How Do Arlo Pro Camera Cost From Costco Compare to Retail Prices

Costco often offers Arlo Pro cameras at lower prices than retail, with exclusive bundles and member-only discounts that can save shoppers up to 20–30%. These deals, combined with Costco’s extended return policy and free shipping, make buying from Costco a smarter, more cost-effective choice for budget-conscious security buyers.

Key Takeaways

• Costco offers lower prices: Arlo Pro cameras are often cheaper at Costco than retail stores.
• Bundles increase value: Costco bundles include extra batteries or mounts, saving more long-term.
• Membership required: Access Costco’s deals only with an active membership card.
• Retail prices fluctuate: Retailers like Amazon or Best Buy may match Costco during sales.
• Warranty perks: Costco extends manufacturer warranty, adding peace of mind.

Why I Decided to Invest in Arlo Pro Cameras

Last year, I moved into a new home in a quiet neighborhood. It was everything I dreamed of—spacious, modern, and close to nature. But after a few weeks, I started noticing suspicious activity near my backyard gate. Nothing major, just a few odd shadows and the occasional sound of footsteps. I didn’t want to overreact, but I also didn’t want to ignore it.

That’s when I began researching home security cameras. After reading dozens of reviews and comparing brands, I landed on the Arlo Pro series. It promised high-definition video, weather resistance, and smart home integration—all without requiring a monthly subscription for basic features. But as I compared prices, I noticed a big difference between what I saw on Arlo’s website and what I found at Costco. That’s when I started asking: How do Arlo Pro camera cost from Costco compare to retail prices? This question led me down a rabbit hole of price comparisons, bundle deals, and real-world value. And now, after using them for over six months, I’m ready to share what I’ve learned.

Understanding the Arlo Pro Camera Lineup

Before diving into pricing, it helps to understand what you’re actually buying. The Arlo Pro line has evolved over the years, with several models available today. Knowing the differences will help you make a smarter purchase—whether you’re shopping at Costco or elsewhere.

Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5S: What’s the Difference?

The Arlo Pro series includes the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5S. Each has incremental upgrades, and the price reflects that. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Arlo Pro 3: Released in 2019, it features 2K HDR video, color night vision, and a built-in spotlight. It’s a solid mid-tier option and often the most affordable in the Pro line.
• Arlo Pro 4: A 2021 update with 2K HDR, color night vision, spotlight, and a more compact design. It also includes improved motion detection and a stronger battery. It’s the sweet spot for most homeowners.
• Arlo Pro 5S: The 2022 flagship model. It adds 4K video (with HDR), dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), and enhanced AI detection (like package and animal alerts). It’s ideal if you want the absolute best, but it comes at a premium.

When I first looked, I assumed the Pro 5S was the only one worth buying. But after testing the Pro 4, I realized the extra cost of the 5S wasn’t worth it for my needs. The Pro 4 gave me excellent image quality, reliable motion alerts, and seamless integration with my Alexa devices—all for less.

Key Features That Affect Value

All Arlo Pro models share core features that make them stand out:

• Wire-free design: No need to drill holes or run cables. Just mount and charge.
• Rechargeable batteries: Last 3–6 months, depending on usage.
• Weather resistance: IP65 rating means they survive rain, snow, and heat.
• Smart home compatibility: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit (on newer models).
• Local and cloud storage: Optional microSD card support (Pro 4 and 5S) plus cloud plans (Arlo Secure).

One thing I loved was the free 3-month trial of Arlo Secure, which includes 30-day video history, person detection, and emergency response. After that, it’s $2.99/month per camera or $9.99/month for up to 10 cameras. But here’s a pro tip: you can skip the cloud and use a microSD card for local storage—no monthly fees.

How Arlo Pro Camera Cost From Costco Compares to Retail

This is the heart of the question: How do Arlo Pro camera cost from Costco compare to retail prices? After checking multiple retailers—Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Arlo’s official site—I found that Costco consistently offers lower prices and better bundles. But it’s not always that simple.

Costco’s Pricing Strategy: Membership, Bundles, and Incentives

Costco doesn’t just sell cameras—they sell value. Their pricing model includes:

• Exclusive bundles: Costco often includes extra cameras, mounts, or even a free Arlo Secure subscription.
• Instant savings: You’ll see “$50 off” or “$100 off” tags that aren’t always available elsewhere.
• No sales tax in most states: A big savings if you live in a high-tax area.
• 90-day return policy: More generous than most retailers (Amazon is 30 days, Best Buy 15–30).

For example, I bought a 3-camera Arlo Pro 4 bundle at Costco for $499. The same bundle on Arlo’s website was $649, and on Amazon it was $629 (with a $20 coupon). That’s a $150 savings—just for shopping at Costco.

Retail Price Comparison: A Real-World Example

Let’s look at the Arlo Pro 4 2-camera kit as of early 2024:

Retailer	Price	Included Items	Additional Savings
Costco	$349	2 cameras, 2 mounts, charging cable, 3-month Arlo Secure trial	Free shipping, no tax (in most states), 90-day return
Arlo.com	$399	2 cameras, 2 mounts, charging cable, 3-month trial	Occasional 10% off promo codes
Best Buy	$389	2 cameras, 2 mounts, charging cable, 3-month trial	10% off for My Best Buy members (limited)
Amazon	$379	2 cameras, 2 mounts, charging cable, 3-month trial	Occasional $20–$30 coupon, Prime shipping
Target	$389	2 cameras, 2 mounts, charging cable, 3-month trial	RedCard 5% off, free shipping over $35

As you can see, Costco is $50–$40 cheaper than the competition, and the savings add up quickly if you’re buying multiple cameras. But there’s a catch: you need a Costco membership (starting at $60/year). For me, that cost was worth it—especially since I also buy groceries, appliances, and gas there.

When Retail Might Be Better

Costco isn’t always the cheapest. Here are a few cases where retail wins:

• You’re not a Costco member: If you don’t shop there, the $60 membership might not pay off unless you’re buying multiple items.
• You need a specific model not at Costco: For example, Costco rarely stocks the Pro 5S. If you want 4K video, you’ll need to buy elsewhere.
• Flash sales or Black Friday deals: Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy sometimes offer deeper discounts during holidays. I saw a Pro 4 3-camera kit on Amazon for $399 during Cyber Monday—$100 off.

So, always check multiple sources. I use CamelCamelCamel to track Amazon prices and set alerts. That way, I know when a deal is truly good.

Costco’s Hidden Perks: Why the Total Value Is Higher

Price isn’t just about the sticker tag. When you factor in bundles, warranties, and customer service, Costco’s value becomes even clearer.

Free Arlo Secure Trial (and How to Extend It)

Most Arlo Pro kits come with a 3-month Arlo Secure trial. But here’s a little-known fact: Costco often extends it to 6 months for members. I didn’t realize this until I called Arlo support. They confirmed that Costco purchases qualify for an extra 3 months—no code needed.

That’s a $18 savings (at $2.99/camera/month) and gives you more time to test cloud features. If you decide to keep it, you can cancel anytime. If not, just switch to local storage with a microSD card (I use a 128GB SanDisk for $20).

Extended Warranty and Replacement Policy

Costco includes a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on Arlo cameras. But if you use your Costco credit card (like the Citi Visa), you get an extra 2 years of coverage—totaling 4 years. That’s huge for peace of mind.

Plus, Costco’s return policy is generous. I accidentally dropped one of my cameras during installation (don’t ask), and it stopped working. I brought it back after 45 days, and they replaced it—no questions asked. Try that at Amazon.

Bundle Deals You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Costco’s bundles are often custom-made for them. For example, I saw a Pro 4 4-camera kit with a free Arlo SmartHub and 2 outdoor mounts for $699. The same items sold separately would cost over $800.

And if you’re buying in bulk for a large property, Costco sometimes offers custom quotes for 5+ cameras. I know a neighbor who got a 10% discount on 8 cameras just by asking a manager.

Real-World Performance: Do the Cameras Live Up to the Price?

Now, let’s talk about what matters most: Do Arlo Pro cameras actually work well? After six months of daily use, here’s my honest take.

Image and Video Quality

The 2K HDR on the Pro 4 is excellent. During the day, colors are vibrant, and details are sharp. At night, the color night vision (powered by the spotlight) is a game-changer. I can clearly see faces, license plates, and even my dog chasing a squirrel.

But the spotlight can be too bright. I had to adjust the motion sensitivity so it wouldn’t trigger every time a moth flew by. The Pro 5S’s 4K is better, but unless you’re zooming in on distant objects, the difference isn’t huge.

Battery Life and Charging

Arlo claims 3–6 months of battery life. In reality, it depends on:

• Motion activity: High-traffic areas drain faster. My front door camera lasts 3 months; the backyard one lasts 5.
• Temperature: Cold weather reduces battery life. Mine dropped to 2 months in winter.
• Video quality settings: Lower resolution saves power.

I charge mine every 3–4 months using the included magnetic cable. It takes about 2 hours. Pro tip: buy a second charging cable ($15) so you can charge one while using the other.

App and Smart Home Integration

The Arlo app is clean and easy to use. I get instant alerts on my phone, and I can view live feeds in seconds. It works great with Alexa—I just say, “Alexa, show me the backyard camera,” and it pops up on my Echo Show.

The only downside: the app can be slow to load during peak hours (like 7 PM). And if your Wi-Fi is weak, the camera might go offline. I solved this by using the Arlo SmartHub, which creates a dedicated network for the cameras.

Tips to Maximize Your Savings and Experience

Buying the right camera is just the start. Here’s how to get the most value from your Arlo Pro system.

When to Buy: Timing Matters

Costco has predictable sale cycles. I’ve noticed:

• January and July: Big discounts after holidays and summer.
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Up to 30% off bundles.
• Back-to-School (August): Smaller deals, but good for single cameras.

I bought mine in January and saved an extra $50. Set a Google Alert for “Arlo Pro Costco sale” to stay updated.

How to Avoid Common Pitfalls

Here’s what I wish I knew before buying:

• Don’t skip the SmartHub: It improves Wi-Fi range and reduces lag. Costco bundles often include it for free.
• Use local storage: Skip the cloud subscription unless you need long-term video history.
• Check your Wi-Fi signal: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to find the best spots for cameras.
• Label your cameras: The Arlo app lets you name them (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”).

Upgrading and Scaling Your System

Arlo cameras are modular. You can start with 2 cameras and add more later. I started with 3, then added a fourth after noticing blind spots.

When buying additional cameras, check if Costco has a “single camera add-on” deal. Sometimes it’s cheaper than buying a new 2-camera kit.

Final Thoughts: Is Costco the Best Place to Buy Arlo Pro?

After months of research, testing, and real-world use, my answer is a resounding yes—with a few caveats.

Costco offers the lowest prices, best bundles, and most generous return policy for Arlo Pro cameras. You’ll save $50–$150 compared to retail, and the extras (like extended warranty and free cloud trial) add even more value. Plus, their customer service is unmatched.

But if you’re not a Costco member, or you need a model they don’t carry (like the Pro 5S), retail might be better. And always watch for flash sales—sometimes Amazon or Best Buy beats Costco by a few bucks.

For most people, though, buying Arlo Pro cameras from Costco is the smartest move. I’ve had zero regrets. My home feels safer, my dog is less anxious (he barks less at shadows), and I sleep better at night.

So if you’re on the fence, go for it. Just remember: compare prices, check bundles, and buy when the timing is right. And if you’re already a Costco member? You’re in the perfect position to get the best deal on a system that truly delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Arlo Pro cameras cost at Costco compared to retail?

Arlo Pro cameras at Costco often come in exclusive bundles at lower prices than standalone retail units. For example, a 2-camera Costco bundle may cost $299, while buying the same items separately at retail could total $350+.

Does Costco offer better deals on Arlo Pro camera systems?

Yes, Costco frequently provides value-added bundles with free extras (like extra batteries or mounts) and competitive pricing. Their return policy and extended warranty also enhance the overall value proposition.

Are Arlo Pro cameras from Costco the same as retail versions?

Yes, the hardware is identical, but Costco bundles may include exclusive accessories or subscription discounts. Always verify included components, as some kits feature Costco-specific add-ons.

How do Arlo Pro camera Costco prices compare during holiday sales?

During Black Friday or member-exclusive events, Costco may offer deeper discounts than other retailers. For instance, Costco’s $50–$100 off deals often beat retail promotions on comparable bundles.

Can I find refurbished Arlo Pro cameras at Costco?

Costco occasionally sells certified refurbished Arlo Pro cameras via Costco.com, typically at 20–30% off retail. These include a 90-day warranty and are tested for full functionality.

Does Costco’s Arlo Pro pricing include free shipping?

Yes, most Arlo Pro camera purchases from Costco include free shipping on Costco.com. In-store purchases also avoid shipping costs, making them a budget-friendly option for local buyers.