Do Arlo Security Cameras Require a Subscription Find Out Here

No, Arlo security cameras do not require a subscription to function, allowing you to view live footage, receive motion alerts, and store clips locally for free. However, advanced features like cloud storage, AI-powered detection, and extended video history require a paid Arlo Secure plan—ideal for users wanting comprehensive protection and smart home integration.

Key Takeaways

• No mandatory subscription: Arlo cameras work without one, but features are limited.
• Cloud storage requires a plan: Save videos online only with paid subscriptions.
• Free local storage available: Use microSD cards to record without recurring fees.
• Advanced features need subscriptions: AI detection and alerts require Arlo Secure plans.
• Compare plans wisely: Choose based on camera count and desired features.
• Trial subscriptions offered: Test premium features free before committing.

Do Arlo Security Cameras Require a Subscription? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Picture this: you’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo security camera. You’re excited to check in on your home while you’re away, maybe even catch the neighbor’s cat sneaking into your yard. But then, after a few days, you get a notification: “Subscribe to continue receiving alerts and cloud storage.” Your heart sinks. Do Arlo security cameras require a subscription? It’s a question I asked myself when I first started using Arlo, and it’s one I’ve heard from countless homeowners, renters, and tech-savvy DIYers.

The short answer? No, Arlo cameras don’t require a subscription to function. You can still use them to monitor your home, record footage locally (if supported), and receive basic alerts. But here’s the catch: without a subscription, you’re missing out on some of the most powerful features that make Arlo stand out—like cloud storage, advanced detection, and seamless remote access. It’s like buying a car with all the safety features but choosing not to turn on the airbags. You’re still protected, just not as well.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Arlo’s subscription model. Whether you’re a privacy-focused minimalist or a tech enthusiast who wants every bell and whistle, I’ll help you decide what’s worth paying for—and what you can skip. We’ll cover how the cameras work without a plan, what you gain (and lose) with a subscription, and even some clever workarounds to maximize your setup without breaking the bank.

How Arlo Cameras Work Without a Subscription

The Basics: Live View, Motion Alerts, and Local Storage

If you’re okay with skipping the cloud, your Arlo camera still has plenty to offer. Here’s what you can do right out of the box—no monthly fees needed:

• Live streaming: Open the Arlo app and check in on your home in real time. This works even without a plan.
• Motion alerts: Get notifications when movement is detected. You’ll see a snapshot of the activity in the app.
• Local storage: Some Arlo models (like the Ultra, Pro 3, and Essential) support microSD cards. You can record footage directly to the card and access it later.

For example, my neighbor has an Arlo Pro 3 set up in his backyard. He uses a 128GB microSD card to store clips, and he checks them manually when he gets a motion alert. “It’s not as convenient as the cloud,” he told me, “but it works. I don’t need 24/7 recording, and I’d rather not pay $10 a month.”

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Of course, there are trade-offs. Without a subscription, you’ll notice a few key gaps:

• No cloud backup: If your camera is stolen or damaged, your footage is gone. Local storage only protects against internet outages, not physical threats.
• Manual review: You can’t scroll through a timeline of events. You have to check the microSD card manually—like digging through old photos instead of flipping through an album.
• Basic detection: Motion alerts are just that—motion. You won’t get smart alerts for people, vehicles, or packages. That means more false alarms (like leaves blowing in the wind).

Tip: If you’re using local storage, format your microSD card regularly. Over time, it can get corrupted or fill up, causing gaps in your recordings.

What You Get With an Arlo Subscription (And Why It Matters)

Cloud Storage: The Biggest Perk

This is the main reason most people subscribe. Arlo’s cloud plans let you:

• Save recordings automatically: Footage is uploaded to the cloud and stored for up to 30 days (depending on your plan).
• Access clips anytime: Even if your camera is destroyed or stolen, your footage is safe.
• Search by event: Use the app to filter clips by date, time, or type of activity (e.g., “person detected at 9 PM”).

For instance, my friend had her front porch camera knocked over during a storm. The camera survived, but the microSD card got soaked. Because she had a subscription, she still had access to all her footage from the past week. “I would’ve lost everything without the cloud,” she said.

Advanced Detection: Smarter Than Just “Motion”

Arlo’s subscriptions include AI-powered detection for:

• People: Get alerts only when a person is detected, not a squirrel or shadow.
• Vehicles: Know when a car pulls into your driveway.
• Animals and packages: Useful for pet owners or frequent online shoppers.

This reduces false alarms by up to 90%, according to Arlo. I tested it myself: with basic motion detection, I got alerts every time a moth flew past the camera. With person detection enabled, I only got alerts when someone walked into the frame. Huge difference.

Additional Features: The “Nice-to-Haves”

• Activity zones: Customize which areas trigger alerts (e.g., ignore the street but monitor the front door).
• 24/7 emergency response: Some plans let you contact emergency services directly through the app.
• Multi-camera support: Cheaper plans cover one camera, but higher tiers let you add more without paying extra per device.

Tip: If you have multiple cameras, a multi-camera plan often saves money. For example, the Arlo Secure 2K plan covers up to 10 cameras for $14.99/month, while paying per camera would cost $100+ monthly.

Arlo Subscription Plans: A Breakdown of Costs and Features

Arlo Secure (Entry-Level)

Best for: Single-camera setups, budget-conscious users.

• Price: $2.99–$4.99/month per camera (depending on resolution).
• Features:
  • 30-day cloud storage
  • Person, vehicle, animal, and package detection
  • Activity zones
• Limitations: Covers only one camera. No emergency response.

Arlo Secure Plus (Mid-Tier)

Best for: Multi-camera homes, families.

• Price: $9.99–$14.99/month (covers up to 10 cameras).
• Features:
  • Everything in Arlo Secure
  • 24/7 emergency response
  • Extended video history (up to 60 days for some plans)
• Limitations: Slightly pricier, but worth it for multi-camera users.

Arlo Total Security (All-Inclusive)

Best for: Full-home coverage, peace of mind.

• Price: $14.99–$19.99/month (covers up to 10 cameras).
• Features:
  • Everything in Secure Plus
  • Professional monitoring (some plans)
  • Smoke/CO detector integration
• Limitations: Overkill for small setups, but ideal for large homes.

Free Trial and Promotions

Arlo often offers 30-day free trials for new users. Use this to test premium features before committing. I did this with the Secure Plus plan and realized I didn’t need emergency response—so I downgraded to Secure after the trial.

Plan	Price (Monthly)	Cloud Storage	Smart Detection	Emergency Response	Cameras Covered
Arlo Secure	$2.99–$4.99	30 days	Yes	No	1
Arlo Secure Plus	$9.99–$14.99	30–60 days	Yes	Yes	Up to 10
Arlo Total Security	$14.99–$19.99	30–60 days	Yes	Yes	Up to 10

Tip: Check for bundle deals. Arlo sometimes includes free months of service when you buy a camera kit. I saved $60 by buying a 3-camera bundle with 6 months of Secure Plus included.

Workarounds: How to Use Arlo Without a Subscription (And Still Get Great Results)

Maximize Local Storage

If you’re skipping the cloud, here’s how to make local storage work:

• Use high-capacity microSD cards: 128GB or 256GB cards can store weeks of footage.
• Enable event-only recording: In the Arlo app, set the camera to record only when motion is detected. This saves space.
• Regularly back up to a computer: Copy clips from the microSD card to your PC or external drive. I do this weekly to avoid losing footage.

Example: My cousin uses a 256GB card in his Arlo Ultra. He records only when motion is detected and backs up clips to a NAS drive. “It’s like a mini cloud,” he says. “I get 45 days of storage without paying a dime.”

Use Third-Party Integrations

Arlo works with IFTTT and Google Assistant to automate tasks:

• IFTTT: Set up rules like “If motion is detected, send a clip to my email.” No cloud needed.
• Google Drive: Some users use IFTTT to save clips to their Google Drive (free up to 15GB).

Caution: This isn’t as reliable as Arlo’s native cloud. IFTTT can lag, and Google Drive fills up fast. But it’s a solid option for light users.

DIY Cloud Alternatives

For tech-savvy users:

• Home Assistant: Connect Arlo to a Home Assistant server for local storage and automation.
• Synology NAS: Some Arlo models support direct recording to a Synology NAS via RTSP.

Note: These require technical setup. I tried Home Assistant but found it too complex for daily use. Your mileage may vary.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Pay for an Arlo Subscription?

You Probably Need a Subscription If…

• You want peace of mind: Cloud storage protects you from camera theft, damage, or internet outages.
• You have multiple cameras: Multi-camera plans are cost-effective and simplify management.
• You’re away from home often: Remote access and smart alerts let you check in anytime, anywhere.
• You hate false alarms: Advanced detection filters out irrelevant motion.

Example: My parents travel a lot. They have an Arlo Secure Plus plan so they can monitor their home from the road. “We get alerts only when it’s important,” my dad told me. “It’s worth every penny.”

You Might Skip the Subscription If…

• You’re on a tight budget: Local storage is free, and basic alerts still work.
• You’re comfortable with manual checks: If you don’t mind reviewing footage on a microSD card, the cloud isn’t essential.
• You use Arlo for short-term needs: Renters or event monitors might not need long-term storage.
• You’re privacy-conscious: Some users prefer local storage to avoid uploading footage to the cloud.

Example: My friend uses an Arlo camera to monitor his construction site. He checks the microSD card every night. “I don’t need the cloud,” he said. “I’m on-site daily, and I trust my own backups.”

The Middle Ground: Hybrid Approach

Many users mix both strategies:

• Use a single-camera subscription for your most important camera (e.g., front door).
• Use local storage for less critical cameras (e.g., backyard).

This balances cost and convenience. I do this with my own setup: I have a subscription for my front porch camera (high-traffic area) but use local storage for the side yard.

The Bottom Line: It Depends on Your Needs (And That’s Okay)

So, do Arlo security cameras require a subscription? No—but they work better with one. Think of it like a smartphone: you can use it without apps, but you’ll get the most value from the ecosystem. The subscription isn’t a requirement; it’s an upgrade.

Here’s my take: If you’re using Arlo for basic monitoring and don’t mind manual checks, skip the subscription. But if you want reliable security—cloud backups, smart alerts, and remote access—the investment is worth it. I’ve used Arlo for years, and the peace of mind from cloud storage and person detection has saved me more than once.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Use the free trial to test premium features. Try local storage for a month. See what fits your lifestyle. And remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re a minimalist or a tech maximalist, Arlo gives you the flexibility to build the system that works for you.

Now, go set up your camera—and decide what’s worth paying for. Your home (and your wallet) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo security cameras require a subscription to function?

Arlo cameras can record and send motion alerts without a subscription, but advanced features like cloud storage, AI detection, and extended video history require an Arlo Secure subscription. Basic functionality, like live streaming and local storage (if supported), works right out of the box.

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

Without an Arlo subscription, you’ll still get real-time alerts and live video, but recordings are limited to local storage (on compatible models) or short clips. You’ll miss out on cloud backups, person/vehicle detection, and 30-day video history.

Can I use Arlo cameras without a subscription and still record video?

Yes, select Arlo cameras support local storage via microSD or a base station, allowing you to record footage without a subscription. However, cloud storage and smart notifications (e.g., package detection) require an Arlo Secure plan.

Is the Arlo subscription worth it for basic security needs?

If you want 24/7 cloud recording, advanced AI alerts, or multi-camera support, the subscription adds significant value. For simple live monitoring and local backups, you may not need it.

What features require an Arlo Secure subscription?

An Arlo subscription unlocks cloud storage, AI-powered object detection (people, pets, vehicles), activity zones, emergency response, and extended video history (up to 60 days). These features enhance security but aren’t essential for basic use.

Are there free trial options for Arlo subscriptions?

Yes, Arlo often offers a free trial (typically 30 days) for new users to test premium features. Check their website or app for current promotions tied to your camera model.