When it comes to home security cameras, one of the most popular and highly-regarded brands is Arlo. Known for their wireless, weather-resistant, and feature-rich cameras, Arlo has become a go-to choice for many homeowners. However, one question that often arises when considering Arlo cameras is whether or not they require a subscription. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Arlo’s subscription model, exploring what’s included, what’s not, and what alternatives are available.
Understanding Arlo’s Subscription Model
Arlo offers a range of cameras, from the budget-friendly Arlo Essential to the more advanced Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra. While these cameras can be used without a subscription, many of their features and benefits are only accessible with a paid plan. Arlo’s subscription model is designed to provide users with additional storage, advanced features, and enhanced support.
What’s Included with an Arlo Subscription?
An Arlo subscription provides users with a range of benefits, including:
- Cloud storage: Store video recordings in the cloud for up to 30 days, depending on the plan.
- Advanced motion detection: Receive notifications when motion is detected, and customize alerts to suit your needs.
- Person detection: Identify people in your videos, and receive notifications when a person is detected.
- Package detection: Receive notifications when a package is delivered to your doorstep.
- Vehicle detection: Identify vehicles in your videos, and receive notifications when a vehicle is detected.
- Customizable alerts: Create custom alerts based on specific events, such as motion detection or person detection.
- Priority support: Get help when you need it with priority support.
Arlo Subscription Plans
Arlo offers several subscription plans, each with varying levels of storage and features. The plans include:
- Arlo Smart: This plan provides 30 days of cloud storage, advanced motion detection, person detection, package detection, and vehicle detection. It costs $2.99 per month per camera.
- Arlo Smart Premier: This plan provides 30 days of cloud storage, advanced motion detection, person detection, package detection, and vehicle detection, as well as customizable alerts and priority support. It costs $9.99 per month for up to 5 cameras.
- Arlo Smart Elite: This plan provides 60 days of cloud storage, advanced motion detection, person detection, package detection, and vehicle detection, as well as customizable alerts and priority support. It costs $14.99 per month for up to 10 cameras.
Using Arlo Cameras Without a Subscription
While an Arlo subscription provides additional features and benefits, it’s possible to use Arlo cameras without one. Here are some limitations to consider:
- Local storage only: Without a subscription, you’ll only be able to store video recordings locally on the camera or on a USB drive.
- Limited motion detection: You’ll still receive motion detection alerts, but they won’t be as customizable or advanced as those with a subscription.
- No person detection: You won’t be able to identify people in your videos or receive notifications when a person is detected.
- No package detection: You won’t receive notifications when a package is delivered to your doorstep.
- No vehicle detection: You won’t be able to identify vehicles in your videos or receive notifications when a vehicle is detected.
Alternatives to Arlo’s Subscription Model
If you’re not interested in paying for an Arlo subscription, there are alternative options to consider:
- Local storage: Use a USB drive or local storage device to store video recordings.
- Third-party cloud storage: Use a third-party cloud storage service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to store video recordings.
- Other security camera brands: Consider other security camera brands that offer free or low-cost cloud storage, such as Ring or Nest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Arlo cameras can be used without a subscription, many of their features and benefits are only accessible with a paid plan. Arlo’s subscription model provides users with additional storage, advanced features, and enhanced support. If you’re looking for a comprehensive home security solution, an Arlo subscription may be worth considering. However, if you’re on a budget or prefer to use local storage, there are alternative options available.
| Arlo Subscription Plan | Cloud Storage | Advanced Motion Detection | Person Detection | Package Detection | Vehicle Detection | Customizable Alerts | Priority Support | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo Smart | 30 days | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | $2.99/month per camera |
| Arlo Smart Premier | 30 days | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $9.99/month for up to 5 cameras |
| Arlo Smart Elite | 60 days | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $14.99/month for up to 10 cameras |
By understanding Arlo’s subscription model and the alternatives available, you can make an informed decision about whether or not an Arlo subscription is right for you.
Do Arlo Cameras Require a Subscription for Basic Functionality?
Arlo cameras do not require a subscription for basic functionality. You can still use your Arlo camera without a subscription, but you will be limited to live viewing and motion detection alerts. You will also be able to view recorded videos, but only for a limited time, depending on the specific model of your camera.
However, without a subscription, you will not have access to cloud storage for your recorded videos, and you will not be able to view videos that are more than a few days old. Additionally, some advanced features, such as person detection and package detection, are only available with a subscription.
What Features Do I Get with an Arlo Subscription?
With an Arlo subscription, you get access to a range of features that enhance the functionality of your camera. These include cloud storage for your recorded videos, allowing you to view videos from up to 30 days ago, depending on the specific plan you choose. You also get access to advanced features such as person detection, package detection, and vehicle detection.
Additionally, with an Arlo subscription, you can customize your motion detection alerts, so you only receive notifications when you want to. You can also create custom activity zones, so you can focus on specific areas of your home or property. Furthermore, you can share access to your camera with others, making it easy to keep an eye on your home or property when you’re not there.
How Much Does an Arlo Subscription Cost?
The cost of an Arlo subscription varies depending on the specific plan you choose. Arlo offers a range of plans, including a single-camera plan, a multi-camera plan, and a premium plan. The single-camera plan costs around $3 per month, while the multi-camera plan costs around $10 per month. The premium plan, which includes additional features such as 4K video and 60-day cloud storage, costs around $15 per month.
It’s worth noting that Arlo often offers discounts for annual payments, so you can save money by paying for a year’s subscription upfront. Additionally, Arlo sometimes offers promotions and discounts for new customers, so it’s worth checking their website for any current deals.
Can I Use My Arlo Camera Without Wi-Fi?
No, Arlo cameras require a Wi-Fi connection to function. They use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet and upload recorded videos to the cloud. Without a Wi-Fi connection, your Arlo camera will not be able to upload videos to the cloud, and you will not be able to view live footage or receive motion detection alerts.
However, some Arlo cameras do have a local storage option, which allows you to store recorded videos on a microSD card or USB drive. This means that even without a Wi-Fi connection, you can still record videos, but you will not be able to view them remotely or upload them to the cloud.
Do Arlo Cameras Work with Other Smart Home Devices?
Yes, Arlo cameras are compatible with a range of other smart home devices, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means that you can use voice commands to view live footage, receive motion detection alerts, and control other smart devices in your home.
Arlo cameras also work with other smart home systems, such as Samsung SmartThings and Apple HomeKit. This allows you to integrate your Arlo camera with other smart devices in your home, creating a seamless and integrated smart home experience.
Can I Share Access to My Arlo Camera with Others?
Yes, with an Arlo subscription, you can share access to your camera with others. This allows you to grant access to family members, friends, or neighbors, so they can view live footage and receive motion detection alerts. You can also customize the level of access you grant to each user, so you can control what they can see and do.
Sharing access to your Arlo camera is easy to do through the Arlo app. Simply go to the settings menu, select “Shared Users,” and enter the email address of the person you want to share access with. They will then receive an email invitation to access your camera.
Can I Cancel My Arlo Subscription at Any Time?
Yes, you can cancel your Arlo subscription at any time. If you’re not satisfied with the service, or if you no longer need it, you can cancel your subscription through the Arlo website or app. You will still have access to your camera and any recorded videos until the end of your current billing cycle.
It’s worth noting that Arlo offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with the service, you can cancel within 30 days and receive a full refund. Additionally, Arlo sometimes offers free trials or promotional periods, so you can try out the service before committing to a paid subscription.