As the world becomes increasingly connected, home security has become a top priority for many homeowners. One popular solution is the Arlo camera, a wireless, weather-resistant security camera that can be placed indoors or outdoors. But do you need a subscription to unlock the full potential of your Arlo camera? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Arlo’s subscription plans, the benefits they offer, and whether or not you need one to get the most out of your camera.
Understanding Arlo’s Subscription Plans
Arlo offers several subscription plans, each with its own set of features and benefits. The plans are designed to provide users with a range of options to suit their specific needs and budgets. Here’s a brief overview of the plans:
Arlo Smart Plan
The Arlo Smart plan is the most basic subscription plan offered by Arlo. It provides users with access to the following features:
- Motion detection and alerts
- Cloud storage for up to 30 days of video footage
- Customizable motion zones
- Smart alerts that can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles
The Arlo Smart plan is available for $2.99 per month per camera, or $12.99 per month for up to 5 cameras.
Arlo Smart Premier Plan
The Arlo Smart Premier plan is the next step up from the Arlo Smart plan. It provides users with all the features of the Arlo Smart plan, plus:
- Cloud storage for up to 30 days of video footage for up to 10 cameras
- 24/7 continuous video recording for up to 30 days
- Advanced object detection that can identify specific objects, such as packages or pets
The Arlo Smart Premier plan is available for $14.99 per month for up to 10 cameras.
Arlo Smart Elite Plan
The Arlo Smart Elite plan is the most advanced subscription plan offered by Arlo. It provides users with all the features of the Arlo Smart Premier plan, plus:
- Cloud storage for up to 60 days of video footage for up to 20 cameras
- 24/7 continuous video recording for up to 60 days
- Advanced object detection that can identify specific objects, such as packages or pets
- Integration with other smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
The Arlo Smart Elite plan is available for $24.99 per month for up to 20 cameras.
Benefits of an Arlo Subscription
So, what are the benefits of an Arlo subscription? Here are a few:
- Cloud storage: With an Arlo subscription, you’ll have access to cloud storage for your video footage, which means you can store and review footage from anywhere, at any time.
- Advanced motion detection: Arlo’s advanced motion detection features can help you identify potential security threats, such as people or animals, and alert you to them.
- Customizable motion zones: With an Arlo subscription, you can customize your motion zones to focus on specific areas of your property, such as doors or windows.
- Smart alerts: Arlo’s smart alerts can help you stay on top of potential security threats, and provide you with peace of mind.
Do You Need an Arlo Subscription?
So, do you need an Arlo subscription to get the most out of your camera? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want access to advanced features like cloud storage, motion detection, and smart alerts, then an Arlo subscription is a good idea. However, if you’re just looking for a basic security camera that can provide you with live video feed, then you may not need a subscription.
Here are a few scenarios to consider:
- Basic security needs: If you just want a basic security camera that can provide you with live video feed, then you may not need an Arlo subscription. You can still use your camera to monitor your property, but you won’t have access to advanced features like cloud storage or motion detection.
- Advanced security needs: If you want advanced security features like cloud storage, motion detection, and smart alerts, then an Arlo subscription is a good idea. You’ll have access to a range of features that can help you stay on top of potential security threats, and provide you with peace of mind.
- Smart home integration: If you have a smart home system, then an Arlo subscription can help you integrate your camera with other devices, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This can provide you with a more seamless and integrated smart home experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an Arlo subscription can provide you with a range of benefits, including cloud storage, advanced motion detection, and smart alerts. However, whether or not you need a subscription depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want advanced security features, then an Arlo subscription is a good idea. But if you’re just looking for a basic security camera, then you may not need a subscription. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
What features do I get with an Arlo camera subscription?
An Arlo camera subscription provides users with a range of features that enhance the functionality of their cameras. Some of the key features include cloud storage for recorded video, motion detection alerts, and the ability to customize notification settings. Additionally, subscribers can access advanced features such as object detection, which can differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles.
With a subscription, users can also access their camera’s video feed remotely, allowing them to keep an eye on their property from anywhere. Furthermore, subscribers can share access to their cameras with others, making it easy to grant permission to family members or caregivers. Overall, an Arlo camera subscription provides users with a more comprehensive and convenient security solution.
Can I use my Arlo camera without a subscription?
Yes, it is possible to use an Arlo camera without a subscription. Without a subscription, users can still access their camera’s live feed and receive motion detection alerts. However, the camera’s functionality will be limited, and users will not have access to cloud storage or advanced features such as object detection.
Without a subscription, users will also be limited in terms of the amount of video they can store locally on the camera. This means that users will need to regularly delete old footage to make room for new recordings. Additionally, users will not be able to access their camera’s video feed remotely, which may limit the camera’s usefulness for some users.
What are the different types of Arlo camera subscriptions?
Arlo offers several different subscription plans, each with its own set of features and pricing. The most basic plan is the Arlo Smart plan, which provides users with 30 days of cloud storage and access to advanced features such as object detection. The Arlo Smart Premier plan offers 30 days of cloud storage for up to 10 cameras, while the Arlo Smart Elite plan offers 60 days of cloud storage for up to 20 cameras.
In addition to these plans, Arlo also offers a single-camera plan that provides users with 30 days of cloud storage for a single camera. This plan is a good option for users who only need to monitor a single location. Overall, Arlo’s subscription plans offer users a range of options to choose from, depending on their specific needs and budget.
How much does an Arlo camera subscription cost?
The cost of an Arlo camera subscription varies depending on the plan chosen. The most basic plan, the Arlo Smart plan, costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. The Arlo Smart Premier plan costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, while the Arlo Smart Elite plan costs $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year.
In addition to these plans, Arlo also offers a single-camera plan that costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. It’s worth noting that Arlo often offers discounts for annual payments, so users can save money by paying for a year’s subscription upfront. Overall, Arlo’s subscription plans are competitively priced and offer users a range of options to choose from.
Can I cancel my Arlo camera subscription at any time?
Yes, users can cancel their Arlo camera subscription at any time. To cancel a subscription, users simply need to log in to their Arlo account and navigate to the subscription settings page. From there, they can select the option to cancel their subscription.
It’s worth noting that canceling a subscription will not affect any video that has already been recorded and stored in the cloud. However, users will no longer have access to advanced features such as object detection, and their camera’s functionality will be limited. Additionally, users will not be able to access their camera’s video feed remotely, which may limit the camera’s usefulness for some users.
Is an Arlo camera subscription worth the cost?
Whether or not an Arlo camera subscription is worth the cost depends on the individual user’s needs and preferences. For users who want access to advanced features such as object detection and cloud storage, a subscription is likely a good investment. Additionally, users who want to be able to access their camera’s video feed remotely will need a subscription.
However, for users who only need basic functionality and do not need to access their camera’s video feed remotely, a subscription may not be necessary. In these cases, users can still access their camera’s live feed and receive motion detection alerts without a subscription. Ultimately, the decision to purchase a subscription will depend on the individual user’s specific needs and budget.
Are there any alternatives to Arlo camera subscriptions?
Yes, there are several alternatives to Arlo camera subscriptions. Some users may choose to use a different security camera brand that offers similar features and functionality without a subscription. Others may choose to use a third-party cloud storage service to store their camera’s video footage.
Additionally, some users may choose to use a local storage solution, such as a network video recorder (NVR), to store their camera’s video footage. This can be a good option for users who do not need to access their camera’s video feed remotely and do not want to pay for a subscription. Overall, there are several alternatives to Arlo camera subscriptions, and users should consider their options carefully before making a decision.