Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energizer Lithium | Best Overall | ~$15-30 | 4.7/5 |
| Amazon Basics | Best Budget | ~$10-20 | 4.6/5 |
| Duracell Ultra | Best Premium | ~$18-35 | 4.7/5 |
| Streamlight | Best for Longevity | ~$14-28 | 4.5/5 |
| Surefire | Best Compact | ~$20-40 | 4.6/5 |
Intro
Arlo cameras that use removable CR123A cells are among the most widely deployed home security cameras in North America. When one camera runs dry, you lose coverage. and the Arlo app notification often comes in the middle of the night when you least want to deal with it.
The fix is simple: stock quality CR123A cells in bulk and rotate them on a schedule before they die. The harder question is which cells are worth buying. This guide is written specifically for Arlo camera owners and focuses on what matters for that use case. reliable voltage delivery, accurate battery indicator readings, and cost-effective bulk purchasing.
Top 5 Picks
1. Panasonic CR123A Lithium (24-pack). The gold standard for Arlo users. Panasonic’s cells ship fully charged, have a flat discharge curve that works well with Arlo’s voltage-based battery meter, and perform down to -40°C. Buying a 24-pack covers a 6-camera system for a full rotation.
2. Energizer Ultimate Lithium CR123A. Energizer’s top-tier lithium cell. Marketed for extreme temperature performance and high-drain devices. both of which apply to outdoor security cameras. The “Ultimate” line pushes shelf life and cold-weather performance slightly beyond standard Energizer cells.
3. SureFire SF123A. SureFire cells are overbuilt for flashlight use, which means they’re also excellent in cameras. Voltage stays remarkably stable through the discharge cycle, keeping Arlo’s battery indicator honest. Priced at a premium but worth it for mission-critical camera positions.
4. Duracell Ultra CR123A. A consistent performer with wide retail availability. Duracell’s CR123A cells are lithium, carry a 10-year shelf date, and work reliably in all Arlo models that accept removable cells.
5. Tenergy Premium CR123A (12-pack). A value-tier option that still uses genuine lithium chemistry. Not quite at the shelf-life or cold-weather level of Panasonic, but for indoor cameras or mild-climate installs they deliver solid runtime at a lower per-cell cost.
What to Look For
Model compatibility check. Before buying, confirm your Arlo model uses removable CR123A cells. Arlo Pro, Pro 2, and original Arlo do. Arlo Ultra, Pro 3/4/5, and Essential use integrated rechargeable packs and do not accept CR123A cells.
Always replace in pairs. Arlo cameras use two cells wired in series. Mixing a fresh cell with a partially depleted one causes voltage imbalance and dramatically shortens the life of both cells. Swap both at the same time.
Lithium only. Do not put alkaline batteries in Arlo cameras. Alkaline cells degrade rapidly in the cold and can leak, damaging the contacts. All five picks above are lithium.
Buy ahead. The worst time to need batteries is when a camera is already dead. Keep a 12-pack in reserve so swaps take two minutes rather than a shopping trip.
Final Thoughts
For Arlo cameras that take removable CR123A cells, Panasonic in a 24-pack is the practical choice for most multi-camera systems. Energizer Ultimate is the better pick for installations in harsh climates. Whatever you choose, buying in bulk and replacing cells in pairs will keep your cameras online and your battery costs manageable.
Frequently asked questions
Which Arlo camera models use CR123A batteries?+
Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Go, and original Arlo (VMC3030) all use CR123A cells. Newer models like Arlo Ultra, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Essential use a proprietary rechargeable battery pack rather than removable CR123A cells. Always check your model number before purchasing.
How many CR123A batteries does each Arlo camera need?+
Most Arlo camera models that use CR123A cells require two batteries per camera. Each battery bay holds one 3V cell, wired in series to provide the 6V the camera requires. Always replace both cells at the same time to maintain consistent voltage and avoid early shutdowns.
Why does my Arlo app show low battery shortly after replacing CR123A cells?+
This usually happens when using non-lithium or low-quality cells. The Arlo app reads battery level by measuring voltage. If cells have an uneven discharge curve or are already partially drained from shelf storage, the indicator can read low even on relatively new batteries. Stick to fresh lithium cells from reputable brands.