Do You Have to Pay for Arlo Cameras Find Out Here

No, you don’t have to pay a monthly fee to use Arlo cameras—basic functionality like live streaming and motion alerts works without a subscription. However, premium features such as cloud storage, AI detection, and extended video history require a paid Arlo Secure plan to unlock their full potential.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras require no mandatory fees for basic live streaming and motion alerts.
• Cloud storage needs a subscription to save and review past footage remotely.
• Free local storage option via USB or SD card on select models.
• Premium features like AI detection require an Arlo Secure subscription.
• Compare subscription tiers to match your security and budget needs.
• One-time purchase covers hardware; ongoing costs are optional but enhance functionality.

Do You Really Need to Pay Extra for Arlo Cameras?

Let’s be real—home security is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. Whether you’re a busy parent, a frequent traveler, or someone who just wants peace of mind, having eyes on your home when you’re not there is priceless. That’s why so many people are turning to smart security cameras, and one name that keeps popping up is Arlo.

I remember the first time I set up an Arlo camera in my backyard. I was juggling groceries, a toddler, and a dog that refused to stay off the couch. I just wanted to see who was at the door without running to the peephole. The setup was surprisingly easy, and the picture quality? Crisp. But then came the big question: Do you have to pay for Arlo cameras after buying them? That’s what this post is all about. No fluff, no sales pitch—just real talk from someone who’s been there.

How Arlo Cameras Work: The Basics You Should Know

Before diving into costs, it helps to understand how Arlo cameras actually function. Unlike traditional security systems, Arlo is a wire-free, cloud-based smart camera system. Most models are battery-powered, connect via Wi-Fi (or Arlo SmartHub), and record video when they detect motion or sound.

Hardware vs. Software: What You’re Paying For

When you buy an Arlo camera, you’re paying for the hardware—the physical device, its battery, weather resistance, night vision, and video quality. But the software side—cloud storage, AI detection, alerts, and remote access—is where the subscription question comes in.

Think of it like a smartphone. You pay for the phone (hardware), but you also pay a monthly bill for service (software and data). Arlo works the same way. You can use the camera without a subscription, but you’ll miss out on key features that make it truly “smart.”

Key Features That Require a Subscription

Here’s what you won’t get without a paid Arlo plan:

• Cloud video storage (save recordings for later viewing)
• AI-powered person, vehicle, and package detection
• Smart alerts (get notified only when a person walks by, not every time a squirrel runs past)
• Activity zones (customize where the camera should monitor)
• 24/7 emergency response (in select plans)
• Extended video history (up to 30 days of recordings)

For example, my neighbor has an Arlo Pro 4. She once got an alert that someone was at her front door. The AI recognized it was a delivery person, and she could watch the recording later to see the package was left safely. Without a subscription, she’d only get a basic motion alert and no recording—useless if she wasn’t home to check the live feed.

Can You Use Arlo Cameras Without Paying a Subscription?

Yes—and this is where a lot of people get confused. You can absolutely use Arlo cameras without a subscription. But it’s like driving a car with no gas. It runs, but not how you’d expect.

What You Get for Free (No Subscription Needed)

Even without paying, your Arlo camera still does a lot:

• Live video streaming (watch your home in real time from the app)
• Motion and sound detection (basic alerts sent to your phone)
• Two-way audio (talk to someone at your door)
• Local storage option (if you add a microSD card or use an Arlo SmartHub with USB storage)
• Night vision and weather resistance (great for outdoor use)

I tried this myself when I first got my Arlo. I skipped the subscription and just used the live feed. It worked fine for checking on the dog or seeing who rang the doorbell. But I quickly realized: if I missed the alert, I had zero record of what happened. No playback, no evidence, nothing.

Local Storage: A Great Free Alternative (With Limitations)

One of the best free options is using local storage. Here’s how:

• Buy an Arlo SmartHub (or use one that came with your kit)
• Insert a microSD card (up to 2TB) or connect a USB drive
• Set your camera to record to the local device when motion is detected

This means videos are saved directly to your home, not the cloud. You can review them anytime—no subscription needed. But there are downsides:

• No remote access to recordings (you must be on the same Wi-Fi to view them)
• No AI detection (you’ll get alerts for everything—wind, shadows, pets)
• Storage fills up fast (a 64GB card holds about 3-5 days of 1080p video)
• Physical risk (if someone steals the hub or damages it, your footage is gone)

Pro tip: I keep a 128GB microSD card in my SmartHub and set recordings to overwrite after 7 days. It’s not perfect, but it’s free and gives me a buffer.

Arlo Subscription Plans: What You Get for the Price

Now, let’s talk money. Arlo offers several subscription tiers, and the cost depends on how many cameras you have and what features you want. The plans are designed to scale, so you’re not overpaying for features you don’t need.

Overview of Arlo Subscription Tiers

As of 2024, here are the main Arlo plans (prices may vary by region):

Plan	Price (Monthly)	Cameras Covered	Key Features	Best For
Arlo Secure	$2.99–$9.99	1–4 cameras	Cloud storage (7–30 days), AI detection, activity zones, smart alerts	Homeowners with 1–4 cameras
Arlo Secure Plus	$12.99–$14.99	Up to 6 cameras	All Secure features + 24/7 emergency response, 24/7 video recording	Larger homes, frequent travelers
Arlo Total Security	$19.99–$24.99	Up to 10 cameras	All Secure Plus features + professional monitoring, cellular backup	Whole-home security, high-risk areas
Arlo Safe & Secure Pro	$24.99–$29.99	Unlimited cameras + 24/7 emergency calling	All features + panic button, fall detection (wearable)	Families, elderly care, medical alerts

Breaking Down the Value: Is It Worth It?

Let’s do a quick cost comparison. Say you have 3 Arlo Pro 4 cameras ($350 total). Without a subscription:

• You get live view, basic alerts, and local storage
• No cloud backup, no smart detection, no remote playback

With a Secure plan ($9.99/month or $99/year):

• You get 30 days of cloud storage
• Person, package, and vehicle detection
• Activity zones so you’re not alerted by passing cars
• Remote access to recordings from anywhere

For me, the $100/year is worth it. I travel a lot, and knowing I can check a 30-day archive if something happens while I’m away gives me peace of mind. Plus, the AI filters out 90% of false alerts—no more checking my phone every time a leaf blows by.

Pro Tip: Try the Free Trial First

Arlo offers a 30-day free trial of their subscription plans. I used it to test the AI detection. Within a week, I realized how much time I was saving—no more sifting through 50 alerts of my cat walking by. I upgraded after the trial ended.

Hidden Costs and Alternatives to Consider

While Arlo is a solid system, it’s not perfect. And there are costs you might not think about upfront.

Battery Replacement and Charging

Most Arlo cameras are battery-powered. The batteries last 3–6 months, depending on usage. But if you live in a cold climate or use frequent recording, they drain faster.

• A replacement battery costs $40–$60
• Or, you can buy a solar panel (~$50) to keep it charged

I bought a solar panel for my backyard camera. It’s been running for 8 months without a battery change. Worth every penny.

Wi-Fi and Data Usage

Arlo cameras use Wi-Fi to send alerts and stream video. If you have multiple cameras, they can eat up bandwidth. I noticed my internet slowed down during peak motion times (like when the kids play outside). Upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system helped, but that’s another $150+ cost.

Alternatives: Are There Cheaper Options?

If you’re trying to avoid subscriptions, consider:

• Eufy Cameras: No subscription required. Local storage with AI detection built in. But no 24/7 recording option.
• Wyze Cam: Free 14-day cloud storage, AI detection, and local storage. Very budget-friendly (~$30 per camera).
• Reolink: Local storage only, but high-quality 4K cameras. No cloud at all.

That said, Arlo’s app, reliability, and integration with Alexa/Google Assistant are still top-tier. You’re paying a bit more, but getting a polished, user-friendly experience.

Real-World Tips: How to Maximize Arlo Without Breaking the Bank

You don’t have to go all-in. Here are my tried-and-true tips to get the most out of Arlo without overspending.

Use a Mix of Local and Cloud Storage

My setup: 2 cameras on local storage (backyard, garage) and 1 on cloud storage (front door). The front door is the most important, so I pay for the subscription there. The others use microSD cards. Total cost: $5/month instead of $15.

Turn Off Recording for Low-Risk Areas

For my backyard camera, I set it to only record at night. During the day, it just sends live alerts. This cuts battery use and storage needs in half.

Use Activity Zones Wisely

I drew a zone around my front porch and ignored the street. Now, I only get alerts when someone approaches the door—not every time a car drives by. This reduced my alerts by 70%.

Buy Refurbished or Older Models

Arlo often sells refurbished Pro 3 or Pro 4 kits at 30–50% off. They work just as well and often come with a 1-year warranty. I saved $120 this way.

Cancel and Reactivate the Subscription

Need a break? You can pause your subscription anytime. I canceled mine when I was home for 3 months. Reactivated it when I went on vacation. No penalty.

Final Thoughts: Is Paying for Arlo Worth It?

So, do you have to pay for Arlo cameras? No. You can use them for free with live view, basic alerts, and local storage. But if you want the full smart home security experience—cloud backups, AI detection, and peace of mind—then yes, a subscription adds real value.

For me, the subscription isn’t an expense. It’s insurance. It’s the difference between knowing your package was delivered and having proof of who took it. It’s the ability to check on your home from the beach. It’s fewer false alarms and more meaningful alerts.

And remember: you don’t have to commit forever. Try the free trial. Test local storage. Mix and match. Arlo is flexible, and there’s a setup that fits every budget and need.

At the end of the day, home security isn’t about the fanciest tech. It’s about feeling safe. Whether you pay $0 or $20/month, Arlo can help you get there. Just pick the path that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay for Arlo cameras upfront?

Yes, Arlo cameras require an upfront purchase cost for the hardware, with prices varying by model (e.g., Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential). However, additional subscription fees may apply for advanced features like cloud storage or AI detection.

Are there monthly fees for Arlo cameras?

Arlo offers free basic features like live streaming and local storage, but premium features (e.g., 24/7 video history, person detection) require a paid Arlo Secure subscription. Plans start at $2.99/month per camera.

Is a subscription required to use Arlo cameras?

No, a subscription isn’t mandatory. You can use Arlo cameras without one for live viewing and local storage via a microSD card or base station. However, cloud storage and advanced alerts require an Arlo Secure plan.

What’s included in Arlo’s paid subscription?

Arlo Secure subscriptions unlock features like 30-day cloud storage, custom activity zones, emergency response, and AI-powered alerts (e.g., package detection). Higher tiers offer professional monitoring and cellular backup.

Can I avoid paying for Arlo cameras’ cloud storage?

Yes! Arlo cameras support local storage via a microSD card (sold separately) or an Arlo base station with USB backup. This lets you skip monthly fees while still recording footage.

Do older Arlo cameras still require a subscription for full functionality?

Yes, even older Arlo models (e.g., Arlo Pro 2) require an Arlo Secure subscription for cloud storage and smart alerts. However, basic functions like live streaming and local storage remain free.