Can Arlo Cameras Record 247 A Complete Guide to Nonstop Surveillance

Yes, Arlo cameras can record 24/7—but only with a compatible subscription plan and continuous power source. Models like the Arlo Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential Wired support nonstop recording when paired with an Arlo SmartHub and a paid Arlo Secure plan, enabling full-time surveillance without gaps. Without a subscription, local storage options are limited, making 24/7 recording unreliable or unavailable.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras support 24/7 recording with continuous power and local or cloud storage.
• Use Arlo SmartHub or Base Station for uninterrupted local video backup.
• Opt for wired models like Arlo Pro 4 XL for reliable nonstop power.
• Cloud storage plans enable 24/7 recording with motion-activated and continuous options.
• Check subscription requirements—some features need Arlo Secure plans.
• Adjust motion zones to reduce false alerts while maintaining coverage.

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

Imagine this: It’s a quiet Sunday evening. You’re curled up on the couch, sipping tea and catching up on your favorite show. Suddenly, your phone buzzes. An alert. Your Arlo camera caught motion outside. You check the live feed—nothing seems out of place. But what if something had happened? What if you’d missed it because your camera wasn’t recording?

That’s the million-dollar question for many homeowners and business owners: Can Arlo cameras record 24/7? We’ve all been there—wondering whether our security system is truly watching, even when we’re not looking. Whether it’s a suspicious shadow, a package delivery, or a curious raccoon, you want to know that every moment is captured. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how Arlo cameras handle continuous recording, the tools you need, and the trade-offs involved. No fluff. No hype. Just honest, practical advice from someone who’s tested these systems firsthand.

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

Before we answer whether Arlo cameras can record 24/7, let’s get clear on how they normally work. Most Arlo cameras—especially the popular Pro and Ultra models—are designed for motion-activated recording. That means they only start recording when they detect movement. It’s like having a guard who only speaks when someone walks by. Efficient? Yes. Always-on? Not exactly.

Motion Detection: The Default Mode

Arlo’s motion detection is smart. Using PIR (passive infrared) sensors and AI-powered analytics, these cameras can tell the difference between a person, a pet, and a swaying tree. You can adjust sensitivity, set activity zones, and even schedule when motion alerts trigger recordings. For most users, this is more than enough. Why record 24/7 when 99% of the time, nothing happens?

But here’s the catch: motion detection isn’t perfect. Fast-moving objects, low light, or objects entering from the edge of the frame can be missed. I once had a package stolen, but the camera only caught the thief’s back as they walked away—because they didn’t trigger the motion sensor until they were already near the door.

Why 24/7 Recording Matters

Continuous recording fills the gaps. Think of it like a security guard who never blinks. It’s ideal for:

• High-traffic areas (driveways, storefronts)
• Monitoring pets or children indoors
• Businesses needing compliance (e.g., retail, daycare)
• Peace of mind during vacations

But it comes with trade-offs: storage, cost, and power. We’ll unpack those soon.

Arlo’s Built-in Limitations

Here’s the truth: No Arlo camera records 24/7 out of the box. Even with a subscription, Arlo’s cloud plans are motion-triggered. You get 14–30 days of rolling cloud storage, but only for clips that start when motion is detected. No motion? No recording. That’s a dealbreaker if you need constant coverage.

How to Enable 24/7 Recording with Arlo: The Tools You Need

Good news: You can get 24/7 recording with Arlo—but it requires extra gear and a bit of setup. Let’s break down your options.

Option 1: Arlo SmartHub + MicroSD Card (Best for Local Storage)

The most reliable way to record continuously is using an Arlo SmartHub (or Base Station) paired with a MicroSD card. Here’s how it works:

1. Plug the SmartHub into your router.
2. Insert a high-speed MicroSD card (64GB–256GB) into the hub.
3. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Recording & Storage > Local Storage.
4. Enable “Continuous Recording” for each camera.

Pros:

• No subscription needed.
• Records even during internet outages.
• Full control over footage (no cloud compression).

Cons:

• Limited storage (a 256GB card holds ~5–7 days of 1080p footage).
• You must manually retrieve the card to review footage.
• No remote access to live 24/7 feed (unless you use Arlo’s “Local Live Streaming” feature).

Pro Tip: Use a high-endurance MicroSD card (like SanDisk High Endurance) to handle constant writing. Regular cards wear out fast.

Option 2: Arlo Pro 4/Ultra 2 + Arlo SmartHub (For Higher-Res 24/7)

If you have Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra 2 cameras, you can pair them with a SmartHub for 4K continuous recording. The process is the same, but storage fills up faster. A 256GB card might only last 2–3 days at 4K. Consider upgrading to a 512GB card (if your hub supports it).

Option 3: Third-Party NVR (Advanced Users)

For power users, you can bypass Arlo’s ecosystem entirely. Some users connect Arlo cameras to third-party Network Video Recorders (NVRs) using RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol). This requires:

• Cameras that support RTSP (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra 2).
• An NVR compatible with ONVIF (e.g., Synology, Reolink).
• Manual setup (not plug-and-play).

This method gives you full 24/7 control, but it’s complex. I tried it once and spent a weekend troubleshooting firewall rules. Not for the faint of heart!

Option 4: Arlo Smart Cloud (Not True 24/7, But Close)

Arlo’s cloud plans (Smart and Smart Premier) offer “24/7 Cloud Recording”—but with a catch. It’s not truly continuous. Instead, Arlo uses a 10-second pre-roll buffer. When motion is detected, it saves the 10 seconds before and after. This helps capture the full event, but gaps remain between triggers. Think of it as “motion-triggered + a little extra.”

For most people, this is the best balance. You get cloud backup, remote access, and near-continuous coverage. But if you need every second, it’s not enough.

The Cost of 24/7 Recording: Storage, Power, and Subscriptions

Let’s talk money. 24/7 recording isn’t free. Here’s what you’ll spend—and how to save.

Storage Costs

Continuous recording eats storage fast. Here’s a rough estimate:

Camera Type	Resolution	Storage Needed (Daily)	256GB Card Duration
Arlo Pro 3	2K	~36GB	7 days
Arlo Pro 4	4K	~58GB	4 days
Arlo Essential	1080p	~24GB	10 days

To extend storage, you can:

• Use multiple MicroSD cards and swap them weekly.
• Set up a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) with your NVR.
• Automate cloud backups (if using a third-party NVR).

Real-World Example: I use two 256GB cards for my Pro 4 cameras. I swap them every Monday and store old footage on an external hard drive. It’s a bit manual, but it works.

Power Consumption

Battery-powered Arlo cameras (like Pro 4 or Essential) drain faster when recording 24/7. A full charge might last 2–3 weeks instead of 6 months. Solutions:

• Use Arlo Solar Panels (~$50 each) to keep batteries charged.
• Switch to wired cameras (e.g., Arlo Wired Floodlight) for indoor 24/7 use.
• Lower resolution (e.g., 1080p instead of 4K) to reduce power draw.

Subscription Costs

If you rely on Arlo’s cloud:

• Arlo Smart: $2.99/camera/month (14-day cloud storage + 10-second pre-roll).
• Arlo Smart Premier: $9.99/camera/month (30-day storage + 24/7 Cloud Recording).

For 3 cameras, that’s $30–$90/year. Compare that to a $40 MicroSD card (lasts 2+ years), and local storage wins for cost. But cloud gives you remote access—a big plus if you’re traveling.

Best Arlo Cameras for 24/7 Recording: Which Models Work?

Not all Arlo cameras support 24/7 recording. Here’s the breakdown:

Cameras That Support 24/7 (With SmartHub + MicroSD)

• Arlo Pro 3/4: 2K/4K, color night vision, works with SmartHub.
• Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2: 4K, HDR, best for high-res 24/7.
• Arlo Essential: 1080p, budget-friendly, but lower resolution.
• Arlo Pro 2: 1080p, older but still reliable.

Note: The Arlo Go (LTE camera) supports 24/7 with a data plan, but it’s expensive for constant use.

Cameras That Don’t Support 24/7 (Without Workarounds)

• Arlo Wire-Free (original): No SmartHub support.
• Arlo Q/Q+: Indoor only, no MicroSD slot.
• Arlo Baby: Designed for naps, not 24/7 monitoring.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

For indoor 24/7 recording, consider:

• Arlo Pro 4 (wired version) for 4K clarity.
• Arlo Essential (indoor) for budget-friendly monitoring.

For outdoor, prioritize:

• Weather resistance (IP65 rating).
• Night vision (color or IR).
• Solar compatibility.

My Setup: I use Pro 4 cameras (wired) indoors for 24/7 pet monitoring. Outdoors, I rely on motion-activated Pro 3 cameras with solar panels—less storage pressure, but I miss some events. It’s a trade-off I’m okay with.

Real-World Tips: Making 24/7 Recording Work for You

After years of testing, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Start Small

Don’t try to record 24/7 on all cameras. Pick one high-risk area (e.g., front door, garage) and test it. See how storage and power hold up. Then expand.

2. Optimize Your Settings

• Lower resolution: 1080p instead of 4K cuts storage use by 50%.
• Adjust frame rate: 15 FPS is fine for most scenes (30 FPS uses more storage).
• Use motion zones: Even with 24/7 recording, disable zones with constant movement (e.g., busy streets).

3. Automate Backups

Set up a weekly routine:

1. Swap MicroSD cards.
2. Copy footage to a computer or cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
3. Label files by date (e.g., “2024-05-15_FrontDoor”).

Or use a NAS with automated sync.

4. Monitor Storage Health

MicroSD cards degrade with constant writing. Check your card’s health monthly (use tools like H2testw). Replace cards every 2–3 years.

5. Combine 24/7 with Motion Alerts

Use both! Set 24/7 recording for critical areas, but keep motion alerts enabled. This way, you get:

• Full footage (24/7).
• Instant notifications (motion).
• Cloud backup (if subscribed).

Is 24/7 Recording Right for You? Weighing the Trade-Offs

Let’s be real: 24/7 recording isn’t for everyone. It’s a tool—not a magic bullet. Here’s how to decide:

You Should Record 24/7 If…

• You need evidence for insurance claims (e.g., car accidents in your driveway).
• You run a business with high theft risk (e.g., retail, storage units).
• You have pets or children you want to monitor constantly.
• You’re okay with the setup and cost.

You Might Skip 24/7 If…

• You live in a low-crime area and trust motion detection.
• You’re on a tight budget (stick with cloud subscriptions).
• You don’t want to manage storage or power.
• You’re okay with occasional gaps in footage.

Final Thought: For most homes, a hybrid approach works best. Use 24/7 recording for 1–2 critical spots (front door, garage), and motion-activated recording elsewhere. It’s the sweet spot of coverage and convenience.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras can record 24/7—but only if you’re willing to invest in the right tools. Whether you choose local storage, cloud plans, or a third-party NVR, the key is knowing your needs. Don’t overcomplicate it. Start with one camera, test the setup, and adjust as you go. Because peace of mind shouldn’t require a PhD in tech. It should just work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras record 24/7?

Yes, Arlo cameras can record 24/7, but this requires a continuous power source and a compatible plan like Arlo Secure Plus or CVR (Continuous Video Recording). Without a subscription, recordings are limited to motion-triggered events.

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

Yes, 24/7 recording requires an Arlo Secure Plus or CVR subscription, which enables continuous footage storage. Basic plans only offer motion-activated recording and cloud storage for short clips.

How much storage do Arlo cameras need for nonstop recording?

For 24/7 recording, Arlo recommends a high-capacity microSD card (up to 2TB) or cloud storage via a CVR subscription. Storage needs vary based on resolution and retention period (e.g., 10–30 days).

Can Arlo wired cameras record 24/7 without a subscription?

Arlo wired cameras like the Pro 3 or Ultra can record 24/7 to a local microSD card without a subscription. However, cloud-based 24/7 recording still requires an Arlo Secure or CVR plan.

What’s the difference between motion recording and 24/7 recording on Arlo?

Motion recording captures clips only when activity is detected, while 24/7 recording saves all footage continuously. The latter ensures no gaps in surveillance but requires more storage and a subscription.

Are Arlo cameras reliable for 24/7 surveillance?

Arlo cameras are reliable for 24/7 surveillance if properly powered and paired with a CVR plan or local storage. Battery-powered models may need frequent recharging, making wired or solar setups better for nonstop use.