Does the Arlo Security Camera Require a Subscription Find Out Here

No, the Arlo Security Camera does not require a subscription to function, allowing you to view live footage and receive basic motion alerts for free. However, premium features like cloud storage, AI detection, and extended video history are locked behind a paid plan, making a subscription valuable for advanced security needs.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras work without a subscription for live viewing and local storage.
• Cloud storage requires a paid plan to save and review past footage remotely.
• Smart alerts need Arlo Smart for person, package, and vehicle detection.
• Free tier offers 7-day rolling storage for one camera only—upgrade for more.
• Local backup is subscription-free via USB or microSD on select models.
• Multi-camera setups demand plans to unlock full features across all devices.

Does the Arlo Security Camera Require a Subscription? Let’s Break It Down

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo security camera. You’re excited to see who’s at the front door or check in on your pets while you’re at work. But then, a notification pops up: “To access cloud storage and advanced features, a subscription is required.” Your heart sinks a little. You didn’t expect this. Now you’re wondering—does the Arlo security camera require a subscription? And more importantly, do you really need it?

If you’ve been shopping for home security systems, you’ve probably heard of Arlo. Known for sleek, wireless, and easy-to-install cameras, Arlo has become a go-to choice for many homeowners. But with so many models and options—Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, and more—it’s easy to get confused about what’s included out of the box and what costs extra. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Arlo subscriptions—what they are, what they offer, when you need them, and when you don’t. I’ll share real-life examples, compare options, and help you decide whether a subscription is worth it for your needs.

What Is an Arlo Subscription? (And Why It Exists)

When you buy an Arlo camera, you’re buying a physical device—a camera that records video, detects motion, and connects to your Wi-Fi. But the smart part of the experience? That’s where Arlo’s cloud-based services come in. An Arlo subscription is a monthly or annual service that unlocks advanced features like cloud storage, AI-powered alerts, and extended video history. Think of it like the difference between a basic smartphone and one with a premium cloud backup plan.

Why Arlo Offers Subscriptions (Not Just for Profit)

At first glance, it might seem like Arlo is just trying to squeeze extra money from users. But there’s a practical reason behind the subscription model. Cloud storage isn’t free. Arlo uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) and other secure data centers to store your videos, which costs them money. Plus, features like facial recognition, package detection, and 24/7 recording require constant server processing and AI analysis. Without a subscription, Arlo would have to raise the price of the cameras significantly—or cut corners on security and reliability.

Here’s a real-world example: A friend of mine bought an Arlo Pro 4 without realizing the subscription was needed for 30-day video history. After a week, she had a break-in. She went to check the footage, but it had already been overwritten—only 7 days of recordings were saved locally. She had to rely on grainy stills from motion detection. Had she had a subscription, she would’ve had the full video, time-stamped, and even a notification that someone was lingering near her door.

What You Get (and Don’t Get) Without a Subscription

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a subscription to use your Arlo camera. You can still:

• View live video through the Arlo app
• Receive basic motion alerts
• Record short video clips (usually 10–30 seconds) when motion is detected
• Use local storage via a microSD card (on select models)
• Talk through two-way audio

But here’s what you won’t get:

• Cloud storage for video history beyond a few days
• Smart detection (like person, vehicle, or package alerts)
• Facial recognition or custom activity zones
• 30-day video history or longer
• Unlimited camera support (free plans limit you to one camera)

So, if you just want to peek in on your backyard or see who’s at the door, you’re covered. But if you want peace of mind with detailed alerts and long-term recordings, a subscription becomes much more valuable.

Arlo Subscription Tiers: Which One Is Right for You?

Arlo offers several subscription plans, each tailored to different needs and budgets. The options have evolved over time, but as of 2024, the main tiers are Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus. Let’s break them down so you can pick the right one.

Arlo Secure: The Most Popular Option

This is the sweet spot for most users. For around $2.99 to $4.99 per month per camera (billed annually), you get:

• 30-day cloud storage for video history
• Smart detection: Person, vehicle, package, and animal alerts
• Custom activity zones (draw areas where you want motion detection)
• Unlimited camera support (you can add as many cameras as you want)
• 24/7 emergency response (available in select regions—lets you contact emergency services directly from the app)

Example: Sarah has an Arlo Pro 5 and an Arlo Video Doorbell. She uses Arlo Secure. When her camera detects a person at night, she gets a push notification with a thumbnail. She taps it, sees someone loitering near her garage, and calls the police—all in under 30 seconds. Without smart detection, she might’ve just seen a “motion detected” alert with no context.

Arlo Secure Plus: For Heavy Users and Large Homes

If you have multiple cameras or want even more features, Arlo Secure Plus ($9.99–$14.99 per month for up to 10 cameras) adds:

• Extended 60-day cloud storage
• Facial recognition (create a “known faces” list for family members)
• Advanced AI filtering (reduce false alerts from trees, pets, or shadows)
• Priority customer support
• Arlo Safe (personal safety feature with GPS tracking and emergency SOS)

This plan is great if you live in a busy neighborhood or want to minimize false alarms. For instance, Mark lives near a park. His Arlo Ultra keeps picking up joggers and squirrels. With Arlo Secure Plus, he created a “people-only” zone and added his family to the known faces list. Now, he only gets alerts when someone unfamiliar is near his home.

Arlo Secure 4K: For Ultra-High-Resolution Cameras

If you own an Arlo Ultra or Arlo Pro 5, you might need Arlo Secure 4K. This plan is required to get the full 4K video quality in the cloud. Without it, your 4K camera will only record in 1080p when saved to the cloud. It’s priced similarly to Arlo Secure but ensures you’re not paying for 4K hardware and getting lower-quality footage.

Free Plan: What’s Still Available?

Yes, there’s a free tier! But it’s limited:

• Only one camera supported
• 7-day video history (not 30-day)
• No smart detection (basic motion only)
• No custom zones or facial recognition
• No 24/7 emergency response

It’s a good option if you’re testing Arlo or only need basic monitoring for a small area like a porch. But for most homes, the free plan feels like a trial version.

Can You Use Arlo Without a Subscription? (And How)

Absolutely. You can use your Arlo camera without paying a dime for a subscription. But you’ll need to be smart about how you set it up. Here’s how to make the most of a subscription-free Arlo system.

Use Local Storage with a microSD Card

Many Arlo cameras—like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5, and Essential—support microSD card storage. You can insert a 256GB card (or smaller) directly into the camera or the Arlo SmartHub. This lets you record full-length videos locally, without relying on the cloud.

Tip: Set the camera to record continuously or only during motion. For example, if you want to monitor your front porch, set it to record only when motion is detected. A 128GB card can hold about 2–3 days of 1080p footage. Larger cards (256GB) can store up to a week.

But there’s a catch: If someone steals your camera, they take the footage with it. That’s where cloud storage shines—it’s off-site and secure.

Leverage the Free 7-Day Cloud History

Even without a paid subscription, Arlo gives you 7 days of free cloud storage for one camera. This means you can review footage from the past week, as long as it was recorded during motion events. It’s not continuous, but it’s better than nothing.

Example: You’re on vacation. Your camera detects motion at night. When you return, you can check the free cloud history to see what happened. But if the event happened 10 days ago, it’s already gone.

Set Up Smart Alerts Manually

While you won’t get AI-powered detection, you can still customize motion sensitivity and notification settings. For instance:

• Lower sensitivity to avoid false alarms from trees or shadows
• Set activity zones to ignore your driveway but monitor the front door
• Turn on push notifications for every motion event (but be ready for more alerts)

This won’t give you “person vs. package” alerts, but it helps reduce noise. I once had an Arlo camera that went off 20 times a day from a neighbor’s cat. After adjusting the motion sensitivity and setting a zone that ignored the sidewalk, false alerts dropped to 1–2 per week.

Use Third-Party Integrations (Like Home Assistant)

Tech-savvy users can connect Arlo to platforms like Home Assistant or IFTTT. These tools let you create custom automations and store footage on your own NAS (network-attached storage). It’s more complex, but it gives you full control and avoids subscription fees entirely.

Just remember: This requires technical know-how and may void your warranty if not done carefully.

Subscription vs. No Subscription: Real-Life Cost Comparison

Let’s get practical. How much does it really cost to use Arlo over time? Here’s a breakdown for a typical home with two outdoor cameras and one video doorbell.

Setup	Initial Cost	Annual Recurring Cost	Key Features
No Subscription	$300 (3 cameras)	$0	Live view, basic alerts, 7-day cloud (1 cam), local storage (if supported)
Arlo Secure (3 cams)	$300	$119.88 ($3.33/cam/month)	30-day cloud, smart detection, custom zones, unlimited cams
Arlo Secure Plus (3 cams)	$300	$179.88 ($5.00/cam/month)	60-day cloud, facial recognition, advanced AI, 24/7 emergency
Arlo Secure + Local Storage	$300 + $60 (3x 128GB cards)	$119.88	Best of both: cloud backup + local control

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by region and promotions.

Which Option Saves You Money?

If you only care about live viewing and occasional checks, the no-subscription route is cheapest. But if you want reliable, long-term security with smart features, the Arlo Secure plan pays for itself in peace of mind.

Consider this: A single break-in without video evidence could cost thousands. A $10/month subscription is a small price to prevent that.

When the Hybrid Approach Makes Sense

Many users—like me—opt for a hybrid setup: Use Arlo Secure for critical cameras (like the front door) and rely on local storage for less important areas (like the backyard). This way, you get cloud backup where it matters most, and save money elsewhere.

Tip: Start with a one-month trial of Arlo Secure. Most cameras include a 30-day free trial. Test the smart features and see if they’re worth the cost. If not, cancel and go local-only.

Is an Arlo Subscription Worth It? (The Final Verdict)

So, does the Arlo security camera require a subscription? No—it doesn’t have to. You can absolutely use your Arlo camera without paying a dime. But should you? That depends on your needs, budget, and how much security matters to you.

When You Should Skip the Subscription

You’re a good candidate for no subscription if:

• You only want to check in on pets or kids occasionally
• You’re okay with short, motion-triggered clips (not full recordings)
• You’re comfortable using local storage and don’t mind losing footage if the camera is stolen
• You’re on a tight budget and don’t need advanced features

Example: A renter with one camera in the living room to monitor deliveries. They don’t need 30-day history or facial recognition. Free plan works just fine.

When a Subscription Is a No-Brainer

You should seriously consider a subscription if:

• You want reliable, long-term video history (30+ days)
• You live in a high-traffic area and want smart alerts to reduce false alarms
• You have multiple cameras and want seamless integration
• You value peace of mind and want 24/7 emergency response (if available)
• You own a 4K camera and want to preserve video quality

Real talk: After my neighbor’s home was burglarized, I upgraded to Arlo Secure. The camera caught the suspect on video, and the smart detection alerted me immediately. The police used the footage to make an arrest. That $3/month felt like the best money I’ve ever spent.

Final Tips to Make the Most of Your Arlo

• Start with a free trial to test features before committing
• Use local storage as a backup even with a subscription
• Adjust motion sensitivity to avoid false alerts
• Check for promotions—Arlo often offers discounted first-year rates
• Review your plan annually—you might downgrade or upgrade as needs change

At the end of the day, Arlo gives you flexibility. You’re not locked into anything. You can start free, try a subscription, cancel it, and go back—no penalties. The key is to choose what fits your lifestyle, not what looks good on paper.

So, does the Arlo security camera require a subscription? Only if you want the full experience. But if you value smart alerts, long-term storage, and peace of mind, that subscription might be the smartest home investment you make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo security cameras require a subscription to function?

Arlo cameras work without a subscription for basic features like live streaming and motion-activated recording to local storage (if supported). However, advanced features such as cloud storage, AI detection, and 24/7 recording require an Arlo Secure subscription.

What happens if I don’t get an Arlo subscription?

Without an Arlo Secure subscription, you’ll miss out on cloud video history, person/package detection, and emergency response features. You can still use local storage (via SD card or base station) and receive motion alerts on your phone.

Does the Arlo security camera need a subscription for cloud storage?

Yes, cloud storage for video recordings requires an Arlo Secure subscription. Plans range from 30-day video history for one camera to unlimited cameras with advanced AI detection.

Is there a free trial for Arlo subscriptions?

Most new Arlo cameras come with a free trial (typically 30 days) of Arlo Secure, giving you access to premium features like cloud storage and AI object detection before committing.

Can I use Arlo cameras without a subscription long-term?

Absolutely. You can use Arlo cameras indefinitely without a subscription by relying on local storage options (like microSD or Arlo SmartHub) and live viewing, but you’ll lack cloud backups and smart alerts.

Which Arlo subscription plan is best for my needs?

Arlo Secure offers tiered plans: single-camera plans for basic cloud storage, multi-camera plans for homes, and business plans. Consider how many cameras you have and whether you need features like 24/7 recording or police dispatch.