When it comes to home security cameras, one of the most popular options on the market is Arlo. Known for their wireless, weather-resistant cameras, Arlo offers a range of products that can be used to monitor your home, both indoors and outdoors. However, one of the most common questions people have about Arlo cameras is whether they can be used without a subscription.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Arlo’s subscription model and explore the options for using their cameras without a subscription. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each approach, so you can make an informed decision about how to use your Arlo cameras.
Understanding Arlo’s Subscription Model
Arlo offers a range of subscription plans, each with its own set of features and benefits. The most basic plan, Arlo Smart, starts at $2.99 per month and includes features like motion detection, alerts, and cloud storage for up to 30 days. The more advanced plans, Arlo Smart Premier and Arlo Smart Elite, offer additional features like 24/7 recording, advanced object detection, and longer cloud storage periods.
While Arlo’s subscription plans can be a great value, especially for those who want advanced features and long-term cloud storage, they may not be necessary for everyone. If you’re looking for a more basic security solution, you may be able to use your Arlo cameras without a subscription.
Using Arlo Cameras Without a Subscription
So, can Arlo cameras be used without a subscription? The answer is yes, but with some limitations. Here are a few ways you can use your Arlo cameras without a subscription:
- Live Streaming: You can still live stream video from your Arlo cameras without a subscription. This means you can check in on your home in real-time, from anywhere, using the Arlo app.
- Local Storage: If you have an Arlo base station, you can store video footage locally on a USB drive. This means you can still record and store video, even without a subscription.
- Motion Detection: Arlo cameras can still detect motion and send alerts to your phone, even without a subscription. However, you won’t be able to customize motion detection settings or receive alerts for specific types of motion (like people or animals).
However, there are some limitations to using Arlo cameras without a subscription. For example:
- No Cloud Storage: Without a subscription, you won’t be able to store video footage in the cloud. This means you’ll need to rely on local storage, which can be limited.
- No Advanced Features: You won’t have access to advanced features like 24/7 recording, object detection, or customized motion detection settings.
- No Customer Support: If you’re not a subscriber, you may not have access to Arlo’s customer support team, which can be a problem if you encounter any issues with your cameras.
The Pros and Cons of Using Arlo Cameras Without a Subscription
So, is using Arlo cameras without a subscription a good idea? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Cost Savings: The most obvious benefit of using Arlo cameras without a subscription is cost savings. If you don’t need advanced features or cloud storage, you can save money by not subscribing.
- Simplicity: Using Arlo cameras without a subscription can be simpler, since you won’t need to worry about managing your subscription or dealing with customer support.
- Local Storage: If you have an Arlo base station, you can store video footage locally, which can be a more secure option than cloud storage.
Cons:
- Limited Features: Without a subscription, you’ll be limited to basic features like live streaming and motion detection. If you want more advanced features, you’ll need to subscribe.
- No Cloud Storage: Without cloud storage, you’ll need to rely on local storage, which can be limited. If you need to store a lot of video footage, this can be a problem.
- No Customer Support: If you encounter any issues with your cameras, you may not have access to Arlo’s customer support team, which can be a problem.
Alternatives to Arlo’s Subscription Model
If you’re not happy with Arlo’s subscription model, there are some alternatives you can consider. Here are a few options:
- Local Storage Only: If you don’t need cloud storage, you can consider using a local storage only solution. This means you’ll store video footage on a USB drive or other local storage device, rather than in the cloud.
- Third-Party Cloud Storage: If you want to store video footage in the cloud, but don’t want to use Arlo’s subscription service, you can consider using a third-party cloud storage provider. This can be a more cost-effective option, especially if you already have a cloud storage account.
- Other Security Camera Brands: If you’re not happy with Arlo’s subscription model, you can consider using a different security camera brand. Some brands, like Ring and Nest, offer more flexible subscription options or local storage solutions.
Comparison of Security Camera Brands
Here’s a comparison of some popular security camera brands and their subscription models:
| Brand | Subscription Model | Cloud Storage | Local Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo | Monthly or annual subscription | 30 days to 1 year | Yes, with base station |
| Ring | Monthly or annual subscription | 30 days to 1 year | No |
| Nest | Monthly or annual subscription | 5 days to 30 days | No |
| Blink | No subscription required | No | Yes, with sync module |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Arlo cameras can be used without a subscription, there are some limitations to consider. If you don’t need advanced features or cloud storage, using Arlo cameras without a subscription can be a cost-effective option. However, if you want more advanced features or need to store a lot of video footage, a subscription may be necessary.
Ultimately, the decision to use Arlo cameras with or without a subscription depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of Arlo’s subscription model and the options available to you.
Can I use Arlo cameras without a subscription?
You can use Arlo cameras without a subscription, but you will be limited to live viewing and motion detection alerts. You will not have access to cloud storage for recorded videos, and you will not be able to customize motion detection zones or receive alerts based on specific zones.
However, if you don’t need these advanced features, you can still use your Arlo cameras without a subscription. You can view live footage, receive motion detection alerts, and even record videos locally to a USB drive or microSD card. This can be a good option if you only need basic security camera functionality.
What features are available without a subscription?
Without a subscription, you can still view live footage from your Arlo cameras, receive motion detection alerts, and record videos locally to a USB drive or microSD card. You can also customize some basic settings, such as the camera’s field of view and sensitivity.
However, you will not have access to advanced features such as cloud storage, customizable motion detection zones, and alerts based on specific zones. You also will not be able to view recorded videos online or share them with others.
How do I record videos without a subscription?
To record videos without a subscription, you will need to connect a USB drive or microSD card to your Arlo base station or camera. This will allow you to record videos locally, rather than in the cloud. You can then view these videos on your local device or transfer them to a computer for viewing.
Keep in mind that local recording has some limitations. For example, you will not be able to view recorded videos online or share them with others. You also will not be able to customize recording settings, such as the length of time that videos are recorded.
Can I still receive motion detection alerts without a subscription?
Yes, you can still receive motion detection alerts without a subscription. When motion is detected, your Arlo camera will send an alert to your smartphone or tablet. You can then view live footage from the camera to see what triggered the alert.
However, without a subscription, you will not be able to customize motion detection zones or receive alerts based on specific zones. This means that you may receive more false alerts, as the camera will detect motion in all areas of the field of view.
How do I customize my Arlo camera settings without a subscription?
You can customize some basic settings on your Arlo camera without a subscription, such as the camera’s field of view and sensitivity. You can also adjust the camera’s brightness and contrast settings.
However, without a subscription, you will not be able to customize more advanced settings, such as motion detection zones or alert settings. You also will not be able to view or adjust camera settings online.
Can I use multiple Arlo cameras without a subscription?
Yes, you can use multiple Arlo cameras without a subscription. You can view live footage from all of your cameras, receive motion detection alerts, and record videos locally to a USB drive or microSD card.
However, keep in mind that using multiple cameras without a subscription may limit your ability to customize settings and receive alerts. You may also experience more false alerts, as each camera will detect motion in all areas of the field of view.
Is it worth using Arlo cameras without a subscription?
Whether or not it is worth using Arlo cameras without a subscription depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you only need basic security camera functionality, such as live viewing and motion detection alerts, then using Arlo cameras without a subscription may be a good option.
However, if you need more advanced features, such as cloud storage, customizable motion detection zones, and alerts based on specific zones, then a subscription may be worth considering. You should weigh the cost of a subscription against the benefits of these advanced features to decide what is best for you.