup, not a full cloud replacement. Accessing recorded footage from the USB drive requires removing it from the base station and reading on a computer. For the polished browsing experience, Arlo Secure cloud is still needed. Buyers who want genuinely local, app-browsable storage should consider Eufy or Reolink instead.