How Many Arlo Cameras Can I Have Without a Subscription

You can use up to 5 Arlo cameras without a subscription, accessing live streaming and motion detection through the free Arlo SmartHub or base station. This no-cost option is ideal for basic home monitoring, though cloud storage and advanced features require a paid plan.

Key Takeaways

• No subscription needed: Arlo lets you use cameras without a plan.
• Local storage only: Save footage via USB or microSD without fees.
• Free cloud trial: Enjoy 7-day cloud storage for the first 30 days.
• Motion alerts included: Get basic alerts at no extra cost.
• No advanced features: AI detection requires a paid subscription.
• Check camera limits: Hubs support up to 5–15 cameras per model.

How Many Arlo Cameras Can I Have Without a Subscription?

Let’s be honest: home security is a big deal these days. Whether you’re keeping an eye on your front porch, checking in on pets while you’re at work, or just making sure the kids got home safely from school, smart security cameras like Arlo make life a little easier. But if you’re like me—someone who values privacy, simplicity, and not getting nickel-and-dimed every month—the idea of paying a subscription just to access your own video footage feels a bit… much.

I’ve been there. I bought two Arlo Pro 4 cameras, excited about the crisp 2K video and color night vision. Then I realized that without a subscription, I couldn’t access cloud storage, couldn’t get smart alerts for people or packages, and couldn’t even view past footage unless it was saved locally. That’s when I started asking the real question: how many Arlo cameras can I have without a subscription? And more importantly—can I actually use them effectively without paying extra?

Understanding Arlo’s Free vs. Paid Features

Before we dive into how many cameras you can use, let’s clear up a common misconception: Arlo cameras work without a subscription. You don’t need to pay to install, connect, or view live footage. But—and it’s a big “but”—the free tier has limitations that affect usability, especially as you add more cameras.

What You Get for Free (No Subscription Needed)

• Live streaming: You can view live video from all connected cameras in the Arlo app.
• Motion detection: Basic motion alerts are available, but they’re generic (e.g., “motion detected” without identifying people, animals, or packages).
• Local storage (with a hub): If you have an Arlo SmartHub or base station (like the Arlo SmartHub VMB5000), you can save clips locally via microSD card or USB drive.
• Two-way audio: Talk and listen through the camera’s built-in speaker and mic.
• Mobile app access: Full app functionality, including camera settings, schedules, and geofencing.

For example, my neighbor uses three Arlo Essential cameras with a SmartHub and a 128GB microSD card. She gets live feeds, basic motion alerts, and can review footage from the past 7 days stored locally. No subscription. Works great for her—she just checks the app when she’s curious.

What You Lose Without a Subscription

• Cloud storage: Without a plan, your clips don’t get backed up to the cloud. If your microSD card fails or the camera is stolen, that footage is gone.
• Smart detection: No person, package, animal, or vehicle alerts. You get “motion,” but no context.
• Activity zones: You can’t define zones to ignore (like a tree swaying in the wind).
• 30-day cloud video history: Only available with a paid plan.
• Advanced features: AI-powered search, facial recognition, and emergency response require Arlo Secure subscriptions.

So, while you can use multiple cameras for free, the experience is like driving a sports car with the engine in eco mode—technically functional, but missing the fun parts.

How Many Cameras Can You Actually Use Without a Subscription?

Here’s the good news: there’s no hard limit on how many Arlo cameras you can have without a subscription. Arlo doesn’t restrict the number of cameras you can pair to your account based on subscription status. You can technically connect 10, 20, or even more cameras to one account—even on the free tier.

Technical Limits Based on Your Hardware

While Arlo doesn’t cap camera numbers by subscription, your hardware and network might. Here’s what actually limits how many cameras you can run effectively:

• Wi-Fi bandwidth: Each camera streams live video and sends alerts. More cameras = more data. If you have 10+ cameras, your router might struggle. I tried adding five Arlo Pro 4 cameras to my 2.4GHz network, and my internet slowed to a crawl. Switching to 5GHz and upgrading to a mesh system helped.
• Arlo SmartHub or base station capacity: Most hubs support up to 15 cameras. The Arlo SmartHub VMB5000 officially supports up to 15 devices (cameras, doorbells, sensors). The older VMB4000 supports up to 15 as well. The newer VMB5000 is better for high-resolution cameras and local processing.
• microSD card storage: If you’re relying on local storage, your card fills up fast. A 128GB card might store 3–7 days of footage from 4–6 cameras (depending on motion activity). More cameras = more frequent card swaps or formatting.
• App performance: The Arlo app can handle many cameras, but scrolling through 15 live feeds on a small phone screen gets overwhelming. Use the “favorite cameras” feature to pin the ones you check most.

Real-World Example: A 6-Camera Free Setup

My cousin runs a small home-based business and uses six Arlo Pro 3 cameras with no subscription. Her setup:

• Arlo SmartHub VMB5000 (supports up to 15 devices)
• Two 256GB microSD cards (one in the hub, one as backup)
• Cameras placed at front door, back door, garage, driveway, office entrance, and backyard
• Wi-Fi 6 router with strong signal coverage

She gets live feeds, basic motion alerts, and saves clips locally. She reviews footage weekly and formats the card monthly. She says it works well for her—she doesn’t need AI alerts or cloud backup. But she admits: “If someone stole a camera, I’d lose that week’s footage. It’s a risk I accept.”

This setup proves that 6 cameras without a subscription is totally doable—as long as you’re okay with the trade-offs.

Maximizing Local Storage: Tips to Avoid Subscription Dependence

If you’re committed to going subscription-free, local storage is your best friend. But it’s not plug-and-play. You need a strategy to avoid constant card management and data loss.

Use an Arlo SmartHub (Not Optional for Local Storage)

Arlo’s battery-powered cameras (like the Pro 4, Essential, or Ultra 2) cannot store footage directly to microSD without a SmartHub or base station. The hub acts as the “brain” that receives, processes, and stores clips.

Tip: Buy a SmartHub even if you’re not using cloud storage. It’s the key to local backups. The VMB5000 costs around $80–$100 and is worth every penny.

Choose the Right microSD Card

Not all microSD cards work well with Arlo. Here’s what to look for:

• Capacity: 128GB minimum. 256GB or 512GB if you have 4+ cameras.
• Speed class: UHS-I, Class 10 or higher. Arlo recommends cards with at least 10MB/s write speed.
• Reliability: Use name-brand cards (SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar). Avoid cheap off-brands—they fail more often.

Example: A 256GB SanDisk High Endurance card can store about 5–7 days of footage from 4 cameras (assuming average motion activity). For 8 cameras, you might need a 512GB card or two 256GB cards (one as backup).

Optimize Camera Settings to Save Space

You can reduce storage usage by tweaking camera settings:

• Lower video quality: Switch from 2K to 1080p. Saves ~30% space.
• Adjust motion sensitivity: Set to “medium” or “low” to reduce false alerts (e.g., leaves, shadows).
• Enable “Record on motion” instead of “Record always”: Only captures video when something moves.
• Schedule recording times: Turn off cameras during low-risk hours (e.g., 9 AM–5 PM).

I reduced my local storage needs by 40% just by lowering resolution and adjusting motion zones. Now my 128GB card lasts 10 days instead of 6.

Backup Your Local Footage

Local storage isn’t foolproof. Cards can fail, hubs can crash, and cameras can be stolen. Protect yourself:

• Copy important clips to a computer or external drive weekly.
• Use a second microSD card and swap monthly. Keep the old one in a safe place.
• Enable “Event History” in the app to get a list of recorded events (helps you find clips faster).

When a Subscription Might Be Worth It (Even for Budget Users)

Look, I get it. You don’t want to pay $3–$10 per month per camera. But sometimes, a subscription adds real value—especially as your system grows.

The Case for a Single-Camera Plan

Arlo Secure (the paid subscription) starts at $2.99 per month per camera for 30-day cloud storage and smart alerts. If you have just one critical camera (e.g., front door), this plan can be worth it.

Example: My mom uses one Arlo Essential at her front door. She pays $2.99/month for the single-camera plan. She gets:

• Person and package detection (no more false alerts from squirrels)
• 30-day cloud backup (if the camera is stolen, footage is safe)
• Activity zones (ignores the street but alerts for the porch)

She says it’s “the best $3 she spends every month.” No more checking the app every time a leaf blows by.

Multi-Camera Plans: When to Upgrade

If you have 3+ cameras, consider the Arlo Secure Plus plan ($9.99/month for unlimited cameras). Benefits:

• Cloud storage for all cameras
• Smart detection across the system
• AI-powered search (e.g., “Show me when the dog went outside”)
• Emergency response (911 dispatch in some areas)

Is it worth $10/month? For a 6-camera system, that’s $1.67 per camera—much cheaper than paying $3 per camera individually. If you value peace of mind, it’s a smart move.

Hybrid Approach: Free + Paid

You don’t have to go all-in. Try this:

• Use local storage for most cameras (backyard, garage, etc.).
• Get a single-camera subscription for high-traffic areas (front door, driveway).

This balances cost and functionality. You save on monthly fees while keeping critical footage backed up and smart-enabled.

Comparing Arlo Models: Which Cameras Work Best Without a Subscription?

Not all Arlo cameras are equal when it comes to free-tier performance. Some are better suited for local storage and basic features.

Best Cameras for a Subscription-Free Setup

Camera Model	Best For	Local Storage?	Key Free Features	Limitations
Arlo Essential	Budget users, small homes	Yes (with SmartHub)	1080p, two-way audio, motion alerts	No 2K, shorter battery life
Arlo Pro 4	Balanced performance	Yes (with SmartHub)	2K, color night vision, spotlight	Higher data usage, needs 5GHz Wi-Fi
Arlo Ultra 2	Premium users	Yes (with SmartHub)	4K, HDR, auto zoom	Expensive, large storage needs
Arlo Wire-Free (Gen 3)	Easy install, renters	Yes (with SmartHub)	1080p, weather-resistant	No 2K, shorter battery

Tip: For a free setup, I recommend the Arlo Essential or Pro 4. They offer the best balance of quality, battery life, and local storage efficiency. Avoid the Ultra 2 unless you have a 512GB card and a strong Wi-Fi 6 network.

Cameras to Avoid Without a Subscription

• Arlo Video Doorbell (wired/wireless): Without a plan, you get no cloud backup for doorbell clips. If the camera is stolen, you lose footage of who rang the bell.
• Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight: High-resolution and bright, but uses a lot of storage. Local-only works, but you’ll need a big card.

Final Thoughts: You Can Have Many Cameras—But Be Smart About It

So, how many Arlo cameras can you have without a subscription? As many as your hardware and network can handle. Technically, there’s no limit. But practically, you’re constrained by:

• Your Arlo SmartHub’s capacity (up to 15 cameras)
• Your Wi-Fi bandwidth and router strength
• Your local storage space and management habits
• Your tolerance for basic motion alerts and no cloud backup

For most people, 4–6 cameras without a subscription is realistic and effective. You can cover all entry points, key areas, and even a backyard—without paying a dime in monthly fees. But you’ll need a SmartHub, a reliable microSD card, and a willingness to manage local storage.

And here’s a final tip from experience: start small. Buy two cameras and a SmartHub. Test the free features. See how much storage you use. Then scale up. You’ll avoid the “I bought 10 cameras and now I’m overwhelmed” trap.

At the end of the day, Arlo gives you flexibility. You don’t have to subscribe. But you do have to plan. Whether you choose free, paid, or a hybrid approach, the goal is the same: peace of mind, without unnecessary costs.

Now go set up your cameras—and enjoy that quiet, secure feeling. You’ve earned it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo cameras can I have without a subscription?

You can have up to 5 Arlo cameras connected to a single base station or hub without a subscription. However, local storage and limited features (like basic motion detection) will be available without a paid plan.

Can I use more than 5 Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Technically yes, but Arlo’s free tier only supports up to 5 cameras per account. Adding more than 5 cameras requires an Arlo Secure subscription to access full functionality like cloud storage and advanced alerts.

Does Arlo require a subscription for multiple cameras?

No, a subscription isn’t required to use multiple Arlo cameras, but you’ll need one to unlock cloud storage, AI detection (e.g., person/vehicle), and support for more than 5 cameras. Without it, you’re limited to local storage and basic features.

How many Arlo cameras can I connect to a base station without a subscription?

You can connect up to 5 Arlo cameras to a single base station (like Arlo Pro 3/4 or Ultra) without a subscription. Beyond that, a subscription is needed to manage additional cameras via the app.

Is there a limit to Arlo cameras without a subscription for home use?

For home use, the limit is 5 cameras without a subscription. This allows local recording via a microSD card or base station, but you’ll miss out on 24/7 cloud backup and smart alerts unless you upgrade.

Can I avoid a subscription with 6 or more Arlo cameras?

While you can set up 6+ cameras without a subscription, the 6th+ camera won’t have access to cloud features or app-based notifications. Arlo’s free tier only fully supports the first 5 cameras.