Do You Have to Have a Subscription for Arlo Cameras Find Out Now

No, you don’t *have* to have a subscription for Arlo cameras—basic features like live streaming and motion alerts work without one. However, a subscription unlocks advanced perks like cloud storage, AI detection, and extended video history, making it a smart upgrade for serious security users.

Key Takeaways

• No subscription needed: Arlo cameras work without a plan, but features are limited.
• Local storage option: Use microSD or USB to record without paying monthly fees.
• Cloud storage requires subscription: Paid plans unlock extended video history and smart alerts.
• Free trial available: Test premium features with Arlo’s 30-day trial before committing.
• Advanced AI detection: Only accessible with a subscription for person/package recognition.
• Multi-camera discounts: Save with bundled plans if monitoring several Arlo devices.

Do You Have to Have a Subscription for Arlo Cameras? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Imagine this: You’ve just bought an Arlo camera to keep your home safe. You’ve set it up, mounted it, and everything’s working perfectly. Then you open the app and see a message: “Subscribe to unlock more features.” Suddenly, you’re wondering: do you have to have a subscription for Arlo cameras?

It’s a question I hear all the time—and honestly, it’s one of the most confusing parts of buying smart home security gear. You’re not alone if you’ve felt a little blindsided by that pop-up. You just wanted peace of mind, and now you’re being asked to pay extra every month. The truth? Arlo cameras can work without a subscription. But—and this is a big but—some of the most useful features are locked behind a paywall. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you get with and without a subscription, so you can decide what makes sense for your home, your budget, and your security needs.

What Do Arlo Cameras Offer Without a Subscription?

Let’s start with the good news: yes, you can absolutely use your Arlo camera without paying a dime in subscription fees. But to get the most out of that, you need to know exactly what’s included—and what’s not.

Live View and Two-Way Audio

Even without a subscription, you can still access live video from your camera anytime. This means you can open the Arlo app and see what’s happening in real time. I’ve used this feature countless times—whether it’s checking if the dog knocked over the trash or making sure the delivery person left a package at the right door. It’s reliable, fast, and works great.

You also get two-way audio, which lets you talk through the camera. I once used this to scare off a raccoon that was rummaging through my recycling bin at 2 a.m. (It worked, by the way.) You can also use it to say “Hello!” to a neighbor or tell your kids to stop leaving their bikes in the driveway.

Basic Motion Detection and Push Notifications

Arlo cameras come with built-in motion sensors. When they detect movement, they’ll send you a push notification on your phone. This is one of the most basic—but most valuable—features. You’ll get alerts when someone walks by, a car pulls into the driveway, or even when your cat jumps on the porch.

The catch? You’ll get a lot of false alerts. Without a subscription, Arlo can’t tell the difference between a person, a pet, or a swaying tree. So you might get 10 notifications in a row because the wind blew a trash bag across the yard. It’s functional, but it can get annoying fast.

Local Storage (If You Have an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station)

Here’s a hidden gem: if you own an Arlo SmartHub (like the Arlo Pro 4, Pro 5, or Ultra models), you can store video clips locally on a USB drive. That means no cloud storage, no subscription, and no monthly fees.

For example, I have an Arlo Pro 5S set up with a 128GB USB drive. When motion is detected, it records a 15-second clip and saves it directly to the drive. I can review it later in the app under “Local Library.” It’s not as seamless as cloud storage (you have to manually plug in the drive if it fails), but it’s a solid option for people who want to avoid recurring costs.

Tip: If you’re going the local storage route, use a high-quality USB 3.0 drive (64GB or more). Cheap drives can corrupt easily and cause playback issues.

Limitations You Should Know About

While the basics are covered, there are a few things you won’t get without a subscription:

• No cloud recording – You can’t save videos to the cloud, which means no playback history unless you use local storage.
• No activity zones – Without a subscription, you can’t set custom zones (like “only alert me if someone walks near the front door”).
• No person, vehicle, or package detection – The camera can’t identify specific objects, so every motion alert is a “maybe.”
• No 24/7 recording – Only event-based clips are recorded (if using local storage).

So, while you can use Arlo cameras without a subscription, you’re missing out on the smart features that make them truly “smart.”

What Do Arlo Subscriptions Actually Offer?

Now let’s talk about what you do get when you subscribe. Arlo offers a few different plans, but they all fall under the umbrella of Arlo Secure. The features vary slightly depending on the plan, but here’s what you can expect.

Cloud Storage and Video History

This is probably the biggest draw. With a subscription, Arlo stores your video clips in the cloud for 30 days (on most plans). That means you can go back and watch any event—even if your camera is stolen or damaged.

For example, my neighbor’s package was stolen last winter. She had a subscription, so she was able to pull up the footage, see the thief’s face, and send it to the police. The suspect was caught within 48 hours. Without cloud storage, she wouldn’t have had that option.

Tip: If you have multiple cameras, make sure your subscription covers all of them. Some plans only include one camera, and extras cost more.

Smart Object Detection

This is where Arlo really shines. With a subscription, your camera uses AI to tell the difference between:

• People
• Packages
• Animals
• Vehicles
• General motion (like leaves or shadows)

I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me from false alarms. I used to get alerts every time my dog walked across the yard. Now, I only get a notification when it’s a person—or a package delivery. It’s a game-changer.

You can also set up custom activity zones. For instance, I’ve set my front camera to only alert me if someone walks up the steps to my door, not if they walk on the sidewalk. That cuts down on 90% of false alerts.

24/7 Emergency Response (Arlo Secure Plus)

If you opt for the Arlo Secure Plus plan (the most expensive tier), you get 24/7 emergency response. That means if your camera detects a break-in, you can press a button in the app to contact emergency services—no need to dial 911.

I haven’t had to use this feature, but I’ve heard from other users who say it’s incredibly fast. One user in Texas said police arrived within 4 minutes of pressing the button. It’s not a replacement for traditional security monitoring, but it’s a solid backup.

Additional Perks

Depending on your plan, you might also get:

• 30-day video history (vs. 7 days on the basic plan)
• Unlimited camera support (no per-camera fees)
• Extended warranty (up to 3 years)
• Discounts on future Arlo products

These extras can add up, especially if you’re planning to expand your system over time.

Arlo Subscription Plans Compared: What You Need to Know

Arlo offers several subscription tiers, and it can be confusing to pick the right one. Here’s a breakdown of the current options (as of 2024) to help you decide.

Arlo Secure (Basic)

This is the entry-level plan. It includes:

• 30-day cloud storage for 1 camera (additional cameras cost $2.99/month each)
• Person, vehicle, and package detection
• Custom activity zones
• Smart notifications (e.g., “Person detected at front door”)

Price: $2.99/month per camera (or $29.99/year). This is the most popular choice for single-camera setups.

Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera)

Designed for homes with multiple cameras. Includes:

• 30-day cloud storage for up to 5 cameras
• All smart detection features
• Custom activity zones
• Smart notifications

Price: $9.99/month (or $99.99/year). Great value if you have 3–5 cameras.

Arlo Secure Plus

The premium tier. Adds:

• 24/7 emergency response
• Unlimited camera support (no per-camera fees)
• 30-day video history for all cameras
• Extended warranty (up to 3 years)
• Exclusive discounts

Price: $14.99/month (or $149.99/year). Best for larger homes or those who want maximum protection.

Arlo Secure 24/7 Video Recording (CVR)

This is a separate add-on, not a full plan. It gives you continuous video recording (24/7), not just event-based clips. Useful if you want a full timeline of what happened, not just “something triggered motion.”

Price: $9.99/month per camera (or $99.99/year). Only available on Arlo Ultra, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5 cameras.

Plan	Price (Monthly)	Cloud Storage	Smart Detection	Emergency Response	Best For
Arlo Secure (1 Camera)	$2.99	30 days	Yes	No	Single-camera setups
Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera)	$9.99	30 days (up to 5 cams)	Yes	No	2–5 cameras
Arlo Secure Plus	$14.99	30 days (unlimited cams)	Yes	Yes	Large homes, peace of mind
CVR Add-on	$9.99	24/7 recording	Yes	No	Full video history

Tip: Arlo often runs promotions—like “3 months free” or “50% off the first year.” Keep an eye out, especially during holidays or product launches.

Can You Use Arlo Cameras Without a Subscription? Real-World Examples

Let’s get real. I’ve talked to dozens of Arlo users, and their experiences vary widely. Here are a few stories to help you picture what life looks like with and without a subscription.

Example 1: The Budget-Conscious Homeowner

Sarah lives in a quiet neighborhood. She has one Arlo Pro 4 camera at her front door and uses local storage with a 64GB USB drive. She doesn’t have a subscription.

Her setup works great for her needs. She gets live view, motion alerts, and can check clips later. The only downside? She gets alerts every time her cat walks by, and sometimes misses important events because she’s overwhelmed by false alarms.

Verdict: A subscription would reduce false alerts and give her cloud backup, but it’s not essential for her lifestyle.

Example 2: The Busy Parent

James has three Arlo cameras (front door, backyard, and garage). He uses the multi-camera Arlo Secure plan.

With smart detection, he only gets alerts when a person or package is detected. He can check the app while at work and see exactly who came by. When his daughter’s friend dropped off a forgotten backpack, he was able to review the footage and confirm it.

Verdict: The subscription is worth it for him. The peace of mind and reduced false alerts make his life easier.

Example 3: The Security-Focused Family

The Thompsons live in a high-crime area. They have five cameras and subscribe to Arlo Secure Plus with CVR.

They love the 24/7 emergency response feature. One night, their backyard camera detected a break-in. They pressed the emergency button, and police arrived in 5 minutes. They also have full video history, so they can review any suspicious activity over time.

Verdict: For them, the subscription isn’t optional—it’s a critical part of their home security.

Takeaway: Your decision should depend on your needs, not just your budget. Ask yourself: How much do you value peace of mind? How many false alerts are you willing to tolerate? Do you want cloud backup in case of theft or damage?

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

Whether you’re going subscription-free or paying for premium features, here are some practical tips to get the most out of your Arlo cameras.

Optimize Motion Sensitivity

Even without smart detection, you can reduce false alerts by adjusting motion sensitivity in the app. I recommend setting it to “Medium” or “Low” if you’re getting too many alerts. Also, avoid pointing your camera at busy streets or trees that sway in the wind.

Use Local Storage Wisely

If you’re using a USB drive, format it as exFAT (not NTFS) for best compatibility. Check the drive monthly for errors, and replace it every 1–2 years—drives wear out over time.

Take Advantage of Free Trials

Arlo often gives new users a 30-day free trial of Arlo Secure. Use it! Test the smart detection, cloud storage, and activity zones. See if the features are worth the cost for your lifestyle.

Pair with Other Smart Devices

Arlo integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. You can create automations—like “When motion is detected, turn on the porch light.” This adds an extra layer of security, even without a subscription.

Consider a Hybrid Approach

You don’t have to go all-in. Maybe you subscribe to Arlo Secure for your front door camera (where packages are delivered) but use local storage for backyard cameras. This balances cost and functionality.

Final Thoughts: Do You Have to Have a Subscription?

So, back to the original question: Do you have to have a subscription for Arlo cameras? The short answer is no—but the longer answer is more nuanced.

You can absolutely use Arlo cameras without a subscription. You’ll still get live view, two-way audio, motion alerts, and (with a SmartHub) local video storage. For some people, that’s more than enough.

But if you want smart detection, cloud backup, custom activity zones, and emergency response, a subscription is almost essential. It turns your camera from a simple recorder into a true smart security system.

The key is to assess your needs. Are you okay with sifting through false alerts? Do you want peace of mind that your footage is safe even if your camera is stolen? Are you willing to pay a small monthly fee for smarter, more reliable security?

For me, the subscription was worth it. The reduction in false alerts alone made my life easier. But if you’re on a tight budget or live in a low-risk area, going subscription-free with local storage is a smart, cost-effective choice.

At the end of the day, Arlo gives you options. And that’s what matters most—your security, your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to have a subscription for Arlo cameras to work?

No, Arlo cameras function without a subscription for basic features like live streaming and motion alerts. However, cloud storage and advanced features like AI detection require an Arlo Secure subscription.

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

Without a subscription, you’ll still get real-time notifications and live video access. But recordings won’t be saved to the cloud, and features like person/vehicle detection won’t be available.

Can I use Arlo cameras with local storage instead of a subscription?

Yes! Most Arlo cameras support microSD or USB storage for local video backup, eliminating the need for a subscription. This is ideal for users who prefer to avoid monthly fees.

Is there a free trial for Arlo Secure subscriptions?

Arlo often includes a 30-day free trial of Arlo Secure with new camera purchases. This lets you test cloud storage, AI detection, and other subscription perks risk-free.

Which Arlo cameras require a subscription for full functionality?

All Arlo cameras work without a subscription, but models like the Arlo Pro 5 or Ultra 2 unlock their full potential (e.g., 4K video, package detection) with an Arlo Secure plan.

Are Arlo subscription prices worth it for home security?

Subscriptions add value with cloud backups, AI alerts, and emergency response features. If you want hassle-free security and don’t mind local storage limits, the paid plans are worth considering.