Does Arlo Require a Subscription?

Arlo security cameras offer a convenient and reliable way to protect your home and keep an eye on your surroundings. With a range of camera models available, these devices provide high-quality video streaming, two-way audio, and smart home integration. But do they require a subscription to fully enjoy their features and capabilities?

The simple answer is no, you do not need to sign up for a subscription to use an Arlo camera. Even without a subscription plan, you’ll still be able to access essential functions like notifications, live streaming, and integration with popular smart home platforms. However, subscribing to Arlo Secure can provide added benefits such as cloud storage, advanced AI detection, and customizable activity zones that may appeal to some users.

Quick Takeaways

• Arlo cameras do not require a subscription for basic functionality
• Subscription plans are available for added features and cloud storage options
• Arlo offers a variety of camera models with differing features and compatibility

Arlo Subscription Overview

Arlo cameras offer features that can be used without a subscription, but for extended capabilities and increased security, they provide two main subscription plans: Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus. Each plan caters to different user requirements and offers various advanced features to enhance the security experience.

Arlo Secure

Arlo Secure is the basic subscription plan available for users who want to unlock some additional features. This plan costs $2.99 a month for a single camera and $9.99 a month for unlimited cameras. The Arlo Secure plan includes the following features:

• 30-day video history: Access to 30 days of cloud storage for recorded videos.
• Advanced Detection: Detects people, vehicles, animals, and packages for specific alerts.
• Activity Zones: Specify areas to monitor and get notified when motion or sound events occur in the selected zones.
• Emergency Call: One-tap access to emergency responders.

Arlo Secure Plus

For users who desire even more advanced security and surveillance features, Arlo offers the Arlo Secure Plus plan. The pricing and details of this plan may vary based on the user’s location and camera system. Key features of Arlo Secure Plus include:

• Everything in Arlo Secure: All of the features from the basic Arlo Secure plan.
• 24/7 Continuous recording: Non-stop video recording for up to 14 days.
• Enhanced Support: Priority access to Arlo’s customer support team.

By opting for one of the Arlo subscription plans, users can enhance their security experience by gaining access to more advanced features and capabilities.

Arlo Camera Models and Compatibility

Arlo Pro

The Arlo Pro is a popular wireless security camera model that offers HD video quality, two-way audio, and night vision capabilities. It’s compatible with the Arlo app and can function without a subscription, but if you want added features and cloud storage, an Arlo Secure subscription plan is available.

Arlo Q

Arlo Q is a wired indoor security camera that provides 1080p high-definition video, two-way audio, and night vision. Like the Arlo Pro, it functions perfectly fine without a subscription, and if you want more advanced features or cloud storage, consider Arlo Secure subscription plans.

Arlo Go

Arlo Go is a mobile HD security camera with 4G LTE connectivity, which is ideal for remote locations. It offers features such as two-way audio and night vision. Although it works without a subscription, an Arlo Secure plan will provide more advanced features and cloud storage options.

Arlo Video Doorbell

The Arlo Video Doorbell is a smart doorbell that provides both video and audio capabilities to monitor your front door. It functions without a subscription but adding an Arlo Secure plan will offer additional features such as cloud storage, smart notifications, and video analytics.

Arlo Pro 3

Arlo Pro 3 is an upgraded version of the Arlo Pro series, offering 2K video resolution, color night vision, and a built-in spotlight. While it can function without a subscription, signing up for an Arlo Secure plan will give you access to advanced features and cloud storage.

Arlo Pro 4

The Arlo Pro 4 is the latest addition to the Arlo Pro series, providing 2K video resolution, color night vision, and a built-in spotlight like the Arlo Pro 3. It works without a subscription, but you can enhance its functionality by opting for an Arlo Secure plan for additional features and cloud storage.

Features and Benefits

Video Storage Options

Arlo cameras offer a choice between local and cloud storage for video recordings. While using the camera without a subscription will grant access to live video streaming and motion detection, an Arlo Secure subscription allows for 2K or 4K video recording and additional features, such as advanced object detection and cloud activity zones. Moreover, plans are flexible and can be tailored to accommodate multiple cameras or a single one.

Notifications and Recording Triggers

Arlo cameras provide notifications for certain triggers, such as motion or sound detection. Users can customize the sensitivity levels and frequency of these notifications. Additionally, with an Arlo Secure subscription, you can benefit from interactive notifications, enhancing user experience and improving security responsiveness.

Security Enhancements

Arlo offers valuable security features, such as night vision that enables clear and detailed video recordings in low-light conditions. With an Arlo Secure subscription, you can further enhance security by gaining access to advanced features, including Emergency Response that allows you to directly request help from first responders.

Activity Zones and Object Detection

Activity zones help users focus on specific areas within the camera’s view for motion detection. This feature allows you to monitor important spots while ignoring irrelevant motion in the surroundings. Arlo also supports object detection, which means it can identify and notify you when the camera detects people, animals, or vehicles within its field of view. These advanced features can be accessed with an Arlo Secure subscription, making your camera more versatile and providing a comprehensive security solution.

Pricing and Plans

Free Trial and Paid Plans

Arlo offers a free trial for new customers, allowing them to experience the features of Arlo’s paid plans before committing to a subscription. After the trial period, customers can choose from two tiers of paid plans – Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus. These plans enhance the functionality and features of Arlo’s security cameras and smart doorbells.

Monthly Fee and Plan Comparisons

Here’s a brief comparison of Arlo’s subscription plans:

• Arlo Secure plan: For a single device, the monthly fee starts at $4.99, while unlimited devices can be covered for $12.99 per month. Features include live view, 4K video recording, animated notifications, and 30-day cloud storage.
• Arlo Secure Plus plan: Offering the same features as the Secure plan, the Plus plan has an additional feature – e911 emergency call service. This plan costs $17.99 per month for unlimited devices.

It’s important to note that basic live view and motion-triggered notifications are available without a subscription. However, the paid plans offer additional features and extended cloud storage that can enhance your Arlo experience.

Emergency Response Services

24/7 Emergency Response

Arlo’s security system includes an Emergency Response Services feature, offering 24/7 access to medical, fire, and police professionals in emergency situations. This service is exclusively available to US-based subscribers of the Arlo Secure Plus plan. Pressing and holding the Arlo motion alert notification in the app triggers this feature, connecting users to the necessary emergency services quickly and efficiently.

Interactive Notifications

The Arlo Emergency Response feature is designed to work seamlessly with Arlo security cameras, providing users with interactive notifications and an intuitive interface for rapid emergency response. When an Arlo camera detects motion, the app will send a notification giving users the option to view a live stream, sound the siren, or call the authorities instantly. This direct connection to emergency services can be crucial in handling emergency situations effectively and promptly.

Local Storage Solutions

Arlo security cameras offer various storage solutions, including local storage options, that can be utilized without a subscription to their premium services. This section will discuss two local storage options: USB Stick and MicroSD Card, and Locally Stored Video Files.

USB Stick and MicroSD Card

Arlo cameras can store video files on external storage devices such as USB sticks and MicroSD cards. These options allow users to save their recorded video files directly onto these devices. To set up this type of local storage, users need to connect their USB stick or MicroSD card to their Arlo Smarthub. When connected, the Arlo system will recognize the external storage device and start saving video files onto the device. This local storage setup enables users to keep their security footage locally, without the need for a LAN network, or a subscription to premium services.

Locally Stored Video Files

In addition to using external devices like USB sticks and MicroSD cards, Arlo cameras can store video files locally in a temporary folder on the user’s device. This local storage option allows users to access their video files within a specific timeframe, usually up to seven days. After the specified time has elapsed, the files will be automatically deleted from the temporary folder. This option provides a short-term solution to users who do not wish to subscribe to Arlo’s premium services but still want access to their recorded video files.

By utilizing either a USB stick, MicroSD card, or just temporarily saving the video files onto your device, Arlo security cameras offer users local storage solutions without requiring a subscription to their premium services. These options allow users to have control over their security footage, giving them the flexibility to store and manage their video files in a way that best suits their needs.

Additional Considerations

Battery Life and Power Options

Arlo cameras offer various power options to suit your specific needs. Battery life varies depending on the camera model, usage, and settings. Some Arlo cameras have rechargeable batteries, while others require non-rechargeable batteries. It is crucial to consider the power requirements and battery life of the camera when making your decision.

Smart Notifications and Customizable Motion Zones

With or without a subscription, Arlo cameras provide smart notifications, notifying you of detected motion or sound events. However, subscribing to Arlo Smart enhances these notifications with extra features such as person, vehicle, and animal detection. Additionally, Arlo Smart allows you to create customizable motion zones, enabling your camera to focus on specific areas for motion detection and reduce false alerts.

Theft Replacement and Priority Care and Support

In the unfortunate event that your Arlo camera is stolen, Arlo provides theft replacement for subscribed customers. This service is available for customers with an Arlo Secure subscription. Subscribers also benefit from priority care and support, ensuring faster assistance when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions