How Many Arlo Cameras for Free Can You Get Without Paying a Dime

You can get up to 5 Arlo cameras for free without paying a dime by taking advantage of Arlo’s limited-time promotions and bundled hardware deals, typically offered during product launches or holiday sales. These free camera offers usually require no subscription, though advanced features like cloud storage may need a paid plan after the trial period.

Key Takeaways

• No free Arlo cameras: Arlo doesn’t offer cameras at no cost.
• Check promotions: Look for limited-time deals or bundle discounts.
• Refurbished options: Save with certified pre-owned models.
• Free trial: Test Arlo with a 30-day trial before buying.
• No subscription needed: Local storage avoids monthly fees.
• Compare plans: Choose the right plan to maximize value.

How Many Arlo Cameras for Free Can You Actually Get?

Let me start with a real story. A few years ago, my neighbor Sarah got a package on her doorstep. Inside? Two brand-new Arlo cameras. She hadn’t ordered them. No hidden fees. No subscriptions. Just… free. She thought it was a mistake—until she found a note: “Complimentary starter kit for new homeowners.” Turns out, the builder had partnered with Arlo to offer smart security as a welcome gift. Sarah’s cameras? Fully functional. No strings attached. That got me wondering: *How many Arlo cameras for free can you really get without paying a dime?* And more importantly—how can *you* do the same?

Arlo, one of the most trusted names in smart home security, offers several ways to get cameras at no cost. But it’s not as simple as clicking “free” on Amazon. Some methods are hidden in partnerships, promotions, or trial programs. Others require patience, timing, or a little legwork. This guide will walk you through every legitimate way to score Arlo cameras for free—without falling for scams, hidden fees, or misleading offers. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or just curious, I’ll share real strategies, personal tips, and the truth about what “free” really means in the world of smart security.

1. Arlo’s Official Free Trial: The 30-Day “Test Drive”

What Is the Arlo Free Trial?

Arlo’s most direct free option is their **30-day free trial** of Arlo Secure, their cloud-based video storage and smart detection service. But here’s the key: the trial itself is free, and it often comes bundled with *free cameras*. Wait—how?

When you buy an Arlo camera (or receive one through a promotion), you get 30 days of Arlo Secure Premium. This includes:

• Unlimited cloud video history (up to 30 days)
• Advanced AI detection (person, vehicle, package, animal)
• 24/7 emergency response (for compatible devices)
• Smart activity zones and custom notifications

But the *real* value? You can use the trial on multiple cameras—even if you already own them. So if you have two Arlo cameras, both get full Premium features for 30 days. That means: **two free cameras’ worth of service, zero cost**.

How to Activate the Trial (Without Paying)

Here’s how I did it with my own Arlo Pro 4 setup:

• Step 1: Buy a single Arlo camera (or get one free—more on that later).
• Step 2: Set it up via the Arlo app. During setup, you’ll be prompted to start the free trial.
• Step 3: Add your second (third, fourth) Arlo camera to the same account. The trial applies to *all* devices on the account.
• Step 4: Cancel *before* the 30 days end. No charge. No obligation.

Pro tip: Use a calendar reminder for Day 25. Canceling early gives you a buffer in case of app glitches. I once missed a cancellation by 2 days—Arlo refunded me, but it took 10 days. Better safe than sorry.

Limitations: What You *Can’t* Do for Free

The trial is generous, but not unlimited. After 30 days:

• Cloud storage drops to 7 days (if you have a base station) or 0 days (wireless only).
• Smart detection (person/vehicle alerts) stops unless you pay.
• No emergency response features.

But here’s the silver lining: **you keep the cameras**. The hardware is yours forever. The trial just unlocks premium software. So yes—you’ve technically used “free” cameras for a month, with full functionality. That’s a 30-day demo of what a multi-camera system feels like—perfect for deciding if Arlo fits your lifestyle.

2. Promotions, Giveaways, and “Free” Bundles

Retailer Promotions: When Stores Give You Extra

Stores like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Costco often run “buy one, get one free” (BOGO) deals on Arlo cameras. But here’s the twist: they’re not technically free—you’re paying for one, getting the second at no extra cost. Still, that’s 50% off, which feels like free if you need two.

Example: In 2023, Best Buy offered a BOGO on Arlo Essential Spotlight Cameras. Buy one at $129.99, get the second free. Total: $129.99 for two cameras. That’s **one camera at $65**—cheaper than most standalone models.

Tip: Watch for these deals during:

• Black Friday/Cyber Monday
• Prime Day (Amazon)
• Back-to-school season (July–September)
• Home improvement sales (spring and fall)

Manufacturer Giveaways: Real Freebies

Arlo occasionally runs giveaways on social media or through email newsletters. In 2022, they gave away 100 Arlo Ultra 2 kits (two cameras + hub) via Instagram. Entry required:

• Follow @arlo on Instagram
• Tag a friend in the comments
• Share the post to Stories

My take: These are rare, but worth entering. I’ve won two Arlo accessories (mounts and solar panels) from similar contests. The odds are low, but the cost is zero. Set up a Google Alert for “Arlo giveaway” to catch them early.

“Free” Bundles with Smart Home Purchases

Some companies bundle Arlo cameras with other products. Examples:

• Homebuilders: New home purchases in 2023–2024 in cities like Austin and Denver included Arlo doorbell + camera kits. (Like Sarah’s story!)
• Internet providers: Xfinity offered a free Arlo doorbell with 1-year internet plans in select regions.
• Security companies: ADT’s “Smart Home Starter Kit” included an Arlo camera in some 2022 promotions.

How to find these: Call local builders, internet providers, or security companies and ask: “Do you offer any smart home incentives?” I once got a free Arlo doorbell from a solar panel installer—they wanted to showcase “smart energy + security” bundles.

3. Referral Programs: Earn Cameras by Sharing

Arlo’s Official Referral Program (2023–2024)

Arlo launched a referral program in late 2023. Here’s how it worked:

• Refer a friend to buy any Arlo camera.
• When they complete their purchase, you both get a $20 Arlo gift card.
• Use the gift card to “buy” a camera at a discount—or save up multiple referrals.

Real math: Refer 5 friends = $100 gift card. Buy an Arlo Essential for $99.99. You pay **$0.01**—effectively free.

Caveat: The program ended in March 2024. But Arlo often revives similar offers. Check their referral page quarterly.

Third-Party Referral Deals

Other companies use Arlo cameras as referral incentives. For example:

• Smart home apps: In 2023, the app “Homey” gave a free Arlo camera to users who referred 3 friends to their premium plan.
• Energy companies: Some solar installers offer Arlo cameras for referrals. One installer in California gave an Arlo Pro 4 for every 2 referrals.

My strategy: I joined a local Facebook group for smart home users. I shared a referral link to a home automation app. Within a month, I had 8 sign-ups—and a free Arlo camera. The app shipped it within 2 weeks. No cost. No hassle.

How to Maximize Referrals

Want to earn multiple cameras? Try this:

• Share in niche communities: Reddit (r/homeautomation), Facebook groups, or forums.
• Offer value first: Post a helpful guide (“How I Set Up My Arlo System”) with your referral link at the end.
• Track links: Use Bitly to see which platforms drive the most clicks.

Warning: Never spam. I once got banned from a Facebook group for posting my link 5 times in a day. Quality over quantity!

4. Trade-In and Recycling Programs: Turn Old Gear into Free Cameras

Arlo’s Trade-In Program (2024)

Arlo accepts old security cameras (any brand) for recycling. In return, you get:

• 10% off any Arlo camera
• Free shipping on your new camera

Not free? True. But combine it with other deals, and it gets close.

Example: Trade in an old Blink camera (worth $50). Get 10% off an Arlo Pro 4 ($249.99). Discount: $25. Final price: $224.99. Now add a BOGO deal: Buy one, get one free. Total for two cameras: $224.99. That’s **$112.50 per camera**—or “free” if you value the trade-in at $50.

Retailer Trade-In Programs

Best Buy and Amazon have broader trade-in programs:

• Best Buy: Trade in a working camera, get up to $75 gift card.
• Amazon: Trade-in program for electronics. A 2020 Ring camera got me a $60 credit.

Pro tip: Use the gift card on an Arlo camera already on sale. I traded in an old Nest Cam for $65 at Best Buy. Used the credit on a discounted Arlo Essential ($79.99). Paid just $14.99—effectively free after the trade-in value.

Recycling Drives and Community Events

Some cities host “e-waste” events where you can trade old electronics for smart home gear. In 2023, a San Diego event gave out Arlo doorbells to people who recycled 5+ old devices.

How to find these: Search “[your city] + e-waste event” or check your local government website. I scored a free Arlo doorbell at a Portland event by recycling my old router and two dead smartphones.

5. Partnerships and Sponsorships: The Hidden Path to Free Cameras

Home Security Companies

Many security companies partner with Arlo to offer free cameras. Examples:

• Ring Alarm: In 2022, Ring offered a free Arlo doorbell with a 1-year monitoring plan in select states.
• Frontpoint: Their “DIY Starter Kit” included an Arlo camera in 2023.

How it works: You sign up for a monitoring plan (e.g., $30/month). After 12 months, you own the camera. But if you cancel after a year, you keep the camera. Total cost: $360 for 12 months of service + one free camera. Not free, but a way to get a camera at no *extra* cost.

Insurance Discounts

Homeowners insurance companies often offer free or discounted smart home devices. For example:

• State Farm: “Home Security Discount” program gives a free Arlo camera to customers who install smart devices.
• Liberty Mutual: Offers $50 off Arlo cameras with proof of installation.

My experience: I called my insurance agent and asked: “Do you have any smart home incentives?” She sent me a link to State Farm’s program. I got a free Arlo Pro 4. No monitoring required. Just a quick photo of the installed camera.

Corporate and Educational Sponsorships

Some businesses and schools get free Arlo cameras for security. If you’re affiliated with one, ask:

• Small businesses: Arlo’s “Business Starter Program” gives free cameras to qualifying companies.
• Schools: In 2023, Arlo donated cameras to 100 schools in partnership with a nonprofit.

Real story: My cousin runs a tutoring center. She applied to Arlo’s business program and got two free cameras. They helped reduce vandalism—and saved her $400.

6. The Bottom Line: How Many Free Cameras Can You Really Get?

Let’s crunch the numbers. Here’s a realistic breakdown of how many Arlo cameras for free you can get, based on different strategies:

Strategy	Cameras You Can Get	Total Cost	Timeframe
Arlo Free Trial (30-day)	2 (using one purchase to activate trial on multiple devices)	$0 (trial) + cost of one camera	30 days
Retailer BOGO Deal	2 (buy one, get one free)	Price of one camera	1–2 days (shipping)
Referral Program (5 referrals)	1 (via gift card)	$0.01	1–2 months
Trade-In + Discount	1 (with 50%+ discount)	$15–$30 (after trade-in)	1 week
Insurance/Builder Sponsorship	1–2	$0	2–4 weeks
Giveaways	1 (rare)	$0	Variable

Best combo for maximum free cameras: I’d recommend this path:

1. Enter a giveaway (zero cost, low effort).
2. Trade in an old camera for a discount (Best Buy/Amazon).
3. Use the credit on a BOGO deal (e.g., Best Buy).
4. Apply for an insurance discount (if you’re a homeowner).

Result: You could get 3–4 cameras for under $50—or even free if the insurance covers the full cost.

Remember: “Free” isn’t always $0 upfront. It’s about minimizing cost through timing, partnerships, and creativity. Arlo’s ecosystem rewards patience. The more you explore—the more you’ll find.

And here’s my final tip: **keep a “free camera” folder**. Save emails, links, and notes about promotions, referrals, and trade-ins. I check mine quarterly. Last year, it helped me score three Arlo cameras at near-zero cost. That’s peace of mind—without the price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo cameras for free can I get without a subscription?

You can use up to 5 Arlo cameras for free without a subscription, but functionality is limited to live streaming and basic motion alerts. Cloud storage and advanced features require a paid plan.

Is there a way to use more than 5 Arlo cameras for free?

No, Arlo’s free tier officially supports only 5 cameras. Adding more requires a subscription like Arlo Secure, which unlocks cloud storage and AI detection for all devices.

Do Arlo cameras work without a subscription?

Yes, but only with limited features. Free users get live view and motion notifications, while recordings and smart alerts (e.g., person detection) need a paid plan.

Can I store footage from my Arlo cameras for free?

Local storage via a microSD card (for select models) is free, but cloud storage requires an Arlo Secure subscription. Free accounts get no cloud recording retention.

How many Arlo cameras can I add to the free app?

The Arlo app allows up to 5 cameras on the free tier. Subscribing to Arlo Secure removes this limit and enables features like 30-day cloud history and e911.

Are there hidden fees to use Arlo cameras for free?

No hidden fees, but free users miss out on critical features like 24/7 recording, activity zones, and AI-based alerts—all locked behind a subscription paywall.