Do You Have to Pay Monthly for Arlo Camera A Complete Breakdown

No, you don’t have to pay monthly for Arlo cameras—basic features like live streaming and motion alerts work without a subscription. However, advanced perks like cloud storage, AI detection, and activity zones require a paid Arlo Secure plan to unlock the system’s full potential.

Key Takeaways

• No mandatory fees: Use Arlo cameras without a subscription for basic local storage.
• Cloud storage requires payment: Access advanced features with a paid plan.
• Free tier available: Limited 7-day cloud storage for some models at no cost.
• Smart features need subscriptions: AI detection and alerts require Arlo Smart plans.
• Evaluate needs first: Choose a plan based on security and budget priorities.
• Local backup works: Use microSD or base stations to avoid monthly fees.

Do You Have to Pay Monthly for Arlo Camera? A Complete Breakdown

Imagine this: You just installed your shiny new Arlo camera after hours of setup, only to realize you’re not quite sure if you’ll be billed every month. You’re not alone. Thousands of smart home owners have asked, “Do you have to pay monthly for Arlo camera?” The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it’s a nuanced mix of options, features, and trade-offs. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your security system, understanding Arlo’s pricing structure is key to avoiding surprise fees and getting the most value out of your investment.

Arlo, known for its sleek, wire-free cameras and smart home integration, has built a reputation for flexibility. But with flexibility comes complexity. Some features require a subscription, while others work perfectly fine without one. The goal of this guide is to cut through the noise and give you a clear, honest breakdown of what you actually need to pay for—and what you don’t. We’ll explore free features, paid plans, real-world scenarios, and even tips to save money. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use your Arlo camera without feeling nickel-and-dimed.

How Arlo Cameras Work (And Why Subscriptions Exist)

Understanding the Core Technology

Arlo cameras are designed to be user-friendly, battery-powered, and wireless. Most models connect to your home Wi-Fi or a base station, stream video to your phone, and store footage either locally or in the cloud. The magic of Arlo lies in its smart features: motion detection, person detection, package detection, and two-way audio. But here’s the catch—not all of these features work without a subscription.

Think of it like a smartphone: You can make calls and send texts for free, but premium apps and cloud storage cost extra. Arlo’s free tier lets you view live feeds, receive basic motion alerts, and store short clips locally (if you use a microSD card). But if you want advanced AI detection, extended cloud storage, or video history beyond a few seconds, you’ll need a subscription.

The Business Model: Why Arlo Charges Monthly

Arlo’s subscription model (called Arlo Secure) is designed to cover ongoing costs like cloud storage, AI processing, and customer support. Unlike traditional security companies that charge upfront for DVRs and storage, Arlo spreads the cost over time. This makes the initial purchase cheaper, but it can add up over months or years.

For example, the Arlo Pro 5S retails for around $180 per camera—but without a subscription, you lose access to features like:

• Person, vehicle, and animal detection
• 30-day video history
• Custom activity zones (to ignore trees or passing cars)
• Emergency response (direct 911 calling from the app)

So, while the hardware is a one-time purchase, the full experience requires ongoing payments. This model benefits Arlo (steady revenue) and users who want cutting-edge features without buying bulky hardware. But it’s not for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget or prefer one-time costs, the free tier might be your best bet.

Arlo’s Free Tier: What You Get Without Paying Monthly

Live Streaming and Basic Alerts

The good news? You don’t have to pay monthly for Arlo camera to use it. All Arlo cameras include free features that let you monitor your home in real time. You can:

• Watch live video from your phone or tablet
• Receive motion-activated alerts (with a 10-second video clip)
• Use two-way audio to talk to visitors or pets
• Store short clips locally (if you add a microSD card to compatible models)

For basic monitoring—like checking on your kids or pets—this works surprisingly well. I used the free tier for months with my Arlo Pro 4, and the 10-second clips were enough to see who was at the door or if my dog knocked over the trash.

Local Storage Options (No Subscription Needed)

Here’s a pro tip: If you want to avoid monthly fees entirely, use local storage. Some Arlo models (like the Pro 4, Pro 5S, and Ultra 2) support microSD cards. When motion is detected, the camera saves a 10- to 15-second clip directly to the card. No cloud, no fees.

But there are downsides:

• Clips are short (usually 10–15 seconds)
• You can’t search past videos by keyword (e.g., “person” or “package”)
• If the camera is stolen or damaged, your footage is lost
• No remote access to stored clips (you must remove the card to view them)

Still, for renters, budget-conscious users, or those with privacy concerns, local storage is a solid workaround. Just remember to check the card regularly to avoid overwriting old clips.

Limitations of the Free Plan

While the free tier is functional, it has clear limitations:

• No AI detection: You’ll get alerts for every motion—even a leaf blowing in the wind. This can lead to “alert fatigue.”
• No video history: Without cloud storage, you can’t review footage from yesterday or last week.
• No smart notifications: You can’t set up alerts only for people or packages.
• No multi-user access: Only one person can use the app at a time (though this is rare).

Bottom line: The free tier works for basic monitoring. But if you want a truly “smart” camera, a subscription is hard to avoid.

Arlo Secure Plans: What You Pay For (And Is It Worth It?)

Plan Options and Pricing

Arlo offers several subscription tiers, each with different features and price points. Here’s a breakdown of the main plans (as of 2024):

Plan	Price (Monthly)	Storage	AI Detection	Activity Zones	Emergency Response
Arlo Secure (Single Camera)	$2.99	30 days	Yes (person, vehicle, animal)	Yes	No
Arlo Secure (Unlimited Cameras)	$9.99	30 days	Yes	Yes	No
Arlo Secure Plus	$14.99	60 days	Yes + package detection	Yes	Yes
Arlo Safe & Secure Pro	$24.99	60 days	Yes + advanced AI	Yes	Yes + 24/7 professional monitoring

Key Features Explained

Let’s dive into what each plan offers:

• AI Detection: This is the biggest upgrade. Instead of getting alerts for every motion, the camera uses AI to distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and packages. For example, you’ll only get an alert when a person walks into your yard—not when a squirrel runs by.
• 30/60-Day Video History: With a subscription, your clips are stored in the cloud. You can scroll back days or weeks to review footage. This is crucial if you need to check an event after the fact.
• Custom Activity Zones: Draw boxes on your camera feed to ignore certain areas (like a busy street). This reduces false alerts.
• Emergency Response: Available in higher-tier plans. Tap a button in the app to connect with emergency services (911). This is a game-changer for seniors or those with medical concerns.
• Professional Monitoring (Pro Plan): A monitoring center watches your cameras 24/7. If an alarm is triggered, they’ll contact you—or the police—if you don’t respond.

Is the Subscription Worth It?

This depends on your needs. Here’s when each plan makes sense:

• $2.99/month (Single Camera): Ideal if you have one camera (e.g., at your front door). The AI detection alone is worth the cost for reducing false alerts.
• $9.99/month (Unlimited Cameras): Great for homes with 2+ cameras. You get cloud storage and AI for all cameras at a lower per-unit cost.
• $14.99/month (Secure Plus): Worth it if you want package detection (to avoid porch pirates) and emergency response.
• $24.99/month (Pro Plan): Only necessary for high-risk areas or if you want professional monitoring. Most users don’t need this.

Real-world example: I upgraded to the $9.99 plan after my dog triggered 20 alerts in one day (thanks, squirrels). With AI detection, I now get 1–2 alerts daily—mostly actual visitors.

Alternatives to Monthly Fees: Workarounds and Hacks

Use Local Storage (MicroSD Cards)

As mentioned earlier, some Arlo cameras support microSD cards. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Insert a microSD card (up to 256GB) into the camera.
2. Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > Camera > Local Storage.
3. Enable “Record to Local Storage.”

Pros: No monthly fees, privacy-friendly (footage stays on your property).
Cons: Short clips, no cloud backup, manual card checks.

Free Cloud Trials and Promotions

Arlo often offers free trials (usually 30 days) for new users. After the trial, you can:

• Cancel the subscription and revert to free features
• Switch to a lower-tier plan
• Use the trial to test AI detection before committing

Tip: Set a reminder on your phone to cancel before the trial ends. I’ve seen users accidentally get charged $30 for a plan they didn’t want.

DIY Cloud Storage (Advanced Users)

Tech-savvy users can route Arlo footage to their own cloud (e.g., Dropbox or Google Drive) using third-party tools like Arlo Sync or Home Assistant. This requires:

• A computer running 24/7
• Technical know-how
• Storage space (e.g., an external hard drive)

It’s not for everyone, but it’s a way to avoid subscriptions entirely.

Making the Right Choice: Tips for Every User

For Budget-Conscious Buyers

If you want to avoid monthly fees:

• Buy a camera with microSD support (e.g., Pro 4, Pro 5S)
• Use local storage for short clips
• Accept that you’ll get more false alerts
• Check clips manually (don’t rely on AI)

This setup works best for indoor cameras or low-traffic areas.

For Smart Home Enthusiasts

If you want full features:

• Start with the $2.99/month plan for one camera
• Upgrade to $9.99/month if you add more cameras
• Use AI detection to reduce alert fatigue
• Take advantage of custom activity zones

Pair your Arlo with other smart devices (like lights or doorbells) for a seamless experience.

For Renters and Temporary Use

If you’re renting or need a camera for a short time:

• Use the free tier + local storage
• Buy a used Arlo camera (they’re often sold without subscriptions)
• Cancel the subscription before moving out

Long-Term Cost Comparison

Let’s compare total costs over 3 years:

• Free tier: $0 (but limited features)
• $2.99/month plan: $107.64
• $9.99/month plan: $359.64
• One-time DVR purchase (e.g., 8-channel): ~$200 (no monthly fees)

For long-term use, a one-time DVR system might be cheaper. But Arlo’s flexibility (wire-free, easy to move) often justifies the cost.

Final Thoughts: Do You Have to Pay Monthly?

The answer is: No, you don’t have to pay monthly for Arlo camera—but you’ll miss out on key features. The free tier works for basic monitoring, while subscriptions unlock AI detection, cloud storage, and emergency response. It’s a trade-off between convenience, cost, and functionality.

My advice? Start with the free tier and see if it meets your needs. If you find yourself frustrated by false alerts or missing important events, a subscription becomes a small price to pay for peace of mind. And if you’re tech-savvy, explore local storage or DIY cloud options to save money.

Remember: Arlo’s pricing is flexible. You can cancel anytime, switch plans, or pause your subscription if you’re away. The key is to choose what works for your lifestyle—not what looks best on paper. Whether you pay monthly or not, your Arlo camera can be a powerful tool for home security. Just make sure you’re using it the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay monthly for Arlo camera?

No, you don’t *have* to pay monthly for Arlo cameras—basic functionality like live streaming and motion alerts works without a subscription. However, advanced features like cloud storage and AI detection require a paid plan.

What happens if I don’t subscribe to an Arlo monthly plan?

Without a subscription, you’ll lose access to cloud recordings, extended video history, and person/package detection. You can still use local storage (if supported) and receive real-time motion notifications.

Are there free features with Arlo cameras without paying monthly?

Yes! All Arlo cameras offer free features like 2-way audio, live HD video, and push notifications for motion/sound. You’ll just miss out on cloud backups and smart alerts.

Is Arlo’s subscription worth the monthly cost for most users?

For frequent users or those needing video history, yes—the Arlo Secure plans start at $2.99/month and offer AI detection, 30-day cloud storage, and e911 service. Casual users may find local storage sufficient.

Can I avoid paying monthly for Arlo camera with local storage?

Absolutely. Models like the Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Ultra 2 support microSD cards or base stations with USB storage, letting you record footage without a subscription (though smart features are limited).

Does Arlo offer a trial to test monthly plans before paying?

Yes, Arlo provides a 30-day free trial for new users to test all premium features, including cloud storage and AI object detection, before committing to a paid plan.