Do Arlo Cameras Require Monthly Fee Find Out Here

Arlo cameras do not require a monthly fee for basic functionality, including live streaming, motion alerts, and local storage—features available right out of the box. However, premium features like cloud storage, AI detection, and extended video history require a paid Arlo Secure subscription, making the fee optional but beneficial for advanced users.

Key Takeaways

• No mandatory fees: Arlo cameras work without subscriptions, but advanced features require paid plans.
• Cloud storage costs: Access 30-day video history with Arlo Secure plans starting at $2.99/month.
• Local storage option: Use microSD cards or base stations to avoid monthly fees entirely.
• AI detection requires subscription: Person/vehicle recognition and smart alerts need an Arlo Secure plan.
• Free trial included: Test premium features with a 30-day trial before committing to a fee.

Do Arlo Cameras Require Monthly Fees? Let’s Clear the Air

If you’ve ever shopped for a home security camera, you’ve probably noticed something: the price tag on the box is just the beginning. You pick up a sleek Arlo camera, excited about its 4K video, night vision, and weatherproof design, only to later discover there’s another layer to the cost—cloud storage, smart alerts, and advanced features often come with a monthly or yearly subscription. It’s like buying a car and then finding out you need to pay extra to turn on the radio.

So, do Arlo cameras require a monthly fee? The short answer: not always, but probably. Arlo offers a mix of free and paid features, and while you can use the cameras without a subscription, you might miss out on the best parts—like motion-triggered video clips, person detection, and remote access to your footage. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what you get for free, what you’ll need to pay for, and whether those monthly fees are worth it based on your needs. Think of it as a real-life breakdown, not a sales pitch—because let’s be honest, we’ve all been burned by hidden costs before.

How Arlo Cameras Work (And Why Subscriptions Matter)

Arlo cameras are designed to be smart, wireless, and easy to set up. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Ultra 2, or the budget-friendly Arlo Essential, the core idea is the same: record video, detect motion, and send alerts to your phone. But here’s the catch—how that video is stored and what kind of alerts you get depend heavily on whether you have a subscription.

The Free Experience: What You Get Without a Subscription

Let’s start with the good news: you can use Arlo cameras without a monthly fee. When you set up your camera, you get:

• Live streaming: View your camera feed in real time via the Arlo app.
• Basic motion alerts: Get notifications when the camera detects motion.
• Local storage (on some models): Cameras like the Arlo Pro 5S and Ultra 2 can save video to a microSD card (sold separately).
• Two-way audio: Talk through the camera using your phone.
• 7-day cloud trial: New accounts get a free trial of Arlo Secure, which includes cloud storage and smart detection.

For example, my neighbor uses an Arlo Pro 3 without a subscription. He’s happy with live viewing and basic alerts, and he keeps a microSD card in the base station to save clips locally. “I don’t need cloud storage,” he told me. “I just want to know if the dog walker showed up.” For simple use cases like this, a free setup works great.

The Paid Experience: Why Most People Eventually Subscribe

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The real value of Arlo—like most smart security systems—comes from features that require a subscription. Without one, you’re missing out on:

• Cloud storage: No automatic backups. If your camera gets stolen or damaged, your footage is gone.
• Smart detection: No person, vehicle, or package recognition. You’ll get alerts for every leaf blowing in the wind.
• Activity zones: No ability to ignore motion in certain areas (like a busy street).
• Video history: No way to rewind and see what happened when you weren’t looking.
• Advanced alerts: No custom notifications (e.g., “Alert me only if a person is near the back door after 9 PM”).

Take my own setup: I have an Arlo Ultra 2 at my front door. Without a subscription, I’d get a ping every time my cat walked by or a delivery truck passed. But with Arlo Secure, I only get alerts when a person is near the porch. That’s a game-changer—especially when I’m at work and don’t want to check my phone 20 times a day.

So while you can use Arlo cameras for free, most users eventually realize that the subscription unlocks the camera’s full potential. It’s not just about storage—it’s about intelligence and convenience.

Arlo Secure: The Subscription That Powers Your Camera

Arlo’s paid service is called Arlo Secure, and it’s the key to getting the most out of your cameras. Think of it like a premium membership that adds brains to your security system. Let’s break down what you get, how much it costs, and whether it’s worth it.

What Does Arlo Secure Include?

Arlo Secure comes in a few different tiers, but the core features are the same across most plans:

• 30-day cloud storage: Save up to 30 days of motion-triggered video clips.
• Smart detection: Get alerts only for people, vehicles, animals, or packages—no more false alarms.
• Activity zones: Draw custom zones in your camera view to ignore motion in certain areas.
• Video history: Rewind and search through your footage using keywords (e.g., “person,” “package”).
• 24/7 emergency response (on select plans): Call for help with one tap in the app (available with Arlo Secure Premium).
• Arlo Secure App: Access advanced settings, multi-camera views, and family sharing.

One of my favorite features? The video history. Last winter, a package was stolen from my porch. Without cloud storage, I’d have lost the footage when the camera was unplugged. But with Arlo Secure, I had a 30-day archive. I reviewed the video, identified the thief, and shared it with the police. That alone made the $10/month fee worth it to me.

Arlo Secure Plans and Pricing (2024)

Arlo offers several subscription options, depending on how many cameras you have and what features you want. Here’s a quick comparison:

Plan	Price (Monthly)	Cameras Supported	Key Features
Arlo Secure (Single Camera)	$2.99	1 camera	Cloud storage, smart detection, activity zones
Arlo Secure (Multi-Camera)	$9.99	Up to 5 cameras	Cloud storage, smart detection, activity zones, video history
Arlo Secure Premium	$14.99	Up to 10 cameras	Everything in Secure + 24/7 emergency response, 4K video support, advanced AI
Arlo Secure Ultimate (Home)	$19.99	Up to 20 cameras + smart home devices	All features + smart home integration (e.g., lights, locks)

Tip: If you have more than one camera, the multi-camera plan is almost always the better deal. At $9.99/month for up to 5 cameras, it’s just $2 per camera—cheaper than the single-camera plan. And if you’re using 4K cameras (like the Ultra 2), the Premium plan is a must for full resolution storage.

Is Arlo Secure Worth It? A Real-World Perspective

Let’s be honest: $10 a month isn’t cheap, especially if you’re on a tight budget. But consider this: what’s your peace of mind worth?

• For renters or apartment dwellers: A $3/month single-camera plan might be perfect. You get smart alerts and cloud backup without breaking the bank.
• For homeowners with a full system: The $15/month Premium plan is a smart investment. You’re not just paying for storage—you’re paying for AI, emergency response, and 4K video.
• For budget-conscious users: You can skip the subscription and use local storage (microSD card). But remember: if your camera is stolen or damaged, you lose everything.

I’ve had friends who canceled their subscription after a few months, only to regret it when a package was stolen. “I thought I could just check the live feed,” one said. “But I missed it.” That’s the risk: without cloud storage, you’re only protected if you’re actively watching.

Can You Avoid Monthly Fees? Local Storage & Workarounds

Good news: yes, you can avoid monthly fees—if you’re willing to trade convenience for cost savings. Arlo offers several ways to store and access video without a subscription.

Local Storage: microSD Cards and Base Stations

Some Arlo cameras (like the Pro 5S, Ultra 2, and Essential) support local storage via a microSD card. Here’s how it works:

• Insert a microSD card (up to 2TB) into your camera or base station.
• The camera saves motion-triggered clips directly to the card.
• You can view and download clips through the Arlo app—no subscription needed.

Pros:

• One-time cost (microSD cards range from $20–$100, depending on capacity).
• No recurring fees.
• Full control over your data—no third-party servers.

Cons:

• No cloud backup. If the card fails or the camera is stolen, you lose everything.
• No smart detection. You’ll get alerts for all motion, not just people.
• Manual management. You have to check the card regularly and delete old clips.

I tried this setup with an Arlo Essential for a few months. It worked fine for basic monitoring, but I got tired of false alerts (my neighbor’s cat triggered the camera daily). I eventually upgraded to a subscription just for the smart detection.

Workarounds and Alternatives

If you want to avoid fees but still get smart features, here are a few tips:

• Use the free trial wisely: Arlo gives you a 7-day free trial of Arlo Secure. Use it to test smart detection and see if it’s worth the cost.
• Buy a used microSD card: Look for refurbished cards from reputable sellers. I saved $30 by buying a 1TB card on Amazon Renewed.
• Set up activity zones manually: Even without a subscription, you can draw basic zones in the app to reduce false alerts.
• Check for promotions: Arlo often offers 1-year free trials with camera purchases. I got a year of Secure Premium with my Ultra 2—worth $180 in savings.

Important note: Some features—like 4K video and emergency response—require a subscription. If you have a high-end camera, you’ll need to pay for full functionality.

Arlo vs. Competitors: How Do Monthly Fees Compare?

Arlo isn’t the only player in the smart camera game. Let’s see how its subscription model stacks up against Ring, Google Nest, and Eufy.

Ring Protect Plans

• Basic ($3.99/month): 180-day cloud storage, smart detection, activity zones (1 camera).
• Plus ($10/month): All features + professional monitoring (up to 10 cameras).

Verdict: Ring’s pricing is similar to Arlo, but it includes professional monitoring in the Plus plan. However, Ring’s smart detection is less advanced—it often struggles with animals and vehicles.

Google Nest Aware

• Nest Aware ($6/month): 30-day cloud storage, smart detection, activity zones (all cameras).
• Nest Aware Plus ($12/month): 60-day storage + 24/7 video history.

Verdict: Nest is cheaper than Arlo for multi-camera setups, but it lacks 24/7 emergency response. Also, Nest cameras require a Nest Hub or Google Assistant for full functionality.

Eufy Security (No Subscription)

• Free plan: Local storage, smart detection, activity zones—all included.

Verdict: Eufy is the only major brand that offers full smart features without a subscription. But it has downsides: no cloud backup, limited app features, and fewer integration options (e.g., no Apple HomeKit).

Bottom line: If you hate subscriptions, Eufy is a great choice. But if you want cloud backup, emergency response, and seamless smart home integration, Arlo’s fees are competitive.

Is a Monthly Fee Right for You? A Decision Guide

So, should you pay for a subscription? It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how you plan to use your camera. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

Skip the Subscription If:

• You only need basic monitoring (e.g., checking the live feed occasionally).
• You’re on a tight budget and can’t afford monthly fees.
• You have a small setup (1–2 cameras) and are okay with local storage.
• You’re comfortable managing your own data (backing up clips, replacing SD cards).

Get the Subscription If:

• You want peace of mind (cloud backup, smart detection, emergency response).
• You have a large property or multiple cameras (e.g., front door, backyard, garage).
• You travel often and need remote access to your footage.
• You hate false alerts and want AI to filter out wind, animals, and cars.

My personal take: I started with local storage, but after a few months, I switched to Arlo Secure. The smart detection alone saved me from checking my phone a dozen times a day. And when my package was stolen, I had the evidence I needed. For me, the $10/month is a small price for real security.

Remember: you’re not just paying for storage—you’re paying for intelligence, convenience, and peace of mind. Whether that’s worth it depends on you. But one thing’s for sure: Arlo cameras work without a subscription, but they shine with one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras require a monthly fee to function?

Arlo cameras can be used without a monthly fee for basic live streaming and motion detection. However, advanced features like cloud storage, AI detection, and activity zones require an Arlo Secure subscription.

What features do I miss without an Arlo monthly fee plan?

Without a subscription, you won’t have access to cloud video storage, person/package detection, or emergency response services. These features are only available through paid Arlo Secure plans.

Is there a free trial for Arlo’s monthly fee services?

Yes, most new Arlo cameras come with a free trial (typically 30 days) of Arlo Secure. This lets you test premium features before deciding if the monthly fee is worth it.

Can I avoid the monthly fee by using local storage with Arlo?

Absolutely. Arlo cameras support local storage via microSD or USB drives (depending on the model), allowing you to save footage without paying for cloud storage.

Does the Arlo monthly fee cover all my cameras?

Arlo Secure plans are per-camera, but multi-camera discounts are available. For example, a 3-camera plan costs less per camera than individual subscriptions.

Are there alternatives to the Arlo monthly fee for smart alerts?

Without a subscription, you’ll get basic motion alerts. For advanced AI detection (like distinguishing people from animals), an Arlo Secure plan is required.