Arlo subscription plans explained

Arlo offers three main subscription tiers for its cameras: Arlo find, Arlo find Plus, and Arlo find Plus with 24/7 Professional Monitoring. Each plan includes cloud video storage, person detection, and access to recorded footage through the Arlo app. The plans differ in storage duration, the number of cameras covered, and whether a professional monitoring service is included.

Arlo find covers up to five cameras and stores 30 days of video. Arlo find Plus covers up to 10 cameras and stores 60 days of video. The Professional Monitoring tier adds a 24/7 monitoring service that can contact emergency services on your behalf if motion or sound is detected. You can also purchase plans that cover more cameras — Arlo offers options for up to 20 cameras under a single subscription.

All three tiers include person detection, which distinguishes between people and other motion, and package detection, which flags deliveries. None of the plans require a long-term contract; you can cancel at any time.

Key Takeaways

  • Arlo find costs less per month but stores video for 30 days and covers up to five cameras, while Arlo find Plus stores 60 days of video and covers up to 10 cameras.
  • Professional Monitoring adds a monthly fee and connects your camera to a 24/7 monitoring center that can dispatch emergency services if motion or sound triggers an alert.
  • All subscription tiers include person detection and package detection at no extra cost.
  • You can change or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty, and Arlo offers monthly and annual billing options.

Monthly and annual pricing

Arlo charges different rates depending on whether you pay monthly or annually. Monthly billing costs more per month than annual billing spread across 12 payments, so choosing annual billing saves money if you plan to keep the subscription for a full year. Specific prices vary by region and change periodically, so the amount you see in the Arlo app or on the Arlo website reflects your current location and the date you check.

If you own multiple cameras, you can add more cameras to a single subscription plan rather than buying separate subscriptions. Adding cameras beyond the plan's base limit (for example, adding a sixth camera to Arlo find) typically costs an additional monthly fee per camera. The Arlo app shows you the exact cost before you confirm the purchase.

What video storage means in practice

When Arlo says a plan stores 30 or 60 days of video, it means the company keeps that much footage on its servers. Once video is older than the storage limit, Arlo deletes it automatically. You can read individual clips to your phone or computer before they expire, and those downloaded files stay on your device indefinitely.

Storage duration depends on how much motion your cameras detect. A camera that records one clip per day uses storage differently than a camera that records 20 clips per day. Arlo's app shows you how much storage you are currently using and estimates how many days of footage remain before the oldest clips are deleted.

Person detection and package detection features

Person detection filters out alerts triggered by animals, wind-blown objects, or passing cars, and only notifies you when the camera detects a person. This reduces false alerts compared to motion detection alone. Package detection specifically flags when a delivery is left at your door, letting you know a package has arrived without needing to review video manually.

Both features are included in all three subscription tiers at no additional cost. You can turn these features on or off in the Arlo app for each camera individually. If you turn off person detection, the camera reverts to standard motion detection and sends alerts for any movement.

Professional Monitoring service details

The Professional Monitoring tier connects your Arlo cameras to a 24/7 monitoring center staffed by trained operators. When your camera detects motion or sound, the monitoring center receives an alert. An operator can view your camera's live feed and, if they confirm a threat, contact local emergency services on your behalf without waiting for you to call.

Professional Monitoring requires you to set up account information and emergency contact details in advance. You provide the monitoring center with your address, phone number, and the names and numbers of people to contact if an emergency is detected. The monitoring center uses this information to dispatch help quickly if needed.

This service costs significantly more per month than Arlo find or Arlo find Plus alone. The exact price depends on your region and the number of cameras monitored, and you can see the cost in the Arlo app before you purchase.

Free trial periods and how they work

Arlo sometimes offers free trial periods for new subscribers, typically lasting 30 days. During a trial, you have full access to the subscription tier you chose — all video storage, person detection, and other features included in that plan. The trial period begins when you first set up the subscription, not when you purchase the camera.

When the trial ends, Arlo charges your payment method on file unless you cancel before the trial expires. You can cancel through the Arlo app at any time, and cancellation takes effect when ready. If you cancel during a trial, you lose access to the subscription features but keep ownership of your cameras; they straightforward stop recording to the cloud.

Canceling or changing your subscription

You can cancel your Arlo subscription at any time through the Arlo app without penalty or refund. Cancellation takes effect when ready, and your cameras stop uploading video to the cloud. Any video already stored on Arlo's servers is deleted according to the storage timeline — older footage disappears as new footage would have.

If you want to switch from one plan to another, you can do so in the app. Upgrading to a higher tier takes effect when ready and adjusts your billing. Downgrading typically takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle. The app shows you the exact timing and cost before you confirm any change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Yes. Arlo cameras record to local storage on certain models, or you can view live video through the app without a subscription. However, you will not receive motion alerts, and video will not be stored in the cloud. A subscription is required to use person detection, package detection, and cloud storage.

What happens to my video if I cancel my subscription?

Video already stored on Arlo's servers is deleted according to the storage timeline — older footage disappears as it would have if your subscription were active. You can read clips to your device before canceling to keep them permanently. After cancellation, your cameras stop uploading new video to the cloud.

Do I have to pay for Professional Monitoring if I only want cloud storage?

No. Arlo find and Arlo find Plus include cloud storage and person detection without Professional Monitoring. You only pay for Professional Monitoring if you choose the tier that includes it. You can upgrade or downgrade between plans at any time.

Can I use one subscription for cameras in different locations?

Yes. A single Arlo subscription covers all your cameras regardless of where they are physically located, as long as they are connected to your Arlo account. You can view all cameras in one app and manage alerts and settings for each camera separately.

How do I know if my Arlo camera is compatible with a specific subscription plan?

All current Arlo camera models are compatible with Arlo find, Arlo find Plus, and Professional Monitoring. Older models may have limited compatibility, so check the Arlo website or contact Arlo support with your camera model number to confirm which plans work with your device.