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

No, you don’t have to pay monthly for 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 an Arlo Secure plan, making it optional but valuable for advanced security needs.

Key Takeaways

• No mandatory fees: Arlo cameras work without monthly subscriptions.
• Cloud storage requires a plan: Paid plans unlock advanced video storage.
• Local storage is free: Use microSD cards to avoid recurring costs.
• Smart features need subscriptions: AI alerts and person detection require paid tiers.
• Free trial available: Test premium features before committing to a plan.

Do You Have to Pay Monthly for Arlo Cameras? The Truth About Arlo’s Subscription Plans

Let’s be real: smart home security cameras are no longer a luxury. They’re a necessity. Whether you’re checking in on your pets while at work, keeping an eye on your front porch, or just wanting peace of mind while you’re on vacation, brands like Arlo have made it easier than ever to stay connected to your home. But here’s the big question that keeps popping up: do you have to pay monthly for Arlo cameras?

When I first bought my Arlo Pro 4, I was excited—wireless, weatherproof, 2K video, and no messy cords. But then I opened the app and saw “subscription required for cloud storage.” My heart sank. I didn’t want another monthly bill. I just wanted to record footage and check in when I felt like it. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many people assume that buying a high-end camera like Arlo means you’re locked into a monthly fee. But the reality is more nuanced—and honestly, a lot more flexible than you might think.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about Arlo’s pricing model, including whether you *have* to pay monthly, what you get (and don’t get) with free vs. paid plans, and how to get the most value without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already own an Arlo camera and feel stuck in a subscription, this post is for you. Think of it as a friendly chat over coffee—no jargon, no fluff, just real talk about your security and your wallet.

How Arlo Cameras Work: The Basics Before You Buy

Before we dive into the subscription question, let’s get clear on how Arlo cameras actually function. Arlo, owned by Netgear, is known for its sleek, wireless, and easy-to-install cameras. They’re popular for homes, apartments, and even small businesses. But their ecosystem relies heavily on the Arlo app and cloud services—this is where the subscription debate begins.

What You Get Right Out of the Box

When you buy an Arlo camera (like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential, or Arlo Ultra 2), here’s what’s included:

• Live video streaming via the Arlo app (iOS and Android)
• Motion detection alerts sent straight to your phone
• Two-way audio to talk to visitors or pets
• Night vision and weather resistance (for outdoor models)
• Local storage options (on select models, via microSD card or USB drive)

So yes, you can use your Arlo camera without a subscription. You can view live footage, get motion alerts, and even use basic features like siren activation or color night vision. But here’s the catch: you won’t be able to record or save video clips to the cloud unless you subscribe. And that’s where the real value lies.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: What’s the Difference?

This is a key point that often confuses new users. Let’s break it down:

• Local storage means recording video directly to a physical device—like a microSD card in the camera or a USB drive connected to your Arlo SmartHub or base station.
• Cloud storage means your videos are uploaded and stored securely on Arlo’s servers, accessible from anywhere via the app.

Local storage is free—no monthly fees. But it has downsides: if the camera is stolen or damaged, your footage is gone. Also, managing microSD cards can be a pain—especially if you have multiple cameras. Cloud storage, on the other hand, offers peace of mind. Your footage is safe, even if the camera is destroyed. Plus, cloud storage unlocks advanced features like AI-powered object detection and activity zones.

For example, my neighbor once had a package stolen. His Arlo camera caught the whole thing, but he didn’t have a subscription. He had to physically remove the microSD card and plug it into his computer to review the footage. It worked—but it was a hassle. With cloud storage, he could’ve just opened the app and shared the clip with the police in seconds.

Arlo’s Free Plan: What You Can (and Can’t) Do Without Paying Monthly

Here’s the good news: Arlo does offer a free tier. You don’t have to pay a cent to use your camera. But it’s limited—very limited. Let’s look at what you can and can’t do without a subscription.

What the Free Plan Includes

• Live streaming (up to 1080p resolution)
• Motion and audio alerts sent to your phone
• Two-way audio and built-in siren
• Basic activity zones (to reduce false alerts from trees or cars)
• Local recording via microSD or USB (if your model supports it)
• 7-day rolling cloud storage for *some* older models (more on this below)

Wait—did you catch that last point? Some older Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Pro 3) came with a 7-day rolling cloud storage included for free. But this was a promotional offer that has since expired. If you bought a new Arlo camera after 2022, this perk is no longer included. So if you’re shopping for a new camera, don’t count on free cloud storage.

What the Free Plan Doesn’t Include

• Cloud video recording (newer models)
• AI-powered object detection (person, vehicle, package, animal)
• Extended video history (beyond 7 days, if available)
• Smart alerts (e.g., “Person detected at front door” instead of just “Motion detected”)
• Video verification for emergency dispatch (if you use Arlo’s professional monitoring)
• Multi-camera management (for more than 3 cameras)

Here’s a real-world example: I set up a friend’s Arlo Essential Spotlight camera in her backyard. She didn’t want to pay monthly, so we relied on the free plan. It worked great for live viewing and motion alerts. But one day, she got an alert and saw someone in her yard. She opened the app, but there was no recorded video—just a still image. She had to rely on her neighbor’s Ring camera to confirm it was a raccoon. Without cloud recording, she had no proof. That’s when she realized: the free plan is good for awareness, but not for security.

So, to answer the big question: do you have to pay monthly for Arlo cameras? Technically, no. But if you want to actually record and save video, you’ll need a subscription. Or, you can use local storage—but that comes with its own trade-offs.

Arlo’s Paid Subscription Plans: What You Get for Your Money

Now let’s talk about the paid plans. Arlo offers several subscription tiers, each with different features and price points. The key is choosing the one that fits your needs—without overpaying for things you won’t use.

Arlo Secure: The Core Subscription (Starting at $2.99/month)

This is the most popular plan. It’s designed for single-camera users or small homes. Here’s what you get:

• 30-day cloud video history (all recorded clips saved for a month)
• AI-powered object detection (person, vehicle, package, animal)
• Smart activity zones (customize where motion is detected)
• Enhanced motion alerts (with labels like “Person detected”)
• Emergency response (if you opt into professional monitoring)

At $2.99/month per camera (or $9.99/month for up to 4 cameras), this is a solid deal. For example, I use this plan for my front door camera. I get alerts like “Package delivered” or “Person at door,” and I can review the full 30-day history anytime. It’s saved me from false alarms (like the mail carrier) and helped me catch a delivery mix-up once.

Arlo Secure Plus: For Larger Homes and Multi-Camera Setups ($12.99/month for up to 5 cameras)

If you have 4+ cameras or want extra features, this plan might be better. It includes everything in Secure, plus:

• Unlimited camera support (no per-camera limit up to 5 devices)
• Extended video history (up to 60 days, depending on region)
• 24/7 professional monitoring (optional add-on for $10/month)
• Video verification for police dispatch (reduces false alarms)

I upgraded to this plan when I added a backyard camera and a garage camera. The ability to manage all three from one plan without per-camera fees was a game-changer. And the 60-day history? Handy when my neighbor’s kid accidentally left their bike in my yard for two weeks.

Arlo Total Security: The Premium Tier ($19.99/month)

This plan is for serious users—think smart home enthusiasts or small businesses. It includes:

• All features from Secure Plus
• Unlimited cameras (no cap)
• Advanced AI detection (e.g., facial recognition, pet identification)
• Custom activity zones per camera
• Priority customer support
• Integration with smart home systems (Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.)

Unless you have a large property or run a business, this plan is probably overkill. But for some, the facial recognition is worth it. A friend of mine uses it to distinguish between her kids and delivery drivers—no more “Who’s at the door?” guesswork.

One-Time Purchase vs. Subscription: The Long-Term Cost

Let’s do some math. Say you buy an Arlo Pro 4 for $199. With the basic Secure plan ($2.99/month), after one year, you’ve spent $234. After five years? $378. That’s almost double the original price. But consider this: you’re getting continuous security, cloud backups, and AI features that improve over time. Plus, Arlo often runs promotions—like 1-year free subscription with camera purchase.

My tip? Buy during a sale and use the free trial to test the subscription. Many Arlo cameras come with a 30-90 day free trial of a paid plan. Use it to see if the cloud features are worth it for you.

How to Avoid Monthly Fees: Local Storage and Workarounds

If you’re dead set on avoiding monthly fees, you’re not out of options. Here are some smart ways to use Arlo without a subscription.

Use Local Storage (MicroSD or USB)

Many Arlo cameras support microSD cards (up to 256GB). You can insert a card directly into the camera and set it to record continuously or on motion. The footage saves to the card, not the cloud. No monthly fees.

Pros:

• One-time cost (a 128GB microSD card costs ~$20)
• No recurring fees
• Full control over your data

Cons:

• Card can be stolen or damaged
• No remote access to recordings unless you physically retrieve the card
• Limited storage (you’ll need to manually manage or overwrite old clips)

Pro tip: Use a high-endurance microSD card (like Samsung PRO Endurance). These are designed for constant writing and last longer than regular cards.

Use Arlo SmartHub or Base Station with USB Drive

If you have a SmartHub or base station (like the Arlo Pro 4 requires), you can plug in a USB drive. This acts as a local network-attached storage (NAS) device. You can access recordings from the app, even remotely.

Example: I set up a 1TB USB drive on my SmartHub. Now, I can view and download clips from any camera via the app—no cloud needed. It’s like having a mini security server at home.

Use Third-Party NVRs or Home Assistant

Tech-savvy users can integrate Arlo with Home Assistant or an NVR (Network Video Recorder). This lets you record and manage footage on your own server. It’s free, but requires setup time and some technical know-how.

I tried this with Home Assistant. It took a few hours to set up, but now I can view all my Arlo cameras in one dashboard, with custom automations (like turning on lights when motion is detected). The downside? No AI detection unless you add it separately.

Buy Older Arlo Models with Free Cloud Storage

Here’s a little-known trick: if you buy a used or refurbished Arlo Pro 2 or Pro 3, you might still get the 7-day free cloud storage. Arlo grandfathered in these models, so the free storage remains active as long as the account is active.

Just make sure the seller hasn’t canceled the subscription. You can check this in the Arlo app under “Subscription.” If it shows “Free 7-Day Cloud,” you’re good to go.

Comparing Arlo to Competitors: Is the Subscription Worth It?

Arlo isn’t the only game in town. Let’s see how it stacks up against other popular brands when it comes to monthly fees.

Arlo vs. Ring

Ring requires a subscription for cloud storage (starting at $3.99/month), but offers a free tier with 30-second video clips after motion. Arlo’s free plan doesn’t include any cloud clips on newer models. However, Arlo’s AI detection is more advanced, and its cameras are generally more weatherproof.

Arlo vs. Nest

Google Nest requires a Nest Aware subscription ($6/month) for cloud storage and AI features. But Nest cameras have built-in local storage on some models (like the Nest Doorbell Wired). Arlo offers more flexibility with local options, but Nest’s integration with Google Home is smoother.

Arlo vs. Eufy

Eufy is the standout here—no subscription needed. All Eufy cameras record to local storage (microSD or home base), with no monthly fees. But Eufy lacks advanced AI features like package detection, and their app isn’t as polished as Arlo’s.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Brand	Free Cloud Storage?	Local Storage?	Starting Subscription Cost	AI Detection
Arlo	No (new models)	Yes (microSD/USB)	$2.99/month	Yes (paid)
Ring	Yes (30-sec clips)	Yes (some models)	$3.99/month	Yes (paid)
Nest	No	Yes (some models)	$6/month	Yes (paid)
Eufy	No	Yes (all models)	$0 (no subscription)	Limited (local only)

So, is Arlo’s subscription worth it? If you value advanced AI, cloud reliability, and app features, yes. But if you want to avoid monthly fees at all costs, Eufy or local storage might be better.

Final Thoughts: Do You Really Need to Pay Monthly?

Let’s circle back to the original question: do you have to pay monthly for Arlo cameras? The short answer: no, but you probably should if you want full functionality.

Here’s the truth: the camera itself works fine without a subscription. You can see live video, get motion alerts, and even record locally. But if you want to actually use your camera as a security tool—to review past events, get smart alerts, and keep footage safe—then a subscription is almost essential.

Think of it like a car. You can drive a car without insurance, but if something happens, you’re on your own. A subscription is like insurance for your footage. It’s there when you need it most.

That said, you don’t have to overpay. Start with the Arlo Secure plan ($2.99/month per camera). Use the free trial to test it. If you don’t need cloud storage, switch to local recording with a microSD card. Or, if you’re tech-savvy, try Home Assistant for a free, self-hosted solution.

And remember: Arlo often runs promotions. Look for bundle deals, Black Friday sales, or free subscription trials. I got my second camera during a “buy one, get one 50% off + 1 year free subscription” deal. That saved me over $100 in the first year.

At the end of the day, your security is worth investing in. Whether you choose to pay monthly or not, make sure your setup gives you the peace of mind you deserve. After all, the best camera is the one that works when you need it—not just when it’s convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay monthly for Arlo cameras to access basic features?

No, Arlo cameras work without a monthly fee for live streaming, motion alerts, and local storage (with a compatible hub). However, advanced features like cloud storage and AI detection require a subscription.

What happens if I don’t pay monthly for Arlo cameras?

Without a paid plan, you’ll lose access to cloud recording, extended video history, and smart alerts (e.g., person/package detection). Basic features like live viewing and 2-second event clips remain free.

Is a monthly subscription required for Arlo camera cloud storage?

Yes, cloud storage for recordings requires an Arlo Secure plan, starting at $2.99/month per camera. Without it, recordings are only saved locally via USB or SD card (if supported).

Are there free alternatives to paying monthly for Arlo cameras?

You can use local storage (with an Arlo Hub) or rely on free 2-second cloud clips. For full recording history and AI features, however, a subscription is necessary.

Do all Arlo cameras require a subscription for motion detection?

Basic motion alerts work without a monthly fee, but advanced detection (like distinguishing people, vehicles, or animals) requires an Arlo Secure subscription.

Can I cancel my Arlo monthly plan and still use my cameras?

Yes, canceling your subscription won’t disable your cameras. You’ll retain live streaming and local storage, but lose cloud recording and smart notification features.