In today’s digital world, protecting your home has become easier than ever with the rise of smart home security systems. One of the most popular brands in this space is Arlo, known for its high-quality security cameras and smart devices. However, to truly get the most out of your Arlo cameras and devices, subscribing to the Arlo Secure Plan is key. The Arlo Secure Plan elevates your home security system with advanced features like smart notifications, cloud storage, and video history.
In this detailed Arlo Secure Plan review, we’ll explore what this plan entails, its key benefits, and why it’s worth considering for homeowners who want comprehensive security coverage.
What Is the Arlo Secure Plan?
The Arlo Secure Plan is Arlo’s subscription service designed to enhance the functionality of their home security cameras. While Arlo cameras provide basic features out of the box, such as live video streaming and motion alerts, the Arlo Secure Plan unlocks premium features that allow users to fully leverage their smart security system.
There are different tiers of the Arlo Secure Plan, each offering various levels of protection and services. For most homeowners, the standard Arlo Secure Plan provides an excellent balance of cost and features, while those who need more extensive coverage can upgrade to Arlo Secure Plus.
Key Features of the Arlo Secure Plan
1. 30 Days of Cloud Storage
One of the most attractive features of the Arlo Secure Plan is the ability to store video footage in the cloud for up to 30 days. Without a subscription, Arlo cameras only provide live video access, which means you can monitor activity in real-time but cannot go back and review recorded footage.
With the Arlo Secure Plan, your camera’s recordings are saved securely in the cloud, giving you peace of mind that any suspicious activity or important event can be revisited for up to a month. This is especially helpful for reviewing footage if you’re away or unable to check notifications immediately.
2. Advanced Motion Detection
The Arlo Secure Plan includes advanced motion detection that goes beyond basic alerts. Standard motion detection often triggers false alarms, such as a tree branch blowing in the wind or a pet running across the yard. The Arlo Secure Plan uses AI-powered technology to differentiate between various types of motion, such as people, animals, vehicles, and packages.
This feature greatly reduces the number of unnecessary notifications and ensures that you’re only alerted when something truly important happens, such as someone approaching your front door or a package being delivered.
3. Smart Notifications
Another standout feature of the Arlo Secure Plan is its smart notifications. The AI-powered system provides more specific alerts, telling you exactly what triggered the camera. Instead of receiving a generic “motion detected” alert, you’ll get a notification that says, for example, “Person detected” or “Vehicle detected.” These detailed notifications allow you to respond appropriately and swiftly to potential threats or events.
With smart notifications, homeowners gain better control over their security system, ensuring they are not overwhelmed by unnecessary alerts.
4. Customizable Activity Zones
With the Arlo Secure Plan, users can create custom activity zones, allowing you to focus on specific areas within the camera’s field of view. This means you can set up zones that ignore motion in less critical areas, such as a busy street or a neighbor’s yard, and focus on areas that matter most, like your driveway, front porch, or backyard.
By customizing activity zones, you can fine-tune your camera’s coverage and reduce the number of irrelevant alerts, making your home security system smarter and more efficient.
5. 24/7 Emergency Response (Arlo Secure Plus)
For those looking for even more comprehensive protection, upgrading to Arlo Secure Plus offers an additional layer of safety through 24/7 emergency response. This service allows you to contact local emergency services directly from the Arlo app, no matter where you are. Whether you’re home or traveling, this feature provides quick access to help when you need it most.
The Arlo Secure Plus plan is ideal for homeowners who want immediate access to emergency services, especially in critical situations where every second counts.
Subscription Tiers: Arlo Secure vs. Arlo Secure Plus
When choosing the Arlo Secure Plan, homeowners can select from two primary tiers based on their needs:
- Arlo Secure: The standard Arlo Secure Plan starts at $2.99 per month per camera, or $9.99 per month for unlimited cameras at a single location. This plan includes all the core features like 30-day cloud storage, advanced motion detection, and smart notifications.
- Arlo Secure Plus: For $14.99 per month for unlimited cameras, Arlo Secure Plus includes everything in the standard plan, plus 24/7 emergency response and the ability to record in 4K for Arlo Ultra cameras. This plan is perfect for users who want the best resolution and immediate access to emergency services.
Benefits of the Arlo Secure Plan
1. Enhanced Security
By subscribing to the Arlo Secure Plan, homeowners significantly improve the security capabilities of their Arlo cameras. The ability to store video footage, differentiate between motion types, and receive smart notifications ensures that you’re always aware of what’s happening around your home, even when you’re not there.
With these advanced features, you can confidently protect your home from intrusions, monitor package deliveries, and ensure the safety of your family.
2. Reduced False Alarms
One of the most common issues with basic security systems is the prevalence of false alarms, which can be frustrating and lead to desensitization. The Arlo Secure Plan greatly reduces false alerts by using AI to analyze motion and filter out irrelevant movements. This results in a more effective system that only alerts you to events that matter.
3. Cost-Effective Home Security
For just a few dollars a month, the Arlo Secure Plan adds valuable features that improve the overall effectiveness of your home security system. Compared to traditional home security services that can be more expensive, the Arlo Secure Plan offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on protection.
4. Convenience of Cloud Storage
The 30-day cloud storage included with the Arlo Secure Plan is a major advantage for homeowners who want to keep an archive of footage for potential review. Whether you need to check on an incident that happened last week or provide footage for a police report, having access to cloud-stored video makes managing your security much easier.
Downsides of the Arlo Secure Plan
While the Arlo Secure Plan offers many benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Subscription Cost: While the base plan is affordable, the cost can add up if you have multiple cameras. However, the unlimited camera option is available for larger setups.
- Reliance on Cloud Storage: The Arlo Secure Plan relies heavily on cloud storage, which may not be ideal for users who prefer local storage solutions.
Is the Arlo Secure Plan Worth It?
For most homeowners, the Arlo Secure Plan is a smart investment that significantly enhances the capabilities of their security system. The advanced features like cloud storage, smart notifications, and AI-powered motion detection make it much easier to manage your home’s security and respond quickly to potential threats. For those who want an added level of security, upgrading to Arlo Secure Plus provides access to emergency services and 4K video recording.
In conclusion, if you’re using Arlo cameras for your home security system, subscribing to the Arlo Secure Plan will provide you with the tools you need to protect your home effectively and conveniently. The peace of mind and enhanced security features are well worth the monthly subscription cost, especially if you’re serious about home protection.