Does Arlo Camera Have a Monthly Fee Find Out Here

Yes, Arlo cameras do require a monthly fee for full functionality, including cloud storage, AI-powered alerts, and advanced features like person and package detection. While basic local recording is free, most users find the subscription plans—ranging from $2.99 to $14.99 monthly—essential for maximizing security and convenience.

Key Takeaways

• No mandatory fees: Arlo cameras work without subscriptions, but advanced features require one.
• Free basic features: Local storage and live streaming are included at no extra cost.
• Cloud storage needs a plan: Save recordings off-site with a paid Arlo Smart subscription.
• AI detection requires payment: Person, vehicle, and pet alerts are subscription-exclusive features.
• Compare plans wisely: Choose from 3-tiered plans based on your camera count and needs.

Understanding Arlo Cameras and Their Pricing Model

When you’re shopping for a home security camera, one of the first questions that pops up is, “Does Arlo camera have a monthly fee?” It’s a fair question—especially when you’re trying to balance safety, convenience, and cost. I remember when I first started researching Arlo cameras for my own home. I was excited by the sleek design, the wireless setup, and the promise of 24/7 monitoring. But then I started digging into the fine print and realized: not all features come free.

Arlo, owned by Netgear, has become a household name in smart home security. Their cameras are known for easy installation, crisp video quality, and integration with smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. But here’s the catch: while the hardware (the camera itself) is a one-time purchase, many of the most useful features—like cloud storage, AI-powered alerts, and video history—require a subscription. This is where the monthly fee question comes in. And the answer? It depends on what you want from your camera.

What You Get Without a Subscription

If you’re the kind of person who likes to keep things simple and avoid recurring costs, you’ll be happy to know that Arlo cameras do work without a monthly fee. You can still:

• Record videos locally using a microSD card (if your model supports it, like the Arlo Pro 3 or Arlo Essential models).
• View live feeds directly from your phone or tablet via the Arlo app.
• Receive basic motion notifications when movement is detected.
• Use two-way audio to talk through the camera (great for scaring off raccoons or greeting delivery drivers).

For example, I set up an Arlo Essential Indoor Camera in my home office. I didn’t want to pay extra just to check in on my cat during the day. With no subscription, I could still open the app, see a live view, and get a quick alert if she knocked over a plant (she did). That was enough for my needs—at least at first.

But here’s the reality: without a subscription, your camera is kind of like a smartwatch without GPS. You get the core function, but you miss out on the smart stuff. And that’s where things get interesting.

Why People Consider a Monthly Fee

Let’s say you’re on vacation and your camera detects motion at 2 a.m. Without a subscription, you’ll get a notification—but you won’t be able to see what triggered it. You’d have to rush home or call a neighbor to check. That’s not ideal. With a subscription, you get cloud storage so you can review the footage later. It’s like having a security guard who takes notes and saves them for you.

Another scenario: your kids come home from school, and you want to see them enter the house safely. Without cloud storage, you’d have to be watching live at that exact moment. With a subscription, you can go back and watch the recording anytime—say, during your lunch break. This peace of mind is what drives many users to opt for a monthly plan.

Arlo Subscription Plans Explained

Now let’s dive into the heart of the matter: what do you actually get for your monthly fee? Arlo offers several subscription tiers, each designed for different needs. Think of them like streaming services—you pick the plan that matches how much you’ll use it and how many cameras you have.

Arlo Secure Plans (Cloud Storage & AI Features)

As of 2024, Arlo has consolidated most of its paid services under the Arlo Secure umbrella. There are three main tiers:

• Arlo Secure (Single Camera): $3.99/month per camera. Includes 30-day cloud video history, AI object detection (person, vehicle, animal, package), and 24/7 emergency response (in select areas).
• Arlo Secure (Multiple Cameras): $12.99/month for up to 10 cameras. Same features as the single plan, but more cost-effective if you have multiple devices.
• Arlo Secure Plus: $17.99/month for up to 10 cameras. Adds 24/7 professional monitoring, 4K video recording (if your camera supports it), and advanced AI filtering (e.g., “only notify me if it’s a person, not a squirrel”).

For example, my neighbor has three Arlo Pro 4 cameras around her house. She chose the multi-camera plan. At $12.99/month, it’s less than $4.33 per camera—way better than paying $3.99 each. She also loves that she can filter out false alerts from trees swaying in the wind. The AI learns her yard over time and gets smarter.

Arlo SmartHub & Local Storage Options

If you’re wary of monthly fees, Arlo offers a middle ground: the Arlo SmartHub. This device connects to your home network and allows you to store video locally on a USB drive or microSD card. You don’t need a subscription to use it.

For instance, my brother-in-law installed an Arlo Ultra 2 system with a SmartHub. He stores 30 days of footage on a 256GB USB drive. He gets motion alerts and can review clips from his phone, all without paying a dime extra. The catch? He has to manage the storage himself—if the drive fills up, older footage gets overwritten. And if the SmartHub loses power or the USB fails, he loses access to his recordings.

Still, for someone who wants control and doesn’t mind a little tech maintenance, local storage is a solid no-monthly-fee option.

Free Trial: Test Before You Commit

Arlo offers a 30-day free trial of Arlo Secure with most new camera purchases. This is a game-changer. You can test all the premium features—cloud storage, AI alerts, video playback—and decide if they’re worth the cost.

When I bought my Arlo Pro 3, I used the trial to see how often I actually reviewed footage. Turns out, I checked recordings about twice a week—usually to see if the dog got into the trash or if the mail arrived. For me, that justified the $3.99/month. But if you’re only using your camera occasionally, the trial helps you avoid paying for features you won’t use.

Which Arlo Cameras Require a Subscription?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to subscription needs. Some models are more dependent on cloud features than others. Let’s break it down by popular models.

Arlo Pro Series (Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5)

These are Arlo’s mid-to-high-end outdoor cameras. They offer 2K or 4K video, color night vision, and two-way audio. While they can work without a subscription, their full potential shines with one.

• Without subscription: Live view, motion alerts, local storage (with microSD or SmartHub).
• With subscription: 30-day cloud history, AI object detection, emergency response, and advanced activity zones (e.g., “only alert me if motion is in the driveway, not the sidewalk”).

For example, a friend of mine has an Arlo Pro 4 facing her front porch. Without AI filtering, she was getting alerts every time a leaf blew by. After enabling the subscription, she only gets notified for people or packages. That’s a huge quality-of-life improvement.

Arlo Ultra Series (Ultra, Ultra 2, Ultra 3)

These are Arlo’s premium cameras with 4K HDR video, spotlight, and siren. They’re designed for serious security setups. The Ultra series requires a subscription for cloud storage and AI features, though local storage via SmartHub is still an option.

One user on a home security forum shared that he uses Ultra 2 cameras for his small business. He needs 4K clarity to identify faces and license plates. Without the Secure Plus plan, he’d lose access to the high-resolution cloud recordings. For him, the $17.99/month is a business expense, not a luxury.

Arlo Essential Series (Indoor, Outdoor, Wire-Free)

These are budget-friendly cameras with 1080p video and basic features. They’re perfect for renters or people who want simple monitoring.

• Essential Indoor: Works great without a subscription. Use it for baby monitoring or pet checks. No local storage option, so cloud or nothing.
• Essential Outdoor: Supports local storage via microSD card (up to 256GB). You can avoid monthly fees if you’re okay with managing the card.
• Essential Wire-Free: Battery-powered and easy to install. Subscription gives you AI alerts and cloud history, but local storage is limited.

A tip: If you’re using an Essential Outdoor camera, buy a high-quality microSD card (like SanDisk High Endurance) and format it through the Arlo app. This ensures smooth recording and reduces the risk of corruption.

Alternatives to Monthly Fees: How to Avoid Them

If you’re determined to avoid monthly fees, you’re not out of luck. There are smart, practical ways to get the most out of your Arlo camera without a subscription.

Use Local Storage (SmartHub or microSD)

As mentioned earlier, local storage is your best friend. The Arlo SmartHub supports up to 2TB of storage via USB or microSD. That’s enough for months of 2K footage from multiple cameras.

One user on Reddit shared a setup with four Arlo Pro 3 cameras and a 1TB USB drive. He set up activity zones to reduce false alerts and scheduled recordings only at night. This minimized storage use and let him keep 60 days of footage. His tip? “Label your USB drives and back them up once a year—just in case.”

Set Activity Zones to Reduce False Alerts

Even without AI, you can reduce unnecessary notifications by customizing activity zones in the Arlo app. For example, if your camera points at a busy street, exclude that area from detection. This means fewer alerts and less need for cloud storage to review false alarms.

I did this with my backyard camera. I set a zone that only covers the back door and the patio. Now, when a neighbor’s cat runs across the yard, I don’t get a notification. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

Use IFTTT or Third-Party Automation

Arlo integrates with IFTTT (If This Then That), a free automation tool. You can set up rules like:

• “When Arlo detects motion, turn on my smart lights.”
• “If motion is detected between 10 PM and 6 AM, send me a text.”

This adds functionality without a subscription. A friend used IFTTT to connect her Arlo camera to her smart garage door. When motion is detected near the garage, the door closes automatically. It’s a creative workaround that enhances security without extra fees.

Is the Monthly Fee Worth It? A Cost-Benefit Breakdown

Now comes the big question: Is the Arlo monthly fee worth it? The answer depends on your lifestyle, needs, and tolerance for risk. Let’s look at the pros and cons.

Pros of Paying the Monthly Fee

• Cloud storage: 30 days of video history means you never miss a moment. Great for evidence, memories, or just curiosity.
• AI object detection: Reduces false alerts by up to 70% (based on Arlo’s internal data). Saves time and mental energy.
• Emergency response: In some areas, you can trigger a 24/7 monitoring center to check on your home.
• 4K video (Secure Plus): Higher clarity for identifying faces, license plates, or details.
• No storage management: No need to worry about filling up a USB drive or losing local files.

Cons of Paying the Monthly Fee

• Ongoing cost: Over time, $12.99/month adds up. After 3 years, you’ve paid over $450 for a feature you might not use daily.
• Internet dependency: If your Wi-Fi goes out, cloud uploads stop. Local storage works even during outages (if the camera has battery).
• Data privacy concerns: Some users are uncomfortable storing video in the cloud. Arlo uses encryption, but it’s still a consideration.
• Subscription fatigue: If you already pay for Netflix, Spotify, and cloud storage, adding another $10–$20/month can feel overwhelming.

When It Makes Sense to Pay

You should consider a monthly fee if:

• You travel often and want to check in on your home.
• You have kids, pets, or elderly family members you want to monitor.
• You live in a high-traffic area (e.g., near a street) and get many false alerts.
• You want professional monitoring for emergencies.
• You don’t want to manage local storage (USB drives, formatting, etc.).

Data Table: Arlo Subscription vs. No Subscription

Feature	No Monthly Fee	Arlo Secure (Single)	Arlo Secure Plus
Cloud Video History	❌ None	✅ 30 days	✅ 30 days (4K)
AI Object Detection	❌ No	✅ Person, vehicle, animal, package	✅ Advanced filtering
Live View	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Two-Way Audio	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Local Storage	✅ microSD or SmartHub	✅ microSD or SmartHub	✅ microSD or SmartHub
Professional Monitoring	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Price (per month)	$0	$3.99 (1 cam) / $12.99 (up to 10)	$17.99 (up to 10)

Final Thoughts: Does Arlo Camera Have a Monthly Fee? Find Out Here

So, does Arlo camera have a monthly fee? Yes—but only if you want the premium features. The camera itself works perfectly fine without one. You’ll still get live views, motion alerts, and two-way audio. But if you want cloud storage, AI-powered alerts, or professional monitoring, you’ll need to pay.

Think of it like a car. The base model gets you from point A to B. But if you want GPS, heated seats, or automatic braking, you pay extra. Arlo’s subscription is the same: it’s not mandatory, but it unlocks the full potential of your camera.

My advice? Start with the free trial. Test the features for 30 days. Ask yourself: How often do I review footage? Do I get annoyed by false alerts? Do I want peace of mind when I’m away? If the answers lean toward “yes,” the monthly fee is likely worth it.

And if you’re still unsure, go the local storage route. Use a SmartHub or microSD card. You’ll save money and keep control over your data. Just remember to back up your files and manage storage regularly.

At the end of the day, your home security should fit your life—not the other way around. Whether you choose to pay or not, Arlo gives you options. And that’s what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras require a monthly fee for basic use?

No, Arlo cameras do not require a monthly fee for basic functionality like live streaming and motion detection. However, cloud storage and advanced features require a subscription plan.

What happens if I don’t pay the Arlo monthly fee?

Without a subscription, you’ll still get live video and motion alerts, but recordings won’t be saved to the cloud. Local storage (via microSD or base station) remains available for free.

Is there a free plan for Arlo camera storage?

Arlo offers a limited 7-day free cloud storage trial for new users. Afterward, you’ll need an Arlo Secure plan to access cloud recordings, with pricing starting at $2.99/month.

Which Arlo subscription plan is best for multiple cameras?

The Arlo Secure Plus plan ($14.99/month) covers up to 5 cameras with 2K cloud storage and AI detection. It’s ideal for households using multiple Arlo cameras and wanting the full feature set.

Can I avoid the Arlo monthly fee entirely?

Yes, by using local storage options like a microSD card (for wired cameras) or an Arlo SmartHub. This lets you save recordings without any monthly fees, but you’ll miss out on cloud backups and AI features.

Does the Arlo monthly fee include professional monitoring?

No, professional monitoring requires an additional Arlo Safe subscription ($4.99/month). The standard Arlo Secure plans cover cloud storage and AI detection but not emergency response services.