Arlo has become one of the most trusted names in home security, offering a wide range of wireless security cameras and video doorbells to help protect homes. However, while Arlo’s hardware is impressive, the real value often comes from the features available through their subscription plans. By subscribing to one of Arlo’s plans, users can unlock advanced features such as cloud storage, smart notifications, and enhanced video recording. But how do Arlo subscription plans work, and what do they offer?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down the different Arlo subscription plans, examine the features available, and explore whether the Arlo monthly fee is worth it for homeowners looking to maximize their security system.
Understanding Arlo’s Free and Paid Plans
Before diving into the paid Arlo subscription plans, it’s important to understand what Arlo offers for free. When you purchase an Arlo security camera or doorbell camera, you automatically get access to some basic features without needing a subscription.
Free Tier Features
Arlo’s free tier is fairly limited, providing the basics for monitoring your home. With the free plan, you’ll receive live streaming of video footage and push notifications when motion or sound is detected. However, this tier does not include any cloud storage, meaning you won’t be able to review past recordings unless you insert a local storage device into the Arlo SmartHub or base station. For those who only need real-time monitoring and don’t require video history, this might be sufficient.
That said, to fully take advantage of Arlo’s hardware, subscribing to one of the Arlo subscription plans is recommended. These plans offer cloud storage, enhanced notifications, and much more.
Arlo Subscription Plans Overview
Arlo offers two main subscription tiers: Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus. Both options provide cloud storage and advanced features, but the differences come down to storage length, resolution, and additional security features.
1. Arlo Secure Plan
The Arlo Secure plan is the most popular subscription option for Arlo users. With this plan, you can unlock the following key features:
- 30-Day Cloud Storage: Arlo Secure provides 30 days of cloud storage, meaning that all video recordings from your cameras are saved in the cloud for a full month. This allows you to go back and review footage as needed, whether you missed an alert or need to provide evidence to authorities.
- Smart Notifications: One of the most valuable features of the Arlo Secure plan is smart notifications. This feature allows the system to differentiate between people, animals, vehicles, and packages. Instead of receiving generic motion alerts, you’ll get more specific notifications, allowing you to filter out unnecessary alerts and focus on important events.
- Activity Zones: With Arlo Secure, you can set up specific activity zones within the camera’s field of view. This means you can designate certain areas—like your front porch or driveway—as high-priority zones, while ignoring other areas that might cause false alerts, such as trees or roads.
- Video Detection: This plan includes enhanced video detection that can alert you when motion is detected based on specific triggers, such as a person entering your property or a package being delivered.
The Arlo Secure plan costs $2.99 per month per camera or $9.99 per month for unlimited cameras at one location. If you have multiple cameras or doorbells, the unlimited option provides excellent value, especially with the additional smart features.
2. Arlo Secure Plus Plan
For those who want even more features, the Arlo Secure Plus plan takes everything from the standard Secure plan and adds a few more advanced perks:
- 60-Day Cloud Storage: With Secure Plus, you get 60 days of cloud storage instead of 30, giving you more time to review past events and footage. This is especially useful if you’re away for extended periods or if you need to keep an extensive record of events.
- 4K Video Recording: The Arlo Secure Plus plan allows for 4K video resolution, which provides incredibly clear and detailed footage. While Arlo cameras offer excellent 2K and 1080p video quality on the standard Secure plan, upgrading to 4K allows you to capture even more detail—perfect for identifying people or license plates.
- E911 Emergency Call Service: A standout feature of Arlo Secure Plus is the E911 emergency call service. With this feature, you can instantly connect to local emergency services directly from the Arlo app, no matter where you are. This can be a lifesaver in situations where you need immediate help but are not at home.
The Arlo Secure Plus plan costs $14.99 per month for unlimited cameras at one location. For those who prioritize higher resolution and emergency services, the extra Arlo monthly fee for the Secure Plus plan may be well worth it.
Is the Arlo Monthly Fee Worth It?
When deciding whether to invest in one of the Arlo subscription plans, it’s important to consider your specific needs. If you only require basic monitoring and don’t mind using local storage, the free plan may suffice. However, most users will find the additional features provided by Arlo Secure or Arlo Secure Plus to be worth the Arlo monthly fee.
Benefits of Arlo Subscription Plans
- Cloud Storage: Perhaps the biggest advantage of subscribing to an Arlo plan is the ability to store video footage in the cloud. Instead of relying on local storage (which can fill up or malfunction), you can rest assured that your footage is securely saved in the cloud and available for review.
- Smart Notifications: The ability to receive specific alerts—such as a person or vehicle approaching your home—is a major upgrade over basic motion detection. This feature significantly reduces false alarms and makes your security system more efficient.
- Emergency Services: For those who want added peace of mind, the E911 feature in the Secure Plus plan is invaluable. Being able to call local emergency services through the app ensures that help is just a tap away, even if you’re far from home.
- Higher Video Quality: For homeowners who want the best possible video quality, upgrading to 4K resolution in the Secure Plus plan is a great option. The additional clarity and detail provided by 4K footage can make a big difference when identifying suspects or events.
Drawbacks of Arlo Subscription Plans
- Monthly Fees: While the subscription plans offer excellent value, the Arlo monthly fee can add up over time, especially for those with multiple cameras. However, the unlimited camera plan helps mitigate this cost for users with larger security setups.
- Reliance on Cloud Storage: Some users may prefer local storage for privacy reasons, and while the cloud is secure, it’s important to weigh the benefits of cloud storage versus local options.
Final Thoughts on Arlo Subscription Plans
The Arlo subscription plans are designed to enhance the functionality of your security system and provide more advanced features that go beyond simple live monitoring. For most users, the additional benefits—like cloud storage, smart notifications, and emergency services—make the Arlo monthly fee well worth the cost.
If you’re serious about protecting your home and want to make the most of your Arlo security cameras or video doorbells, subscribing to one of Arlo’s plans is a smart choice. Whether you opt for the standard Arlo Secure plan or upgrade to the Arlo Secure Plus plan for additional features, you’ll be getting a comprehensive security solution that’s hard to beat.