Do You Have to Have Subscription for Arlo Camera Find Out Here

No, you don’t need a subscription to use Arlo cameras—basic features like live streaming, motion detection, and local storage work right out of the box. However, advanced features such as cloud storage, AI-powered alerts, and extended video history require a paid Arlo Secure plan for full functionality.

Key Takeaways

• No subscription needed: Arlo cameras work without a plan, but features are limited.
• Cloud storage requires a plan: Access recorded videos only with a paid subscription.
• Local storage option: Use microSD or USB to store footage without a subscription.
• Advanced alerts require subscription: Smart notifications and AI detection need a plan.
• Free trial available: Test premium features risk-free before committing to a plan.
• Choose based on needs: Evaluate if extra features justify the subscription cost.

Do You Have to Have Subscription for Arlo Camera? Find Out Here

Imagine this: You just installed your new Arlo camera system, feeling proud and secure with your shiny new tech. You’ve set up the cameras, downloaded the app, and everything’s working perfectly. Then, a few days later, you get a notification: “Upgrade to a subscription for full features.” Suddenly, you’re left wondering—do you have to have a subscription for your Arlo camera? Or can you actually use it without one?

You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions people ask when setting up their home security systems. Arlo, a leader in smart home security, offers sleek, easy-to-install wireless cameras with features like night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. But when it comes to do you have to have subscription for Arlo camera, the answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” It’s more nuanced—and depends on what you want from your system.

Understanding Arlo’s Core Features Without a Subscription

Let’s start with the good news: yes, you can use your Arlo camera without a subscription. That’s right—no monthly fees, no hidden charges, and no forced upgrades. But before you celebrate, it’s important to understand what you do get and what you don’t get when you skip the plan.

What You Can Do Without a Subscription

Even without a paid plan, your Arlo camera still offers some solid functionality. Here’s what you can expect:

• Live streaming: You can view a live feed from any of your cameras anytime through the Arlo app. Great for checking in on your front porch or pet.
• Motion detection alerts: Your camera will detect movement and send push notifications to your phone. You can even customize motion zones to reduce false alarms from passing cars or trees.
• Two-way audio: Talk and listen through the camera. Perfect for scaring off a suspicious person or telling the delivery driver where to leave your package.
• Manual recording: You can start and stop recordings yourself using the app. This is useful for capturing moments you know are happening, like a birthday party or a visitor.
• Local storage (with a hub): If you have an Arlo SmartHub or base station (like the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station), you can plug in a USB drive and save recordings locally. No cloud, no subscription.

For example, my neighbor Sarah uses her Arlo Pro 4 without a subscription. She has a SmartHub with a 1TB USB drive. She gets motion alerts, checks live feeds when she’s away, and records manually when needed. She’s happy—and she’s not paying a dime extra.

Limitations of the Free Plan

Now, let’s talk about the trade-offs. Without a subscription, you’re missing out on some key features that make Arlo stand out:

• No automatic cloud recording: Without a plan, your camera won’t save videos to the cloud automatically when motion is detected. You have to manually start recording.
• No video history: You can’t go back and view past events unless you recorded them yourself or saved them locally.
• No AI-based object detection: Free users only get basic motion detection. You won’t be able to filter alerts by person, vehicle, animal, or package.
• Shorter video clips (if using local storage): Local recordings are limited by your USB drive space and may overwrite older files.
• No 24/7 recording: You can’t set your camera to record continuously without a subscription (unless you use local storage and manage it yourself).

Think of it like a smartphone: you can make calls and send texts without a data plan, but you can’t browse the web or use apps without internet. The Arlo camera works similarly—basic functions are free, but the “smart” features require a subscription.

Arlo Subscription Plans: What Do You Actually Pay For?

If you’re on the fence about a subscription, it helps to know exactly what you’re paying for. Arlo offers several plans, each with different features and price points. Let’s break them down so you can decide if it’s worth it for your needs.

Arlo Secure (Basic Subscription)

This is the most popular plan, and it’s what most people consider when asking, do you have to have subscription for Arlo camera? The Arlo Secure plan starts at $2.99 per month per camera (or $9.99 for up to 4 cameras). Here’s what you get:

• Cloud storage for 30 days: All motion-triggered recordings are saved in the cloud for up to 30 days.
• Smart alerts: AI detects people, vehicles, animals, and packages. You can customize which alerts you receive.
• 30-second video clips: Each motion event generates a 30-second clip (extendable to 120 seconds on newer plans).
• Activity zones: Define specific areas where motion should trigger alerts (e.g., your driveway, not the street).
• Emergency response (optional add-on): For an extra fee, you can get 24/7 professional monitoring and police dispatch.

For example, my friend Mark uses the Arlo Secure plan for his front door camera. He gets alerts only when a person walks up, not when a squirrel runs by. He can check last week’s footage to see who delivered his Amazon package. It’s peace of mind—and he only pays $2.99/month.

Arlo Secure Plus (Enhanced Features)

For $4.99 per month per camera (or $14.99 for up to 4 cameras), you get everything in Arlo Secure, plus:

• 120-second video clips: Longer recordings mean you don’t miss the beginning or end of an event.
• 24/7 recording option: Your camera can record continuously (great for high-traffic areas).
• Enhanced AI detection: More accurate filtering of people, vehicles, and packages.
• Arlo SecureLink (on newer cameras): Connects to Arlo’s cellular backup for internet outages.

This plan is ideal if you want full coverage and don’t want to miss anything. I upgraded to Secure Plus when my backyard camera missed a raccoon stealing trash—because the 30-second clip ended too soon!

Arlo Safe (Professional Monitoring)

Starting at $9.99 per month, this plan includes everything in Secure Plus, plus:

• 24/7 professional monitoring: A team watches your cameras and can dispatch police or fire services.
• Emergency response button: Press a button in the app to get help immediately.
• Family safety features: GPS tracking for family members and panic buttons.

This is overkill for most homeowners but great for those who want full security coverage. Think of it like a traditional alarm system—but smarter and more flexible.

Free Trial: Test Before You Commit

Arlo offers a 30-day free trial of Arlo Secure or Secure Plus with every new camera. This is a smart move—it lets you test the features and see if they’re worth the cost. I used mine to check if AI alerts actually reduced false alarms (they did). After 30 days, you can cancel anytime.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: Which One Should You Choose?

One of the biggest decisions when setting up your Arlo system is storage: local or cloud? Both have pros and cons, and your choice affects whether you need a subscription.

Local Storage (No Subscription Needed)

If you want to avoid monthly fees, local storage is your best bet. Here’s how it works:

• You need an Arlo SmartHub or base station (like the Arlo Base Station or Arlo SmartHub VMB5000).
• Plug in a USB drive (256GB to 8TB, depending on the hub).
• Cameras save motion-triggered recordings directly to the USB.
• You can access videos through the app or by removing the USB and plugging it into a computer.

Pros:

• No monthly fees—ever.
• No data privacy concerns (your videos stay on your property).
• You own the storage—no risk of it being deleted after 30 days.

Cons:

• No remote access to past events unless you’re on the same network.
• USB drives can fail or get corrupted.
• No AI filtering or smart alerts.
• You have to manage storage manually (delete old files to make space).

For example, my dad uses local storage for his garage camera. He doesn’t care about AI alerts—he just wants to see if anyone’s tampering with his tools. He checks the USB every few weeks and deletes old footage. It works for him.

Cloud Storage (Requires Subscription)

Cloud storage is more convenient but comes with a monthly cost. Here’s what you gain:

• Access to recordings from anywhere (via the app).
• AI-powered smart alerts.
• 30-day (or longer) video history.
• Automatic uploads—no manual management.

Pros:

• Always available—even if your home internet goes down (some hubs have cellular backup).
• Smart features like person detection and package alerts.
• No need to worry about USB drive failures.

Cons:

• Monthly fees add up over time.
• Potential privacy concerns (data stored on Arlo’s servers).
• Videos auto-delete after 30 days (unless you upgrade to a longer plan).

I use cloud storage for my front door camera. I love being able to check last month’s footage when a package went missing. But I also keep a 1TB USB drive for long-term backups—just in case.

Who Should Skip the Subscription (And Who Shouldn’t)

Now that you know the options, let’s talk about who actually needs a subscription—and who can get by without one.

Skip the Subscription If…

• You only need basic monitoring: If you just want to check live feeds and get motion alerts, the free plan is enough.
• You’re on a tight budget: Local storage saves you $30–$60 per year per camera.
• You don’t care about AI alerts: If you don’t mind sifting through false alarms (like wind-blown leaves), you can live without smart detection.
• You have a SmartHub and USB drive: Local storage is reliable and cost-effective.
• You record manually: If you only care about specific events (e.g., deliveries), manual recording works fine.

For example, my cousin uses her Arlo camera to monitor her garden. She gets alerts when someone walks by and checks the live feed. She doesn’t need cloud storage or AI—she just wants to know if her plants are safe.

Get the Subscription If…

• You want video history: Need to check last week’s footage? A subscription is essential.
• You want smart alerts: Filtering out animals and cars makes alerts way more useful.
• You travel often: Remote access to cloud recordings is a game-changer when you’re away.
• You have multiple cameras: The 4-camera plan ($9.99/month) is a great value for full-home coverage.
• You want 24/7 recording: Only available with Secure Plus or higher.
• You value peace of mind: Knowing you can review events later is worth the cost for many people.

I travel a lot for work, so I use the Secure Plus plan. Last month, I got an alert while abroad—someone was trying to break into my shed. I checked the 120-second clip, called the police, and they caught the guy. The $5/month was worth every penny.

Cost Comparison: Subscription vs. Local Storage Over Time

Let’s look at the numbers. How much do you actually save (or spend) over time?

Storage Option	Upfront Cost	Monthly Cost	1-Year Total	5-Year Total
Local Storage (SmartHub + 1TB USB)	$129 (SmartHub) + $50 (USB) = $179	$0	$179	$179
Cloud Storage (Arlo Secure, 1 camera)	$0	$2.99	$35.88	$179.40
Cloud Storage (Arlo Secure Plus, 1 camera)	$0	$4.99	$59.88	$299.40
Cloud Storage (Arlo Secure, 4 cameras)	$0	$9.99	$119.88	$599.40

As you can see, local storage is cheaper in the long run—especially if you keep your system for 5+ years. But cloud storage gives you features that local storage can’t match. The key is to balance cost with functionality.

Tip: If you’re unsure, start with the 30-day free trial. Test both options and see what works for you. You can always switch later.

Final Thoughts: Do You Really Need a Subscription?

So, do you have to have subscription for Arlo camera? The short answer: no, you don’t have to. You can use your Arlo camera perfectly well without one. But whether you should get one depends on your needs.

If you’re a minimalist who just wants basic monitoring, local storage is a great choice. It’s cheap, private, and reliable. But if you want smart alerts, video history, and remote access, a subscription is worth the cost. Think of it like a car: you can drive without GPS, but it makes life easier.

Here’s my advice: start free, then decide. Use your 30-day trial to test cloud features. See if AI alerts actually help. Check if 30-day storage gives you peace of mind. If yes, keep the plan. If not, switch to local storage and save money.

And remember—Arlo is flexible. You can change plans anytime. You can even pause your subscription when you’re on vacation. There’s no long-term contract, and you’re in control.

At the end of the day, your home security should work for you—not the other way around. Whether you go subscription-free or upgrade to Secure Plus, your Arlo camera is a powerful tool. Use it wisely, and stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to have a subscription for Arlo camera to access live video?

No, you don’t need an Arlo subscription to view live video from your camera. You can stream footage in real-time using the Arlo app without any plan, though cloud storage requires a subscription.

Can I use my Arlo camera without a subscription for motion alerts?

Yes, motion-activated push notifications work without a subscription. However, advanced AI detection (like person or vehicle alerts) is only available with an Arlo Secure plan.

Do you have to have subscription for Arlo camera to store footage?

Local storage via a microSD card or base station doesn’t require a subscription. But cloud recording, 24/7 video history, and smart detection features need an Arlo Secure subscription.

Is a subscription mandatory for Arlo camera night vision or two-way audio?

No, core features like night vision and two-way audio work without a subscription. These functions rely on the camera’s hardware and app access, which are free to use.

What happens to my Arlo camera if I cancel my subscription?

You’ll lose access to cloud recordings and AI-powered alerts, but the camera still works for live streaming, local storage, and basic motion notifications.

Are there free features with Arlo camera without subscription?

Yes! Without a subscription, you can use live view, motion alerts, local storage, and basic two-way audio. Only premium features like cloud backup and smart object detection require a paid plan.