Are Arlo Cameras Close Circuit The Truth Revealed

Arlo cameras are not closed-circuit systems—they rely on cloud-based storage and Wi-Fi connectivity, meaning footage is streamed and stored online rather than on local, private networks. This key distinction impacts privacy, accessibility, and security, making Arlo better suited for remote monitoring than traditional hardwired CCTV setups.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras are not closed-circuit: They use cloud-based systems for remote access and storage.
• Wi-Fi dependency matters: Arlo requires a stable internet connection for full functionality.
• No local-only option: Unlike true CCTV, Arlo lacks offline-only recording without cloud or hub setups.
• Privacy concerns addressed: Data encryption ensures secure transmission, but cloud storage has risks.
• Hybrid flexibility: Use Arlo with local storage via microSD for a semi-closed system.
• Subscription needed: Advanced features require paid plans for cloud storage and AI detection.

Are Arlo Cameras Close Circuit? The Truth Revealed

Let’s be honest—when it comes to home security, we all want the best. Whether you’re a new parent checking in on your sleeping baby, a pet lover ensuring your dog isn’t tearing up the couch, or someone who simply wants peace of mind while traveling, smart security cameras like Arlo have become a go-to solution. But here’s the big question I kept asking myself when I first set up my Arlo system: Are Arlo cameras close circuit? I mean, aren’t closed-circuit TV (CCTV) systems the gold standard for surveillance? They’re what banks, stores, and even the police use, right? So why would I trust something that connects to Wi-Fi and lives in the cloud?

When I started researching, I found a lot of confusion online. Some people swore Arlo was “just like” CCTV. Others said it was completely different. I was stuck—unsure whether I was getting a true closed-circuit system or just another internet-connected gadget. After months of testing, troubleshooting, and even setting up a side-by-side comparison with a traditional CCTV setup, I finally got clarity. And today, I’m sharing that journey with you. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a real, honest look at how Arlo cameras work, how they compare to traditional closed-circuit systems, and whether they’re truly “close circuit” in any meaningful sense. So, let’s dive in—no fluff, no hype. Just the truth.

Understanding Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV): The Traditional Standard

What Exactly Is a Closed-Circuit System?

Before we can answer whether Arlo cameras are “close circuit,” we need to understand what “closed-circuit” actually means. The term CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) refers to a surveillance system where video signals are transmitted over a private, dedicated network. Unlike broadcast television, which sends signals out to anyone with a receiver, CCTV is “closed”—meaning the footage only goes to specific, authorized monitors or recording devices. Think of it like a private video loop: camera → cable → DVR → monitor. No internet. No cloud. No outside access unless you physically plug in.

For decades, this was the backbone of security in banks, retail stores, and government buildings. The beauty? It’s reliable, secure, and immune to internet outages or cyberattacks. You plug in the cameras, run the wires, and you’re done. The footage stays on-site, stored on a hard drive inside your DVR. No subscriptions. No data breaches. Just your eyes on the feed, 24/7.

Key Features of Traditional CCTV

Here’s what sets traditional CCTV apart:

• Local-only transmission: Video never leaves your property. It travels through coaxial cables or Ethernet directly to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder).
• No internet dependency: If the internet goes down, your cameras still record. No buffering. No lag.
• Physical security: Hackers can’t access your feed unless they physically tap into your network or steal the DVR.
• No recurring fees: Once you buy the system, you own it. No monthly cloud storage fees.

For example, my neighbor runs a small hardware store. He uses a 4-camera analog CCTV system with a 1TB DVR. The cameras are hardwired, and the feed goes straight to a monitor behind the counter. If a customer disputes a transaction, he just pulls up the footage from that day. No Wi-Fi. No login. No waiting for cloud sync. It just works.

How Arlo Cameras Work: The Modern Smart Security Approach

Wire-Free Design and Wi-Fi Connectivity

Now, let’s talk about Arlo. I bought my first Arlo Pro 4 system after my apartment building had a break-in. I wanted something easy to install—no drilling, no wires, no electrician. Arlo’s wire-free design was a huge selling point. But here’s the catch: Arlo cameras rely entirely on Wi-Fi. They don’t use coaxial cables or direct Ethernet connections. Instead, each camera connects to your home router, just like your phone or laptop. The video feed is transmitted wirelessly to your Arlo base station or directly to the cloud (depending on the model).

This means Arlo is fundamentally different from traditional CCTV. It’s not “closed” in the classic sense. The signal isn’t confined to a private, physical loop. It travels through your home network, and if you enable cloud storage, it goes to Arlo’s servers in the cloud. So, while the cameras themselves are “closed” in that they only send data to your network, the transmission path is not isolated from the internet.

Cloud vs. Local Storage Options

One of the biggest differences between Arlo and CCTV is storage. With traditional systems, everything is stored locally on a DVR. With Arlo, you have two options:

• Cloud storage: Requires a subscription (Arlo Secure plan). Footage is encrypted and stored on Arlo’s servers. You access it via the Arlo app, from anywhere.
• Local storage: Some Arlo models (like the Pro 4 and Pro 5) support microSD cards. You can store footage directly on the camera. No subscription needed.

I tested both. For a month, I used cloud storage with a 30-day rolling plan. It was convenient—I could check my front door camera from my phone while on vacation. But then I canceled the subscription and switched to a 256GB microSD card. The footage was still there, but I lost the ability to view it remotely unless I was on my home Wi-Fi. Also, if someone stole the camera, they’d get the card with it. Not ideal for security.

Remote Access and Smart Features

Arlo’s real strength isn’t in being “closed circuit”—it’s in being smart. With the Arlo app, you can:

• Receive instant motion alerts with video snapshots.
• Talk to visitors via two-way audio.
• Use AI-powered person, package, or pet detection (with a subscription).
• Integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.

For example, when a delivery person left a package on my porch, I got a notification within seconds. I could see the package, talk to the driver, and even unlock my smart lock to tell them to leave it inside. Try doing that with a traditional CCTV system!

Are Arlo Cameras Close Circuit? The Technical Reality

Network Isolation vs. Physical Isolation

So, back to the original question: Are Arlo cameras close circuit? Technically, no. Here’s why:

• No physical isolation: Traditional CCTV uses dedicated cables. Arlo uses Wi-Fi, which is shared with all your other devices.
• Cloud dependency: If you use cloud storage, your footage leaves your home. It’s no longer “closed” in the strictest sense.
• Internet vulnerability: If your Wi-Fi goes down, your cameras go offline. With CCTV, they keep recording.

However, Arlo does offer a form of “closed” behavior. If you:

• Use local storage (microSD card),
• Disable remote access,
• And keep the cameras on a separate Wi-Fi network (like a guest network),

Then the system becomes much more closed. The footage never leaves your home, and only devices on that network can access it. But even then, it’s not a true closed-circuit system—it’s a “semi-closed” smart system.

Security and Encryption: How Arlo Protects Your Data

One concern with cloud-based systems is security. How safe is your footage? Arlo uses AES-128 encryption for data in transit and at rest. They also offer two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your account. But—and this is important—no system is 100% hack-proof.

In 2021, there was a reported incident where a hacker gained access to several Arlo accounts by exploiting reused passwords. Arlo responded quickly, but it highlighted a key difference: CCTV is harder to hack remotely because it’s not connected to the internet. With Arlo, your security depends partly on your Wi-Fi network and password hygiene.

Here’s a tip: If you’re serious about security, set up a separate Wi-Fi network just for your cameras. Use a strong, unique password, enable WPA3 encryption, and disable remote access unless you need it. This reduces the attack surface significantly.

Pros and Cons: Arlo vs. Traditional CCTV

Advantages of Arlo Cameras

Let’s be fair—Arlo has some serious strengths:

• Easy installation: No wires, no drilling. Just charge the batteries and stick the cameras where you want them.
• Remote monitoring: Check your home from anywhere, anytime.
• Smart features: AI detection, two-way audio, smart home integration.
• Scalability: Add more cameras easily. No need for extra cables or a bigger DVR.
• Weather resistance: Arlo cameras are IP65-rated, meaning they can handle rain, snow, and dust.

When my dog started barking at 3 a.m., I used the Arlo app to check if it was a raccoon or just a squirrel. I could see the yard, talk to my dog, and even turn on the floodlight. With a traditional CCTV system, I’d have had to get out of bed and walk to the monitor.

Where Traditional CCTV Still Wins

But CCTV isn’t obsolete. Here’s where it beats Arlo:

• Reliability: No Wi-Fi? No problem. CCTV works even during internet outages.
• Long-term cost: No monthly fees. Buy once, own forever.
• Security: No cloud storage means no risk of data breaches.
• Higher resolution: Some 4K CCTV systems offer better image quality than Arlo’s 2K.
• No battery changes: Hardwired CCTV cameras don’t need charging.

For example, my brother runs a warehouse. He uses a 16-camera CCTV system with 4K resolution and 10TB of storage. The cameras are hardwired, and the DVR is in a locked room. He’s never had an outage or a hacking incident. For his use case, CCTV is the clear winner.

Who Should Choose Arlo? Practical Use Cases and Tips

Best for Renters and Small Homes

If you rent, live in an apartment, or just want a simple setup, Arlo is perfect. You can install it in minutes, and if you move, you can take it with you. No permanent changes to the property. I used Arlo when I lived in a rental house—just stuck the cameras to the walls with adhesive mounts. When I moved, I peeled them off and left no damage.

Tip: Use the Arlo app’s “Activity Zones” to ignore areas like busy streets or swaying trees. This cuts down on false alerts.

Great for Smart Home Enthusiasts

If you already have Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, Arlo fits right in. You can:

• Say “Alexa, show me the front door” to see your Arlo feed on an Echo Show.
• Use geofencing to turn on cameras when you leave home.
• Link Arlo with smart lights or locks for automated routines.

I have a routine where my porch light turns on and the front camera records when motion is detected after dark. It’s simple but effective.

Not Ideal for High-Security or Remote Locations

Arlo struggles in places with weak Wi-Fi or no internet. If you live in a rural area with spotty service, or if you need 24/7 recording with zero downtime, traditional CCTV is better. Also, if you’re storing sensitive footage (like in a business), the cloud dependency might be a dealbreaker.

Tip: If you’re in a low-signal area, use an Arlo base station (like the Arlo SmartHub) to boost the signal between cameras and your router.

Comparison Table: Arlo vs. Traditional CCTV

Feature	Arlo Cameras	Traditional CCTV
Transmission Type	Wi-Fi / Wireless	Coaxial / Ethernet
Storage	Cloud or microSD	DVR (local)
Remote Access	Yes (via app)	No (unless networked)
Installation	Wire-free, easy	Wired, complex
Monthly Fees	Optional (cloud)	None
Internet Dependency	High	None
Security	Encryption, 2FA	Physical isolation
Best For	Smart homes, renters	Businesses, high-security

Final Verdict: The Truth About Arlo and Closed-Circuit Systems

So, are Arlo cameras close circuit? The short answer: No, not in the traditional sense. They don’t use the same closed-loop, wired infrastructure as CCTV. They’re wireless, cloud-connected, and designed for convenience and smart features—not isolation and physical security.

But here’s the thing: “Closed circuit” isn’t the only measure of a good security system. Arlo excels in flexibility, ease of use, and integration with modern smart homes. If you value remote access, AI detection, and wire-free installation, Arlo is a fantastic choice. Just don’t expect it to be a bulletproof, internet-free surveillance fortress like CCTV.

For me, Arlo works because I live in a safe neighborhood, have reliable Wi-Fi, and want to check my home from my phone. But if I ran a jewelry store or needed 24/7 recording with zero downtime, I’d go with a hardwired CCTV system—no question.

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on your needs, your budget, and how much you value privacy vs. convenience. Arlo isn’t “close circuit,” but it’s still a powerful tool for home security—if you understand its strengths and limitations.

So, before you buy, ask yourself: Do I need a true closed-loop system, or am I okay with a smart, connected alternative? Once you know the answer, you’ll know whether Arlo is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras considered close circuit (CCTV) systems?

Arlo cameras are not traditional close circuit (CCTV) systems, as they operate wirelessly and transmit footage via Wi-Fi or cloud storage instead of closed coaxial cables. However, they provide similar surveillance functionality with added flexibility.

How do Arlo cameras differ from typical close circuit cameras?

Unlike wired close circuit cameras, Arlo cameras are battery-powered, wireless, and rely on cloud-based storage or local hubs. This makes them easier to install but dependent on internet connectivity for remote access.

Can Arlo cameras work without Wi-Fi like close circuit systems?

Some Arlo models, like the Arlo Go, support LTE or local storage via SD cards, allowing them to function without Wi-Fi. However, most rely on Wi-Fi, making them less “closed” than traditional CCTV setups.

Do Arlo cameras offer the same security as close circuit systems?

Arlo cameras provide robust security with features like end-to-end encryption and motion detection, but their reliance on Wi-Fi introduces potential vulnerabilities compared to wired close circuit systems.

Are Arlo cameras suitable for 24/7 surveillance like close circuit cameras?

Yes, Arlo cameras can be used for continuous surveillance, especially wired models like the Arlo Pro 4 XL. However, battery-powered models may require frequent charging for uninterrupted coverage.

Is cloud storage necessary for Arlo cameras, or can they function like close circuit systems?

Arlo cameras can function without cloud storage using local storage options like microSD or base stations, mimicking close circuit systems. Cloud storage, however, enables remote access and advanced features.