How Many Camera Can an Arlo Account Have for Free Revealed

An Arlo account can support up to 5 cameras for free, making it an ideal choice for basic home security setups. With this no-cost plan, users enjoy live streaming, motion alerts, and 7-day cloud storage—perfect for monitoring small properties. Need more? Paid plans unlock advanced features and support for additional cameras.

Key Takeaways

• Free Arlo accounts support up to 5 cameras for basic monitoring and alerts.
• Cloud storage is limited to 7 days of rolling footage for free users.
• No 24/7 recording on free plans—only motion-triggered clips are saved.
• Upgrade for more cameras and features like AI detection and extended storage.
• Local storage options bypass cloud limits but require compatible hardware.
• Free tier lacks advanced alerts like person or package detection without a subscription.

How Many Cameras Can an Arlo Account Have for Free? The Real Answer

Let’s be honest—smart home security can feel like stepping into a sci-fi movie. You’ve got sleek cameras, motion alerts, night vision, and cloud storage that promises to keep your home safe 24/7. But here’s the catch: how many camera can an Arlo account have for free without hitting a paywall or feeling like you’re being nickel-and-dimed?

I remember when I first set up my Arlo system. I bought two cameras—one for the front porch, one for the backyard—thinking I’d get full access to recordings, smart alerts, and easy sharing. But within a week, I got a notification: “Your free trial has ended.” Suddenly, I couldn’t review footage older than 7 days, and my motion alerts were gone. I was frustrated. I just wanted to keep my home safe without a monthly bill. Sound familiar? If you’re like me and want to know exactly what Arlo’s free tier offers—especially how many cameras you can actually use—you’re in the right place.

Understanding Arlo’s Free Plan: What You Actually Get

The Core Features of Arlo’s Free Tier

Arlo’s free plan, often called the “Basic” plan, is included with every Arlo camera purchase. It’s designed to give you a taste of what smart security can do—without requiring an immediate subscription. But let’s cut through the marketing fluff and talk about what’s really included.

• 7-day cloud video history: You can review recordings from the past week. After that, they’re gone unless you download them.
• Live viewing and two-way audio: You can check in anytime via the Arlo app and talk through the camera.
• Motion detection alerts: You’ll get notifications when the camera detects movement.
• Smart notifications (basic): You can set up simple activity zones and get alerts for people, vehicles, or packages—though advanced AI features like facial recognition require a paid plan.
• Local storage option: You can use a USB drive or microSD card (depending on camera model) to store footage locally, which doesn’t count against cloud limits.

Now, here’s the big question: how many camera can an Arlo account have for free and still get these features? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

How Many Cameras Are Supported on the Free Plan?

Arlo doesn’t cap the number of cameras you can add to your account for free. You can technically connect 10, 20, or even more cameras to a single Arlo account. But—and this is a big “but”—only the first five cameras get full access to the 7-day cloud recording and motion alerts under the free plan.

Wait, what? Yes, you read that right. Arlo allows you to have more than five cameras, but starting with camera #6, you lose access to cloud recording and smart motion alerts. That means:

• Cameras 1–5: Full 7-day cloud storage, motion alerts, and smart notifications.
• Cameras 6+: No cloud storage. No motion alerts. You can still view live video and use two-way audio, but that’s it.

This is a common point of confusion. I once helped a friend set up a 7-camera system for their small business. They assumed all seven would work the same. Nope. Only the first five had cloud backup. The last two were basically “dumb” cameras—useful for live viewing, but not much else. That’s why knowing this limit upfront is crucial.

So, to answer the core question directly: You can have up to five cameras on Arlo’s free plan and still get full cloud recording and alerts. Beyond that, functionality drops significantly.

Why Arlo Limits Free Cameras (And What It Means for You)

The Business Model Behind the Free Tier

Let’s be real—Arlo isn’t offering free cloud storage out of the goodness of their heart. The free plan is a gateway. It’s designed to get you hooked on the experience so you’ll eventually upgrade to a paid plan.

Cloud storage, especially high-definition video, is expensive. Storing video for multiple cameras over 30 days (or longer) requires massive server space and bandwidth. Arlo’s paid plans—like the Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus—offset these costs. By limiting the free tier to five cameras with 7-day storage, Arlo:

• Keeps infrastructure costs manageable.
• Encourages users to upgrade for more cameras or longer storage.
• Provides a “taste” of the full experience without overcommitting resources.

Think of it like a free trial at the gym. You get access to the treadmill and weights for a week. After that, you need a membership to keep using everything. Arlo’s free tier is similar—it’s generous enough to be useful, but just limited enough to push you toward a subscription.

What Happens When You Exceed 5 Cameras?

Let’s say you’re building a full-home security system. You’ve got:

• Front door
• Backyard
• Garage
• Side gate
• Driveway
• Basement entrance
• Patio

That’s seven cameras. Under the free plan, only the first five will record to the cloud and send alerts. The last two? They’ll still show live video, but if someone breaks in at 3 a.m., you won’t get a notification. You’ll have to manually check the app—and if you’re asleep, you’ll miss it entirely.

You could, of course, use local storage (USB or microSD) for those extra cameras. But that comes with its own risks:

• If the camera is damaged or stolen, the footage is gone.
• You have to physically retrieve the drive to view recordings.
• No remote access to stored video.

So while technically you can have more than five cameras on a free account, doing so without a paid plan means sacrificing reliability, convenience, and peace of mind.

Smart Workarounds: How to Maximize Your Free Arlo Account

Use Local Storage Strategically

If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want a subscription, local storage is your best friend. Here’s how to use it wisely:

• Choose the right camera models: Not all Arlo cameras support local storage. For example, the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra support USB drives via the Arlo SmartHub. The Arlo Essential series uses microSD cards. Make sure your camera has the feature you need.
• Use high-capacity drives: A 64GB microSD card might store 3–5 days of 1080p video. If you want longer history, go for 128GB or 256GB.
• Set up motion-activated recording: This saves storage space by only recording when something happens. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Video Settings > Recording Options and select “Record on Motion.”
• Back up important clips: Even with local storage, download key videos (like deliveries or visitors) to your phone or computer. This gives you a secondary copy.

For example, I use a 128GB microSD card in my backyard camera. It records 1080p footage and gives me about 10 days of history. I manually check it once a week and download any clips I want to keep. It’s not as seamless as cloud storage, but it works—and it’s free.

Prioritize Your Most Important Cameras

Since only five cameras get full cloud access, choose wisely. Ask yourself:

• Which areas are most vulnerable to break-ins?
• Where do deliveries happen?
• Which cameras get the most activity?

For most people, the top five cameras should cover:

1. Front door
2. Back door or patio

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3. Driveway or garage
4. Backyard or side gate
5. Basement or side entrance

Cameras for less critical areas—like a garden, tool shed, or inside the garage—can rely on local storage or even be used in “live view only” mode.

Take Advantage of Free Trials and Promotions

Arlo often runs promotions where you get 30 days of free cloud storage for all cameras—even beyond five. I once got a 3-month free trial after buying an Arlo bundle. That meant my six-camera system had full cloud access for nearly 100 days.

Keep an eye out for:

• Holiday sales: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day often include free trial extensions.
• Email sign-up bonuses: Subscribe to Arlo’s newsletter—they sometimes offer free trials or discounts.
• Bundle deals: Buying multiple cameras together might unlock extended cloud access.

Use these trials to test whether a paid plan is worth it for your setup. You might decide you only need two or three cameras on cloud storage, and the rest can go local.

Paid Plans vs. Free: Is Upgrading Worth It?

What You Get with Arlo Secure Plans

If you need more than five cameras with full features, upgrading is the logical move. Arlo offers several paid plans, but the most popular is Arlo Secure (starting at $2.99/month per camera).

Here’s what you gain:

• 30-day cloud storage: Instead of 7 days, you get a full month of video history.
• All cameras supported: No limit on the number of cameras with cloud access.
• Advanced AI alerts: Get alerts for specific people, animals, or vehicles (great for filtering out false alarms).
• Emergency response: In some regions, you can connect to 24/7 professional monitoring.
• Video verification: When a motion alert is triggered, the camera records a short clip and sends it to you immediately.

For example, my neighbor upgraded to Arlo Secure for his 8-camera system. He pays $15/month (about $1.88 per camera) and says it’s worth it. “I don’t have to worry about missing anything,” he told me. “And the facial recognition is a game-changer—I can tell my delivery guy from a stranger in seconds.”

When to Stay on the Free Plan

Upgrading isn’t for everyone. Here are scenarios where the free plan makes sense:

• You have 5 or fewer cameras and don’t need long-term storage.
• You rely heavily on local storage and are comfortable managing it.
• Your security needs are low: Maybe you live in a safe area and just want to see who’s at the door.
• You’re on a tight budget and can’t justify monthly fees.

But if you’re managing a large home, business, or have frequent visitors, the paid plan’s convenience and reliability often outweigh the cost.

Real-World Examples: How Different Users Use Arlo’s Free Tier

The Small Apartment Dweller

Sarah lives in a one-bedroom apartment with a balcony. She has two Arlo Essential cameras:

• One facing the front door
• One covering the balcony

With only two cameras, she stays well within the five-camera limit. She uses the free plan and loves it. “I get alerts when my packages arrive, and I can check in while I’m at work,” she says. “I don’t need more than 7 days of storage, and I don’t want to pay extra.”

The Suburban Family Home

The Martins have a 4-bedroom house with a backyard, garage, and driveway. They have six Arlo Pro 4 cameras:

• Front door
• Backyard
• Garage
• Side gate
• Driveway
• Back porch

They started on the free plan but quickly realized camera #6 had no cloud storage. “We didn’t notice for a week,” says Mr. Martin. “Then we saw someone on the back porch at night—but no alert, no recording. We upgraded the next day.” Now, they pay $12/month for Arlo Secure and say it’s worth every penny.

The Budget-Conscious DIYer

David has a 7-camera system but only pays for three cameras on Arlo Secure ($9/month). The other four use microSD cards. He prioritizes:

• Front and back doors (cloud)
• Driveway (cloud)
• Garage (cloud)

The rest—garden, tool shed, and basement—are on local storage. “It’s a bit of work to check the cards,” he admits, “but I save $20/month. And I’ve never had a break-in.”

Summary Table: Free vs. Paid Arlo Plans

Feature	Free Plan (Basic)	Arlo Secure (Paid)
Max Cameras with Cloud Access	5	Unlimited
Cloud Storage Duration	7 days	30 days
Motion Alerts	Yes (first 5 cameras)	Yes (all cameras)
Smart Alerts (AI)	Basic only	Advanced (people, vehicles, packages)
Local Storage Support	Yes	Yes
Emergency Response	No	Yes (in select areas)
Monthly Cost	Free	From $2.99/camera

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Arlo Free Account

So, how many camera can an Arlo account have for free and still be useful? The answer is: up to five cameras with full cloud recording and alerts. Beyond that, you’re on your own—unless you upgrade.

The free plan is generous for small setups. If you have three or four cameras, you’ll likely never hit the limit. But for larger homes or businesses, the five-camera cap can feel restrictive. That’s where smart planning comes in: prioritize your most important cameras, use local storage wisely, and take advantage of free trials.

Remember, Arlo’s free tier isn’t a trap—it’s a starting point. It lets you test the waters, learn how the system works, and decide whether a paid plan fits your needs. And if you’re careful, you can stretch it further than you think.

At the end of the day, your home’s security is worth investing in—whether that’s through a subscription, local storage, or a mix of both. But now, you know exactly what you’re getting with the free plan. No surprises. No hidden fees. Just clear, honest answers to the question that matters most: How many cameras can I really use for free? And the answer, my friend, is five.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cameras can an Arlo account have for free?

An Arlo account can support up to 5 cameras for free without a subscription. This limit applies to all Arlo camera models, including indoor and outdoor units. Beyond 5 cameras, you’ll need an Arlo Secure plan to add more devices.

Can I add more than 5 cameras to my free Arlo account?

No, the free Arlo account allows a maximum of 5 cameras. If you want to monitor more areas, you must upgrade to a paid Arlo Secure plan, which supports additional cameras and advanced features like 24/7 video recording.

Does the Arlo free plan limit how many cameras I can use?

Yes, the free Arlo plan caps the number of cameras at 5 per account. This is ideal for small homes or apartments, but larger properties may require a subscription to cover all areas effectively.

How many Arlo cameras can I use without paying for a subscription?

You can use up to 5 Arlo cameras without a subscription. The free tier includes basic features like motion alerts and live streaming, but cloud storage and AI detection require a paid plan.

Is there a way to bypass the 5-camera limit on a free Arlo account?

No, the 5-camera limit is firm for free Arlo accounts. Workarounds like sharing accounts or using multiple emails aren’t recommended, as they violate Arlo’s terms and complicate device management.

What happens if I exceed the free Arlo account camera limit?

If you exceed the 5-camera limit, Arlo will prompt you to subscribe to an Arlo Secure plan. Without a subscription, new cameras won’t record to the cloud, though they’ll still send motion alerts and allow live viewing.