Do I Need a Subscription for Arlo Cameras Find Out Here

No, you don’t *need* a subscription for Arlo cameras—basic features like live streaming and motion alerts work without one via local storage or free cloud clips. However, advanced features like AI detection, extended video history, and emergency response require a paid Arlo Secure plan to unlock the system’s full potential.

Key Takeaways

• No subscription needed: Arlo cameras work without one, but features are limited.
• Cloud storage requires a plan: Save videos online only with a paid subscription.
• Local storage is free: Use microSD cards to record without extra costs.
• Advanced alerts need a subscription: Person/package detection requires Arlo Secure.
• Free trial available: Test premium features risk-free for 30 days.

Do I Need a Subscription for Arlo Cameras? Find Out Here

Imagine this: You just installed your shiny new Arlo camera system. The setup was smooth, the picture quality is crisp, and you’re finally feeling that extra layer of peace of mind knowing your home is under 24/7 surveillance. Then you open the app and see a prompt: “Subscribe now for full features.” Your heart skips. Is this a must-have? Or just a clever upsell? If you’ve asked yourself, “Do I need a subscription for Arlo cameras?”, you’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners, renters, and small business owners face this exact dilemma every day.

Arlo is one of the most popular smart home security brands, known for its wireless, easy-to-install cameras and sleek app experience. But behind the sleek design lies a subscription-based ecosystem that can feel confusing at first glance. Some features are free. Others? Locked behind a paywall. The truth is, whether you need a subscription depends on your goals, lifestyle, and how much control you want over your security footage. In this guide, we’ll break it all down—no fluff, no hype—just real talk about what Arlo offers for free, what you gain with a subscription, and whether it’s worth the monthly or annual cost. By the end, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for—and whether it’s right for you.

What Arlo Cameras Offer Without a Subscription

Let’s start with the good news: you can use Arlo cameras without any subscription at all. That’s right—your camera will still record, detect motion, and send alerts to your phone. No subscription required. But like most things in life, “free” comes with trade-offs. Here’s what you get out of the box—and what you don’t.

Basic Features: What Works Without a Plan

• Live streaming: You can view your camera feed in real time from the Arlo app, whether you’re at home or halfway around the world.
• Motion detection alerts: Your camera will detect movement and send push notifications to your phone. You’ll get a snapshot of what triggered it.
• Local storage (on select models): Some Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Pro 5 and Arlo Ultra 2, support microSD card storage. This means your footage saves directly to a card in the camera or base station—no cloud needed.
• Two-way audio: Talk to delivery drivers, scare off raccoons, or tell the kids to keep quiet—all through the app, no subscription needed.
• Customizable activity zones: You can draw zones in your camera’s field of view to reduce false alerts (like trees blowing in the wind).

For many users, especially those who just want to see what’s happening around their home and get alerts, these features are enough. Think of it like a basic car: it gets you from point A to point B, but you’re missing the GPS, heated seats, and backup camera.

Limitations of the Free Experience

Now, the catch. Without a subscription, you’re missing out on some powerful tools that make Arlo truly “smart.” Here’s what you can’t do:

• No cloud storage: Without a plan, you can’t save videos to Arlo’s secure cloud. That means if your camera is damaged, stolen, or the SD card fails, your footage is gone.
• No AI-powered object detection: The free version only detects “motion.” That means your camera might alert you every time a leaf blows by. With a subscription, it can tell the difference between a person, package, animal, or vehicle.
• No video history: You can’t go back and review past footage unless it’s saved locally. If you miss an alert or your SD card is full, you’re out of luck.
• No smart notifications: You’ll get a generic “motion detected” alert. No “package delivered” or “person at door” labels.
• No multi-camera syncing: If you have multiple cameras, you’ll need to check each one individually. No unified timeline or event history.

Here’s a real-world example: Sarah installed an Arlo Pro 4 in her backyard. She didn’t want to pay a subscription. One night, she got a motion alert but didn’t check it right away. The next morning, she found her trash cans tipped over. She checked the app, but there was no cloud recording. Her microSD card had filled up days ago. She had no video proof. No way to identify the culprit. That’s when she realized: peace of mind has a price.

Arlo Subscription Plans: What You Get for the Money

So what exactly do you get when you pay for an Arlo subscription? The answer depends on which plan you choose. Arlo offers several tiers, each with increasing features and storage. Let’s break them down—no marketing jargon, just straight facts.

Arlo Secure: The Entry-Level Plan

This is the most popular choice for homeowners. It’s affordable and covers the essentials. Here’s what you get:

• 30-day cloud video history: All your recorded clips are stored securely in the cloud for 30 days. You can review, download, or share them anytime.
• AI-powered object detection: Arlo’s AI can distinguish between people, packages, animals, and vehicles. This cuts down on false alerts and gives you smarter notifications.
• Smart notifications: Instead of “motion detected,” you’ll see “person at front door” or “package delivered.” Much more useful.
• Unlimited cameras: You can add as many Arlo cameras as you want to one plan. Great for larger homes or multiple properties.
• Emergency response (on select models): With the Arlo Safe button, you can instantly alert emergency services with one tap.

Cost: Starts at $2.99/month per camera, or $9.99/month for unlimited cameras (as of 2024).

Tip: If you have two or more cameras, the unlimited plan is almost always cheaper. For example, two cameras on the per-camera plan would cost $5.98/month—just $4 less than the unlimited option. The unlimited plan gives you flexibility and future-proofing.

Arlo Secure Plus: More Storage and Features

Think of this as the “pro” version. It includes everything in Secure, plus:

• 60-day cloud storage: Double the retention time. Great if you’re on vacation or need to keep footage longer for legal or insurance reasons.
• 24/7 emergency response: Arlo’s monitoring team is always available. You can request police, fire, or medical help with a single tap in the app.
• Advanced object detection: Better accuracy, especially in low light or complex scenes.

Cost: $14.99/month for unlimited cameras.

Real-world use: James, a small business owner, uses Arlo Secure Plus for his storefront. When a break-in happened, he had 60 days of footage to review. The emergency response team helped him file a police report quickly. The extra cost? Worth it for the protection.

Arlo SmartHub and Local Storage Add-Ons

Some users prefer to keep their data local. Arlo’s SmartHub (sold separately) allows you to store footage on a USB drive connected to the hub. While this doesn’t replace cloud storage, it gives you a hybrid option. You can use local storage as a backup while still enjoying cloud features with a subscription. Or, if you cancel your plan, your local recordings stay safe.

Note: Local storage is not encrypted by default. If you’re concerned about privacy, consider encrypting your USB drive or using a password-protected folder.

When a Subscription Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

Now comes the big question: do I need a subscription for Arlo cameras? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your needs, habits, and risk tolerance. Let’s explore the scenarios where a subscription shines—and where it might be overkill.

You Should Get a Subscription If…

• You want peace of mind: Cloud storage means your footage is safe even if your camera is stolen or damaged. No more “what if” moments.
• You’re often away from home: Whether you’re traveling, at work, or on vacation, you’ll want to review past events. 30-day history lets you catch things you missed.
• You have valuable property or pets: AI detection helps you know if a package was delivered, a pet escaped, or someone is lurking around.
• You want fewer false alarms: Without AI, your camera might alert you every time a squirrel runs by. With object detection, you only get alerts that matter.
• You have multiple cameras: The unlimited plan makes it affordable to scale your system. No per-camera fees.

Example: Maria lives in a high-theft neighborhood. She installed three Arlo cameras and signed up for Arlo Secure. When a package was stolen, she had video proof. She shared it with her neighbors and the police. The subscription paid for itself in one incident.

You Might Skip the Subscription If…

• You only need live viewing and alerts: If you’re home most of the time and just want to check in occasionally, local storage or free cloud clips (available for 7 days on some models) might suffice.
• You’re on a tight budget: The monthly cost adds up. If you’re using just one camera and have a reliable microSD card, you might not need cloud storage.
• You prioritize privacy: Some people don’t want their home footage stored in the cloud. Local storage gives you full control.
• You’re tech-savvy and use third-party tools: Advanced users can integrate Arlo with Home Assistant or other platforms to store and analyze footage locally.

Caution: Even if you skip the subscription, always back up your local footage. SD cards can fail. Consider copying important clips to a computer or external drive weekly.

Comparing Arlo to Other Security Cameras (And Their Subscriptions)

Arlo isn’t the only game in town. Brands like Ring, Nest, and Eufy also offer smart cameras—and most have subscription models too. How does Arlo stack up?

Arlo vs. Ring

• Ring Protect: Starts at $3.99/month for 180 days of video history. Includes person detection and 24/7 emergency response.
• Arlo Secure: $2.99/month for 30 days, but better AI detection and more granular object categories (package, vehicle, etc.).
• Verdict: Arlo’s AI is more precise, but Ring offers longer storage. Ring is cheaper for long-term retention.

Arlo vs. Nest

• Nest Aware: $6/month for 30 days of storage, 24/7 video history, and intelligent alerts. Includes facial recognition (if enabled).
• Arlo Secure: Slightly cheaper per camera, with similar AI features. No facial recognition, but better package detection.
• Verdict: Nest has a cleaner app and better integration with Google Home. Arlo is more affordable for multi-camera setups.

Arlo vs. Eufy

• Eufy: No mandatory subscription. Local storage only. Some models offer cloud storage as an optional add-on.
• Arlo: Requires subscription for cloud features, but offers more AI tools and emergency services.
• Verdict: Eufy wins on privacy and cost. Arlo wins on smart features and reliability.

Data Table: Subscription Comparison (2024)

Brand	Plan	Cost (Monthly)	Storage Duration	AI Detection	Emergency Response
Arlo	Secure	$9.99 (unlimited)	30 days	Person, package, animal, vehicle	No (except with Safe button)
Arlo	Secure Plus	$14.99 (unlimited)	60 days	Advanced detection	Yes (24/7)
Ring	Protect Plus	$10 (unlimited)	180 days	Person	Yes (24/7)
Nest	Aware	$6 (per camera)	30 days	Person, vehicle, familiar faces	No
Eufy	Cloud Storage (optional)	$2.99 (per camera)	30 days	Person, pet, vehicle	No

Note: Prices and features may vary by region and promotions. Always check the official website for the latest details.

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

Whether you’re going subscription-free or investing in a premium plan, these tips will help you get the most out of your Arlo system.

For Non-Subscribers: Workarounds and Best Practices

• Use microSD cards wisely: Choose high-endurance cards (like SanDisk High Endurance) rated for continuous recording. Replace them every 1–2 years.
• Set up alerts carefully: Adjust motion sensitivity and activity zones to reduce false positives. Test during different times of day.
• Back up footage regularly: Copy clips to a computer or cloud service (like Google Drive) weekly. Label them by date and event.
• Use the 7-day cloud preview: Some Arlo models offer free 7-day cloud clips. Enable this in settings to get a taste of cloud storage.

For Subscribers: Get the Most Value

• Upgrade to Secure Plus for emergencies: If you’re worried about break-ins or health issues, the 24/7 response is worth the extra $5/month.
• Use smart notifications: Customize alerts so you only get notified for people or packages—not every passing car.
• Download important clips: Save videos of deliveries, visitors, or incidents to your phone. You’ll have them even if you cancel later.
• Share access with family: Add trusted members to your account so they can view footage or receive alerts.

General Tips for All Users

• Keep firmware updated: Arlo regularly releases updates that improve performance and security.
• Test battery life: Wireless cameras run on batteries. Check levels monthly and recharge or replace as needed.
• Secure your Wi-Fi: A strong, encrypted network prevents hackers from accessing your camera feed.
• Review privacy settings: Disable features like facial recognition if you’re concerned about data collection.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure, start with a free trial. Arlo often offers 30-day trials of Secure and Secure Plus. Use it to test features and see if the cost is worth it for your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Is an Arlo Subscription Worth It?

So, do you need a subscription for Arlo cameras? It depends. If you value convenience, smart alerts, and the ability to review past events—especially when you’re away—then yes, a subscription is a smart investment. The AI detection alone can save you hours of sifting through false alerts. Cloud storage protects your footage from theft, damage, or technical failure. And for families, small businesses, or high-risk areas, the peace of mind is priceless.

But if you’re home often, tech-savvy, and comfortable managing local storage, you might do just fine without one. Just remember: local storage isn’t foolproof. SD cards fail. Cameras get stolen. And without a subscription, you’re on your own when things go wrong.

Ultimately, Arlo gives you choices. You’re not locked in. You can start with no subscription, try a free trial, or jump right into Secure Plus. The key is to match your plan to your needs. Don’t pay for features you won’t use. But don’t skip them if they could make a real difference in your safety and security.

At the end of the day, home security isn’t just about cameras. It’s about confidence. Knowing you can check in anytime. That you’ll be alerted if something’s wrong. And that if the worst happens, you have proof. Whether that confidence comes from local storage or a cloud subscription—Arlo helps you build it. Now, you know exactly what to choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a subscription for Arlo cameras to access basic features?

No, you don’t need a subscription to use Arlo cameras for live streaming, motion alerts, or two-way audio. However, a subscription unlocks advanced features like cloud storage and AI detection.

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

Without an Arlo Secure subscription, you’ll still receive motion alerts and can view live footage, but recordings won’t be saved to the cloud. You can use local storage (like a microSD card) as an alternative.

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

Yes, Arlo cameras work without a subscription for real-time monitoring and instant alerts. But for 24/7 video history or person/package detection, an Arlo Secure plan is required.

Is a subscription mandatory for Arlo camera cloud storage?

Yes, cloud storage for recorded videos requires an Arlo Secure subscription. Without it, recordings are only accessible via local storage options like a USB drive or SD card.

What’s the benefit of an Arlo subscription vs. using the camera free?

An Arlo subscription adds cloud backups, AI-powered object detection, and extended video history. Free usage covers live viewing and alerts, but lacks these enhanced security tools.

Are there free trial options for Arlo camera subscriptions?

Yes, Arlo often offers a 30-day free trial of their Secure plans when you buy a compatible camera. This lets you test features like 4K cloud recording and e911 before committing.