Do Arlo Cameras Have a Monthly Fee Find Out Here

Arlo cameras do not require a monthly fee for basic functionality, including live streaming, motion alerts, and local storage via a microSD card. However, premium features like cloud storage, AI-powered detection, and emergency response require a paid Arlo Secure subscription, starting at $2.99 per month. Choose based on your security needs—free core features or enhanced protection with a plan.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras require no monthly fees for basic live streaming and motion alerts.
• Cloud storage needs a subscription to access recorded video history and smart features.
• Free tier includes limited features like 720p streaming and 3-day video history.
• Arlo Secure plans start at $2.99/month for 30-day storage and 1080p video.
• Local storage via microSD is free but requires compatible Arlo SmartHub or base station.
• Cancel anytime—subscriptions can be paused or stopped without long-term contracts.

Do Arlo Cameras Require a Monthly Subscription? Here’s What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’ve just set up your brand-new Arlo camera system, feeling proud of your smart home upgrade. You’ve mounted the sleek outdoor cameras, synced them with your smartphone, and are already enjoying crisp HD footage of your front porch. But then, a week later, you open the app and see a message: “Upgrade to a Premium Plan to continue recording.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. This is a common moment of realization for many Arlo users—the point where the free tier ends, and the question arises: Do Arlo cameras have a monthly fee?

The short answer? It depends. Arlo offers both free and paid options, but the reality is that the free plan has significant limitations. If you want to get the most out of your Arlo cameras—like cloud storage, advanced AI detection, or 24/7 recording—you’ll likely need a subscription. But here’s the good news: Arlo’s pricing is flexible, and there are ways to minimize or even avoid monthly fees if you plan smartly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Arlo’s pricing, what you get (and don’t get) with free vs. paid plans, and how to choose the right setup for your needs. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a current Arlo user frustrated with the paywall, this post will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Arlo’s Free vs. Paid Plans

What’s Included in the Free Plan?

When you buy an Arlo camera, you get a free basic plan by default. This plan is great for testing out the system or if you just need live viewing and basic motion alerts. Here’s what you get:

• Live video streaming to your phone or tablet.
• Motion and audio detection alerts with basic AI (e.g., person, vehicle, animal).
• 7 days of cloud storage for motion-triggered clips—but only if the camera is connected to Wi-Fi and the motion event is detected within that window.
• Up to 3 cameras can be linked to the free plan.
• Local storage option (if your camera supports a microSD card or Arlo SmartHub).

For example, my Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera came with the free plan. I could watch live feeds, get alerts when my dog walked by, and even see a 10-second clip of the mail carrier. But if I missed the alert, the clip disappeared after 7 days—no way to recover it unless I saved it manually. That’s where the limitations start to show.

When Do You Need a Paid Plan?

The free plan works for casual use, but if you want full functionality, a subscription is almost essential. Here’s why:

• Cloud storage beyond 7 days: The free plan only keeps clips for a week. If you’re on vacation or just don’t check your phone daily, you’ll lose important footage.
• Unlimited camera support: The free plan caps at 3 cameras. If you have a larger home or multiple entry points, you’ll need a paid plan to add more.
• Advanced AI detection: Paid plans include features like package detection, face recognition, and customizable activity zones—handy for avoiding false alarms from swaying trees or passing cars.
• 24/7 continuous recording: Only available with higher-tier plans (like Arlo Secure Plus or Premier).
• Emergency response and professional monitoring: Some plans offer 24/7 monitoring and direct access to emergency services.

I learned this the hard way when my neighbor’s car got scratched in the driveway. I had the free plan, and the footage was already gone by the time I realized I needed it. A paid plan would have saved that clip indefinitely.

Arlo’s Subscription Tiers: Pricing and Features Compared

Arlo Secure Plans (Most Popular)

Arlo Secure is the core subscription line, designed for home security. There are three tiers:

• Arlo Secure (Standard): $2.99/month per camera or $9.99/month for up to 5 cameras. Includes 30-day cloud storage, AI detection, and 24/7 emergency response (for eligible plans).
• Arlo Secure Plus: $14.99/month for up to 5 cameras. Adds 4K cloud storage, 24/7 professional monitoring, and unlimited video downloads.
• Arlo Secure Premier: $19.99/month for up to 5 cameras. Includes all Secure Plus features plus 24/7 continuous recording (CVR) for one camera.

Pro tip: The “per camera” pricing can add up fast. If you have 4 cameras, the 5-camera plan at $9.99/month is a no-brainer over paying $2.99 x 4 = $11.96/month.

Arlo Safe and Arlo Total Security (Bundled Plans)

These are newer, all-in-one plans that bundle home security, mobile safety, and professional monitoring:

• Arlo Safe: $12.99/month. Includes 30-day cloud storage for up to 5 cameras, AI detection, and mobile safety features (like crash detection and emergency calling via the Arlo app).
• Arlo Total Security: $19.99/month. Adds 24/7 professional monitoring, 4K storage, CVR, and mobile safety.

These plans are great if you want a unified security ecosystem. For example, the mobile safety features work with your smartphone to alert emergency contacts if you’re in a car accident or need help. But if you only need camera features, they might be overkill.

Specialized Plans: Arlo Business and Arlo Go

For businesses or remote locations:

• Arlo Business: $14.99/month per camera. Designed for small businesses with features like multi-user access and commercial-grade AI.
• Arlo Go (LTE Cameras): Requires a separate LTE data plan (e.g., $10/month for 2GB). Ideal for off-grid locations like construction sites or vacation cabins.

Note: Arlo Go cameras require a data plan to function, so there’s no “free” option here.

How to Avoid Monthly Fees: Workarounds and Alternatives

Use Local Storage (No Subscription Needed)

Many Arlo cameras support local storage via microSD cards or the Arlo SmartHub. Here’s how it works:

• MicroSD cards: Cameras like the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra 2 can record directly to a card (up to 2TB). No cloud fees, but you lose remote access to clips unless you manually transfer them.
• Arlo SmartHub: This device connects to your router and acts as a local NVR. It stores footage from up to 16 cameras on a USB drive or NAS. No subscription needed, but you’ll need to manage the storage yourself.

Real-world example: My friend uses an Arlo SmartHub with a 4TB USB drive. His cameras record continuously, and he can view footage remotely via the app—no monthly fee. The downside? If the hub fails, he loses all his recordings. So he backs up critical clips manually.

Buy a Pre-Paid Subscription (One-Time Cost)

Arlo sometimes offers annual subscriptions at a discount. For example, the 5-camera Arlo Secure plan costs $9.99/month, but the annual rate is $99.99—saving you $20/year. If you plan to use the system long-term, this is a smart move.

Use Free Plan Strategically

If you’re okay with limitations, the free plan can still work:

• Save clips manually: When you get an alert, save the clip to your phone or cloud (e.g., Google Drive).
• Limit cameras: Use only 3 cameras and position them at high-risk areas (front door, garage).
• Combine with local storage: Use the free plan for live alerts and microSD for backups.

Tip: Set a weekly reminder to check your app and save important clips before they expire.

Consider Competitors with Free Cloud Storage

Some brands offer free unlimited cloud storage or longer retention. For example:

• Google Nest Cam: 3 hours of event video for free; 60-day storage for $6/month.
• Eufy Security: No subscription needed—local storage only, with AI detection built in.

If avoiding fees is your top priority, these might be worth exploring.

Real User Experiences: Pros and Cons of Arlo Subscriptions

What Users Love About Paid Plans

From my research and personal experience, here’s what subscribers appreciate:

• Peace of mind: Knowing footage is saved for 30+ days means you won’t miss critical events.
• AI detection accuracy: The paid AI is far better at filtering out false alerts. One user said, “I used to get 20 alerts a day from my cat. Now it only alerts me for people.”
• Professional monitoring: For $19.99/month, Arlo Total Security will call 911 if a break-in is detected. A user in Texas said this feature scared off a burglar.

Common Complaints and Frustrations

Not all users are happy:

• “Paywall after purchase”: Many feel misled because the camera’s price doesn’t include full features. A Reddit user wrote, “I spent $300 on cameras, but now I need to pay $30/month to use them properly.”
• Storage limits: Even paid plans have caps. The 5-camera plan doesn’t scale well for larger homes.
• Complex pricing: The tiered structure can be confusing. One user said, “I signed up for Secure, then realized I needed Secure Plus for 24/7 recording.”

Tips from Long-Term Users

• Start with free, upgrade later: Test the system first, then choose a plan based on your needs.
• Use the 30-day trial: All paid plans come with a free trial. Use it to test features before committing.
• Cancel anytime: Arlo allows easy cancellation, so you’re not locked in.

Making the Right Choice: Is a Monthly Fee Worth It?

When to Skip the Subscription

A monthly fee isn’t necessary if:

• You only need live viewing and basic alerts.
• You’re okay with 7-day storage and manually saving clips.
• You use local storage (microSD or SmartHub) as your primary backup.
• You have a small setup (1-3 cameras) and don’t need advanced AI.

Example: A retiree who checks her phone daily and uses a microSD card might never need a subscription.

When to Invest in a Paid Plan

A subscription is worth it if:

• You want long-term cloud storage (e.g., for insurance claims).
• You have 4+ cameras and need unlimited support.
• You value advanced AI (package detection, face recognition).
• You travel often and want 24/7 monitoring.
• You’re a business owner who needs professional-grade security.

Example: A family with 6 cameras and a vacation home would benefit from the 5-camera Arlo Secure plan ($9.99/month) plus local storage for redundancy.

Cost Comparison Table

Plan	Price (5 Cameras)	Storage	AI Detection	Monitoring	Best For
Free Plan	$0	7 days	Basic (person, vehicle, animal)	No	Casual users, small setups
Arlo Secure	$9.99/month	30 days	Advanced (package, face)	Emergency response	Most homeowners
Arlo Secure Plus	$14.99/month	30 days (4K)	Advanced	Professional 24/7	High-security needs
Arlo Total Security	$19.99/month	30 days (4K) + CVR	Advanced	Professional + mobile	Families, businesses

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras don’t force a monthly fee, but the free plan is limited. The right choice depends on your security needs, budget, and willingness to manage local storage. If you value convenience and full features, a subscription is a small price to pay for peace of mind. But if you’re tech-savvy and don’t mind a little manual work, you can avoid fees entirely. Either way, Arlo’s flexibility lets you customize your setup—just make sure you understand what you’re getting (and not getting) before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras have a monthly fee for basic use?

Arlo cameras can be used without a monthly fee if you rely solely on live streaming and local storage (via USB or SD card). However, cloud storage and advanced features require a subscription plan.

What features require an Arlo monthly fee?

An Arlo monthly fee unlocks cloud storage, AI-powered alerts (person/vehicle detection), and extended video history. These features are only available with paid plans like Arlo Secure.

Is there a free trial for Arlo’s subscription service?

Yes, Arlo often includes a 30-day free trial of Arlo Secure with new camera purchases. This lets you test cloud storage and premium features before committing to a monthly fee.

How much does the Arlo monthly fee cost?

Arlo’s monthly fee starts at $2.99/month per camera for the Essential plan (30-day cloud storage) and scales up to $14.99/month for multi-camera plans with advanced features.

Can I avoid the monthly fee with local storage?

Yes! Arlo cameras support local storage via USB (for wired models) or SD cards (for select wireless models), letting you skip the monthly fee entirely—though you’ll miss cloud backups and smart alerts.

Do all Arlo cameras require a subscription for recordings?

No, only recordings saved to the cloud require an Arlo Secure subscription. Without a monthly fee, you can still use local storage for recordings, but they won’t be accessible remotely.