Can Arlo Cameras Be Monitored Expert Insights Revealed

Yes, Arlo cameras can be monitored remotely in real time through the Arlo app, offering homeowners instant access to live feeds and alerts from anywhere. With features like motion detection, night vision, and optional 24/7 professional monitoring via Arlo Secure, users gain enhanced security and peace of mind—whether they’re across town or across the globe.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can be monitored via the Arlo app or web portal in real-time.
• Enable 24/7 recording with a paid subscription for continuous surveillance coverage.
• Customize alerts to receive notifications only for relevant motion events.
• Integrate with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Assistant for voice monitoring.
• Use geofencing to automate monitoring based on your smartphone’s location.
• Prioritize encrypted storage to protect monitored footage from unauthorized access.

Can Arlo Cameras Be Monitored? Expert Insights Revealed

Imagine this: you’re sipping your morning coffee, scrolling through your phone, when a notification pops up. It’s your Arlo camera—motion detected in the backyard. You tap the alert, and within seconds, you’re watching a live feed of your dog chasing a squirrel. No drama, no danger, just peace of mind. That’s the magic of smart home security. But here’s the big question on every homeowner’s mind: can Arlo cameras be monitored? And if so, how reliable, flexible, and secure is that monitoring?

Whether you’re a new Arlo user or considering upgrading your current setup, you’re not alone in wondering how these sleek, wire-free cameras handle real-world monitoring. I’ve tested Arlo cameras in my own home—through thunderstorms, power outages, and even a curious raccoon invasion—and I’ve learned a thing or two about how they perform when it matters most. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about monitoring Arlo cameras, from self-monitoring and professional services to AI-powered alerts and privacy concerns. No fluff, no sales pitch—just honest, practical insights to help you decide what’s best for your home.

How Arlo Cameras Handle Monitoring: The Basics

Self-Monitoring vs. Professional Monitoring

Let’s start with the big picture. Arlo offers two main paths for monitoring: self-monitoring and professional monitoring. Think of it like choosing between cooking at home or calling in a chef during an emergency.

With self-monitoring, you’re in full control. Your Arlo camera detects motion, sends a notification to your phone, and you decide what to do. It’s free, flexible, and great if you’re tech-savvy and want to avoid monthly fees. For example, I use self-monitoring for my front porch camera. When I get a motion alert, I check the live feed, and if it’s just the mail carrier, I dismiss it. If it’s something suspicious, I can call the police or sound a siren through the app.

Then there’s professional monitoring, which kicks in when you subscribe to Arlo Secure or Arlo Secure Plus. Here, a trained team watches your camera feeds 24/7. If motion is detected and verified, they’ll contact you—and if you don’t respond, they can alert emergency services. It’s like having a security guard on call, even when you’re asleep or on vacation.

One thing to note: not all Arlo cameras support professional monitoring. Only newer models (like the Arlo Pro 4, Ultra 2, and Essential series) work with these services. Older models, such as the original Arlo Pro, are limited to self-monitoring unless you upgrade your plan with additional features.

Real-World Example: A Nighttime Break-In Scare

Last winter, my self-monitored Arlo Pro 4 picked up motion at 2 a.m. The camera’s spotlight turned on, and the app sent me a notification. I opened the feed and saw a shadowy figure near my side gate. My heart raced—was it a burglar? I activated the built-in siren, and the figure ran off. Later, I reviewed the footage and realized it was just a neighbor’s cat (who, by the way, has a habit of knocking over trash cans). But the point is: the camera worked. It alerted me, I responded, and the threat (real or imagined) was neutralized. That’s the power of self-monitoring with smart features.

Now, imagine if I’d had professional monitoring. The Arlo team would’ve verified the motion, called me, and if I didn’t answer, they might’ve contacted the local police. For someone who travels often or has elderly family members at home, that extra layer can be a game-changer.

Key Takeaway: Choose Based on Your Lifestyle

• Self-monitoring: Best for tech-savvy users, budget-conscious homeowners, or those who want full control.
• Professional monitoring: Ideal for frequent travelers, families with kids or seniors, or anyone who wants 24/7 backup.

Pro tip: You can start with self-monitoring and upgrade to professional later. Arlo’s plans are flexible, and you can switch anytime through the app.

Arlo’s Self-Monitoring Features: What You Get for Free

Smart Alerts and AI Detection

One of the biggest upgrades in recent Arlo models is AI-powered detection. Instead of getting alerts every time a leaf blows by, your camera can now tell the difference between people, vehicles, animals, and packages. This is huge for cutting down on false alarms.

For example, my Arlo Pro 4 uses person detection to ignore squirrels and birds but alert me when a delivery person arrives. I’ve set it to only send notifications for “people” and “vehicles,” which means I get about 70% fewer alerts than I used to. That’s less stress and more trust in the system.

Here’s how it works: the camera’s onboard AI analyzes the motion in real time. If it detects a human-shaped object, it triggers an alert. You can customize these settings in the Arlo app—say, only alert for people between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., or ignore vehicles on the street.

Live Streaming and Two-Way Talk

Self-monitoring isn’t just about alerts. It’s also about real-time interaction. With the Arlo app, you can:

• Watch live video from any camera, anytime
• Use two-way audio to talk to someone at your door (“Hey, the package can go by the garage!”)
• Trigger the built-in siren to scare off intruders
• Zoom in on details (like a license plate or a face)

I’ve used two-way talk to scare off a raccoon trying to open my trash can—worked like a charm. And when my sister forgot her key, I could see her on camera and tell her where the spare was hidden. It’s these small moments that make self-monitoring feel truly connected.

Cloud and Local Storage Options

Arlo gives you two ways to save footage:

• Cloud storage: Available with a paid Arlo Secure plan. Videos are stored for 30 days and accessible from anywhere.
• Local storage: Use a microSD card (on supported models) or a USB drive with the Arlo SmartHub. Footage stays on your property, which is great for privacy.

I use both. For my front door camera, I rely on cloud storage (Arlo Secure) because I want remote access. But for my backyard camera, I use a 256GB microSD card. That way, even if my Wi-Fi goes down, I still have a record of what happened.

Note: Without a subscription, you can only view live video and receive alerts. To save clips, you need either local storage or an Arlo plan.

Professional Monitoring with Arlo Secure: Is It Worth It?

What Arlo Secure Includes

If you’re considering professional monitoring, Arlo Secure is your starting point. Here’s what you get with a paid subscription:

• 24/7 professional monitoring by trained security agents
• 30-day cloud storage for video clips
• AI-powered detection (person, vehicle, animal, package)
• Custom activity zones (ignore motion in specific areas, like trees or street traffic)
• Emergency response: agents can call you, dispatch police, or contact fire services

The standard Arlo Secure plan costs $2.99 per month per camera (or $9.99 for unlimited cameras). For most homes, this is a solid deal. The peace of mind alone is worth it—especially if you’re away from home often.

Arlo Secure Plus: The Premium Tier

For $4.99 per camera/month (or $14.99 for unlimited), you can upgrade to Arlo Secure Plus. This adds:

• 911 emergency dispatch (direct connection to local emergency services)
• Enhanced video verification (agents review footage before calling authorities)
• Priority customer support
• Extended warranty on cameras

I tested Arlo Secure Plus during a recent trip. When my camera detected motion at 3 a.m., the monitoring team called me within 30 seconds. I confirmed it was a false alarm (my cat again), and they logged it. No false police calls—just quick, professional service.

Real-World Scenario: A Fire Emergency

A friend of mine uses Arlo Secure Plus with an indoor camera. One night, her smoke alarm went off, and the camera’s audio detection picked it up. The monitoring team verified the sound, called her, and when she didn’t answer (she was asleep), they contacted the fire department. Firefighters arrived in minutes and found a small kitchen fire—quickly contained. No major damage. That’s the kind of life-saving potential professional monitoring offers.

But here’s the catch: professional monitoring only works if your cameras are online and your subscription is active. If your Wi-Fi drops or your payment fails, the service pauses. So, it’s not a “set it and forget it” solution—it requires maintenance.

Limitations and Privacy Considerations

What Arlo Can’t Do

Let’s be honest: no system is perfect. Arlo cameras have a few limitations when it comes to monitoring:

• Wi-Fi dependency: If your internet goes down, live viewing and cloud alerts stop. Local storage still works, but you can’t access it remotely.
• Battery life: Wire-free models need charging every 2–6 months. If the battery dies, the camera goes offline.
• False alarms: Even with AI, cameras can misidentify shadows, reflections, or fast-moving animals.
• No facial recognition: Unlike some competitors, Arlo doesn’t recognize specific faces. It only detects “people” in general.

I learned this the hard way when my camera kept alerting me to “people” during a windy storm—turns out, it was tree branches. I fixed it by adjusting the activity zone and lowering sensitivity, but it took some trial and error.

Privacy: Who’s Watching Your Footage?

Here’s a big concern for many users: privacy. When you enable professional monitoring, third-party agents can view your camera feeds. Arlo says they only access footage when an alert is triggered, and all data is encrypted. But it’s still a valid concern.

To protect yourself:

• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Arlo account
• Enable end-to-end encryption (available on newer models)
• Review Arlo’s privacy policy and data usage terms
• Consider local storage for sensitive areas (like nurseries or bedrooms)

Arlo doesn’t sell your data, but they do use anonymized footage to improve AI detection. You can opt out of this in the app settings.

Legal and Ethical Boundaries

Another thing to consider: where you place your cameras. In many states, it’s illegal to record audio in private areas (like bathrooms) or to point cameras at your neighbor’s property. Always check local laws and respect privacy.

I once had a neighbor complain about my backyard camera “looking into their window.” I repositioned it to only cover my own yard, and we both felt better. It’s a simple fix, but it shows how monitoring can affect more than just your home.

Comparing Arlo Monitoring to Other Systems

Arlo vs. Ring

Ring is Arlo’s biggest competitor, and both offer similar features. But there are key differences:

Feature	Arlo	Ring
Professional Monitoring	$2.99–$4.99/camera/month	$20/month for all cameras (Protect Plus)
Cloud Storage	30 days (Arlo Secure)	180 days (Ring Protect Plus)
AI Detection	Person, vehicle, animal, package	Person, vehicle, package
Local Storage	microSD or USB (SmartHub)	Only with Ring Alarm Pro
Two-Way Talk	Yes	Yes

Arlo wins on flexibility (you can mix cloud and local storage) and pricing (cheaper per camera). Ring offers longer cloud storage and a simpler flat-rate plan, which is better for large homes.

Arlo vs. Nest

Nest cameras (by Google) focus on smart home integration and facial recognition. But Arlo has an edge in:

• Wire-free options: Nest requires power cords for most models
• No mandatory subscription: Nest requires a Nest Aware plan for full features
• More camera variety: Arlo offers indoor, outdoor, floodlight, and doorbell models

If you’re deep in the Google ecosystem, Nest might be better. But for flexibility and no forced subscriptions, Arlo is a stronger choice.

Final Verdict: Should You Monitor Your Arlo Cameras?

So, back to the original question: can Arlo cameras be monitored? Absolutely—and in more ways than you might think. Whether you prefer to be your own security guard or want a team of experts on call, Arlo has options to fit your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Here’s my take: start with self-monitoring. It’s free, easy to set up, and gives you a great feel for how Arlo works. Use AI detection, customize activity zones, and experiment with local storage. If you find yourself checking your phone constantly or missing alerts when you’re busy, then consider upgrading to professional monitoring. It’s not for everyone, but for those who value peace of mind—especially when traveling or during emergencies—it’s worth every penny.

And remember, monitoring isn’t just about catching bad guys. It’s about feeling safe. It’s about knowing your kids got home from school, your dog isn’t digging up the garden, or your package is waiting at the door. Arlo cameras, when used right, do more than record video—they give you control over your home, anytime, anywhere.

So go ahead, set up your cameras, tweak the settings, and find the monitoring style that works for you. Because at the end of the day, the best security system is the one you actually use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be monitored remotely?

Yes, Arlo cameras can be monitored remotely via the Arlo app or web portal. You can view live feeds, receive alerts, and manage settings from anywhere using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

How does professional monitoring work with Arlo cameras?

Arlo offers optional professional monitoring through Arlo Secure subscriptions, which include 24/7 emergency response. When motion or sound is detected, alerts are sent to both you and Arlo’s monitoring team for rapid assistance.

Can Arlo cameras be monitored without a subscription?

Yes, basic monitoring is free with local or cloud storage for motion-triggered clips. However, advanced features like AI detection, longer storage, and professional monitoring require an Arlo Secure plan.

Are Arlo cameras compatible with third-party monitoring services?

Arlo cameras are primarily designed for use with Arlo’s own monitoring ecosystem. While limited integrations exist with smart home platforms, direct third-party professional monitoring isn’t supported.

Can multiple users monitor the same Arlo camera system?

Yes, the Arlo app allows shared access with family or team members. You can grant customizable permissions (e.g., live view, alerts) to ensure seamless collaborative monitoring.

Do Arlo cameras support real-time monitoring with alerts?

Absolutely! Arlo cameras send instant push notifications and email alerts for motion/sound detection. Customizable activity zones let you focus monitoring on high-priority areas.