Do Arlo Cameras Need a Subscription Find Out Here

No, Arlo cameras do not *require* a subscription to function—basic features like live streaming and motion alerts work right out of the box. However, advanced capabilities such as cloud storage, AI detection, and activity zones need a paid Arlo Secure plan to unlock their full potential.

Key Takeaways

• No subscription needed: Arlo cameras work without one, but features are limited.
• Free tier available: Basic cloud storage and alerts included at no cost.
• Advanced features require plans: AI detection and extended storage need subscriptions.
• Local storage option: Use microSD to avoid cloud fees entirely.
• Compare plans carefully: Choose based on your security and budget needs.

Do Arlo Cameras Need a Subscription? Let’s Clear the Air

You’ve probably been there—standing in the smart home aisle, holding an Arlo camera, wondering whether it’s worth the price tag, especially when you hear whispers about “subscriptions.” Maybe you’ve already bought one, set it up, and now you’re staring at a pop-up asking for your credit card. You’re not alone. The question “Do Arlo cameras need a subscription?” is one of the most common concerns for anyone considering a smart security system. And honestly, it’s a fair one.

When I first started building my home security setup, I assumed that buying a camera meant I’d get full access to its features right out of the box. But after setting up my first Arlo Pro 4, I quickly realized that while the hardware is excellent, the software and cloud features come with a catch: some require a subscription. That doesn’t mean you *have* to pay—but it does mean you need to understand what you’re getting (and what you’re missing) if you choose to go without one. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what Arlo subscriptions offer, when they’re helpful, and when you can safely skip them—no hype, no fluff. Just real talk from someone who’s been there.

What Do Arlo Cameras Offer Without a Subscription?

Before we dive into the subscription side of things, let’s talk about what you actually get when you buy an Arlo camera and choose to use it without paying for a monthly or annual plan. Spoiler: it’s more than you might think.

Basic Live Viewing and Two-Way Audio

Even without a subscription, your Arlo camera lets you stream live video to your smartphone or tablet using the Arlo app. This works over Wi-Fi or cellular data, depending on your setup. You can check in on your front porch, backyard, or baby’s room anytime—no recurring fee needed. The two-way audio feature also works right away, so you can talk to delivery drivers, shoo away squirrels, or calm a nervous pet while you’re away.

For example, my neighbor once used her Arlo camera (no subscription) to politely tell a delivery person to leave the package at the back gate instead of the front door. She didn’t need cloud storage or AI detection—just real-time access, which worked perfectly.

Local Storage via MicroSD Card (On Compatible Models)

Some Arlo models—like the Arlo Pro 5S, Pro 4, and Essential series—support local storage using a microSD card. This means you can record motion-triggered clips directly to the card inside the camera or base station, bypassing the cloud entirely. No subscription, no ongoing costs. Just plug in a 256GB card (Arlo supports up to 2TB with certain base stations), and you’re set.

One caveat: not all Arlo cameras support local storage. For instance, the Arlo Go (LTE model) relies entirely on cellular data and cloud, so local storage isn’t an option. But if you have a Wi-Fi-enabled model, this can be a solid workaround. Pro tip: use a high-endurance microSD card (like Samsung PRO Endurance) designed for constant writing—regular cards can wear out quickly.

Motion Alerts and Push Notifications

You’ll still receive motion alerts and push notifications without a subscription. The camera detects movement and sends a notification to your phone. You can then open the app and see a snapshot of what triggered the alert. This is great for knowing when someone walks by your front door or when your cat knocks over a plant (again).

However, without a subscription, you only get a still image—no video clip. That’s a key difference. So if a delivery person drops off a package, you’ll see a photo of them walking away, but not the full interaction. For many users, that’s enough. But if you want to review full events later, you’ll need to rely on local storage or bite the bullet on cloud.

Customizable Motion Zones (Free Feature)

Arlo’s free app includes customizable motion zones, which let you draw boxes on your camera’s field of view to define where motion should (or shouldn’t) trigger alerts. This is a game-changer for avoiding false alarms from trees, passing cars, or neighborhood cats. You can set up a zone focused only on your front steps, for instance, and ignore everything else.

I used this feature to stop getting alerts every time a leaf blew across my driveway. It took two minutes to set up, and it made the system feel much more useful.

What Do Arlo Subscriptions Actually Add?

Now, let’s talk about what you don’t get without a subscription—and whether those missing features are worth the cost. Arlo offers several subscription tiers, but they all build on the same core benefits: cloud storage, advanced detection, and extended features.

Cloud Video Storage (The Big One)

The biggest benefit of an Arlo subscription is cloud video storage. Without it, you only get a live feed and motion-triggered snapshots. With a subscription, you get full-length video clips saved securely online. These clips are available for playback anytime, from any device.

For example, if a package is stolen, you can go back and watch the entire event—from the person approaching, to the theft, to them walking away. That kind of evidence is invaluable, especially if you need to file a claim or report a crime.

Arlo’s cloud storage plans range from 30 days of rolling storage (on lower tiers) to 60 days (on higher tiers). Clips are stored securely and encrypted, and you can download or share them directly from the app.

AI-Powered Person, Vehicle, and Animal Detection

Arlo’s AI detection is one of its standout features—but it’s locked behind a subscription. With a plan, your camera can distinguish between a person, a car, a pet, or a package. This means:

• You get a “Person Detected” alert, not just “Motion Detected.”
• You can set up smart alerts—like “Notify me only when a person is in the backyard after 9 PM.”
• You can ignore false alarms from animals or passing cars.

Without this, every motion event is treated equally. That means your phone buzzes 20 times a day from birds, wind, or shadows. Not ideal.

I once had an Arlo Pro 4 without a subscription. I got a motion alert, opened the app, and saw a blurry photo of my dog chasing a squirrel. With AI detection, I’d have known it was just my dog and ignored it. Instead, I checked every alert—wasting time and battery.

30-Day or 60-Day Video History

Depending on your plan, you can access up to 60 days of video history. This is huge for peace of mind. If something happens and you don’t notice it for a week (like a suspicious person casing your house), you can still go back and review the footage.

Without a subscription, your only option is local storage—and if your microSD card gets full or corrupted, you lose everything. Cloud storage is more reliable and accessible from anywhere.

Activity Zones with AI Filtering

With a subscription, your custom motion zones get smarter. You can set a zone to only trigger for people, not cars or animals. This reduces false alerts and makes your system more efficient.

For instance, you could set a zone on your driveway to alert only when a person walks up—ignoring delivery trucks or passing cyclists.

Arlo Subscription Tiers: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Arlo offers several subscription plans, and choosing the right one depends on how many cameras you have and what features you need. Here’s a clear breakdown of the main options:

Plan Name	Price (Monthly)	Price (Annual)	Cameras Supported	Video History	AI Detection	Activity Zones
Arlo Secure	$2.99	$29.99	1 camera	30 days	Yes	Yes
Arlo Secure Plus	$9.99	$99.99	Up to 4 cameras	30 days	Yes	Yes
Arlo Secure Ultimate	$14.99	$149.99	Up to 10 cameras	60 days	Yes	Yes
Arlo Smart Home (Legacy)	$12.99	$129.99	Up to 5 cameras	30 days	Yes	Yes

Note: Arlo occasionally offers free trials (7–30 days) for new users. Always check their website for current promotions.

The Arlo Secure plan is great if you have one camera and want basic cloud storage and AI detection. The Secure Plus plan is ideal for most homes with 2–4 cameras. And if you’re running a full security setup (like a smart home with multiple indoor and outdoor cameras), Secure Ultimate gives you longer storage and broader coverage.

One thing to watch: older plans like “Arlo Smart” are being phased out. If you have one, consider upgrading to Secure for better features and longer storage.

When Can You Skip the Subscription (And When You Shouldn’t)

Now comes the big decision: should you pay for a subscription, or can you get by without one? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your needs, budget, and how you plan to use your cameras.

You Can Skip the Subscription If…

• You use local storage. If your Arlo model supports microSD and you’re comfortable managing a card (formatting, replacing, etc.), you can skip the cloud entirely. Just remember: if the card fails or gets stolen, you lose footage.
• You only want real-time monitoring. If you just want to check in on your home occasionally and don’t care about reviewing past events, the free features may be enough.
• You have a small setup (1–2 cameras). With fewer cameras, false alerts are less overwhelming, and you might not need AI filtering.
• You’re okay with photo-only alerts. You’ll see who came to your door, but not the full interaction. For some, that’s sufficient.

You Should Get a Subscription If…

• You want video history. Cloud storage is the only way to access clips after the fact. If a package disappears or a break-in happens, you’ll need this.
• You have multiple cameras. Managing 5+ cameras without AI detection leads to alert fatigue. Subscriptions make the system usable.
• You want smart alerts. AI detection reduces false alarms and lets you focus on what matters—people, not pets or passing cars.
• You’re concerned about data loss. Local storage can fail. Cloud storage is more reliable and accessible from anywhere.
• You have an Arlo Go (LTE) camera. These models rely on cloud storage—no local option. A subscription is effectively required.

Real-world example: My friend Sarah has three Arlo cameras around her house. She skipped the subscription for a year, relying on local storage. Then her backyard camera’s microSD card failed. She lost two weeks of footage—including video of a neighbor’s dog digging up her garden. She upgraded to Arlo Secure Plus the next day. “I thought I was saving money,” she told me. “But the peace of mind is worth $10 a month.”

Tips to Maximize Your Arlo Experience (With or Without a Subscription)

Whether you’re paying or not, there are smart ways to get the most out of your Arlo cameras. Here are some practical tips I’ve learned over the years:

Optimize Motion Sensitivity

Too many alerts? Adjust the motion sensitivity in the app. Lower it slightly to reduce false triggers from small animals or moving shadows. Pair this with custom activity zones for best results.

Use Schedules for Alerts

Set your cameras to only send alerts during certain times. For example, turn off backyard alerts during the day when kids are playing, but enable them at night. This cuts down on noise without sacrificing security.

Back Up Local Storage Regularly

If you’re using a microSD card, back it up monthly. Copy the files to a computer or external drive. This protects against data loss if the card fails or the camera is stolen.

Take Advantage of Free Trials

Arlo often offers 30-day free trials for new users. Use this time to test AI detection and cloud storage. See if it makes a real difference in your daily life before committing.

Consider a Hybrid Approach

You don’t have to go all-in. Subscribe to Arlo Secure for your front door camera (where you get deliveries) but skip it for indoor cameras. This balances cost and coverage.

Update Firmware Regularly

Arlo releases updates that improve performance, fix bugs, and add features. Keep your cameras updated for the best experience—even without a subscription.

The Bottom Line: Subscription or Not?

So, do Arlo cameras need a subscription? The short answer is: no, not technically. You can use them fully functional without paying a dime. But the long answer is more nuanced.

If you’re okay with live viewing, photo alerts, and local storage (and you’re diligent about managing it), you can skip the subscription. For renters, small homes, or users who just want a “check-in” tool, this might be enough.

But if you want full video history, AI-powered alerts, and the ability to review events days or weeks later, a subscription is almost essential. It turns your camera from a simple monitor into a true security system. The $3–$15 monthly cost adds up, but for many, it’s worth it for the peace of mind.

Think of it like car insurance. You can drive without it, but if something goes wrong, you’ll regret it. Arlo subscriptions are similar—they’re an investment in protection, convenience, and smarter alerts.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. But now you know exactly what you’re giving up—and what you’re gaining. Whether you go free or paid, your Arlo cameras can still be a powerful tool for home security. Just pick the path that fits your life, your budget, and your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras need a subscription to work?

Arlo cameras function without a subscription for live viewing and motion-activated alerts via the app. However, a subscription (like Arlo Secure) is required for cloud storage, advanced AI detection, and extended video history.

What happens if I don’t get an Arlo subscription?

Without a subscription, you’ll still receive real-time notifications and live streaming, but recorded videos will only save to a local USB drive (if supported by your model). Cloud storage and features like person/package detection will be unavailable.

Is there a free trial for Arlo’s subscription service?

Yes, most new Arlo cameras come with a free trial (typically 30 days) of Arlo Secure, giving you full access to cloud storage, smart alerts, and e911 emergency response. Check your camera’s packaging or app for trial details.

Which Arlo features require a subscription?

A subscription unlocks key features like 30-day cloud video history, AI-powered detection (people, vehicles, pets), activity zones, and emergency response. Basic features like live streaming and local storage remain free.

Can I use Arlo cameras without a subscription for home security?

Yes, but with limitations. Without a subscription, you’ll miss out on cloud backups and smart detection, relying solely on local storage and motion alerts. For full security, an Arlo Secure plan is recommended.

Are Arlo’s subscription plans worth the cost?

For most users, yes—subscriptions add critical security features like cloud backups and AI detection. If you rely heavily on video history or smart alerts, the cost (starting at $2.99/month) is justified by the added convenience and protection.