Do You Need a Subscription to Use Arlo Cameras Find Out Now

Yes, you need a subscription to unlock the full functionality of Arlo cameras, including cloud storage, AI-powered alerts, and 24/7 video recording. While basic features like live streaming and local storage work without a plan, Arlo’s premium features—such as person detection and extended video history—require a paid subscription to maximize security and convenience.

Key Takeaways

• No subscription needed: Arlo cameras work locally without a plan.
• Free features included: Motion alerts and live streaming require no subscription.
• Cloud storage requires plan: Save recordings only with a paid subscription.
• Advanced AI features locked: Person/vehicle detection needs a subscription.
• Local storage option: Use microSD or USB to avoid cloud costs.
• Compare plans wisely: Choose based on storage and feature needs.

Do You Need a Subscription to Use Arlo Cameras? The Real Deal

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo camera, excited to keep an eye on your front porch while you’re at work. You open the app, and it works like a charm—live video, motion detection, even night vision. Then, a few days later, you get a notification: *“Upgrade to Arlo Secure for full features.”* Your heart sinks a little. Do you really need to pay more just to use your own camera? If you’ve asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. Arlo cameras have gained popularity for their sleek design, easy setup, and smart features, but the subscription model can feel like a surprise twist in an otherwise straightforward story.

Let’s clear the air. The short answer is: No, you do not need a subscription to use Arlo cameras. You can plug them in, connect them to your Wi-Fi, and start viewing live video right away. But—and this is a big “but”—some of the most useful features, like cloud storage, advanced motion detection, and activity zones, are locked behind Arlo Secure subscriptions. It’s like buying a car with a great engine, but the navigation system, backup camera, and remote start only work if you pay extra. In this guide, we’ll dive into what you get for free, what requires a subscription, and how to decide what’s right for you. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already own Arlo gear, this post will help you make an informed choice—no hidden fees, no sales pitch.

What Arlo Cameras Can Do Without a Subscription

Let’s start with the good news: Arlo cameras are fully functional without any subscription. You’re not locked out of basic features just because you don’t want to pay monthly. Here’s what you can expect right out of the box.

Live Video Streaming and Two-Way Audio

One of the best parts of Arlo cameras is that you can watch live video anytime, anywhere, using the Arlo app (available for iOS and Android). Whether you’re checking on your kids playing in the backyard or making sure your dog didn’t chew the sofa, live streaming works immediately after setup. You can even talk through the camera using two-way audio—great for saying “Hey, stop that!” or greeting the delivery person. This feature is 100% free and doesn’t require any cloud plan.

Pro tip: If you have multiple cameras, you can switch between them seamlessly in the app. Just tap the camera icon, and you’re live. No waiting, no extra fees.

Local Storage (SD Card or USB)

Here’s a lesser-known perk: Many Arlo cameras support local storage. Models like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential support microSD cards (up to 2TB, depending on the model). This means you can record video directly to the card without relying on the cloud. It’s a solid option if you’re privacy-conscious or don’t want recurring costs.

• Insert a microSD card into the base station or camera (check your model’s manual).
• Enable local recording in the Arlo app under “Storage” settings.
• Review footage later by removing the card or accessing it via the app.

Keep in mind: Local storage doesn’t offer the same convenience as cloud storage. You can’t access past videos remotely unless you’re on the same Wi-Fi network. And if someone steals your camera or base station, your footage goes with it. But for basic monitoring, it’s a reliable, no-cost solution.

Basic Motion Alerts and Notifications

Arlo cameras come with built-in motion sensors that trigger alerts on your phone. You’ll get a push notification whenever movement is detected, and you can open the app to see a snapshot of what happened. This works without a subscription and is one of the core benefits of smart cameras.

Real-life example: A friend of mine set up an Arlo camera in her garage to monitor her car. She got a notification one morning showing a delivery driver leaving a package. No subscription needed—just the camera, Wi-Fi, and the app.

Features That Require an Arlo Secure Subscription

Now, let’s talk about the features that are only available with an Arlo Secure plan. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re genuinely useful tools that make your camera smarter and more reliable. But they come at a cost.

Cloud Video Storage and Extended Recording

This is the big one. Without a subscription, your camera doesn’t save any video to the cloud. That means if you miss an alert or want to review something from yesterday, you’re out of luck—unless you’re using local storage.

With an Arlo Secure plan, you get:

• 7-day or 30-day cloud video history: Review clips from the past week (or month) anytime, from anywhere.
• Unlimited cameras: Some plans cover all your Arlo devices, not just one.
• Auto-deletion after retention period: No manual cleanup needed.

For example, if a package gets stolen, you can pull up the cloud video, zoom in on the license plate, and share it with the police. That’s a game-changer compared to just getting a motion alert and nothing else.

Smart Alerts (People, Vehicles, Animals, Packages)

Basic motion detection is great, but it can be annoying. Your camera might alert you every time a leaf blows by or a cat crosses the driveway. With Arlo Secure, you get AI-powered smart alerts that distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and even packages (on select models).

• You’ll only get notified for what matters—like someone approaching your front door.
• You can customize which types of alerts you want (e.g., ignore animals but get alerts for vehicles).
• Reduces false alarms by up to 90% (based on Arlo’s internal testing).

Tip: If you live on a busy street or have pets, this feature alone can save you hours of checking unnecessary alerts.

Activity Zones and Enhanced Detection

With a subscription, you can draw “activity zones” in the Arlo app to focus on specific areas. For instance, you might want to monitor your front porch but ignore the sidewalk. This helps reduce false alerts and ensures you only get notified for important events.

You can also set up custom detection rules, like:

• Alert me only if someone stays in the yard for more than 30 seconds.
• Ignore motion between 10 PM and 6 AM unless it’s a person.

These features make your camera much more intelligent—and less of a nuisance.

Arlo Secure Subscription Plans: Pricing and Options

Arlo offers several subscription tiers, each with different features and pricing. Here’s a breakdown to help you pick the right one.

Arlo Secure Plans (2024)

As of this year, Arlo has simplified its plans into three main options. All plans include cloud storage, smart alerts, and activity zones. The main differences are retention period, camera coverage, and extra features.

Plan Comparison Table

Feature	Arlo Secure (Single Camera)	Arlo Secure (Unlimited Cameras)	Arlo Secure Plus
Cloud Video Retention	7 days	7 days	30 days
Number of Cameras	1 camera	Unlimited	Unlimited
Smart Alerts	Yes (People, Vehicles, Animals)	Yes (People, Vehicles, Animals, Packages)	Yes (All + Package Detection)
Activity Zones	Yes	Yes	Yes
Emergency Response (US only)	No	No	Yes
Price (Monthly)	$2.99	$9.99	$14.99
Price (Annual)	$29.99	$99.99	$149.99

Which plan should you choose? Here’s a quick guide:

• Single Camera Plan ($2.99/month): Best if you only have one camera or want to try Arlo Secure without committing.
• Unlimited Cameras ($9.99/month): Ideal for homes with 2+ cameras. Saves money compared to multiple single-camera plans.
• Secure Plus ($14.99/month): Best for serious users who want 30-day storage, package detection, and emergency response (e.g., direct 911 access via the app).

Tip: Pay annually to save up to 20%. Many users find the unlimited plan pays for itself after just two cameras.

Alternatives to Subscriptions: How to Use Arlo Without Paying

If you’re determined to avoid subscriptions, you’re not out of options. Here’s how to get the most out of your Arlo cameras—without paying a dime extra.

Maximize Local Storage

As mentioned earlier, local storage is your best friend. Use a high-capacity microSD card (128GB or higher) to store days or even weeks of footage. Just remember:

• Footage loops when the card is full (oldest clips get overwritten).
• You can’t access past videos remotely unless you’re on the same Wi-Fi.
• Physically remove the card to back up important clips (e.g., after a break-in).

Pro tip: Label your SD cards and keep backups. I once lost a week’s worth of footage because I forgot to eject the card properly.

Use Third-Party NVRs or Home Automation Hubs

Tech-savvy users can connect Arlo cameras to a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or a home automation system like Home Assistant. This allows for continuous recording, advanced analytics, and remote access—all without Arlo’s cloud.

• Requires technical setup (RTSP protocol, port forwarding, etc.).
• Not officially supported by Arlo, so you’re on your own if something breaks.
• Great for privacy and long-term storage.

Check Arlo’s community forums for user guides and scripts. It’s a bit of work, but worth it if you’re avoiding subscriptions long-term.

Set Up Smart Alerts Manually (Workaround)

Without smart alerts, you can reduce false notifications by:

• Adjusting sensitivity in the Arlo app (lower sensitivity = fewer alerts).
• Positioning the camera to avoid high-traffic areas (e.g., aim at the door, not the street).
• Using physical barriers (like a fence) to limit motion detection zones.

It’s not as smart as AI detection, but it helps.

Real User Experiences: What People Love (and Hate) About Arlo Subscriptions

To give you a balanced view, here’s what actual Arlo users say about subscriptions—based on reviews, forums, and personal conversations.

The Good: “It’s Worth It for Peace of Mind”

Many users swear by Arlo Secure. Sarah, a mom of two, says: “I have three cameras around my house. The unlimited plan lets me check on my kids, the dog, and deliveries—all from one app. The 7-day cloud storage saved us when a neighbor’s car got scratched. We had proof within minutes.”

Others love the smart alerts. “I used to get 20+ alerts a day from squirrels,” says Mark, a homeowner in Texas. “Now I only get notified when someone’s at the door. It’s a huge improvement.”

The Bad: “I Feel Trapped”

Some users feel locked in. “I bought Arlo because it was ‘no subscription,’” says James. “But after a month, I realized I needed cloud storage. Now I’m paying $10/month. I wish they were clearer upfront.”

Others complain about price hikes. “Arlo raised my plan from $9.99 to $12.99 after a year,” says Lisa. “No warning. I’m looking at alternatives.”

The Middle Ground: “I Use Both”

Many users take a hybrid approach. “I use local storage for everyday monitoring,” says David. “But I subscribe during vacation or when I’m worried about a break-in. It’s flexible.”

This approach—using local storage most of the time and subscribing when needed—is a smart way to balance cost and convenience.

Final Thoughts: Is an Arlo Subscription Right for You?

So, do you need a subscription to use Arlo cameras? No—but you might want one. It really depends on your needs, budget, and how you plan to use the camera.

If you’re looking for a simple way to check in on your home, monitor deliveries, or scare off porch pirates, the free features are more than enough. Live video, two-way audio, and local storage give you solid peace of mind without spending extra.

But if you want reliable cloud backups, smart alerts, and the ability to review footage from last week, a subscription is almost essential. The convenience and security benefits are hard to ignore—especially if you have multiple cameras or live in a high-traffic area.

Here’s my advice: Start without a subscription. Use your camera for a few weeks. See how often you rely on cloud features. If you find yourself saying, “I wish I could see that again,” or “Why am I getting so many false alerts?”—then it’s time to consider Arlo Secure.

And remember: You’re not locked in. You can subscribe for a month, cancel, and restart later. Arlo makes it easy to manage your plan in the app. No contracts, no long-term commitments.

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 and your life easier. The key is to choose what works for you—not what the marketing says you “need.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a subscription to use Arlo cameras for basic functionality?

No, you don’t need a subscription to use Arlo cameras for live streaming, motion detection, and two-way audio. However, without a subscription, you’ll miss out on advanced features like cloud storage and AI-powered alerts.

Can I record and store videos from my Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Yes, but only locally via an Arlo SmartHub or base station using a microSD card. Cloud recording and 24/7 video history require an Arlo Secure subscription plan.

What happens if I cancel my Arlo subscription?

Your camera will continue to work for live viewing and motion alerts, but cloud storage, activity zones, and person/vehicle detection will be disabled. Local storage (if set up) remains available.

Is an Arlo subscription required for smart home integrations like Alexa or Google Assistant?

No, integrations work without a subscription. You can still use voice commands and view live feeds via smart displays, but subscription-only features (e.g., package detection) won’t be accessible.

Are there free trial options for Arlo subscriptions?

Yes, Arlo often offers a 30-day free trial of Arlo Secure when you purchase a compatible camera. This lets you test premium features like 4K cloud storage and emergency response before committing.

Do all Arlo cameras require the same subscription plan?

No, subscription needs vary by model. Older cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 2) work with legacy plans, while newer models (e.g., Arlo Pro 5S) require updated Arlo Secure plans for full functionality.