Can You Record to DVR With Arlo Camera Here Is How

Yes, you can record to a DVR with Arlo cameras, but only when using select Arlo models with a compatible base station or hub, such as the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, or Ultra, which support local storage via microSD or USB. This setup enables continuous, secure, and subscription-free recording—perfect for users seeking full control over their surveillance footage without relying on cloud services.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t support direct DVR recording: Use cloud or local storage instead.
• Enable local recording with an Arlo SmartHub: Supports microSD or USB storage devices.
• Cloud storage requires a subscription: Offers 24/7 recording and advanced features.
• Check camera compatibility first: Not all Arlo models work with local storage solutions.
• Motion-triggered recording is default: Customize detection zones to reduce false alerts.
• Use Arlo Secure for full access: Unlocks video history and smart notifications.

Can You Record to DVR With Arlo Camera? Here’s How

Imagine this: You’re at work, and you get a notification from your Arlo camera. A delivery person just left a package at your door. You open the app, watch the clip, and breathe a sigh of relief. But then a question pops into your mind: “Can I save this video to a DVR for safekeeping?” If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether your Arlo camera can record to a DVR, you’re not alone. Many homeowners love the convenience and peace of mind that Arlo offers, but they also want more control over how and where their footage is stored. After all, cloud storage has its limits—both in terms of retention and cost. So, can you record to a DVR with an Arlo camera? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as plugging into a traditional DVR box. Let’s explore the how, why, and what you need to know.

Arlo cameras are designed with flexibility in mind, offering cloud-based recording, local storage, and even integration with smart home systems. But if you’re used to the old-school DVR setup—where everything is saved locally on a hard drive—you might feel a bit lost. The good news is that while Arlo doesn’t work with traditional coaxial-based DVRs (like those used with analog CCTV cameras), there are modern, practical alternatives that give you the same benefits: local recording, no monthly fees, and full control over your footage. Whether you’re a tech novice or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to record your Arlo camera footage to a DVR-like system. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Arlo’s Recording Options

Before we tackle DVR recording, it’s important to understand how Arlo handles video storage in the first place. Arlo is a wire-free, smart home-focused brand, which means its design philosophy leans heavily on cloud services and local storage via smart hubs. Unlike traditional security systems that rely on DVRs connected to analog cameras, Arlo cameras are IP-based (Internet Protocol), meaning they send video data over Wi-Fi or a dedicated wireless network. This changes the game when it comes to storage.

Cloud Recording: The Default (and Most Popular) Option

By default, Arlo cameras record to the cloud when they detect motion or sound. This is done through the Arlo SmartHub or directly to your Wi-Fi router (depending on the model). When a motion event occurs, the camera captures a short video clip (usually 10–30 seconds) and uploads it to Arlo’s secure cloud servers. You can access these clips through the Arlo app or web portal.

Pros of cloud recording:

• Accessible from anywhere with internet
• No risk of local storage failure (e.g., hard drive crash)
• Automatic backup and encryption
• Easy sharing with family or law enforcement

But there are downsides:

• Monthly subscription fees (Arlo Secure plans start at $2.99/month per camera)
• Clips are only stored for 30 days (unless you upgrade)
• Relies on stable internet—no upload, no recording
• Concerns about privacy and data security for some users

Local Storage: A DVR-Like Alternative

Arlo offers local storage via the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station. These devices support microSD cards (up to 256GB) or USB drives (up to 2TB). When you enable local recording, motion events are saved directly to the storage device—no internet required. This is the closest thing Arlo has to a DVR setup.

For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Ultra 2, you can insert a 256GB microSD card into the SmartHub and set it to record continuously or on motion. The videos are stored in MP4 format and can be accessed via the Arlo app or by removing the card and plugging it into a computer.

Tip: Use a high-endurance microSD card (like Samsung PRO Endurance) to handle constant write cycles. Regular cards may fail faster under continuous recording.

Can You Use a Traditional DVR with Arlo? (Spoiler: Not Directly)

If you’re picturing a big black DVR box with coaxial cables and BNC connectors—the kind you might have seen in older security setups—then no, you cannot use a traditional DVR with Arlo cameras. Why? Because Arlo cameras are wireless IP cameras, not analog cameras. They don’t output video over coaxial cables, and they don’t use the same protocols (like CVBS or AHD) that traditional DVRs require.

Why Traditional DVRs Don’t Work with Arlo

• Different Signal Types: Arlo sends digital video over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Traditional DVRs expect analog signals via coaxial cables.
• No BNC or RCA Outputs: Arlo cameras don’t have video output ports for direct DVR connection.
• No PTZ or Power over Coax: Unlike analog cameras, Arlo doesn’t support power or data over coaxial lines.

Trying to plug an Arlo camera into a traditional DVR is like trying to fit a USB-C plug into a VGA port—it just won’t work.

Workaround: Use an NVR (Network Video Recorder) Instead

Here’s the good news: While Arlo doesn’t work with analog DVRs, it does work with Network Video Recorders (NVRs). An NVR is the digital, IP-based equivalent of a DVR. It connects to your network and records video from IP cameras like Arlo.

But—and this is a big but—Arlo cameras use a closed ecosystem. They don’t natively support ONVIF (the open standard for IP camera communication), which means most third-party NVRs can’t detect or record from Arlo cameras directly.

Example: You can’t plug an Arlo Ultra 2 into a Reolink NVR and expect it to work out of the box. The NVR won’t “see” the Arlo camera on the network.

However, there’s a clever workaround we’ll explore in the next section.

How to Record Arlo Footage to a DVR-Like System (Step-by-Step)

So, if you can’t use a traditional DVR or a third-party NVR directly, how can you record Arlo footage to a local, DVR-style system? The answer lies in a hybrid approach: using Arlo’s local storage features and supplementing them with network-based recording tools. Here’s how to do it.

Option 1: Use Arlo’s Built-in Local Storage (Simplest Method)

This is the easiest way to get DVR-like recording with Arlo. All you need is:

• An Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (included with most Arlo Pro/Ultra kits)
• A high-capacity microSD card (128GB–256GB) or USB drive (1TB–2TB)
• An Arlo camera that supports local storage (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Ultra 2, etc.)

Steps:

1. Insert the microSD card or USB drive into the SmartHub/Base Station.
2. Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > Device > [Your Hub] > Local Storage.
3. Enable “Record to Local Storage” and choose between Continuous or Motion-Triggered recording.
4. Set your retention preferences (e.g., overwrite oldest files when full).
5. Test the system by triggering motion in front of a camera.

Tip: Continuous recording uses more storage. A 256GB card can hold about 7–10 days of continuous 1080p video (depending on motion and compression).

Option 2: Use a Network Video Recorder (NVR) with RTSP Streaming (Advanced)

Some Arlo cameras—like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra—support RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), which allows third-party NVRs to pull video streams directly from the camera. This is the closest you can get to a true DVR setup.

What you’ll need:

• An Arlo camera that supports RTSP (check Arlo’s website)
• An NVR that supports RTSP (e.g., Synology Surveillance Station, Blue Iris, Milestone, or a Reolink NVR with RTSP support)
• A stable home network (preferably wired Ethernet for the NVR)

Steps:

1. Enable RTSP on your Arlo camera:
   • Go to Settings > Device > [Camera] > Advanced > RTSP.
   • Toggle it on and note the RTSP URL (e.g., rtsp://arlo-cam-ip:554/11).
2. Add the camera to your NVR:
   • In your NVR software, select “Add Camera” and choose “RTSP” as the protocol.
   • Enter the RTSP URL, username, and password (found in Arlo settings).
   • Test the stream to ensure it works.
3. Configure recording settings on the NVR (e.g., motion detection, retention period).

Note: RTSP streaming may impact Wi-Fi performance, especially with multiple cameras. Use a wired connection for the NVR and place cameras on a dedicated Wi-Fi channel if possible.

Option 3: Use a Hybrid Cloud + Local Setup (Best of Both Worlds)

Many users prefer a dual-storage approach: record to the cloud for remote access and to local storage (via SmartHub or NVR) for long-term backup. This gives you redundancy—if one system fails, the other still has your footage.

How to set it up:

• Enable Arlo Secure (cloud subscription) for 30-day cloud storage.
• Set up local storage on the SmartHub (microSD/USB).
• Use RTSP + NVR for additional local backup (optional).

This way, even if your internet goes down, your local recordings are safe. And if your microSD card fails, you still have cloud clips for the past 30 days.

Comparing DVR-Like Recording Methods: Pros, Cons, and Costs

Let’s break down the different ways to record Arlo footage to a DVR-like system. This comparison will help you choose the best option for your needs, budget, and technical comfort level.

Method	Storage Type	Upfront Cost	Ongoing Cost	Pros	Cons
Arlo Local Storage (SmartHub)	microSD/USB	$30–$100 (for hub + storage)	$0	No subscription, full control, easy setup	Limited retention, no remote access to local files
RTSP + Third-Party NVR	NVR Hard Drive (e.g., 4TB)	$200–$500 (NVR + HDD)	$0 (if no cloud)	Long-term storage, advanced features (AI detection, multi-camera)	Complex setup, Wi-Fi strain, limited Arlo camera support
Hybrid (Cloud + Local)	Cloud + microSD/USB	$30–$100 (local) + $2.99–$9.99/month	$35–$120/year	Redundancy, remote access, peace of mind	Ongoing cost, dependency on internet for cloud
Traditional DVR (Not Recommended)	N/A	N/A	N/A	None (doesn’t work)	Incompatible with Arlo’s wireless IP design

Tip: If you’re on a budget and only have one or two cameras, Arlo’s local storage is the best choice. For larger setups (4+ cameras), consider an RTSP-compatible NVR for centralized management.

Tips for Maximizing Your DVR-Like Arlo Setup

Once you’ve chosen your recording method, here are some practical tips to get the most out of your DVR-like Arlo system.

1. Optimize Storage Space

• Use motion-triggered recording instead of continuous to save storage.
• Adjust motion sensitivity in the Arlo app to reduce false alerts (e.g., trees, pets).
• Format storage devices regularly to prevent file corruption.

2. Secure Your Footage

• Use a password-protected NVR if using third-party software.
• Encrypt USB drives or microSD cards (if your hub supports it).
• Store the SmartHub/NVR in a locked, climate-controlled area to prevent theft or damage.

3. Monitor System Health

• Check storage usage weekly. Set alerts if your drive is nearing capacity.
• Test playback regularly to ensure files are saving correctly.
• Update Arlo firmware and NVR software to fix bugs and improve performance.

4. Expand Your Setup

• Add more cameras to your SmartHub (most support 5–15 cameras).
• Use a PoE switch if connecting an NVR via Ethernet for stable, high-speed data.
• Integrate with smart home systems (e.g., Alexa, Google Home) for voice control and alerts.

5. Plan for Power and Internet Outages

• Use a battery-powered Arlo camera for outdoor areas prone to outages.
• Pair your NVR with a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to keep recording during blackouts.
• If using cloud, ensure your router has a battery backup or 4G failover.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Record to a DVR-Style System with Arlo

So, can you record to a DVR with an Arlo camera? The answer is a resounding yes—but not in the traditional sense. Arlo’s ecosystem is built for the modern world: cloud, local, and hybrid solutions. While you can’t plug an Arlo into an old-school DVR box, you can achieve the same benefits—local storage, no monthly fees, and full control—using the right tools.

For most homeowners, the Arlo SmartHub with microSD/USB storage is the easiest and most cost-effective way to get DVR-like recording. It’s plug-and-play, reliable, and gives you peace of mind without a subscription. If you’re more tech-savvy and want advanced features (like AI detection or multi-camera management), then an RTSP-compatible NVR is the way to go. And if you want the best of both worlds—remote access plus local backup—the hybrid cloud + local setup is hard to beat.

At the end of the day, the goal is to keep your home safe without overcomplicating things. Whether you’re recording to a microSD card or a 4TB hard drive, what matters is that your footage is secure, accessible, and under your control. So go ahead—set up your DVR-like Arlo system, hit record, and enjoy the freedom of knowing your home is protected, your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you record to DVR with Arlo camera?

Arlo cameras don’t support traditional DVR systems, but they offer cloud and local storage options via microSD or USB drives (on select models). For continuous recording, a subscription or local storage setup is required.

How does local recording work with Arlo cameras?

Select Arlo models (like Pro 3/4 or Ultra) support local recording to a microSD card or USB drive when paired with an Arlo SmartHub. This lets you store footage without a cloud subscription.

Is there a way to record Arlo footage to a DVR for 24/7 surveillance?

While Arlo doesn’t connect directly to standard DVRs, you can use an Arlo SmartHub with local storage for continuous recording. Alternatively, third-party NVRs with RTSP support may work with certain Arlo models.

Can you record to DVR with Arlo without a subscription?

Yes, if your Arlo camera supports local storage (via SmartHub and microSD/USB), you can avoid subscriptions. Without local storage, a cloud plan is needed for recordings.

Which Arlo cameras support local recording to a DVR-like setup?

Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential Wired models work with a SmartHub for local recording. Check the product specs to confirm compatibility with microSD or USB storage.

How do I set up continuous recording for my Arlo camera?

For continuous recording, use a SmartHub with local storage (microSD/USB) or subscribe to Arlo Secure. Enable “Continuous Recording” in the Arlo app under your camera’s settings.