Arlo cameras have become a popular choice for home security and surveillance. With their wireless design, high-quality video, and advanced features, it’s no wonder why many people are turning to Arlo for their security needs. However, one question that often comes up is: do you have to pay for Arlo cameras? In this article, we’ll explore the costs associated with Arlo cameras and what you can expect to pay.
Understanding Arlo Cameras and Their Pricing
Arlo cameras are available in a range of models, each with its own set of features and price point. The cost of an Arlo camera can vary depending on the model, resolution, and features. Here are some of the most popular Arlo camera models and their prices:
| Model | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Arlo Pro | 1080p | $149.99 |
| Arlo Pro 2 | 1080p | $199.99 |
| Arlo Pro 3 | 2K | $249.99 |
| Arlo Ultra | 4K | $299.99 |
As you can see, the prices of Arlo cameras vary depending on the model and features. However, these prices only reflect the cost of the camera itself and do not include any additional costs or subscriptions.
Arlo Subscription Plans: What You Need to Know
While you can use Arlo cameras without a subscription, you’ll need to pay for a plan if you want to access advanced features and cloud storage. Arlo offers several subscription plans, each with its own set of features and pricing. Here are the details:
Arlo Smart Plan
The Arlo Smart plan is the most basic subscription plan offered by Arlo. This plan costs $2.99 per month per camera and includes:
- Cloud storage for 30 days
- Motion detection alerts
- Customizable alerts
- Smart notifications
Arlo Smart Premier Plan
The Arlo Smart Premier plan is the next step up from the Arlo Smart plan. This plan costs $9.99 per month for up to 5 cameras and includes:
- Cloud storage for 30 days
- Motion detection alerts
- Customizable alerts
- Smart notifications
- Advanced object detection
- Package detection
Arlo Smart Elite Plan
The Arlo Smart Elite plan is the most advanced subscription plan offered by Arlo. This plan costs $14.99 per month for up to 10 cameras and includes:
- Cloud storage for 60 days
- Motion detection alerts
- Customizable alerts
- Smart notifications
- Advanced object detection
- Package detection
- Vehicle detection
- Person detection
As you can see, the Arlo subscription plans offer a range of features and pricing options. While you don’t need a subscription to use Arlo cameras, you’ll need to pay for a plan if you want to access advanced features and cloud storage.
Additional Costs to Consider
In addition to the cost of the camera and subscription plan, there are some additional costs to consider when using Arlo cameras. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Cloud Storage Costs
If you want to store your video footage in the cloud, you’ll need to pay for cloud storage. Arlo offers several cloud storage plans, each with its own pricing and features. Here are the details:
- 30 days of cloud storage: included with Arlo Smart plan
- 60 days of cloud storage: included with Arlo Smart Elite plan
- 120 days of cloud storage: $9.99 per month
- 365 days of cloud storage: $19.99 per month
Accessory Costs
Arlo cameras require a few accessories to function properly. Here are some of the accessories you may need to purchase:
- Mounts: $9.99 – $19.99
- Chargers: $9.99 – $19.99
- Batteries: $9.99 – $19.99
Conclusion
In conclusion, while you don’t need to pay for Arlo cameras upfront, there are some costs associated with using them. The cost of an Arlo camera can vary depending on the model and features, and you’ll need to pay for a subscription plan if you want to access advanced features and cloud storage. Additionally, there are some additional costs to consider, such as cloud storage and accessory costs. However, with the right plan and accessories, Arlo cameras can be a valuable addition to your home security system.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing a home security camera, there are many options available. However, Arlo cameras are a popular choice due to their wireless design, high-quality video, and advanced features. While there are some costs associated with using Arlo cameras, they can be a valuable investment in your home’s security. By understanding the costs and features of Arlo cameras, you can make an informed decision about whether they’re right for you.
Recommendations
If you’re considering purchasing an Arlo camera, here are a few recommendations to keep in mind:
- Choose the right model: With so many Arlo camera models available, it can be hard to choose the right one. Consider your needs and budget when selecting a model.
- Consider the subscription plan: While you don’t need a subscription to use Arlo cameras, you’ll need to pay for a plan if you want to access advanced features and cloud storage.
- Check the prices: Arlo camera prices can vary depending on the retailer and location. Be sure to check the prices before making a purchase.
- Read reviews: Check out reviews from other customers to get a sense of the camera’s performance and any potential issues.
By following these recommendations, you can find the right Arlo camera for your needs and budget.
Do I have to pay for Arlo cameras to use them?
You don’t necessarily have to pay to use Arlo cameras, but some features require a subscription. Arlo offers a free plan that allows you to live stream, receive motion notifications, and store video recordings for up to 7 days. However, if you want more advanced features like cloud storage for longer periods, object detection, and activity zones, you’ll need to subscribe to one of Arlo’s paid plans.
The paid plans start at around $3 per month per camera for the Arlo Smart plan, which offers 30 days of cloud storage and advanced features like object detection and activity zones. If you have multiple cameras, you can opt for the Arlo Smart Premier plan, which covers up to 5 cameras and offers 30 days of cloud storage for around $10 per month. There’s also the Arlo Smart Elite plan, which offers 60 days of cloud storage and covers up to 10 cameras for around $15 per month.
What features do I get with the free Arlo plan?
The free Arlo plan allows you to live stream video from your cameras, receive motion notifications, and store video recordings for up to 7 days. You’ll also be able to customize your motion detection settings and receive alerts when motion is detected. However, the free plan has some limitations, such as limited cloud storage and no access to advanced features like object detection and activity zones.
While the free plan is a good starting point, it’s worth noting that you may need to upgrade to a paid plan if you want more advanced features or longer cloud storage. Additionally, if you have multiple cameras, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan to cover all of your devices. However, if you only have one or two cameras and don’t need advanced features, the free plan may be sufficient.
How much does an Arlo subscription cost?
The cost of an Arlo subscription varies depending on the plan you choose and the number of cameras you have. The Arlo Smart plan starts at around $3 per month per camera and offers 30 days of cloud storage and advanced features like object detection and activity zones. The Arlo Smart Premier plan covers up to 5 cameras and offers 30 days of cloud storage for around $10 per month.
If you have more than 5 cameras, you can opt for the Arlo Smart Elite plan, which covers up to 10 cameras and offers 60 days of cloud storage for around $15 per month. There’s also a 4K plan that offers 30 days of cloud storage for 4K resolution cameras, which starts at around $5 per month per camera. It’s worth noting that Arlo often offers discounts for annual payments, so it’s worth checking their website for promotions.
Can I use Arlo cameras without a subscription?
Yes, you can use Arlo cameras without a subscription, but you’ll be limited to the features offered by the free plan. With the free plan, you’ll be able to live stream video from your cameras, receive motion notifications, and store video recordings for up to 7 days. However, you won’t have access to advanced features like object detection and activity zones, and you’ll be limited to 7 days of cloud storage.
If you don’t need advanced features and are happy with the limitations of the free plan, you can use Arlo cameras without a subscription. However, if you want more features or longer cloud storage, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. It’s worth noting that Arlo cameras do require a one-time purchase, so you’ll need to buy the cameras upfront, regardless of whether you choose to subscribe to a paid plan.
What happens if I cancel my Arlo subscription?
If you cancel your Arlo subscription, you’ll lose access to the advanced features and cloud storage offered by your paid plan. You’ll be downgraded to the free plan, which means you’ll only have access to live streaming, motion notifications, and 7 days of cloud storage. You won’t be able to access any video recordings stored in the cloud beyond the 7-day period.
It’s worth noting that canceling your subscription won’t affect the functionality of your cameras, and you’ll still be able to use them to live stream video and receive motion notifications. However, if you want to access advanced features or longer cloud storage, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan again. You can cancel your subscription at any time, and Arlo offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with their service.
Can I try Arlo’s paid features for free?
Yes, Arlo offers a 30-day free trial for their paid plans, which allows you to try out their advanced features and cloud storage before committing to a subscription. During the trial period, you’ll have access to all of the features offered by the paid plan you choose, including object detection, activity zones, and longer cloud storage.
At the end of the 30-day trial period, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the paid plan you chose, unless you cancel your subscription. It’s worth noting that Arlo often offers promotions and discounts for new customers, so it’s worth checking their website for deals. The free trial is a great way to try out Arlo’s paid features and see if they’re right for you.
Is an Arlo subscription worth the cost?
Whether an Arlo subscription is worth the cost depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want advanced features like object detection and activity zones, and you need longer cloud storage, a paid plan may be worth the cost. However, if you’re happy with the limitations of the free plan, you may not need to upgrade to a paid plan.
It’s worth considering the cost of the subscription versus the cost of buying and maintaining a local storage solution, such as a hard drive or NAS device. Arlo’s cloud storage can be more convenient and scalable than local storage, but it may not be the best option for everyone. Ultimately, the decision to subscribe to an Arlo plan depends on your specific needs and budget.