Can I Use DVR for Arlo Cameras Find Out Here

No, you cannot use a traditional DVR with Arlo cameras because they are cloud-based and rely on Arlo’s subscription service for video storage and management. However, select Arlo models support local storage via microSD or Arlo SmartHub, offering a DVR-like experience without third-party DVR compatibility.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t support DVRs: They rely on cloud or local storage, not traditional DVR systems.
• Use Arlo SmartHub or base station: For local storage, these are required—no DVR compatibility.
• Cloud subscriptions offer extended storage: Choose plans for 30-day rolling footage or event-based clips.
• MicroSD cards work for select models: Arlo Pro 3/4 support local backup via SmartHub.
• NVRs are the closest alternative: Consider Arlo’s NVR for multi-camera setups without cloud dependence.

Why People Are Asking: Can I Use DVR for Arlo Cameras?

You’ve invested in Arlo cameras—maybe the sleek Arlo Pro 4, the budget-friendly Arlo Essential, or even the high-end Arlo Ultra. They’re wireless, easy to install, and offer crisp video, motion alerts, and cloud storage. But here’s the thing: you’re tired of subscription fees. You’ve heard about DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) and how they let you store footage locally, without monthly costs. So, naturally, you’re wondering: Can I use DVR for Arlo cameras?

Let’s say you’re like my neighbor, Mark. He set up three Arlo Pro 3s around his house. For the first few months, he loved the convenience. But when Arlo’s 30-day rolling cloud storage kicked in and the $10/month fee started adding up, he started looking for alternatives. “Can’t I just plug these into a DVR and skip the cloud?” he asked. That’s the exact question we’re tackling today. And the answer? It’s not a simple yes or no. It depends on your setup, your goals, and how much you’re willing to adapt.

Understanding Arlo Cameras and How They Store Footage

How Arlo’s Default Storage Works

Arlo cameras are designed as cloud-first systems. That means when motion is detected, the camera records a clip and sends it to Arlo’s secure cloud servers. This has some big perks:

• Accessibility: You can view clips from anywhere using the Arlo app.
• No on-site storage: No hard drives to manage or replace.
• Encryption: Footage is encrypted during transmission and at rest.

But there’s a catch: most Arlo plans require a subscription for extended storage. Without a plan, you only get live streaming and 7 days of rolling 1080p clips (on newer models). After that, older clips get deleted automatically.

For example, if you have a break-in at 2 a.m. and don’t check the app for two weeks, that footage is gone—unless you’re paying for a plan. That’s why so many users start asking about DVRs.

What Is a DVR, and Why Do People Want It?

A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is a device that records video directly from cameras and stores it on a local hard drive. Think of it like a digital VCR—but smarter. DVRs are common in traditional security systems, especially those using wired IP or analog cameras.

People love DVRs because:

• No monthly fees: Once you buy the DVR and hard drive, there’s no ongoing cost.
• Full control: You own the footage. No third-party access unless you allow it.
• Long retention: A 4TB hard drive can store months of footage, depending on camera count and resolution.

But here’s the rub: Arlo cameras don’t natively connect to DVRs. They’re built to work with Arlo’s ecosystem—not third-party recorders. So, if you want to use a DVR, you’ll need to get creative.

Can You Connect Arlo Cameras to a DVR? The Technical Reality

The Short Answer: Not Directly

Let’s be clear: Arlo cameras do not have video output ports (like HDMI or BNC), and they don’t support RTSP or ONVIF streaming protocols out of the box. That means you can’t just plug an Arlo into a DVR and expect it to work like a standard IP camera.

For example, a typical Hikvision or Dahua IP camera sends a continuous video stream via RTSP. You plug it into a PoE switch, connect the switch to a DVR/NVR, and—bam—you’re recording. Arlo? Not so fast.

Arlo cameras connect to your Wi-Fi network and send video to the Arlo cloud. They don’t broadcast a local stream that a DVR can pick up. It’s like having a smartphone that only works with one app—you can’t use it with other apps unless you jailbreak it.

Workarounds and Hacks (With Caveats)

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There are a few workarounds, but each comes with trade-offs.

1. Use Arlo’s Local Backup Feature (Arlo SmartHub)

• Some Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential) can store clips locally on a USB drive when connected to an Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station.
• This isn’t a true DVR, but it’s close. You get local storage without the cloud.
• How it works: The base station acts as a local server. When motion is detected, it saves the clip to a USB drive plugged into it.
• Limitations:
  • You still need the Arlo app to manage it.
  • No continuous recording—only motion-triggered clips.
  • USB drives max out at 256GB (officially), though larger drives sometimes work.
  • No remote access unless you use Arlo’s cloud (which defeats the purpose).

2. Use a Third-Party NVR with RTSP (Not Recommended)

• Some users try to “trick” NVRs by using RTSP stream injectors or screen capture tools.
• For example, you could use a Raspberry Pi to capture the Arlo app’s live feed and rebroadcast it as an RTSP stream.
• Why it’s risky:
  • It’s unstable. Streams drop, quality degrades.
  • It’s not secure. You’re essentially mirroring private video.
  • It may violate Arlo’s terms of service.
  • It’s a pain to set up and maintain.

3. Use a Hybrid Approach: Arlo + Wired DVR

• Keep Arlo for wireless outdoor cameras (where wiring is hard).
• Add wired IP cameras (with RTSP support) for indoor or critical areas.
• Connect the wired cameras to a DVR/NVR.
• Manage both systems separately.
• Example: You use Arlo for front/back yards (wireless, easy install) and Hikvision IP cameras for the garage and basement (wired, DVR-compatible).

This is the most practical solution for most people. It gives you the best of both worlds: Arlo’s convenience and DVR’s cost savings.

Best Alternatives to DVR for Arlo Users

1. Arlo SmartHub with Local USB Storage

This is your best official option for local recording. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Buy an Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station (if you don’t have one).
2. Connect it to your router via Ethernet.
3. Plug a USB 3.0 drive (up to 256GB) into the hub.
4. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Storage > Local Storage and enable it.
5. Now, all motion clips will save to the USB drive.

Pros:

• Official Arlo feature—no hacks.
• Easy setup.
• No cloud needed for storage.

Cons:

• No continuous recording.
• USB drive can fail (always back up important clips).
• You still need the Arlo app to view footage (unless you unplug and read the drive on a PC).

Tip: Use a high-quality USB drive (like SanDisk Extreme) to avoid corruption. Format it as NTFS or exFAT.

2. Use a NAS (Network Attached Storage) with Arlo

If you already have a NAS (like Synology or QNAP), you can use it to back up Arlo clips.

• Arlo supports FTP and SMB uploads for cloud backups.
• Set up a scheduled backup to your NAS.
• Your NAS acts as a local “DVR” for long-term storage.

Example: You configure Arlo to upload all clips to a “Security” folder on your Synology NAS. Even if the cloud deletes them, they’re safe on your network.

Pros:

• Large storage capacity (10TB+).
• RAID protection (data redundancy).
• Remote access via your NAS app.

Cons:

• You still need an Arlo subscription to trigger uploads.
• Setup is technical (requires networking knowledge).

3. Switch to a DVR-Compatible System

If you’re open to replacing your Arlo cameras, consider a system that supports DVRs natively. Here are some options:

• Reolink PoE Cameras: RTSP, ONVIF, and DVR/NVR compatible. No subscription needed.
• Hikvision IP Cameras: Industry standard for DVR integration.
• Eufy Security: Local storage, no cloud, and some models work with HomeBase (similar to Arlo’s hub).

When to switch:

• You want continuous recording.
• You have many cameras (4+).
• You’re tech-savvy and want full control.

Real-World Scenarios: When DVR Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)

Case 1: The Budget-Conscious Homeowner

Setup: 3 Arlo Pro 3s, no subscription, using Arlo SmartHub with 256GB USB.

Why it works:

• No monthly fees.
• Local storage for motion clips.
• Easy to check footage via Arlo app.

Downside: If a burglar disables Wi-Fi or steals the SmartHub, footage is lost. But for most, this is a fair trade-off.

Case 2: The Tech Enthusiast

Setup: 6 cameras—3 Arlo (wireless), 3 Reolink PoE (wired). Reolink cameras connect to a 4TB NVR. Arlo uses local USB.

Why it works:

• Best of both worlds: wireless convenience + wired reliability.
• NVR handles continuous recording for critical areas (garage, basement).
• Arlo covers yards where wiring is hard.

Tip: Use a VLAN to separate Arlo and Reolink networks for better security.

Case 3: The Small Business Owner

Setup: 10 cameras. Switched from Arlo to Hikvision IP cameras + 8TB NVR.

Why it works:

• No subscriptions.
• Continuous recording with motion detection.
• Remote access via Hikvision app (no cloud fees).

Lesson: Arlo isn’t ideal for large-scale deployments. DVR systems scale better.

Data Table: Arlo vs. DVR-Compatible Systems

Feature	Arlo (with SmartHub)	DVR/NVR System (e.g., Reolink, Hikvision)
Local Storage	Yes (USB drive)	Yes (Hard drive in DVR/NVR)
Continuous Recording	No (motion-only)	Yes
Monthly Fees	No (if using local storage)	No
Remote Access	Yes (via Arlo app, requires cloud for live view)	Yes (via app, no cloud needed)
Setup Complexity	Easy	Moderate to Hard
Scalability	Up to 15 cameras (hub limit)	Up to 32+ cameras (NVR-dependent)
Best For	Small homes, wireless setups	Large properties, businesses, tech-savvy users

The Bottom Line: Should You Use a DVR with Arlo?

Let’s circle back to Mark, my neighbor. After researching, he did this:

• Kept his 3 Arlo cameras.
• Bought an Arlo SmartHub and a 256GB USB drive.
• Enabled local storage.
• Also added a Reolink PoE camera for the garage, connected to a small NVR.

Now he has no subscriptions, local storage, and peace of mind. He didn’t force Arlo into a DVR mold—he adapted his setup to work with both systems.

So, can you use a DVR for Arlo cameras? Not directly—but you can get close. The key is understanding what you really need:

• If you want no fees and easy setup: Use Arlo SmartHub with USB.
• If you want continuous recording and full control: Switch to a DVR-compatible system.
• If you want both: Use Arlo for wireless areas and DVR cameras for wired ones.

Remember: technology should serve you, not the other way around. Don’t force a square peg into a round hole. Be flexible, mix systems if needed, and focus on what matters: security, privacy, and peace of mind. And hey—if you ever get stuck, just ask. That’s what neighbors (and blogs) are for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a DVR for Arlo cameras instead of cloud storage?

Arlo cameras are designed to work with Arlo’s proprietary cloud and local storage solutions (like USB drives or microSD cards), and they don’t support traditional DVRs. However, some Arlo models, like the Pro 3 or Ultra, allow local storage via base stations or hubs. For DVR-like functionality, consider using Arlo’s SmartHub with a connected USB drive.

What’s the best way to record Arlo footage locally without a DVR?

Arlo cameras can record locally using a SmartHub or base station with a connected USB drive or microSD card (model-dependent). This provides a DVR-like experience while maintaining compatibility with Arlo’s ecosystem. Check your camera’s specs to confirm local storage support.

Do Arlo cameras work with third-party DVR systems?

No, Arlo cameras don’t integrate with third-party DVRs due to their proprietary design. They rely on Arlo’s cloud or local storage via official accessories like the SmartHub. For hybrid setups, you’d need a compatible NVR (Network Video Recorder) that supports Arlo’s RTSP or API.

Can I use an NVR instead of a DVR for Arlo cameras?

Yes, select Arlo models (e.g., Arlo Pro 4/Ultra) support RTSP or ONVIF, allowing integration with NVRs for centralized recording. This offers a DVR-like setup but requires manual configuration. Verify your camera’s compatibility before purchasing an NVR.

Is there a way to use DVR for Arlo cameras if I have older models?

Older Arlo cameras (like the original Arlo or Arlo Q) lack direct DVR support but can use Arlo’s base station for local backups. For true DVR functionality, upgrade to newer models (e.g., Arlo Pro 3/Ultra) with SmartHub compatibility or explore NVR options.

Why doesn’t Arlo support DVRs like other security cameras?

Arlo prioritizes cloud-based features (AI alerts, remote access) and simplified setups, which traditional DVRs can’t replicate. Their focus on wireless, plug-and-play systems means DVR compatibility was intentionally omitted. Local storage alternatives (e.g., USB drives) fill the gap for offline recording.