Do Arlo Subscriptions Cost Per Camera Find Out Here

Arlo subscriptions do not cost per camera—instead, they offer flexible plans that cover multiple cameras under a single payment, helping you save significantly. Whether you have two cameras or ten, Arlo’s tiered subscriptions provide scalable cloud storage, AI-powered alerts, and advanced features without charging extra per device.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo subscriptions are per camera: Each device requires a separate plan for full features.
• No bundled plans: Unlike competitors, Arlo doesn’t offer multi-camera discounts.
• Free tier available: Basic features like live streaming require no subscription.
• Cloud storage costs add up: 30-day video history increases per-camera expenses.
• Evaluate needs first: Only pay for subscriptions if advanced features are essential.
• Consider local storage: Avoid fees using microSD cards with supported cameras.

Do Arlo Subscriptions Cost Per Camera? Let’s Break It Down

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo Pro 5S cameras around your home. You’re excited—finally, that peace of mind you’ve been searching for. You open the app, set up motion alerts, and start watching your front porch from your phone. Then, a few days later, you notice something odd. Your videos aren’t saving. No cloud storage. No playback. You’re stuck with live views only. What gives?

This is where the Arlo subscription question hits hardest. Most people assume that once they buy the camera, they’re all set. But Arlo, like many smart home brands, uses a subscription model for premium features like cloud recording, AI detection, and extended video history. And if you’re planning to use more than one camera, the big question becomes: Do Arlo subscriptions cost per camera? The short answer? It depends. But don’t worry—we’re going to walk through every option, every plan, and every cost so you can make the smartest decision for your home, your wallet, and your security needs.

How Arlo Subscriptions Work (And Why They’re Not One-Size-Fits-All)

The Free Tier: What You Get Without Paying

Let’s start with the good news: Arlo doesn’t force you to pay right away. Every Arlo camera comes with a free tier that includes basic functionality. Here’s what you get at no cost:

• Live video streaming to your phone or tablet
• Motion alerts with push notifications
• 7-second video clips saved locally (if you have a compatible base station or smart hub)
• Two-way audio (on supported models)

This is perfect for someone who just wants to check in on their home, see who’s at the door, or monitor a pet. But here’s the catch: without a subscription, you can’t store videos in the cloud. That means no reviewing footage from last week, no saving clips to share with the police, and no smart detection (like telling the difference between a person, a package, or a raccoon).

The Catch: Why Subscriptions Are Almost Essential

Let’s be real—if you’re investing in home security, you probably want more than just live views. You want to review what happened when you weren’t home. You want to know if that motion alert was your neighbor’s cat or a suspicious figure. And you want that data saved securely, even if your camera is stolen or damaged.

This is where Arlo’s subscription plans come in. They offer cloud storage, AI-powered detection, and advanced features like 30-day video history and smart notifications. But here’s the twist: not all plans charge per camera. Some are per-camera, some are multi-camera, and some even offer unlimited cameras. Confused yet? You’re not alone.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s 3-Camera Setup

Take Sarah, a homeowner with three Arlo cameras: one at the front door, one in the backyard, and one in the garage. She started with the free plan but quickly realized she needed cloud storage. She didn’t want to pay for three separate subscriptions. After researching, she chose the Arlo Secure Plus plan, which covers up to 10 cameras. Her total? $12.99/month—not $38.97 if she had gone per-camera. That’s a $26/month savings. For her, the multi-camera plan was a no-brainer.

Do Arlo Subscriptions Cost Per Camera? The Truth About Pricing

The Per-Camera Plans: Arlo Secure

Yes, Arlo does offer plans that cost per camera. These are called Arlo Secure plans and are ideal if you have just one or two cameras. Here’s what you get:

• Cloud storage for 30 days (videos saved online)
• AI object detection (person, vehicle, package, animal)
• Smart notifications (only alerts for people, not leaves blowing in the wind)
• Video history (review up to 30 days of footage)

Pricing: $3.99 per camera per month (or $39.99 per year per camera).

So if you have two cameras, that’s $7.98/month. Three cameras? $11.97/month. It adds up fast. This plan is best if:

• You have only 1–2 cameras
• You don’t plan to expand your system
• You prefer simple, predictable billing

The Multi-Camera Plans: Arlo Secure Plus

Now, here’s where things get smarter. The Arlo Secure Plus plan is not per camera. Instead, it covers up to 10 cameras under one flat monthly fee. That means whether you have 1 camera or 10, you pay the same price. Features include:

• Everything in Arlo Secure, plus:
• 1080p video recording (higher quality than the base Secure plan)
• Activity zones (customize where motion is detected)
• Emergency response (connect to 911 with one tap)
• 24/7 priority support

Pricing: $12.99/month (or $129.99/year) for up to 10 cameras.

That’s a huge savings if you have more than 3 cameras. For example:

• 3 cameras on per-camera plan: $11.97/month
• 3 cameras on Secure Plus: $12.99/month — just $1.02 more, but with better features and room to grow
• 5 cameras on per-camera: $19.95/month
• 5 cameras on Secure Plus: $12.99/month — $7/month saved

The Unlimited Option: Arlo Secure Ultimate

For large homes, businesses, or tech enthusiasts with more than 10 cameras, Arlo offers the Secure Ultimate plan. This is the top-tier option and covers unlimited cameras at one flat rate. It includes:

• Everything in Secure Plus, plus:
• 4K video recording (if using compatible 4K cameras)
• Advanced AI detection (facial recognition, package tracking)
• Extended 60-day video history
• 24/7 professional monitoring (optional add-on)

Pricing: $19.99/month (or $199.99/year) for unlimited cameras.

This is ideal for:

• Homes with 10+ cameras
• Small businesses using Arlo for surveillance
• Users who want the best video quality and longest storage

Note: 4K recording only works with Arlo’s 4K-compatible cameras (like the Arlo Ultra 2 or Pro 5S). Older models max out at 1080p even on this plan.

Breaking Down the Costs: When Per-Camera Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

When Per-Camera Plans Are Worth It

Let’s be fair—per-camera plans aren’t always the enemy. They can make sense in certain situations:

• Single-camera setup: If you only have one camera (e.g., at the front door), the $3.99/month Arlo Secure plan is affordable and gives you all the core features.
• Testing the waters: You’re not sure if you’ll keep the camera long-term. Paying per camera lets you cancel without losing a multi-camera commitment.
• Multiple homes: You have one camera at your primary home and one at a vacation house. You can subscribe each separately and manage them independently.

For example, Mark has a cabin in the woods with one Arlo camera. He doesn’t need 30 days of storage or AI detection—just motion alerts and live views. He uses the free tier most of the time but subscribes to Arlo Secure for $3.99/month during hunting season when he’s away. Flexible and cost-effective.

When Multi-Camera Plans Save You Money

Here’s where the math gets interesting. Let’s compare costs for different camera counts:

Number of Cameras	Arlo Secure (Per Camera)	Arlo Secure Plus (Up to 10)	Arlo Secure Ultimate (Unlimited)
1	$3.99/month	$12.99/month	$19.99/month
2	$7.98/month	$12.99/month	$19.99/month
3	$11.97/month	$12.99/month	$19.99/month
5	$19.95/month	$12.99/month	$19.99/month
10	$39.90/month	$12.99/month	$19.99/month
15	$59.85/month	Not available (max 10)	$19.99/month

Look at that table. At 3 cameras, the per-camera plan costs nearly the same as Secure Plus—but you get better features with Secure Plus (1080p, activity zones, emergency response). At 5 cameras, you’re paying more for less with the per-camera option. And at 10+ cameras, the per-camera model is 3x more expensive than Secure Plus and 3x more than Ultimate.

The takeaway? Once you have 3 or more cameras, multi-camera plans almost always win.

The Hidden Cost: Video Quality and Storage

Don’t forget—video quality and storage length matter. The base Arlo Secure plan gives you 30 days of 720p or 1080p (depending on camera). But Secure Plus and Ultimate offer longer history (60 days on Ultimate) and higher resolution (4K on Ultimate).

Why does this matter? Higher resolution means clearer images—critical if you need to identify a license plate or a face. Longer storage means you can go back further if a crime happens days after it occurs. For many, these extras are worth the small price difference.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: Can You Skip Subscriptions?

The Local Storage Option: Arlo SmartHub & MicroSD

Yes, you can avoid subscriptions entirely—if you’re willing to use local storage. Arlo offers the Arlo SmartHub (or base station) that supports microSD cards. With this setup:

• You insert a microSD card (up to 2TB) into the hub
• Cameras record directly to the card
• You can review footage in the app without a subscription

This is great for:

• People who want to avoid monthly fees
• Users in areas with poor internet
• Those who don’t need AI detection or smart alerts

But there are downsides:

• No cloud backup: If the hub is stolen or damaged, your footage is gone
• No AI detection: You’ll get alerts for all motion—wind, leaves, animals
• Limited history: Depends on card size (e.g., 128GB = ~10 days of 1080p)
• Manual management: You’ll need to format or replace the card when it fills up

Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds?

Some users combine local and cloud storage. For example:

• Use a microSD card for daily recordings
• Subscribe to Arlo Secure for cloud backup of important events (like person detection or package delivery)

This way, you get redundancy. If the hub is stolen, the cloud still has your critical clips. And you’re not paying for full cloud storage on every camera every day.

Tip: Set your cameras to record to local storage by default, but use cloud recording only when AI detects a person or vehicle. This reduces cloud usage and keeps costs low.

Tips to Save Money on Arlo Subscriptions (Without Sacrificing Security)

1. Start with One Camera, Then Upgrade

Buy one camera first. Test the free tier. If you love it, buy more. When you hit 3+ cameras, switch to Secure Plus. This lets you avoid overpaying early on.

2. Use Annual Billing

Arlo offers a 10–15% discount if you pay annually instead of monthly. For example:

• Arlo Secure: $3.99/month = $47.88/year, or $39.99/year (saves $7.89)
• Secure Plus: $12.99/month = $155.88/year, or $129.99/year (saves $25.89)

That’s like getting 1–2 months free. Just be sure you’re committed before paying upfront.

3. Take Advantage of Free Trials

Arlo often includes a 30-day free trial with new camera purchases. Use this time to test cloud features. You can cancel anytime before the trial ends.

4. Use Multiple Hubs (For Large Homes)

If you have more than 10 cameras, consider using two SmartHubs. You can subscribe one hub to Secure Plus (10 cameras) and the other to a separate Secure Plus or even Secure plan. This can be cheaper than Ultimate if you don’t need 4K or 60-day storage.

5. Monitor Usage and Adjust

Check your app monthly. Are you getting too many false alerts? Reduce activity zones. Is your storage full? Upgrade your microSD card or adjust recording settings. Small tweaks can save you money.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Home

So, do Arlo subscriptions cost per camera? Sometimes—but not always. The per-camera Arlo Secure plan is perfect for minimal setups, but once you have 3 or more cameras, the flat-rate Secure Plus or Secure Ultimate plans offer better value, more features, and significant savings.

Think about your needs: How many cameras do you have? Do you want AI detection? How long do you need video history? Do you want 4K quality? These questions will guide your choice.

And remember: subscriptions aren’t just about storage. They’re about peace of mind. The ability to review footage, get smart alerts, and even contact emergency services—these are features that turn a simple camera into a real security system.

Whether you choose per-camera, multi-camera, or local storage, Arlo gives you options. The key is to start smart, scale wisely, and save where you can. Because home security shouldn’t break the bank—but it should definitely protect what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo subscriptions cost per camera or for the whole system?

Arlo subscriptions are priced per camera for most plans, including the Arlo Secure and Secure Plus tiers. This means each camera added to your account incurs an individual monthly or annual fee.

Is there an Arlo subscription plan that covers multiple cameras at once?

Yes, the Arlo Secure 5-Camera Plan offers a bundled option for households with multiple cameras, providing cost savings compared to individual subscriptions. This plan covers up to five cameras under one payment.

How much does an Arlo subscription cost per camera per month?

As of 2024, Arlo Secure starts at $2.99 per camera per month, while the Secure Plus plan costs $4.99 per camera monthly. Pricing may vary based on promotions or annual billing discounts.

Can I avoid per-camera fees with an Arlo subscription?

Unfortunately, Arlo requires per-camera subscriptions for cloud storage and advanced features like AI detection. However, local storage options (e.g., via Arlo SmartHub) can reduce reliance on paid plans.

Do Arlo subscriptions cost extra for 24/7 recording?

Yes, 24/7 continuous video recording (CVR) requires an add-on to your base subscription, typically costing an additional $5–$10 per camera per month. This feature is only available for select camera models.

Are free plans available if I don’t want to pay per camera?

Arlo offers limited free features (7-day rolling cloud storage for one camera), but full functionality requires a paid subscription. For multiple cameras, the per-camera model ensures each device gets dedicated coverage.