Arlo Cameras Without Subscription: What You Need to Know

When it comes to home security cameras, Arlo is one of the most popular and reliable brands on the market. Their cameras are known for their high-quality video, motion detection, and ease of use. However, one question that many potential customers have is whether Arlo cameras will work without a subscription. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with all the information you need to know.

What is an Arlo Subscription?

Before we dive into whether Arlo cameras will work without a subscription, let’s first understand what an Arlo subscription is. An Arlo subscription is a cloud-based service that provides additional features and benefits to Arlo camera owners. With a subscription, you’ll get access to:

• Cloud storage: Store your video recordings in the cloud for up to 30 days, depending on the plan you choose.
• Advanced motion detection: Receive notifications when motion is detected, and customize your motion detection settings to reduce false alerts.
• Person detection: Receive notifications when a person is detected, and customize your person detection settings to reduce false alerts.
• Package detection: Receive notifications when a package is detected, and customize your package detection settings to reduce false alerts.
• Customizable alerts: Receive notifications when specific events occur, such as when a camera is disconnected or when motion is detected.

Do I Need an Arlo Subscription?

While an Arlo subscription provides additional features and benefits, it’s not necessary to have one to use your Arlo camera. You can still use your camera without a subscription, but you’ll be limited to:

• Local storage: Store your video recordings locally on the camera or on a microSD card.
• Basic motion detection: Receive notifications when motion is detected, but you won’t be able to customize your motion detection settings.
• Live streaming: View live footage from your camera, but you won’t be able to record or store video.

Arlo Camera Features Without Subscription

While you won’t have access to all the features and benefits of an Arlo subscription, you’ll still be able to use many of the camera’s features without a subscription. Here are some of the features you can expect:

• 1080p or 4K video resolution: Depending on the camera model, you’ll be able to record video in 1080p or 4K resolution.
• Night vision: See what’s happening in the dark with infrared night vision.
• Weather resistance: Arlo cameras are weather-resistant, so you can install them indoors or outdoors.
• Battery life: Arlo cameras have a long battery life, so you don’t have to worry about recharging them frequently.
• Wireless connectivity: Connect your camera to your Wi-Fi network for easy installation and setup.

Arlo Camera Models Without Subscription

All Arlo camera models will work without a subscription, but some models may have more features and benefits than others. Here are some of the most popular Arlo camera models:

• Arlo Pro: A wireless, weather-resistant camera with 1080p video resolution and night vision.
• Arlo Pro 2: A wireless, weather-resistant camera with 1080p video resolution, night vision, and a wider field of view.
• Arlo Pro 3: A wireless, weather-resistant camera with 2K video resolution, night vision, and a wider field of view.
• Arlo Ultra: A wireless, weather-resistant camera with 4K video resolution, night vision, and a wider field of view.

Alternatives to Arlo Subscription

If you don’t want to pay for an Arlo subscription, there are some alternatives you can consider:

• Local storage: Store your video recordings locally on the camera or on a microSD card.
• Third-party cloud storage: Use a third-party cloud storage service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to store your video recordings.
• Other security camera brands: Consider other security camera brands that offer free cloud storage or local storage options.

Pros and Cons of Not Having an Arlo Subscription

Here are some pros and cons to consider if you don’t have an Arlo subscription:

Pros:

• Cost savings: You won’t have to pay for a subscription, which can save you money in the long run.
• Local storage: You can store your video recordings locally on the camera or on a microSD card, which can be more secure than cloud storage.

Cons:

• Limited features: You won’t have access to all the features and benefits of an Arlo subscription, such as advanced motion detection and person detection.
• No cloud storage: You won’t be able to store your video recordings in the cloud, which can be a disadvantage if you need to access your footage remotely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arlo cameras will work without a subscription, but you’ll be limited to local storage and basic motion detection. While you won’t have access to all the features and benefits of an Arlo subscription, you’ll still be able to use many of the camera’s features. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution, consider using local storage or third-party cloud storage services. However, if you want access to advanced features and benefits, an Arlo subscription may be worth considering.

Note: Prices may vary depending on the country or region you’re in.

What features do Arlo cameras have without a subscription?

Arlo cameras without a subscription still offer various features, including live streaming, motion detection, and alerts. You can access these features through the Arlo app, which allows you to monitor your cameras remotely. However, some features might be limited or unavailable without a subscription.

For instance, you can view live footage from your cameras, receive motion detection alerts, and customize your camera settings. You can also use the Arlo app to communicate with visitors through the camera’s speaker. However, you might not have access to cloud storage for recorded footage or advanced features like object detection and activity zones.

Can I record footage from my Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Yes, you can record footage from your Arlo cameras without a subscription, but there are some limitations. You can record footage locally on a USB drive or microSD card, depending on the camera model. This allows you to store recorded footage on a local device rather than relying on cloud storage.

However, keep in mind that local storage might not provide the same level of convenience as cloud storage. You’ll need to physically access the storage device to view recorded footage, and you might need to manage storage capacity manually. Additionally, local storage might not be available for all Arlo camera models, so be sure to check your camera’s specifications.

How long can I store recorded footage without a subscription?

The storage duration for recorded footage without a subscription varies depending on the camera model and storage method. If you’re using local storage, the storage duration will depend on the capacity of the USB drive or microSD card. You can store footage for as long as the storage device has capacity, but you’ll need to manage storage manually.

For cloud storage, Arlo offers a limited amount of free storage for non-subscribers. Typically, you can store footage for up to 30 days, but this might vary depending on your camera model and the type of footage. After the storage period expires, recorded footage will be deleted, so be sure to download or transfer important footage before it’s deleted.

Can I customize motion detection settings without a subscription?

Yes, you can customize motion detection settings for your Arlo cameras without a subscription. Through the Arlo app, you can adjust motion detection sensitivity, set activity zones, and customize alert settings. This allows you to tailor motion detection to your specific needs and minimize false alerts.

However, some advanced motion detection features might require a subscription. For instance, object detection, which allows the camera to identify specific objects like people or pets, might only be available with a subscription. Be sure to check your camera’s specifications to see which features are available without a subscription.

Do I need a subscription to receive alerts from my Arlo cameras?

No, you don’t need a subscription to receive alerts from your Arlo cameras. You can customize alert settings through the Arlo app, including motion detection alerts, battery level alerts, and connection alerts. This allows you to stay informed about your camera’s status and any potential issues.

However, some advanced alert features might require a subscription. For instance, you might need a subscription to receive alerts for specific objects or activities, like people or package deliveries. Be sure to check your camera’s specifications to see which alert features are available without a subscription.

Can I use multiple Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Yes, you can use multiple Arlo cameras without a subscription. You can add multiple cameras to your Arlo account and access them through the Arlo app. This allows you to monitor multiple areas of your home or property remotely.

However, keep in mind that some features might be limited or unavailable when using multiple cameras without a subscription. For instance, you might not be able to view footage from all cameras simultaneously or access advanced features like multi-camera streaming. Be sure to check your camera’s specifications to see which features are available when using multiple cameras without a subscription.

Is it worth getting a subscription for my Arlo cameras?

Whether or not it’s worth getting a subscription for your Arlo cameras depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want access to advanced features like cloud storage, object detection, and activity zones, a subscription might be a good investment. Additionally, if you want to store recorded footage for an extended period or access footage from multiple cameras simultaneously, a subscription can provide more convenience and flexibility.

However, if you’re on a budget or only need basic features like live streaming and motion detection, you might not need a subscription. Be sure to weigh the costs and benefits of a subscription and consider your specific needs before making a decision.