When it comes to home security cameras, Arlo is one of the most popular and reliable brands on the market. With a wide range of models to choose from, Arlo cameras offer top-notch features, sleek designs, and user-friendly interfaces. However, one question that often arises among potential buyers is: do Arlo cameras need a subscription? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Arlo cameras and explore the ins and outs of their subscription plans.
Understanding Arlo’s Subscription Model
Arlo offers a subscription-based service that provides users with additional features and benefits. The Arlo Smart plan is designed to enhance the overall user experience, offering advanced features such as:
- Cloud Storage: Store video recordings in the cloud for up to 30 days, depending on the plan.
- Person Detection: Receive notifications when the camera detects a person, reducing false alerts.
- Customizable Alerts: Set up alerts based on specific motion detection, ensuring you only receive notifications that matter.
- Activity Zones: Define areas within the camera’s field of view to focus on specific zones.
Arlo Smart Plans: A Breakdown
Arlo offers three different subscription plans: Arlo Smart, Arlo Smart Premier, and Arlo Smart Elite. Each plan varies in terms of features, cloud storage, and pricing.
- Arlo Smart: This plan costs $2.99 per month (or $29.99 per year) and includes 30 days of cloud storage for a single camera.
- Arlo Smart Premier: Priced at $9.99 per month (or $99.99 per year), this plan offers 30 days of cloud storage for up to 5 cameras.
- Arlo Smart Elite: The most comprehensive plan, costing $14.99 per month (or $149.99 per year), provides 60 days of cloud storage for up to 10 cameras.
Do You Need a Subscription for Basic Functionality?
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need a subscription to use your Arlo camera. Without a subscription, you can still:
- Live stream video feed
- Receive motion notifications
- Record video locally to a USB drive or microSD card (depending on the camera model)
However, keep in mind that without a subscription, you won’t have access to the advanced features mentioned earlier, such as person detection and customizable alerts.
Benefits of an Arlo Subscription
While a subscription is not mandatory, there are several benefits to opting for an Arlo Smart plan:
- Enhanced Security: With advanced features like person detection and customizable alerts, you’ll receive more accurate notifications and reduce false alarms.
- Increased Storage: Cloud storage allows you to store video recordings for an extended period, providing valuable evidence in case of an incident.
- Convenience: Arlo’s subscription plans offer a hassle-free experience, eliminating the need to constantly manage local storage or worry about running out of space.
Alternatives to Arlo’s Subscription Model
If you’re not interested in committing to a subscription, there are alternative options to consider:
- Local Storage: Use a USB drive or microSD card to record video locally, eliminating the need for cloud storage.
- Third-Party Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive or Dropbox can be used to store video recordings, although this may require more technical setup and management.
Comparison of Arlo’s Subscription Plans with Other Brands
When it comes to subscription plans, Arlo is not the only player in the market. Other popular home security camera brands, such as Nest and Ring, also offer subscription-based services. Here’s a brief comparison:
| Brand | Subscription Plan | Cloud Storage | Pricing |
| — | — | — | — |
| Arlo | Arlo Smart | 30 days (1 camera) | $2.99/month |
| Nest | Nest Aware | 30 days (1 camera) | $6/month |
| Ring | Ring Protect Plus | 60 days (1 camera) | $10/month |
As you can see, Arlo’s subscription plans are competitively priced, especially when considering the features and benefits offered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while an Arlo subscription is not mandatory, it does offer a range of benefits and enhanced features that can elevate your home security experience. By understanding the different subscription plans and alternatives, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget. Whether you opt for a subscription or choose to use your Arlo camera without one, rest assured that you’ll still have access to a high-quality, user-friendly security camera that provides peace of mind and protection for your home and loved ones.
Do Arlo Cameras Require a Subscription for Basic Functionality?
Arlo cameras do not necessarily 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. However, if you want to access more advanced features such as cloud storage, motion detection zones, and customizable alerts, a subscription is required.
Without a subscription, you can still view live footage from your camera, receive motion detection alerts, and adjust basic camera settings. However, you will not be able to store recorded footage in the cloud, which means you will not be able to review past events or share footage with others. If you only need basic security monitoring, you may not need a subscription, but if you want more advanced features, a subscription is necessary.
What Features Do I Get with an Arlo Subscription?
An Arlo subscription provides access to a range of advanced features that enhance the functionality of your Arlo camera. With a subscription, you get cloud storage for recorded footage, motion detection zones, customizable alerts, and the ability to share footage with others. You also get access to advanced AI-powered features such as person detection, animal detection, and vehicle detection.
Additionally, an Arlo subscription provides extended warranty and support, which means you can get help from Arlo’s customer support team if you encounter any issues with your camera. You also get access to exclusive features such as Arlo Smart, which provides advanced analytics and insights into your camera’s activity. Overall, an Arlo subscription provides a range of features that enhance the functionality and value of your Arlo camera.
How Much Does an Arlo Subscription Cost?
The cost of an Arlo subscription varies depending on the plan you choose. Arlo offers several plans, including the Arlo Smart plan, which starts at $2.99 per month per camera, and the Arlo Smart Premier plan, which starts at $9.99 per month for up to 10 cameras. The Arlo Smart Elite plan, which provides 30 days of cloud storage, starts at $14.99 per month for up to 20 cameras.
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 the Arlo website for any current deals. Overall, the cost of an Arlo subscription is competitive with other security camera brands, and the features and benefits you get make it a worthwhile investment.
Can I Use Multiple Arlo Cameras with One Subscription?
Yes, you can use multiple Arlo cameras with one subscription. In fact, Arlo’s subscription plans are designed to support multiple cameras, so you can add as many cameras as you need to your plan. The cost of the subscription will depend on the number of cameras you have, but you can easily add or remove cameras from your plan as needed.
Arlo’s multi-camera support makes it easy to create a comprehensive security system for your home or business. You can place cameras in different locations, such as the front door, back door, and garage, and view all of the footage from a single app. This makes it easy to keep an eye on your property and respond to any security threats.
Do I Need a Subscription to Store Recorded Footage?
Yes, you need a subscription to store recorded footage from your Arlo camera. Without a subscription, you will not be able to store recorded footage in the cloud, which means you will not be able to review past events or share footage with others. However, with a subscription, you can store recorded footage in the cloud for up to 30 days, depending on the plan you choose.
Arlo’s cloud storage is secure and reliable, so you can trust that your footage is safe and accessible. You can also download footage to your local device, such as a computer or smartphone, for longer-term storage. This makes it easy to keep a record of past events and share footage with others as needed.
Can I Cancel My Arlo Subscription at Any Time?
Yes, you can cancel your Arlo subscription at any time. Arlo offers flexible subscription plans that can be cancelled or changed at any time. If you decide you no longer need your subscription, you can simply log in to your Arlo account and cancel your plan.
It’s worth noting that Arlo’s subscription plans are month-to-month, so you will not be locked into a long-term contract. This makes it easy to try out an Arlo subscription and see if it’s right for you. If you’re not satisfied with the service, you can simply cancel your plan and stop paying.
Are There Any Alternatives to Arlo’s Subscription Plans?
Yes, there are alternatives to Arlo’s subscription plans. If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, you can consider using a local storage device, such as a USB drive or NAS, to store recorded footage from your Arlo camera. This will allow you to store footage locally, rather than in the cloud, and avoid the need for a subscription.
Another alternative is to use a third-party cloud storage service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to store recorded footage from your Arlo camera. This will allow you to store footage in the cloud, but you will need to pay for the storage separately. Overall, there are several alternatives to Arlo’s subscription plans, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs and budget.