Do You Have to Pay for Arlo Cameras to Record Find Out Here

No, you don’t have to pay for Arlo cameras to record—basic local and cloud recording is included with purchase. However, advanced features like AI detection, extended video history, and emergency response require a paid Arlo Secure subscription to unlock the camera’s full potential.

Key Takeaways

• Free local recording: Arlo cameras support local storage via microSD or base stations at no extra cost.
• Cloud plans unlock features: Paid subscriptions enable advanced alerts and extended video history.
• No mandatory fees: You can record without paying using compatible free storage options.
• Subscription perks: Paid plans offer AI detection, emergency response, and multi-camera discounts.
• Check plan limits: Free trials often auto-renew—cancel if you don’t want recurring charges.
• Older models differ: Legacy Arlo devices may require subscriptions for basic cloud recording.

Do Arlo Cameras Require a Subscription to Record? The Truth Revealed

Imagine this: you just bought your first Arlo camera, excited to finally keep an eye on your home while you’re away. You set it up, test the live view, and it works perfectly. Then comes the moment you check the app—only to find that your precious footage isn’t saving. Panic sets in. Did you do something wrong? Or worse—do you have to pay for Arlo cameras to record?

You’re not alone. Thousands of Arlo users face this exact dilemma every year. The confusion is real, and the answer isn’t always clear. Arlo, a leader in smart home security, offers a mix of free features and premium subscription plans, leaving many wondering where the line is drawn between what’s included and what costs extra. In this guide, we’ll cut through the noise, explain exactly how Arlo’s recording system works, and help you decide whether a paid plan is worth it for your needs—without the sales pitch.

How Arlo Cameras Handle Recording: Free vs. Paid Features

Let’s start with the big question: do you have to pay for Arlo cameras to record? The short answer is: it depends. Arlo cameras can record in two main ways—locally (on a physical device) or in the cloud (online storage). Each method comes with its own rules, costs, and limitations.

Cloud Recording (Requires a Subscription)

Arlo’s cloud service, known as Arlo Secure, is where most users expect their footage to go. But here’s the catch: cloud recording is not free. Without a subscription, your camera won’t save videos to the cloud. Instead, you can only:

• View live footage in real time
• Receive motion alerts (but no video clips attached)
• Use basic two-way audio

For example, if your camera detects someone at the front door, you’ll get a phone notification—but when you tap it, you’ll only see a still image, not the video of what happened. That’s a major limitation if you want to review events later or share footage with police or neighbors.

Local Recording (Free, But With Conditions)

The good news? Arlo cameras can record without a subscription—but only if you use local storage. This means saving footage directly to a physical device, like a microSD card or a base station with a hard drive.

• MicroSD Cards: Some Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential models) support microSD cards. Just insert a card into the camera or base station, and it will record continuously or when triggered by motion.
• Arlo Base Stations: Devices like the Arlo SmartHub (sold separately) can store footage locally. These work with select Arlo cameras and act as a central hub for local recording.

Here’s a real-world example: Sarah, a mom from Ohio, uses two Arlo Pro 4 cameras with 128GB microSD cards. She doesn’t pay for a subscription. Instead, she reviews footage weekly by plugging the cards into her computer. “It’s not as convenient as cloud storage,” she says, “but it’s free, and I can still see who’s been in my backyard.”

Note: Local recordings are saved in 1080p or 4K (depending on your camera), but you’ll need to manually check or back them up. There’s also no AI detection or smart alerts with local-only setups.

Arlo Subscription Plans: What You Get (and What You Don’t)

Now that we know cloud recording requires a subscription, let’s break down what you actually get for your money. Arlo offers several tiers, each with different features, pricing, and camera limits.

Arlo Secure (Basic and Plus Plans)

This is Arlo’s main subscription line, replacing the older Arlo Smart plans. It’s available in two versions:

• Arlo Secure (Basic): $2.99–$4.99/month per camera. Includes:
  • Cloud storage for 30 days
  • AI-powered object detection (person, vehicle, animal, package)
  • 30-day activity zones (customize where your camera detects motion)
  • Emergency response button (in the app)
• Arlo Secure Plus: $9.99–$14.99/month for up to 10 cameras. Adds:
  • 24/7 professional monitoring (U.S. only)
  • 100% video retention (no auto-deletion)
  • Advanced AI (like facial recognition for family members)
  • Smoke/CO alarm detection (if paired with compatible sensors)

For example, Mark, a small business owner, uses the Plus plan for his 5-camera setup. “The facial recognition is a game-changer,” he says. “I can tell if it’s my employee or a stranger at the back door.”

Arlo Safe & Secure Pro (For Whole-Home Protection)

At $14.99/month (covers up to 10 cameras), this plan bundles:

• All Arlo Secure Plus features
• 24/7 professional monitoring for fire, medical, and panic alerts
• Smart home integration (e.g., turn on lights during a break-in)

This is ideal for users who want full peace of mind, especially if they travel often or live in high-crime areas.

Free Trial and Discounts

Arlo often offers a 30-day free trial of Arlo Secure. Use this to test AI detection and cloud storage before committing. Pro tip: cancel the trial before it ends to avoid auto-billing. Also, some retailers (like Best Buy) include a free 3-month subscription with camera purchases.

Can You Use Arlo Cameras Without a Subscription? (Yes, But…)

Absolutely. You can use Arlo cameras without a subscription—but with some trade-offs. Here’s what to expect:

What Works Without a Subscription

• Live View: Stream real-time footage anytime
• Motion Alerts: Get notifications when movement is detected
• Two-Way Audio: Talk through the camera (e.g., scare off a raccoon)
• Local Recording: Save videos to microSD or base station (as discussed earlier)
• Smart Home Integration: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit

For example, Alex, a renter in Seattle, uses an Arlo Essential camera with a 64GB microSD card. “I don’t need cloud storage since I’m home most days,” he says. “I just pop the card out once a month to check for anything weird.”

What You Lose Without a Subscription

• Cloud Storage: No automatic backups. If your camera or microSD card fails, footage is gone.
• AI Detection: No smart alerts. You’ll get motion alerts for everything—a leaf blowing, a shadow, your dog. This leads to “alert fatigue” (ignoring notifications).
• Activity Zones: Without zones, your camera monitors the entire field of view. Less precision = more false alerts.
• Emergency Response: No one will call 911 or your emergency contacts if something happens.
• Video Retention: Local storage has limited space. A 64GB card holds ~7 days of 1080p footage (varies by motion activity).

Tip: If you go local-only, label your microSD cards and store backups. Consider a second card for redundancy.

Local vs. Cloud Recording: Pros, Cons, and Best Use Cases

Choosing between local and cloud recording isn’t just about cost—it’s about your lifestyle, security needs, and tech comfort. Let’s compare both options.

Local Recording: The Budget-Friendly Choice

Pros:

• No monthly fees
• Data stays on your property (no privacy concerns with third-party servers)
• Works during internet outages

Cons:

• Manual management (you must check/backup footage)
• No AI features (you’ll watch every second of footage)
• Risk of theft/damage (if someone steals the camera, they get the card)

Best for: Budget-conscious users, those with reliable internet, or people who want to avoid subscription fatigue.

Cloud Recording: The Convenience King

Pros:

• Automatic backups (even if your camera is destroyed)
• AI detection reduces false alerts
• Access footage from anywhere
• Professional monitoring (on higher tiers)

Cons:

• Monthly cost adds up (e.g., $3/camera/month = $36/year per camera)
• Requires stable internet
• Data stored on Arlo’s servers (privacy trade-off)

Best for: Frequent travelers, families, business owners, or anyone who values “set it and forget it” security.

Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds

Want both local and cloud recording? You can do it! Many users:

• Use a microSD card for daily recordings
• Subscribe to Arlo Secure for AI detection and cloud backup of key events

This way, you get AI alerts and cloud safety without paying for 24/7 cloud storage. For example, a 128GB card costs ~$15, while a 1-year subscription for one camera is ~$35. The card pays for itself in 6 months.

Cost Comparison: Subscription vs. Local Storage (Real Numbers)

Let’s crunch the numbers to see which option saves you money over time.

Option	Upfront Cost	Annual Cost	5-Year Total	Best For
Local (128GB microSD)	$15–$25 (one-time)	$0	$15–$25	Budget users, low-motion areas
Cloud (Arlo Secure, 1 camera)	$0	$35.88–$59.88	$179.40–$299.40	Frequent travelers, AI detection
Hybrid (microSD + 1-year cloud)	$15–$25	$35.88–$59.88 (cloud only)	$194.40–$324.40	Best balance of cost and features
Cloud (Arlo Safe & Secure Pro, 5 cameras)	$0	$179.88	$899.40	Whole-home monitoring, businesses

Note: Prices are estimates based on U.S. rates. Costs vary by region and promotions.

Key Insight: Local storage is cheaper long-term, but cloud recording offers peace of mind. If you value convenience and AI, the subscription is worth it.

Final Verdict: Do You Have to Pay for Arlo Cameras to Record?

So, back to the original question: do you have to pay for Arlo cameras to record? The answer is a clear no—but with caveats.

You can absolutely record with Arlo cameras for free using local storage (microSD cards or base stations). This is perfect if you’re budget-conscious, tech-savvy, and don’t mind manual checks. However, you’ll miss out on AI detection, cloud backups, and smart alerts.

On the other hand, Arlo’s subscriptions (starting at $3/month per camera) unlock powerful features like:

• 30-day cloud storage
• AI object recognition (no more false alerts)
• Professional monitoring (on higher tiers)
• Emergency response

For most users, the hybrid approach works best: use local storage for daily recordings and subscribe to Arlo Secure for AI detection and cloud backup of key events. It’s the sweet spot between cost and convenience.

At the end of the day, your choice depends on your needs. Are you a renter who just wants to see who’s at the door? Local storage might be enough. Do you travel often or run a business? A subscription could save you time, stress, and even money in the long run.

Whatever you decide, remember: Arlo’s flexibility is its strength. You’re not locked in—you can switch between local and cloud at any time. Test the free trial, experiment with microSD cards, and see what fits your lifestyle. Your home security, your rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay for Arlo cameras to record?

Arlo cameras can record without a subscription using local storage (microSD or USB), but cloud recording requires an Arlo Secure subscription. Basic features like live streaming remain free, but advanced recording options need a paid plan.

Can I use Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Yes, you can use Arlo cameras without a subscription by relying on local storage for recordings. However, you’ll miss out on cloud backup, AI-powered alerts, and extended video history available with Arlo Secure.

Is cloud recording free with Arlo cameras?

No, cloud recording requires an Arlo Secure subscription, which offers 30-day video history and smart notifications. Without it, only live viewing and local storage recordings are accessible.

What’s the cheapest way to record with Arlo cameras?

The cheapest way is to use local storage (microSD/USB) to avoid monthly fees. This lets you save footage directly to a device, though it lacks cloud backup and remote access to recorded videos.

Does Arlo offer free recording features?

Yes, free features include live streaming, motion alerts, and local recording via base stations or microSD cards. For cloud recording and advanced AI detection, an Arlo Secure plan is required.

How much does Arlo’s paid recording service cost?

Arlo Secure subscriptions start at $2.99/month per camera for 30-day cloud storage and basic AI detection. Multi-camera plans and higher tiers with advanced features are also available.