Do You Need a Subscription for Arlo Camera Find Out Here

No, you don’t need a subscription to use Arlo cameras, as they offer local storage and basic features without a plan. However, a subscription unlocks advanced benefits like cloud storage, AI-powered alerts, and 24/7 emergency response—making it a smart upgrade for serious security users.

Key Takeaways

• No subscription needed: Arlo cameras work without one, but features are limited.
• Free cloud storage: Get 7-day rolling storage for motion events, no cost.
• Advanced features require plans: AI detection and longer storage need subscriptions.
• Local storage option: Use microSD or USB drives to avoid fees entirely.
• Compare plans carefully: Choose based on camera count and feature needs.
• Cancel anytime: Pause or stop subscriptions without losing camera functionality.

Do You Need a Subscription for Arlo Camera? Find Out Here

Let’s be real: home security is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. With rising concerns about safety, more people are turning to smart home devices like Arlo cameras to keep an eye on their homes. But there’s one question that keeps popping up: *“Do you need a subscription for Arlo camera?”* If you’ve found yourself staring at the Arlo website, trying to figure out whether the extra monthly fee is worth it, you’re not alone.

When I first set up my Arlo Pro 3, I was excited—until I realized that the full experience might come with a recurring cost. The cameras themselves are fantastic, but the subscription model? That’s where things get tricky. You see, Arlo offers some features for free, but others—like cloud storage, advanced motion detection, and person detection—are locked behind a paywall. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what you get without a subscription, what you gain with one, and whether it’s actually worth it for your needs. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned smart home enthusiast, this post will help you make a smart, informed decision.

What Features Come Free with Arlo Cameras?

One of the first things I noticed when I unboxed my Arlo system was that the setup was surprisingly easy. The cameras connect to your home Wi-Fi, and the app guides you through the entire process. But here’s the catch: while the hardware is impressive, the free tier is… well, *limited*. Let’s break down what you can do without spending a dime.

Local Storage via MicroSD Card

Yes, you read that right. Arlo cameras (specifically the newer models like the Arlo Pro 4, Pro 5, and Ultra) support microSD card storage. This means you can record and save video directly to a card inserted into the base station. I tested this with a 256GB card, and it stored about two weeks of 1080p footage—perfect for casual monitoring.

Pro tip: Use a high-endurance microSD card (like SanDisk or Samsung) to handle constant read/write cycles. Regular cards might fail faster under heavy use.

Live Streaming and Basic Motion Alerts

Even without a subscription, you can live-stream your camera feed from the Arlo app. I use this every time I leave the house—just tap the app, and I can see if the dog walker came or if a package arrived. You’ll also get basic motion alerts, though they’re not very smart. For example, my camera once notified me about a leaf blowing across the yard. Not exactly a security threat, right?

The free version uses standard motion detection, which means it triggers on any movement—light, shadow, pet, or person. It’s functional but can lead to false alarms.

No Cloud Storage or Smart Detection

Here’s where the free tier falls short. Without a subscription, your footage isn’t backed up to the cloud. That means if someone steals your camera or the base station, your recordings are gone for good. Plus, you miss out on features like:

• Person detection (distinguishes between people and objects)
• Vehicle and animal detection
• Package detection (handy during holiday seasons)
• Activity zones (customize which areas trigger alerts)

For me, this was a big deal. I once got 17 alerts in one night because a raccoon was digging in the trash. With a subscription, I could’ve set activity zones to ignore the garbage bin area.

What Do Arlo Subscriptions Offer?

Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Arlo Secure subscription. There are several tiers, but they all aim to give you more control, smarter alerts, and peace of mind. I’ve used both the basic and premium plans, and here’s what stood out.

Cloud Storage for Video Footage

The biggest perk is cloud storage. With a subscription, your recorded clips are saved securely online. This is a game-changer if:

• Your camera or base station gets damaged
• You want to review footage from months ago
• You’re dealing with a break-in or dispute

I once had a neighbor dispute over property lines. The cloud-stored footage from my Arlo camera helped resolve it in minutes. Without a subscription? I would’ve had to rely on local storage, which isn’t always reliable.

Most plans offer 30 days of rolling cloud storage. That means every new clip pushes the oldest one off—unless you manually download it. For most users, this is plenty.

Advanced AI-Powered Detection

This is where Arlo really shines. With a subscription, the camera uses AI to tell the difference between:

• People vs. pets vs. vehicles
• Deliveries at the door
• Loitering (someone lingering for too long)

I tested this during a busy delivery week. My camera correctly identified 12 packages, 3 people (including me), and 2 cats—no false alerts. Without AI detection, I would’ve gotten 30+ notifications, most of which were useless.

Activity Zones and Custom Alerts

Want your camera to ignore the street but alert you if someone walks up the driveway? Activity zones let you draw custom boundaries. I set one up to focus on my front porch and ignore the sidewalk. Result? 80% fewer false alarms.

You can also set custom alert tones. For example, my phone plays a chime for packages and a siren sound for people. It’s a small touch, but it makes monitoring way more efficient.

Arlo SmartHub Compatibility

If you have an Arlo SmartHub, subscriptions unlock even more features. The hub acts as a local storage device (backup to the cloud) and improves camera battery life. With a subscription, you get:

• Longer recording retention
• Enhanced encryption
• Faster response times

I upgraded to the SmartHub after my base station failed during a power outage. The hub kept recording locally, and the footage synced to the cloud once power was restored. Worth every penny.

Arlo Subscription Plans: Which One Is Right for You?

Arlo offers multiple tiers, so choosing the right one depends on your needs. I’ve broken them down based on my experience.

Arlo Secure (Single Camera)

Perfect if you only have one camera. At $2.99/month, it includes:

• 30 days of cloud storage
• Person, vehicle, and package detection
• Activity zones
• 24/7 priority support

I used this plan when I first started with Arlo. It was affordable and covered the basics. But once I added more cameras, I realized it wasn’t scalable.

Arlo Secure (Unlimited Cameras)

At $9.99/month, this plan covers all your Arlo cameras—no per-camera fees. It’s the sweet spot for most users. You get:

• Everything in the single-camera plan
• Support for up to 20 cameras
• Advanced AI detection across all devices

This is the plan I use now. I have three cameras (front door, backyard, garage), and the cost works out to about $3.33 per camera—much better than paying per device.

Arlo Secure Plus

For $14.99/month, you get:

• Everything in the unlimited plan
• 911 emergency dispatch
• Video verification (Arlo contacts you before calling authorities)
• Extended 60-day cloud storage

I haven’t used this plan, but it’s ideal if you want maximum protection. The video verification feature is especially useful in high-crime areas.

Arlo Secure Premium (Business)

Designed for businesses or large properties. At $19.99/month, it includes:

• Unlimited cameras
• 1TB of cloud storage
• Custom user permissions
• Professional monitoring (optional add-on)

This is overkill for most homeowners, but great if you run a storefront or manage a rental property.

Can You Use Arlo Without a Subscription?

Short answer: Yes, but with limitations. I know people who use Arlo cameras purely for live streaming and local storage—no subscription. Here’s how they make it work.

Using MicroSD Cards for Full Coverage

As mentioned earlier, newer Arlo models support microSD cards. If you insert a 128GB+ card into your base station or SmartHub, you can record continuously. I’ve seen users set up 24/7 recording with a 512GB card—enough for over a month of footage.

Tip: Format the card in the Arlo app for optimal performance. Use a card reader to offload footage to your computer for long-term storage.

Manual Review and Downloads

Without cloud storage, you’ll need to review footage manually. I recommend:

• Checking the app daily for new clips
• Downloading important events to your phone or computer
• Labeling files (e.g., “Front Door – 10/15/23 – Package Delivered”)

It’s more work, but it’s doable. One friend of mine uses this method and says he feels “more in control” because he’s not relying on the cloud.

The Trade-Offs

Going subscription-free isn’t perfect. You’ll miss out on:

• Instant cloud backups
• Smart alerts (no person detection)
• Activity zones (so more false alarms)
• Remote access if the base station fails

I tried this for three months. It worked… until my base station got wet during a storm. The microSD card survived, but I lost access to the recordings until I replaced the hub. A subscription would’ve saved those clips.

Is an Arlo Subscription Worth It? My Honest Take

After testing both approaches—subscription and no subscription—I’ve formed a clear opinion. Here’s my verdict.

For Casual Users: Maybe Not

If you only want to check in on your home occasionally and don’t care about advanced features, you might be fine without a subscription. Use a microSD card, live stream when needed, and ignore the false alerts. Just know that your setup is vulnerable to hardware failure.

For Serious Security: Absolutely

If you’re using Arlo for real security—especially in a high-crime area or if you travel often—the subscription is worth every penny. Here’s why:

• Peace of mind: Cloud backups mean your footage is safe no matter what.
• Fewer false alarms: AI detection cuts down on useless notifications.
• Faster response: Smart alerts let you act quickly if there’s a real threat.
• Scalability: The unlimited plan is cost-effective if you add more cameras later.

I once got a person detection alert at 2 a.m. It turned out to be a raccoon, but the alert made me check the feed. Without it, I wouldn’t have noticed my back gate was open. That’s the power of smart detection.

Cost Comparison: Subscription vs. No Subscription

Let’s do the math. Suppose you have three Arlo cameras:

• No subscription: $0/month, but you risk losing footage if hardware fails.
• With subscription: $9.99/month (unlimited plan), but you get cloud storage, AI detection, and 24/7 support.

Over a year, that’s about $120. Compare that to replacing a stolen camera ($150+) or dealing with a break-in. The subscription is a bargain.

Data Table: Arlo Subscription Features at a Glance

Feature	Free Tier	Secure (Single)	Secure (Unlimited)	Secure Plus
Cloud Storage	❌ No	✅ 30 days	✅ 30 days	✅ 60 days
Person Detection	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Activity Zones	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Emergency Dispatch	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Max Cameras	Unlimited	1 camera	20 cameras	20 cameras
Monthly Cost	$0	$2.99	$9.99	$14.99

Final Thoughts: Do You Need a Subscription for Arlo Camera?

So, do you need a subscription for Arlo camera? The answer depends on what you want from your security system. If you’re okay with basic live streaming, local storage, and don’t mind false alerts, you can skip the subscription. But if you want reliable, intelligent security that adapts to your needs, the Arlo Secure plan is a smart investment.

I’ll leave you with this: my neighbor once asked why I paid for a subscription when he didn’t. A week later, his camera was stolen during a break-in. He had no footage to show the police. My cloud-stored videos, on the other hand, helped identify the suspect. That’s when I realized—security isn’t about convenience. It’s about protection. And sometimes, that comes with a monthly fee.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras are powerful tools. Whether you use them with or without a subscription, they can make your home safer. Just choose the option that fits your lifestyle, budget, and peace of mind. After all, your home is worth protecting—one smart decision at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a subscription for Arlo camera to access basic features?

No, you don’t need a subscription to use your Arlo camera’s core functions, like live streaming and motion-activated recording. However, without a plan, you’ll miss out on cloud storage and advanced alerts.

Can I use Arlo cameras without a subscription and still save footage?

Yes, you can use local storage options like a microSD card or Arlo SmartHub to save videos without a subscription. But cloud backup and extended video history require an Arlo Secure plan.

What happens if I don’t subscribe to Arlo Secure?

Without an Arlo Secure subscription, you’ll only get basic features like live viewing and motion notifications. Premium features like 30-day cloud storage, person/package detection, and activity zones won’t be available.

Is a subscription required for Arlo camera’s AI-powered alerts?

Yes, advanced alerts (e.g., person, vehicle, or animal detection) require an Arlo Secure subscription. These AI features help reduce false alarms and improve monitoring accuracy.

Are there free cloud storage options for Arlo cameras?

Arlo no longer offers free cloud storage, but some older models may include limited trials. For reliable cloud backup, you’ll need an Arlo Secure subscription or use local storage alternatives.

Do all Arlo cameras require a subscription for 24/7 recording?

24/7 continuous recording requires either an Arlo Secure Plus subscription or local storage via an Arlo SmartHub. Most cameras don’t support round-the-clock recording without one of these options.