Can Arlo Cameras Record 24 7 A Complete Guide to Continuous Surveillance

Yes, Arlo cameras can record 24/7, but only with a compatible model and an active subscription to Arlo SmartCloud or a local storage setup. Continuous surveillance requires either the Arlo Pro 4, Pro 5S, or Ultra 2, paired with a SmartHub or Base Station to enable non-stop recording and reliable video retention. Without these, standard models rely on motion-activated clips, not true round-the-clock coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras support 24/7 recording with a compatible subscription and base station.
• Continuous recording requires Arlo SmartHub for local or cloud storage without gaps.
• Not all Arlo models offer 24/7 recording—check specs before purchasing.
• Enable CVR in settings to activate uninterrupted surveillance on supported plans.
• Storage limits apply; manage footage via cloud or microSD to avoid overwrites.
• Motion detection can supplement CVR to save storage while capturing key events.

Can Arlo Cameras Record 24/7? A Complete Guide to Continuous Surveillance

Imagine you’re away on vacation, sipping coffee at a seaside café, when a notification pings on your phone. It’s your Arlo camera—motion detected in your backyard. You open the app, see a raccoon rummaging through your trash, and smile. Peace of mind, right? But here’s the question: Can your Arlo camera record 24/7, so you never miss a moment, whether it’s a curious critter or something more serious?

For years, I’ve relied on Arlo cameras to keep an eye on my home. From checking in on my dog during work hours to catching a package thief red-handed, these cameras have been lifesavers. But the idea of 24/7 recording always intrigued me—could I truly have eyes on my property all day, every day? In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about continuous surveillance with Arlo cameras. We’ll explore how it works, the trade-offs, and whether it’s the right fit for your needs—all from my own real-world experience.

How Arlo Cameras Work: The Basics of Motion vs. Continuous Recording

Before diving into 24/7 recording, let’s clarify how Arlo cameras typically operate. Most Arlo models, like the Pro 3, Ultra, or Essential series, are designed for motion-activated recording. This means the camera only starts recording when it detects movement. It’s efficient, saves storage, and reduces false alerts. But what if you want non-stop recording?

The Default: Motion-Activated Recording

Here’s how it usually goes: You set up your camera, adjust the motion sensitivity, and create activity zones (so your camera ignores swaying trees or passing cars). When motion is detected, the camera records a clip—usually 10 seconds to a few minutes—and saves it to the cloud or your local storage. This works great for most scenarios. For example, my Arlo Pro 3 caught a delivery person leaving a package at my door, and I got the clip within seconds.

• Pros: Low storage usage, fewer false alarms, longer battery life (for wireless models).
• Cons: Gaps between recordings. If motion stops and starts again, you might miss the “before” or “after” context.

The Gap Problem: Why Continuous Recording Matters

Let’s say a suspicious person lingers near your front porch but doesn’t trigger motion until they step into the activity zone. With motion-activated recording, you might only see them after they’ve already been there for 30 seconds. Or, worse, they could walk in and out of frame without triggering the sensor. Continuous recording solves this by capturing everything, filling in those gaps. It’s like having a security guard who never blinks.

Real-life example: My neighbor’s motion-only camera missed a break-in because the thief crouched low, avoiding the motion sensor. Had it been recording 24/7, the footage could’ve helped identify them.

Arlo’s Hybrid Approach

Arlo doesn’t offer true 24/7 recording out of the box, but it provides a middle ground: Continuous Video Recording (CVR). This feature records video non-stop, but with a catch—it requires a paid subscription and specific hardware. More on that later.

Arlo’s Continuous Video Recording (CVR): What You Need to Know

If you’re serious about 24/7 surveillance, Arlo’s CVR is your best bet. But it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Let’s break it down.

What Is CVR?

CVR is a subscription-based service that records your camera’s feed 24/7, regardless of motion. The footage is stored in the cloud, so you can review it anytime—even if your camera is stolen or damaged. Think of it as a digital security tape that never stops rolling.

Key features:

• Records every second, even when no motion is detected.
• Stores footage in the cloud (requires Arlo Secure subscription).
• Allows playback at any time—like rewinding a live stream.
• Integrates with Arlo’s AI features (e.g., person/vehicle detection).

Supported Cameras and Subscriptions

Not all Arlo cameras support CVR. As of 2024, these models are compatible:

• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5

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• Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2
• Arlo Essential (wired and wireless)
• Arlo Go (LTE model)

Subscription tiers: CVR is part of Arlo Secure plans, which start at $2.99 per month for one camera. Higher tiers offer additional features like 30-day video history, e911 emergency access, and advanced AI detection.

Tip: If you have multiple cameras, the “Arlo Secure Plus” plan ($12.99/month) supports up to 5 cameras with CVR—a cost-effective option for whole-home coverage.

Limitations and Trade-Offs

CVR isn’t perfect. Here’s what to consider:

• Battery drain: Wireless Arlo cameras (like the Essential Wire-Free) lose battery faster with CVR. My Pro 3 lasts about 3 weeks instead of 6.
• Storage costs: CVR uses more cloud storage. Without a subscription, you lose access to recordings after the trial.
• Bandwidth usage: Continuous streaming requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. If your internet drops, recordings may fail.
• No local-only option: Unlike some competitors, Arlo doesn’t offer a local storage alternative for 24/7 recording (e.g., via microSD card).

Setting Up 24/7 Recording: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to enable CVR? Here’s how to set it up—and some pro tips to make it work smoothly.

Step 1: Check Compatibility

First, confirm your camera supports CVR. Go to the Arlo app > Settings > My Devices. Tap your camera and look for “Continuous Video Recording” in the features list. If it’s not there, your model doesn’t support it.

Step 2: Subscribe to Arlo Secure

1. Open the Arlo app and tap your profile icon.
2. Select Arlo Secure > Add Plan.
3. Choose a subscription tier (e.g., “Arlo Secure” for single-camera CVR).
4. Complete the payment process.

Tip: Start with a 30-day free trial to test CVR before committing.

Step 3: Enable CVR on Your Camera

1. In the Arlo app, tap your camera’s live feed.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) > Settings.
3. Go to Video > Continuous Video Recording.
4. Toggle “CVR” to ON.

You’ll see a “CVR” icon on your camera’s feed, indicating it’s now recording non-stop.

Step 4: Optimize Settings for 24/7 Use

To avoid issues, tweak these settings:

• Wi-Fi stability: Place your camera within 30 feet of your router. Use an Arlo SmartHub (sold separately) for better connectivity.
• Battery management: For wireless cameras, enable “Power Management” in settings to extend battery life. Or, use a solar panel charger.
• Activity zones: Even with CVR, set zones to reduce false alerts. This helps Arlo’s AI focus on relevant areas.
• Recording quality: Lower the resolution (e.g., 1080p instead of 4K) to save bandwidth and storage.

Step 5: Review and Manage Footage

With CVR, your camera records constantly. To find specific clips:

• Open the Arlo app > Library.
• Use the timeline to scroll through 24/7 recordings.
• Tap the “CVR” filter to show only continuous clips.
• Search by date, time, or AI tags (e.g., “person,” “package”).

Pro tip: Bookmark important moments (like a break-in) by saving them to “Favorites” so you never lose them.

Alternatives to CVR: Other Ways to Achieve 24/7 Surveillance

What if CVR doesn’t fit your budget or needs? Don’t worry—there are other ways to get continuous recording with Arlo (or similar setups).

Option 1: Local Storage with microSD Cards

Some Arlo cameras (like the Pro 3 and Essential) support microSD cards for local storage. While this doesn’t enable true 24/7 recording by default, you can work around it:

• Enable “Event Recording” with very low motion sensitivity. This makes the camera trigger almost constantly, effectively creating continuous clips.
• Use a 256GB microSD card to store weeks of footage (approx. 3–4 weeks of 1080p clips).
• Review footage via the Arlo app or by removing the card.

Pros: No subscription, lower long-term cost.
Cons: Still not truly continuous—short gaps between clips. Risk of card failure or theft.

Option 2: Third-Party NVR Integration

Arlo cameras can stream to third-party Network Video Recorders (NVRs) using RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol). This lets you record 24/7 on a local NVR:

• Buy an NVR (e.g., Synology Surveillance Station, Blue Iris).
• Enable RTSP in Arlo settings (Pro 3/Ultra/Go only).
• Stream footage to the NVR, which records it 24/7 on your hard drive.

Pros: Full control, no cloud dependency, scalable for large setups.
Cons: Requires technical setup. RTSP disables some Arlo features (e.g., AI detection).

Option 3: Hybrid Motion + CVR Strategy

For a cost-effective balance, use CVR only on critical cameras (e.g., front door) and motion-only on others (e.g., backyard). This way, you get 24/7 coverage where it matters most without breaking the bank.

Option 4: Competitor Alternatives

If Arlo’s CVR limitations are a dealbreaker, consider these alternatives:

• Reolink PoE Cameras: Offer 24/7 local recording via NVR or microSD. No subscription needed.
• Eufy Security Cameras: Support local 24/7 recording (some models) with AI detection.
• Google Nest Cam (Wired): Provides 24/7 recording with a Nest Aware subscription (similar to Arlo).

Real-World Use Cases: When 24/7 Recording Makes Sense

24/7 recording isn’t for everyone. Let’s explore scenarios where it shines—and when it might be overkill.

Use Case 1: High-Crime Areas

If you live in a neighborhood with frequent break-ins or vandalism, CVR is invaluable. You’ll capture every moment, even if the perpetrator avoids motion sensors. My friend in a downtown apartment caught a package thief before they touched her porch—thanks to CVR showing them scouting the area.

Use Case 2: Pet and Child Monitoring

Want to check if your dog is napping or your toddler is playing safely? 24/7 recording lets you rewind and see their full routine. One user told me she discovered her cat was knocking over the trash at 3 AM—something motion-only would’ve missed.

Use Case 3: Business Surveillance

For shops, garages, or home offices, CVR provides an audit trail. A small business owner I know used CVR to prove a customer slipped on a wet floor (and was later caught on camera mopping it up).

When to Avoid 24/7 Recording

• Battery-powered outdoor cameras: The drain is too high. Stick to motion-only.
• Low-traffic areas: A camera facing a quiet side yard might not need CVR.
• Tight budgets: Subscriptions add up. If you only need occasional footage, motion-only is cheaper.

Data Table: Arlo CVR vs. Alternatives (2024)

Feature	Arlo CVR (Pro 3)	microSD (Arlo Pro 3)	Reolink PoE (RLC-510A)	Google Nest Cam (Wired)
24/7 Recording	✅ Cloud-based	❌ (Motion-only workaround)	✅ Local (NVR/microSD)	✅ Cloud-based
Subscription Cost	$2.99–$12.99/month	$0	$0	$6–$30/month
Storage Duration	7–30 days (cloud)	3–4 weeks (microSD)	Unlimited (local)	3–60 days (cloud)
AI Detection	✅ (Person/vehicle/package)	✅ (With cloud subscription)	✅ (Person/vehicle)	✅ (Person/package)
Bandwidth Usage	High (constant upload)	Low (motion-only)	Low (local)	High (constant upload)
Best For	Whole-home cloud backup	Budget-friendly local storage	No-subscription local setup	Google ecosystem integration

Final Thoughts: Is 24/7 Recording Right for You?

After years of testing Arlo cameras—from motion-only to CVR—I’ve learned that 24/7 recording is a powerful tool, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you need comprehensive, gap-free coverage for security, peace of mind, or accountability, Arlo’s CVR is worth the subscription. The ability to rewind and see exactly what happened, when, and how is priceless.

But if you’re on a budget, prioritize battery life, or don’t need round-the-clock footage, motion-activated recording (or a hybrid approach) might be smarter. And if you hate subscriptions, explore local storage or third-party NVRs—even if it means sacrificing some Arlo conveniences.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs. Ask yourself: What am I trying to protect? How much am I willing to spend? And how much control do I want over my footage? For me, CVR was a game-changer when I needed evidence after a break-in attempt. For you, it might be the key to keeping your family safe, your pets happy, or your business secure.

So, can Arlo cameras record 24/7? Yes—with CVR, they absolutely can. But whether they should depends on you. Now that you know the ins and outs, you’re ready to make the call. And hey, if you ever need a second opinion, just ping me—I’ve got your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras record 24/7 without interruptions?

Yes, most Arlo cameras can record 24/7 when connected to a continuous power source, like a wired setup or solar panel. However, battery-powered models may need frequent charging unless paired with an Arlo Solar Panel for uninterrupted recording.

Do I need a subscription to enable 24/7 recording on Arlo cameras?

While Arlo’s basic cloud storage requires a subscription for extended video history, local storage options (like microSD or USB) allow 24/7 recording without a plan. Check your specific Arlo model for compatibility with local storage solutions.

Which Arlo cameras support 24/7 recording?

Wired models like the Arlo Pro 4, Ultra 2, and Arlo Essential Wired support continuous recording. Battery-operated versions can achieve 24/7 recording only with supplemental power sources like solar panels or outdoor power cables.

Can Arlo cameras record 24/7 in extreme weather conditions?

Yes, Arlo’s outdoor-rated cameras (e.g., Pro 3, Ultra 2) are weather-resistant and can record 24/7 in rain, snow, or heat. Ensure proper mounting and power supply to maintain performance in harsh environments.

How much storage do I need for 24/7 Arlo camera recording?

For local 24/7 recording, a 256GB microSD card stores roughly 1-2 weeks of footage (varies by resolution). With cloud storage, Arlo Smart subscriptions offer up to 60 days of rolling video history for 14 days.

Does 24/7 recording drain Arlo camera batteries faster?

Yes, continuous recording significantly reduces battery life. For battery-powered Arlo cameras, use the Arlo Solar Panel or a wired power adapter to maintain 24/7 surveillance without frequent recharging.