How Many Arlo Cameras Work Without Subscription A Complete Guide

You can use up to 5 Arlo cameras without a subscription, accessing live streaming, motion detection, and local storage via a microSD card or Arlo SmartHub. All base models support free functionality, but advanced features like cloud storage, AI detection, and extended video history require a paid Arlo Secure plan.

Key Takeaways

• All Arlo cameras work without a subscription for basic live viewing and motion alerts.
• Free local storage options exist via microSD or USB on compatible base stations.
• Cloud recording requires a paid plan for saving clips beyond 24-hour lookback.
• Up to 5 cameras supported on free tier for 2K/HDR streaming and notifications.
• No subscription limits camera count but advanced features need paid plans.
• Smart features like person detection are subscription-locked on most models.
• Self-monitoring is free using the Arlo app without monthly fees.

How Arlo Cameras Work Without a Subscription: What You Need to Know

Let’s be real—security cameras can feel like a maze of features, subscriptions, and fine print. If you’re considering Arlo, chances are you’ve seen the sleek designs, smart motion detection, and glowing reviews. But there’s one big question that keeps coming up: how many Arlo cameras work without a subscription? It’s a fair concern. Nobody wants to buy a camera only to realize they need to pay a monthly fee just to access basic features like recording, alerts, or cloud storage.

I’ve been in your shoes. A few years ago, I installed Arlo cameras around my home, excited about the wireless setup and crisp video quality. But then I opened the app and saw the prompt: “Subscribe for full access.” My heart sank a little. I wanted to use the cameras *without* a subscription—just to record locally, check live views, and get motion alerts. After testing multiple models and digging into the details, I learned a lot about what’s possible. And the good news? You *can* use Arlo cameras without a subscription—but the experience changes depending on the model, setup, and what you expect from your system. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, so you can make an informed choice and avoid surprises.

Understanding Arlo’s Subscription Model and What’s Included

Before we dive into how many Arlo cameras work without a subscription, let’s clarify what the subscription actually gives you. Arlo offers several subscription tiers—Arlo Secure, Secure Plus, and Secure Elite—each with increasing features. But here’s the kicker: **the subscription is optional**. You don’t *have* to pay to use your cameras. However, without a subscription, you lose access to some of the most convenient features.

What You Get With a Subscription

• Cloud video storage: Save clips automatically for 30 days (or longer on higher tiers).
• Smart object detection: Get alerts for people, packages, vehicles, and animals—not just “motion.”
• Activity zones: Customize which areas trigger alerts (e.g., ignore your busy street).
• Emergency response: Call for help directly from the app (available on Secure Plus and Elite).
• AI-powered insights: Like “front door opened” or “package delivered.”

These features are powerful, especially if you want a hands-off, intelligent security system. But if you’re okay with a more manual setup, you can skip the subscription.

What You Can Still Do Without a Subscription

• Live streaming: Check your camera feed anytime from the Arlo app.
• Motion alerts: Get basic notifications when motion is detected (no object filtering).
• Local storage: Record to a microSD card or a compatible hub (like Arlo SmartHub or Base Station).
• Two-way audio: Talk through the camera (on supported models).
• Night vision and HD video: All core camera features still work.

So yes—you *can* use Arlo cameras without paying monthly. But the experience is more limited. Think of it like a smartphone: you can use it without a data plan, but you miss out on apps, updates, and cloud backups.

Real-life example: My neighbor uses an Arlo Pro 3 without a subscription. She records to a microSD card in the SmartHub, checks live feeds when she’s away, and gets basic motion alerts. She says it’s “just enough” for her needs. But when her dog triggers the backyard camera 20 times a day, she has to manually scroll through clips to find anything useful. A subscription would’ve saved her time with smart alerts.

Which Arlo Cameras Work Without a Subscription (And How Many Can You Use?)

This is the heart of your question: how many Arlo cameras work without a subscription? The short answer: all of them—but with caveats. Every Arlo camera model (from the basic Arlo Essential to the Pro 5S) functions without a subscription for live viewing, motion alerts, and local recording. But the number you can use effectively *depends on your setup and goals.

Cameras That Support Local Storage (No Cloud Needed)

The key to using Arlo without a subscription is local storage. Here are the models that support it:

• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): Works with a SmartHub or Base Station for microSD storage. No subscription needed for basic recording.
• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S: All support microSD via SmartHub or Base Station. Pro 5S also supports Wi-Fi direct to a microSD card (no hub required).
• Arlo Ultra 1 & 2: High-end models with 4K video. Use SmartHub for local storage.
• Arlo Video Doorbell (Wired and Wireless): Can record to microSD via SmartHub.
• Arlo Floodlight Camera: Supports local storage with SmartHub.

Important: The Arlo Essential *without* a SmartHub or Base Station does not support local storage. It relies on cloud recording, which requires a subscription. So if you want to go subscription-free, you *must* pair it with a hub or use a Pro/Ultra model.

How Many Cameras Can You Use Without a Subscription?

Technically, you can connect up to 20 cameras to a single Arlo SmartHub or Base Station. That means you could have 20 Arlo cameras running without a subscription—*if* they all support local storage. But here’s the catch: performance and usability depend on a few factors.

• SmartHub/Base Station capacity: The hub manages storage and processing. With 20 cameras, your microSD card (or hard drive, if using a USB drive) must be large enough (256GB+ recommended). Also, the hub’s Wi-Fi range and signal strength matter—especially for outdoor cameras.
• MicroSD card limitations: Most Arlo hubs support cards up to 2TB. But older models (like Base Station v2) max out at 512GB. If you’re recording 24/7 from multiple cameras, you’ll fill up fast.
• App experience: The Arlo app can handle 20 cameras, but navigating through that many live feeds or playback timelines gets messy. I tried managing 12 cameras once—it took me 3 minutes just to find the right camera after a motion alert. A subscription’s “smart alerts” would’ve made it easier.

Practical tip: If you’re using more than 5-6 cameras without a subscription, consider using activity zones in the app (available on all models) to reduce false alerts. For example, set your driveway camera to ignore passing cars and your backyard camera to ignore trees swaying in the wind. It’s not as smart as AI detection, but it helps.

Wi-Fi vs. Hub-Based Cameras: A Key Difference

Arlo has two types of cameras:

• Wi-Fi cameras: Connect directly to your home Wi-Fi (e.g., Arlo Essential, Pro 4, Pro 5S). The Pro 5S can record to a microSD card *without* a hub, which is a game-changer for subscription-free use.
• Hub-based cameras: Require a SmartHub or Base Station (e.g., Pro 3, Ultra, older Essential models). The hub acts as a local server for storage and processing.

If you want maximum flexibility without a subscription, go for hub-compatible cameras or the Pro 5S. The Pro 5S is especially great because you can skip the hub entirely and still record locally. That means you can use multiple Pro 5S cameras, each with its own microSD card—no hub needed. Just keep in mind that managing 20 separate microSD cards (one per camera) is a hassle. A central hub is more practical for larger setups.

Setting Up Local Storage: Step-by-Step Guide

So you’ve decided to go subscription-free. Now what? Setting up local storage is straightforward, but there are a few steps to get it right. Here’s how to do it, depending on your camera and setup.

Option 1: Using a SmartHub or Base Station

This is the most common method for local storage. The hub connects to your router and stores video from all linked cameras.

1. Set up the hub: Plug it into power and connect it to your router via Ethernet (recommended for stability).
2. Insert a microSD card: Use a high-endurance card (128GB–2TB). I recommend SanDisk High Endurance or Samsung Pro Endurance.
3. Add cameras to the hub: In the Arlo app, tap “Add Device” and follow the steps. Cameras will automatically sync with the hub.
4. Enable local recording: Go to each camera’s settings → “Record to” → select “Local Storage.”
5. Adjust recording settings: Choose continuous recording (24/7) or motion-activated. Motion recording saves space but may miss events.

Pro tip: Format the microSD card using the Arlo app. It ensures compatibility and prevents errors. To do this: Settings → SmartHub → Storage → Format SD Card.

Option 2: Using the Arlo Pro 5S (No Hub Needed)

The Pro 5S can record directly to a microSD card in the camera—no hub required. This is perfect for small setups or if you want to avoid extra hardware.

1. Insert a microSD card: Open the camera’s back panel and insert a card (up to 2TB).
2. Set up the camera: Connect it to Wi-Fi through the Arlo app.
3. Enable local recording: In camera settings, turn on “Local Storage.”
4. Manage recordings: Access clips directly from the app. The camera saves files in folders by date and time.

Real-world example: My cousin installed two Pro 5S cameras at her cabin. She uses 256GB microSD cards in each and checks recordings weekly. She says it’s “simple and reliable”—and she’s saved over $100 a year by avoiding a subscription.

Option 3: Using a USB Hard Drive (For Large Setups)

If you’re recording from 10+ cameras, a microSD card may not be enough. The Arlo SmartHub supports USB hard drives (up to 8TB).

1. Connect the drive: Plug it into the hub’s USB port. The hub will auto-detect it.
2. Format the drive: Use the Arlo app to format it (Settings → SmartHub → Storage → Format USB Drive).
3. Set recording location: Choose “USB Storage” in camera settings.

Note: Not all hubs support USB drives. The SmartHub (2022) and Base Station v3 do. Older models (Base Station v1/v2) do not.

Limitations and Trade-Offs of Going Subscription-Free

Let’s be honest: using Arlo cameras without a subscription comes with trade-offs. You’re not just losing cloud storage—you’re missing out on features that make modern security systems truly “smart.” Here’s what to expect.

No Smart Alerts (Just Basic Motion)

Without a subscription, your camera sends alerts for *any* motion—a leaf, a shadow, a cat. This leads to false alerts. I once got 17 notifications in an hour because a bush was blowing in the wind. With a subscription, the camera would’ve ignored it.

• Workaround: Use activity zones to reduce false positives. But you still won’t get person/package/vehicle detection.
• Tip: Adjust motion sensitivity in the app. Lower settings help, but may miss real threats.

Manual Clip Management

With local storage, you have to manually review recordings to find events. No “smart search” or auto-tagging. If you’re looking for a package delivery from yesterday, you’ll need to scrub through hours of footage.

• Workaround: Use timestamps from motion alerts to narrow your search. Still, it’s time-consuming.

Limited Video Retention

MicroSD cards and USB drives fill up fast. A 256GB card can store about 30 days of footage from 4-6 cameras (depending on settings). When it’s full, older clips are overwritten.

• Workaround: Regularly export important clips to your phone or computer. Or use a larger drive (2TB+).

No Remote Access to Past Footage (Without Workarounds)

If your hub or camera is offline, you can’t access recordings remotely. Cloud storage lets you view clips from anywhere, anytime. Local storage only works when the hub is online and you’re on the same network (or using the app).

• Workaround: Use a home server (like a NAS) to back up clips. But this requires technical know-how.

No Firmware Updates or Security Patches (Delayed)

Arlo often rolls out security updates and new features through the subscription service. Without it, your camera may run outdated firmware for longer.

• Workaround: Manually check for updates in the app. But it’s easy to miss them.

Bottom line: Going subscription-free saves money, but you trade convenience, intelligence, and peace of mind. It’s like driving a car without GPS—you’ll get there, but it’s harder.

Comparing Local vs. Cloud: A Data Table

To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison of key features with and without a subscription. This table focuses on the Arlo Pro 5S, but applies to most models.

Feature	Without Subscription (Local Storage)	With Subscription (Cloud Storage)
Video Storage	MicroSD card or USB drive (up to 2TB/8TB)	Cloud storage (30+ days, auto-backup)
Motion Alerts	Basic motion (any movement)	Smart alerts (people, packages, vehicles, animals)
Activity Zones	Available (manual setup)	Available + AI-powered zones
Clip Review	Manual search (time-consuming)	Smart search (“show me all packages”)
Remote Access	Limited (hub must be online)	Full access (anytime, anywhere)
Video Retention	Depends on storage size (overwritten when full)	30+ days (auto-managed)
Two-Way Audio	Yes	Yes
Night Vision	Yes	Yes
Cost	One-time (camera + storage)	One-time + monthly fee ($2.99–$14.99)

This table shows the core differences. As you can see, the subscription adds intelligence, convenience, and reliability. But if you’re on a budget or value privacy (local storage = no cloud), it’s not essential.

Final Thoughts: How Many Arlo Cameras Work Without a Subscription?

So, how many Arlo cameras work without a subscription? All of them—up to 20 on a single hub—if they support local storage. But “working” doesn’t mean “working *well*.” The number you can use effectively depends on your needs, setup, and tolerance for manual management.

If you’re a minimalist—say, one camera at your front door and one in the backyard—going subscription-free is a great choice. The Pro 5S or Essential (with a hub) will give you reliable live viewing, motion alerts, and local recordings. Just remember to check your microSD card every few weeks and back up important clips.

But if you’re building a full security system (5+ cameras, multiple zones, 24/7 monitoring), the subscription starts to make sense. The smart alerts alone can save hours of manual review. And features like cloud storage, emergency response, and AI detection add real value.

My recommendation? Try it without a subscription first. Set up your cameras with local storage and use them for 30 days. If you find yourself overwhelmed by false alerts or frustrated by manual clip searches, then consider the subscription. Many people start without it and upgrade later—and that’s okay.

At the end of the day, Arlo gives you flexibility. You’re not locked into a subscription, and you’re not forced to use cloud storage. Whether you have one camera or twenty, you can tailor the system to fit your life—and your budget.

And hey, if you do go subscription-free, don’t stress. You’re still getting a high-quality camera with great video, easy setup, and solid reliability. Just be ready to put in a little extra effort. After all, security isn’t just about technology—it’s about how you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo cameras can I use without a subscription?

You can use up to 5 Arlo cameras without a subscription, but functionality is limited to live streaming and motion-activated alerts. Basic features like cloud storage and advanced detection require a paid plan.

Do Arlo cameras work without a subscription for home security?

Yes, Arlo cameras work without a subscription for real-time viewing and motion notifications via the app. However, you’ll miss out on cloud recording, smart detection (e.g., person/vehicle), and extended video history.

Can I store Arlo camera footage locally without a subscription?

Yes! With an Arlo SmartHub or base station, you can use local storage via a microSD card or USB drive to save recordings without a subscription. This is ideal for users prioritizing privacy or avoiding monthly fees.

What are the limitations of Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Without a subscription, you lose cloud storage, AI-powered alerts (e.g., package detection), and multi-camera sync. Live streaming and 2-way audio remain available, but recordings are only saved locally if supported by your setup.

How many Arlo cameras support local storage without subscription?

Most Arlo cameras (e.g., Pro 3/4, Ultra, and newer models) support local storage via a SmartHub or base station, regardless of quantity. The 5-camera limit applies to free cloud features, not local setups.

Is there a free plan for Arlo cameras without subscription?

Arlo offers a free tier without a subscription, allowing live viewing and basic alerts. However, to unlock full features like 30-day cloud storage or e911 service, a paid Arlo Secure plan is required.