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 use an 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 Arlo 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 includes features such as:
- Cloud storage for up to 30 days of video recordings
- Motion detection and alerts
- Customizable motion zones
- Live streaming
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 builds on the features of the Arlo Smart plan, adding:
- Cloud storage for up to 30 days of video recordings
- Motion detection and alerts
- Customizable motion zones
- Live streaming
- Advanced object detection (person, animal, vehicle)
- Package detection
The Arlo Smart Premier plan is available for $4.99 per month per camera, or $19.99 per month for up to 5 cameras.
Arlo Smart Elite Plan
The Arlo Smart Elite plan is the most advanced subscription plan offered by Arlo. It includes all the features of the Arlo Smart Premier plan, plus:
- Cloud storage for up to 60 days of video recordings
- Advanced object detection (person, animal, vehicle)
- Package detection
- Vehicle detection
- Smart alerts
The Arlo Smart Elite plan is available for $9.99 per month per camera, or $29.99 per month for up to 5 cameras.
Benefits of an Arlo Subscription
While it’s possible to use an Arlo camera without a subscription, there are several benefits to having one. Here are some of the key advantages:
Cloud Storage
One of the main benefits of an Arlo subscription is cloud storage. With a subscription, you can store up to 30 days of video recordings in the cloud, depending on the plan you choose. This means that even if your camera is stolen or damaged, you’ll still have access to your video recordings.
Advanced Object Detection
Arlo’s advanced object detection feature allows you to customize your motion alerts to detect specific objects, such as people, animals, or vehicles. This feature is only available with an Arlo Smart Premier or Arlo Smart Elite subscription.
Smart Alerts
Arlo’s smart alerts feature allows you to receive notifications when motion is detected, and you can customize your alerts to detect specific objects or activities. This feature is only available with an Arlo Smart Elite subscription.
Do You Need an Arlo Subscription?
While an Arlo subscription offers several benefits, it’s not necessarily required to use an Arlo camera. Here are some scenarios where you might not need a subscription:
Local Storage Only
If you only need to store video recordings locally on your camera or on a USB drive, you might not need a subscription. However, keep in mind that local storage has its limitations, and you might not have access to your video recordings if your camera is stolen or damaged.
Basic Motion Detection
If you only need basic motion detection and alerts, you might not need a subscription. Arlo cameras come with basic motion detection and alerts, and you can customize your motion zones without a subscription.
However, if you want to take advantage of advanced features like cloud storage, advanced object detection, and smart alerts, an Arlo subscription is required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while an Arlo subscription is not required to use an Arlo camera, it offers several benefits that can enhance your home security experience. With cloud storage, advanced object detection, and smart alerts, an Arlo subscription can provide you with peace of mind and help you stay connected to your home. Whether or not you need an Arlo subscription depends on your specific needs and budget, but it’s definitely worth considering if you want to get the most out of your Arlo camera.
| Plan | Cloud Storage | Advanced Object Detection | Smart Alerts | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo Smart | Up to 30 days | No | No | $2.99/month per camera |
| Arlo Smart Premier | Up to 30 days | Yes | No | $4.99/month per camera |
| Arlo Smart Elite | Up to 60 days | Yes | Yes | $9.99/month per camera |
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 videos, motion detection alerts, and the ability to customize notification settings. Additionally, subscribers can access advanced features such as object detection, which allows the camera to identify specific objects like people, animals, and vehicles.
With a subscription, users can also access their camera’s footage from anywhere, at any time, using the Arlo app. This allows for greater flexibility and peace of mind, as users can keep an eye on their property even when they’re not physically present. Furthermore, subscribers can share access to their cameras with others, making it easier to manage and monitor their property.
Can I use my Arlo camera without a subscription?
Yes, it is possible to use an Arlo camera without a subscription. However, the functionality of the camera will be limited. Without a subscription, users can still view live footage from their camera, but they will not have access to cloud storage for recorded videos. This means that if the camera detects motion or an event occurs, the footage will not be saved unless the user is actively viewing the live feed.
Additionally, without a subscription, users will not receive motion detection alerts or have access to advanced features like object detection. However, users can still use the camera’s local storage option, which allows them to store footage on a USB drive or microSD card. This can provide some level of recording capability, but it is limited compared to the cloud storage offered with a subscription.
What are the different types of Arlo camera subscriptions?
Arlo offers several different subscription plans, each with varying levels of features and storage. The most basic plan is the Arlo Smart plan, which provides 30 days of cloud storage for a single camera. The next level up is the Arlo Smart Premier, which offers 30 days of cloud storage for up to 10 cameras. The top-tier plan is Arlo Smart Elite, which provides 60 days of cloud storage for up to 20 cameras.
Each plan also includes additional features such as motion detection alerts, object detection, and customizable notification settings. Users can choose the plan that best fits their needs and budget, and can always upgrade or downgrade their plan as needed. It’s worth noting that Arlo also offers a free trial period, allowing users to test out the features and see which plan is right for them.
How much does an Arlo camera subscription cost?
The cost of an Arlo camera subscription varies depending on the plan chosen. The Arlo Smart plan, which provides 30 days of cloud storage for a single camera, costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. The Arlo Smart Premier plan, which offers 30 days of cloud storage for up to 10 cameras, costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
The top-tier Arlo Smart Elite plan, which provides 60 days of cloud storage for up to 20 cameras, costs $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year. It’s worth noting that Arlo often offers discounts for annual payments, as well as promotions and special deals for new customers. Users should check the Arlo website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Can I cancel my Arlo camera subscription at any time?
Yes, users can cancel their Arlo camera subscription at any time. To cancel, users simply need to log in to their Arlo account and go to the subscription management page. From there, they can select the option to cancel their subscription. It’s worth noting that cancellations will take effect at the end of the current billing cycle, and users will still have access to their subscription features until that time.
If a user cancels their subscription, they will still be able to view live footage from their camera, but they will no longer have access to cloud storage for recorded videos or advanced features like object detection. Users can always restart their subscription at a later time if they choose to do so.
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 to be able to view recorded footage from their camera, receive motion detection alerts, and access advanced features like object detection, a subscription is likely a worthwhile investment.
However, for users who only need to view live footage from their camera and do not require cloud storage or advanced features, a subscription may not be necessary. It’s worth considering the specific features and benefits that are important to you, and weighing those against the cost of the subscription.
Can I use my Arlo camera with other smart home devices?
Yes, Arlo cameras can be integrated with other smart home devices. Arlo cameras are compatible with a range of smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This allows users to control their cameras and access their footage using voice commands or through the smart home app.
Additionally, Arlo cameras can be integrated with other smart devices, such as doorbells and thermostats, to create a comprehensive smart home system. This can provide users with a more seamless and integrated smart home experience, and allow them to control and monitor their home more easily.