Are Arlo Cameras Free The Truth Behind the Costs and Features

Arlo cameras are not free—while you can purchase the hardware outright, accessing advanced features like cloud storage, AI detection, and 24/7 monitoring requires a paid subscription. Essential functionalities such as video history and smart alerts are locked behind Arlo Secure plans, making ongoing costs a crucial factor in your security investment.

Key Takeaways

• No, Arlo cameras aren’t free: They require upfront purchase or subscription plans.
• Cloud storage costs extra: Free tier is limited; paid plans unlock full features.
• Local storage available: Use microSD cards to avoid monthly fees.
• Essential features need subscriptions: AI detection and alerts require paid plans.
• Battery life varies: Frequent recordings drain power; plan for replacements.
• Check for promotions: Bundles and discounts can lower initial costs.

Are Arlo Cameras Free? The Truth Behind the Costs and Features

Let’s be honest—home security is a big deal. Whether you’re checking in on your pet while at work, keeping an eye on your kids, or just making sure no one’s sneaking into your backyard at night, smart cameras like Arlo have become a go-to solution. I remember the first time I set up an Arlo camera. I thought, “Great! A sleek, wireless, weather-resistant camera. And hey, it’s got free cloud storage, right?” Spoiler: not exactly. That moment was my first clue that the idea of “free” with Arlo cameras is a little more complicated than it seems.

When you’re scrolling through Arlo’s website or Amazon listings, the word “free” pops up a lot—free app, free basic features, free setup. But if you’ve ever tried to access advanced features like motion zones, person detection, or extended video history, you’ve probably hit a paywall. So, are Arlo cameras free? The short answer: the hardware isn’t free, and while some basic functions are included, the real value—like AI detection and long-term video storage—comes at a cost. In this post, we’ll peel back the layers to understand exactly what you’re paying for, what’s truly free, and whether Arlo is worth the investment for your home.

What’s Actually Free with Arlo Cameras?

When Arlo says “free,” they’re usually referring to the app, basic setup, and limited cloud storage—not the full experience. Let’s break down what you actually get without spending extra.

The Arlo App: Free and User-Friendly

The Arlo app is 100% free to download and use. It works on iOS, Android, and even web browsers. You can view live streams, receive motion alerts, and manage your devices without paying a cent. The app is intuitive, with a clean interface that makes it easy to switch between cameras, check battery levels (for wireless models), and review recent activity. I’ve used it during a thunderstorm to check if my outdoor camera was still recording—and it worked flawlessly, no subscription needed.

Basic Cloud Storage: 7 Days of Rolling Footage (With Limits)

Here’s where things get tricky. Arlo offers some free cloud storage, but it’s not unlimited. Most newer Arlo cameras come with a 7-day rolling cloud storage for motion-triggered clips. That means any video your camera records due to motion will stay in the cloud for seven days, then automatically delete. Sounds good, right? But there are catches:

• Only motion-activated clips are saved (not continuous recording).
• The free plan only supports up to 5 cameras.
• Video quality is capped at 1080p (even if your camera supports higher).
• No AI detection (like person, vehicle, or package recognition) is available.

For example, if your camera spots a raccoon in the yard, that clip will be saved—but you’ll have no way to filter out animal alerts or focus only on people. That means more notifications and less peace of mind.

Local Storage: An Often-Overlooked Free Option

If you don’t want to rely on the cloud, many Arlo cameras (like the Pro 4, Pro 5S, and Ultra 2) support microSD card storage. You can insert a card (up to 2TB) and record continuously or on motion. This is completely free—no subscription required. I use a 128GB card in my backyard camera, and it holds about two weeks of 1080p footage. The downside? You have to manually retrieve the card to view older videos, and it’s not backed up offsite.

Tip: Use local storage for low-traffic areas (like a garage) and cloud for high-priority zones (front door, driveway).

Hidden Costs: What You’ll Likely Need to Pay For

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the subscription. Arlo’s free tier is a gateway to paid plans. If you want the full experience—especially AI-powered features and longer video retention—you’ll need to open your wallet.

Arlo Secure: The Core Subscription Service

Arlo Secure is the subscription that unlocks the camera’s true potential. It starts at $2.99 per camera per month (billed annually) and includes:

• Unlimited AI detection (person, vehicle, animal, package).
• 30 days of cloud video history (vs. 7 days on free).
• Custom motion zones (draw areas to monitor or ignore).
• Enhanced notifications (e.g., “Person detected at front door”).
• Activity zones (reduce false alerts).

For a 4-camera system, that’s $11.96/month—$143.52/year. Is it worth it? If you’re tired of sifting through 50 “squirrel in yard” alerts to find one actual person, yes. I upgraded to Arlo Secure after missing a delivery because I ignored a “motion detected” alert (it was a leaf blowing by). With AI filtering, I now get specific alerts like “Package delivered at 2:15 PM,” which is a game-changer.

Arlo Secure Plus: For the Heavy Users

If you want even more control, Arlo Secure Plus ($4.99/camera/month) adds:

• 60 days of cloud storage.
• 24/7 emergency response (in the U.S., connects you to 911 with location sharing).
• Smoke/CO alarm detection (if your camera is near a detector).

This is ideal for large homes or users who want maximum security. But for most people, the base Arlo Secure plan is sufficient.

Hardware Costs: The Upfront Price Tag

Let’s not forget: Arlo cameras aren’t cheap. Prices vary by model, but here’s a rough guide:

• Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera (1080p): $99.99
• Arlo Pro 4 (2K): $129.99
• Arlo Ultra 2 (4K): $249.99
• Arlo Video Doorbell (2K): $129.99

You’ll also need a base station (for older Pro models) or a SmartHub (for newer models like the Pro 5S). These cost $79.99–$99.99 and are required for local storage and enhanced connectivity.

Pro tip: Buy a multi-pack (e.g., 2 or 3 cameras) to save money. Arlo often bundles cameras with a SmartHub at a discount.

Comparing Arlo’s Free Features to Competitors

How does Arlo stack up against other popular brands like Ring, Nest, and Eufy? Let’s compare the free tiers side by side.

Free Cloud Storage: Arlo vs. the Competition

Most brands offer some form of free cloud storage, but the details vary:

• Ring: 180 days of cloud storage (for motion clips) with a Ring Protect plan. Free tier has no cloud storage—only live viewing.
• Google Nest: 3 hours of event history (motion clips) with no subscription. Paid plan ($6/month) gives 30 days of 24/7 recording.
• Eufy: No cloud storage. All footage is stored locally (microSD or HomeBase). Free app and AI detection included.

Arlo’s 7-day free cloud is better than Ring’s “no free cloud” policy but worse than Nest’s 3-hour buffer. Eufy wins for privacy-conscious users (no cloud = no subscription), but Arlo offers more flexibility.

AI Detection: Who Offers It for Free?

Here’s a shocker: Eufy includes AI detection (person, vehicle, pet) at no extra cost. Nest and Ring require subscriptions. Arlo? You guessed it—subscription-only. This is a major differentiator. If you hate false alerts, Eufy might be a better fit. But Arlo’s AI is more accurate (in my testing), with fewer misidentifications.

Local Storage Support

Arlo, Ring, and Eufy all support local storage (microSD or base station), but Nest does not. If you want to avoid subscriptions, this is a big deal. I once had a power outage that knocked out my internet for 12 hours. My Arlo camera kept recording locally, while my friend’s Ring camera (on a subscription) lost all footage during the downtime.

Is Arlo Worth the Cost? Real-World Use Cases

Now, let’s get practical. Whether Arlo is “worth it” depends on your needs, budget, and how you plan to use it.

For Renters or Budget-Conscious Users

If you’re renting or don’t want to spend $300+ on a system, start small. Buy one Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera ($99.99) and use the free 7-day cloud storage. Pair it with a microSD card for local backup. You’ll get live viewing, motion alerts, and decent video quality—no subscription needed. Just remember: no AI detection means more manual filtering.

Example: A friend used this setup to monitor her apartment’s front door. She got a notification when her package arrived and used the spotlight to deter a suspicious loiterer. Total cost: $120 (camera + SD card).

For Families or Homeowners

If you have kids, pets, or a large property, invest in a multi-camera system with Arlo Secure. The AI detection alone is worth it. I set up a “pet zone” on my backyard camera, so I no longer get alerts when my dog chases a squirrel. My front door camera sends “package delivered” alerts, so I never miss a delivery. For a family of four, the $120/year cost is a small price for peace of mind.

For Tech Enthusiasts or Privacy Advocates

If you hate subscriptions, go all-in on local storage. Buy Arlo cameras with microSD support (Pro 4, Ultra 2) and a SmartHub. Skip the cloud entirely. You’ll get continuous recording, no monthly fees, and full control over your data. The downside? No remote access during internet outages, and you’ll need to manage the SD card (formatting, replacing, etc.).

Tip: Use a high-endurance microSD card (like SanDisk Max Endurance) to avoid corruption.

Data Table: Arlo Plans and Features at a Glance

Feature	Free Tier	Arlo Secure ($2.99/cam/month)	Arlo Secure Plus ($4.99/cam/month)
Cloud Storage	7 days (motion clips only)	30 days (motion clips)	60 days (motion clips)
AI Detection	❌ Not available	✅ Person, vehicle, animal, package	✅ All Secure features + emergency response
Custom Motion Zones	❌ Not available	✅ Up to 10 zones per camera	✅ Up to 10 zones per camera
Video Quality	1080p (capped)	Up to 2K/4K (camera-dependent)	Up to 2K/4K (camera-dependent)
Local Storage	✅ microSD card	✅ microSD card	✅ microSD card
Emergency Response	❌ Not available	❌ Not available	✅ 24/7 (U.S. only)

The Bottom Line: Are Arlo Cameras Free?

So, are Arlo cameras free? The answer is nuanced. The hardware is not free, and while the app and basic features are included, the most useful tools—like AI detection, extended cloud storage, and custom alerts—require a subscription. Think of it like a smartphone: the phone itself costs money, but apps and data plans add to the total price.

Here’s the takeaway: If you’re okay with a basic system (live viewing, motion alerts, 7-day cloud), Arlo’s free tier works fine. But if you want a truly smart, hassle-free security setup, the Arlo Secure subscription is almost essential. It turns your camera from a simple recorder into an intelligent assistant that learns your habits and filters out the noise.

Is it worth the cost? For me, yes. After missing a delivery, getting woken up by “leaf in yard” alerts, and once catching a neighbor’s cat on my porch at 3 AM, the subscription paid for itself. But if you’re on a tight budget or prefer local storage, you can absolutely use Arlo without paying a dime. Just know what you’re giving up.

Ultimately, Arlo strikes a balance between quality, flexibility, and cost. No, it’s not “free” in the way many people assume—but with smart planning (like mixing free local storage with paid cloud for key cameras), you can build a system that fits your budget and lifestyle. And that, my friend, is the real value of Arlo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras free to use after purchase?

No, Arlo cameras require an upfront purchase cost, but basic features like live streaming and motion detection are free. However, advanced features like cloud storage and AI detection require a paid subscription plan.

Do I need a subscription to use Arlo cameras?

While you can use Arlo cameras without a subscription for local storage and live viewing, cloud storage, activity zones, and person detection require an Arlo Secure plan. The subscription enhances functionality but isn’t mandatory.

Are Arlo cameras free with a long-term contract?

Arlo doesn’t offer free cameras through contracts. All cameras must be purchased outright, though occasional promotions may bundle devices with trial subscriptions. Beware of third-party deals claiming “free” hardware.

What’s included in Arlo’s free tier?

The free tier includes 7-day rolling cloud storage for one camera (limited to 1GB), live streaming, and basic motion alerts. For multi-camera setups or advanced features, a paid Arlo Secure plan is needed.

Can I avoid subscription fees with Arlo cameras?

Yes, by using local storage via a microSD card (for compatible models) and skipping cloud features. However, you’ll miss out on AI-powered alerts, video history, and remote access to saved clips.

Are Arlo cameras free during promotional trials?

Arlo often offers 30-day free trials of their Secure plans with camera purchases. While the trial unlocks premium features, the cameras themselves aren’t free—you’ll pay the standard hardware price.