Arlo Dual Charging Station Review: Strong But Not Perfect
Few accessories for smart home security score consistently high across platforms, but the Arlo Dual Charging Station (VMA5400C) holds a strong 4.6/5 rating from hundreds of buyers. Users describe it as “a must-have if you have multiple Arlo cameras,” yet recurring compatibility complaints and a premium price tag prevent it from being perfect. Based on aggregated feedback, it earns an 8.8/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — Excellent for owners of compatible Arlo models, but check battery type before purchasing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charges two batteries simultaneously | Not compatible with older Arlo batteries |
| 15% faster than in-camera charging | Higher price compared to third-party chargers |
| Compact and well-built | Requires proprietary DC plug, no USB option |
| Status LEDs for charge completion | Off-brand chargers are unreliable but cheaper |
| Genuine Arlo quality and safety | No batteries included |
| Reduces camera downtime | Limited resale availability |
| Works with standard and XL batteries (for stated models) | Mixed design feedback on plug type |
Claims vs Reality
Arlo advertises the Dual Charging Station as charging “up to two batteries 15% faster” than in-camera charging. Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit, many owners confirm the improved speed. One Best Buy buyer said, “batteries charge in a few hours and the charging station is small, compact,” while Reddit’s GadgetGear review noted, “de laadsnelheid ligt net iets hoger dan wanneer je de camera direct... zou aansluiten” (“charging speed is slightly higher than charging directly through the camera”).
However, the promise of universal Arlo battery compatibility doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. The official spec omits older batteries like the VMC4030, and frustrated Arlo Community members highlighted this gap: “the description indicated it would charge a VMC4030 battery but clearly it doesn’t… contacts do not line up.” This unexpected limitation leaves some long-time Arlo owners without support unless they buy a different charger.
Another claim — works with both standard and XL rechargeable batteries — appears accurate for supported models. In an Arlo Pro 4 XL battery charging thread, a confirmed answer stated: “Yes, it will charge both the XL and the regular batteries… makes the process simpler.” But misreading model lists has misled buyers, with one admitting, “I saw the ‘Ultra 2’ and mistakenly thought Pro 2.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One standout benefit is convenience. For households with multiple wall-mounted cameras, swapping precharged batteries instead of taking cameras down is transformative. A verified Best Buy customer shared: “Prior to purchasing… I had to remove my camera from the wall… quite a hassle. Now I always have a fully charged battery ready.”
Time savings matter most for high-traffic setups. A Trustpilot reviewer explained, “The battery lasts about two weeks due to traffic… now I can simply switch out the batteries and charge the backup while the spotlight is still operating.” Security professionals and busy homeowners alike value this uninterrupted surveillance.
Durability earns praise too. Many note the sturdy, compact build compared to third-party options. Buyer “joef” recounted opting for genuine Arlo because “the quality of off brand chargers can be suspect.” Across channels, quality perception and reliability align — even after years of use.
Common Complaints
The most repeated frustration is compatibility mismatch. Owners of older Pro or Pro 2 models find their batteries physically incompatible despite product listings that seemed ambiguous. In the Arlo Community, one post spells it out: “You need the VMA4400C. Third-party chargers… worked the first time then never again.” Such issues disproportionately hit loyal Arlo customers with mixed-generation camera setups.
The proprietary DC plug choice is another sore point. GadgetGear’s review criticized, “Arlo has chosen a DC plug… only the supplied charger works. A bit of a weird choice.” For tech-savvy users accustomed to universal USB-C or micro-USB, this limits flexibility and travel convenience.
Price sensitivity emerged repeatedly. While some accept the premium as insurance against failures, others label it “a bit pricey imo” and note custom cables and accessories add to total cost. Frequent camera users feel the pinch more.
Divisive Features
While the LED status lights make charging progress clear, opinions split on necessity. Some call it “so easy… lights let you know when each battery is fully charged,” while others view them as a minor upgrade over standard chargers.
The physical design — compact footprint and dual bays — wins general approval, but the inability to repurpose generic power supplies frustrates minimalists and travelers. For some, brand loyalty outweighs this; for others, it’s a reason to buy alternatives.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term owners report solid build quality holding up for years. Best Buy user “tech savvy” said after 1.5 years it “makes swapping Arlo batteries so easy.” Trustpilot records no systemic quality issues, but cautionary tales about third-party chargers deteriorating quickly add weight to buying genuine.
No scam indicators surface, but compatibility misinterpretations do create dissatisfaction. Misleading assumptions from online product lists — especially conflating “Ultra” and “Pro” generations — have led to returns or wasted purchases.
Alternatives
The most discussed alternative is the Arlo VMA4400C for older Pro series. Forum responders regularly redirect confused buyers there. Third-party chargers appear tempting for the price — some costing a fraction — yet reliability issues abound. One community member noted, “Aftermarket cheaper… worked the first time… never worked again… had to remove camera from my account.” The trade-off is clear: upfront savings versus the potential for downtime and troubleshooting.
Price & Value
With a consistent retail around $49.99, buyers debate whether the premium is justified. eBay open-box deals show resale prices near $35–$36 plus shipping, and auction platforms list even lower winning bids under $1 in rare circumstances — illustrating potential bargains if bought second-hand.
For active multi-camera users, several say it’s “still the cheaper way to go” when factoring in time saved and avoiding costly camera downtime. Community tips include pairing the charger with at least one spare battery to maximize uptime.
FAQ
Q: Does the Arlo Dual Charging Station work with Pro 2 or older models?
A: No. Multiple users confirm it won’t fit those batteries (VMC4030) — the contacts don’t align. The VMA4400C is required for Pro, Pro 2 models.
Q: Can it charge Arlo XL batteries?
A: Yes, for supported newer models like Pro 4 XL, Ultra 2 XL, and Go 2. Owners using XL batteries find swapping them far easier than unscrewing cameras.
Q: How long does it take to fully charge a battery?
A: Many report “a few hours” from empty to full, with users noticing it is slightly faster than charging inside the camera.
Q: Is it safe to use with third-party batteries?
A: Official guidance advises only Arlo-certified batteries. Community feedback on third-party chargers and batteries is mixed and often negative.
Q: Does it use a standard USB charger?
A: No. It uses a proprietary DC plug, meaning you must use the included adapter.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own compatible newer Arlo models and want zero surveillance downtime. Avoid if you have older cameras or need USB charging flexibility. Pro tip from community: always keep at least one spare battery ready — paired with the Dual Charging Station, it’s the fastest path to uninterrupted security.
