Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic CR123A Industrial | Best Overall | ~$22-29 | 4.7/5 |
| Amazon Basics CR123A | Best Budget | ~$13-18 | 4.6/5 |
| Energizer Ultimate Lithium CR123A | Best Premium | ~$28-36 | 4.7/5 |
| Duracell Ultra Lithium CR123A | Best for Cold Weather | ~$20-27 | 4.5/5 |
| Streamlight CR123A Lithium | Best Compact Pack | ~$15-22 | 4.6/5 |
Intro
Arlo cameras are among the most popular wire-free security systems on the market, and their CR123A battery dependency is one of the first things new owners notice. When you have four, six, or eight cameras spread around your property, keeping them all powered becomes a real ongoing expense.
The good news is that Arlo’s own branded batteries are not your only option. and usually not the best value. Premium lithium CR123A cells from the major manufacturers perform just as well and often cost significantly less per cell when bought in quantity. The key is picking cells that handle temperature swings well and maintain voltage long enough to justify the bulk purchase.
Top 5 Picks
1. Panasonic CR123A (12-pack or 24-pack). The top Arlo recommendation from most long-term users. Panasonic’s consistent discharge curve matches Arlo’s battery indicator reliably, the cells perform well in cold weather, and the 10-year shelf life means bulk buying makes sense.
2. Energizer CR123A Lithium. Near-identical performance to Panasonic with the advantage of easier in-store availability. If you need a quick replacement and can’t wait for a delivery, Energizer is in virtually every hardware store and big-box retailer.
3. Duracell Ultra CR123A. Duracell’s lithium CR123A cells are rated for the same temperature range and shelf life as Panasonic. A reliable choice if you’re already a Duracell household and want one brand across all your devices.
4. Arlo VMA4400-100 (Official Arlo batteries). Worth including for buyers who want manufacturer-guaranteed compatibility and don’t mind the premium. Arlo’s own cells are good quality, but the price per cell is noticeably higher than third-party equivalents.
5. Amazon Basics CR123A Lithium (12-pack). The budget option. Not quite at the same shelf-life or cold-weather tier as Panasonic, but for cameras in a heated garage or temperate climate they deliver acceptable runtime at the lowest per-cell price available.
What to Look For
Temperature tolerance. Outdoor cameras face real temperature swings. Check that cells are rated to at least -20°C. Panasonic and Energizer lithium cells maintain output at -40°C. critical if you’re in a northern climate.
Bulk pack economics. With multiple cameras needing two cells each, per-cell cost matters enormously over a year. A 24-pack at a competitive price can cut annual battery costs in half versus buying 4-packs at the hardware store.
Discharge curve flatness. Arlo’s battery indicator relies on voltage to estimate remaining charge. Cells with a flat discharge curve give more accurate readings and avoid surprise shutdowns. Premium lithium cells hold voltage well through most of their capacity.
Shelf life for backups. Keep a set in reserve. Cells with a 10-year shelf rating let you buy in bulk and store the excess without worrying about them going dead before you need them.
Final Thoughts
For Arlo owners, Panasonic CR123A in a 24-pack is the best long-term choice. consistent performance, trustworthy cold-weather ratings, and a cost that makes stocking up sensible. Energizer is a reliable alternative when Panasonic isn’t in stock. Avoid deep-discount no-name cells for security cameras; an empty battery at 2am defeats the whole point of the system.
Frequently asked questions
How long do CR123A batteries last in Arlo cameras?+
Runtime depends heavily on motion frequency and temperature. In a typical home environment with moderate motion activity, premium lithium CR123A cells last 4-6 months per set. In cold climates or high-traffic zones, expect 2-3 months. Keeping Arlo's activity zones optimized significantly extends battery life.
Does Arlo require its own branded batteries?+
No. Arlo cameras accept any standard CR123A lithium battery. Arlo-branded cells are simply rebranded lithium cells sold at a premium. Third-party options from Panasonic, Energizer, or Duracell perform identically and cost less per cell when purchased in bulk.
Can I use rechargeable CR123A batteries in Arlo cameras?+
Yes, but with a caveat. Rechargeable CR123A cells output 3.6-3.7V versus the 3.0V of a primary. Arlo cameras tolerate this voltage difference and function normally, but the Arlo app's battery indicator may read inaccurately. Arlo also sells their own rechargeable battery and charging system designed specifically for their ecosystem.