Arlo cameras work without a subscription, but what you can do is limited

You can use Arlo cameras without paying for a subscription. The camera will still record video and store it locally on your device or in the cloud for a short time. However, without a subscription, you lose features like person detection, cloud storage beyond a few days, and the ability to review older footage. Most people find the free version too restrictive for actual security use.

Arlo offers several subscription tiers, and which one makes sense depends on how many cameras you have and what you actually need to see. The free tier gives you basic recording and a few days of cloud storage. Paid plans add longer storage, smarter alerts, and access to video from multiple cameras in one place.

Key Takeaways

  • Arlo cameras record video without a subscription, but cloud storage lasts only 2 to 7 days depending on your model before old footage is deleted.
  • Person detection, package detection, and other smart alerts require a paid Arlo Secure subscription.
  • Local storage on a hub or NVR (network video recorder) lets you keep footage indefinitely without a subscription, but not all Arlo models support this.
  • Arlo Secure Plus costs around $10 per month per camera and includes 30 days of cloud storage, person detection, and 24/7 recording.
  • The free tier is enough for testing whether you like the camera, but most security setups need at least the basic paid plan.

What the free tier actually gives you

Without a subscription, your Arlo camera records motion-triggered video and stores it in the cloud for a limited time. Arlo's free tier keeps footage for 2 to 7 days depending on which camera model you own. After that, the oldest videos are automatically deleted to make room for new ones. You can still watch live video from the camera anytime through the Arlo app.

The free version does not include person detection, which means you get an alert for any motion — a car passing, a tree branch moving, an animal crossing your yard. You also cannot download video in bulk or set up custom activity zones to ignore certain areas. If you have multiple cameras, you have to switch between them one at a time in the app instead of seeing them all on one screen.

Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus subscriptions

Arlo offers two main paid plans. Arlo Secure costs around $3 per month per camera and adds person detection so you only get alerts when a human is in the frame. It includes 30 days of cloud storage instead of a few days, and you can download video clips. Arlo Secure Plus costs around $10 per month per camera and adds 24/7 recording (not just motion-triggered), package detection, and vehicle detection.

Both plans cover all your cameras under one subscription, so if you have three cameras, you pay the monthly rate once and all three get the features. Arlo also sells annual plans at a discount if you want to pay upfront. The exact price varies by region and changes occasionally, so check the Arlo app or website for current rates in your area.

Local storage as an alternative to subscriptions

If you want to avoid subscriptions entirely, some Arlo models let you store video locally on a hub or NVR (network video recorder) instead of in the cloud. This means footage stays on your own device indefinitely and never gets deleted. You can review it anytime without paying Arlo anything.

Not all Arlo cameras support local storage. The Arlo Essential models and older Arlo Pro models work with local storage, but newer models like the Arlo Essential Wireless may not. Check your specific camera model on Arlo's website to see if local storage is an option. If it is, you will need to buy a compatible hub or NVR separately, which costs $100 to $300 depending on the model.

Which Arlo models require subscriptions

Arlo's wireless and battery-powered cameras (like the Arlo Essential Wireless and Arlo Pro 4) do not support local storage, so they rely on cloud storage. This means you either pay for a subscription or lose footage after a few days. Wired models like the Arlo Pro 4 Wired can use local storage if you have a compatible hub.

Before you buy an Arlo camera, check whether it supports local storage if avoiding subscriptions is important to you. The product page on Arlo's website lists this under technical specifications. If local storage matters and your preferred model does not support it, you will need to budget for a subscription or choose a different camera brand.

How to reduce subscription costs across multiple cameras

If you have several cameras, one subscription covers all of them, so the per-camera cost drops as you add more. A single Arlo Secure Plus subscription at $10 per month covers two cameras, three cameras, or ten cameras — you pay once, not per device. This makes the service cheaper per camera the more you use it.

You can also mix and match. Use local storage on cameras pointed at your front door and driveway (where you need to keep footage long-term), and use the free cloud tier on a camera inside your garage (where you only need a few days of backup). This way you pay for subscriptions only on the cameras where you actually need the features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Arlo cameras without WiFi?

No, Arlo cameras need WiFi to send video to the cloud and to let you watch live footage in the app. If you want to record without internet, you need a model that supports local storage on a hub, and the hub itself needs to be connected to your network.

What happens to my video if I cancel a subscription?

Cloud footage older than 2 to 7 days (depending on your model) is already deleted by Arlo's servers. If you cancel mid-month, you lose access to any remaining stored video. Download important clips before you cancel if you need to keep them.

Do I need a subscription to watch live video?

No, you can watch live video from your Arlo camera anytime without a subscription. You only need a subscription if you want to review recorded footage beyond a few days, use person detection, or get smarter alerts.

Is there a way to get a free subscription or trial?

Arlo sometimes offers free trial periods when you first set up a camera or during promotions. Check the Arlo app after you set up your camera to see if a trial is available. Trials usually last 30 days and then revert to the free tier unless you add a payment method.

Can I use Arlo cameras with other security systems?

Arlo cameras work as standalone devices and do not integrate with most other security systems. They connect through the Arlo app and cloud service. If you use a different security system, you would need to monitor Arlo separately or choose cameras made by your system's manufacturer.