Quick verdict
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.
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.
Check price on Amazon →Arlo cameras drain batteries fast. These five CR123A picks deliver the longest runtime, best cold-weather performance, and lowest cost-per-month for your Arlo security system.
How we picked
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Top picks compared
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 5 Picks | Check price |
Our picks up close
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.
Before you buy
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.
The wrap-up
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.
Quick answers
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.
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.
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.
