What Is Arlo Secure Subscription and What Does It Cover?

Arlo Secure is a cloud storage and security monitoring subscription service offered by Arlo Technologies for users of their wireless security cameras and video doorbells. If you own an Arlo camera system, you've likely encountered references to this subscription—either as an optional add-on or as part of determining what features your cameras can access. Understanding what it includes, how it works, and whether it makes sense for your setup requires looking at both the core features and your own usage needs.

How Arlo Secure Works 🔒

Arlo Secure functions as a tiered subscription model, meaning Arlo offers multiple plan levels rather than a single one-size-fits-all package. Each tier adds features and cloud storage capacity on top of what your camera system can do without a subscription.

Without any Arlo Secure subscription, your cameras record to a local device (like an Arlo hub or base station) if you own one. This gives you local access only—you cannot reliably access or store video from outside your home network, and you won't receive alerts or recordings if your internet connection drops at the hub level.

With an Arlo Secure subscription, you gain:

• Cloud video storage — recorded clips are backed up to Arlo's cloud servers
• Remote access — you can view live feeds and recorded video from anywhere via the Arlo app
• Alert notifications — push alerts when motion or sound is detected
• Video playback — ability to review clips in a timeline within the app
• Extended retention — stored video is kept for a set period (duration varies by plan)

The exact features, storage duration, and number of cameras included vary depending which plan tier you choose.

What Factors Affect Which Plan You'd Consider?

Several variables shape whether a subscription makes sense and which level fits your situation:

Number of cameras you own Different plan tiers support different camera counts. If you have one camera, you might choose a basic plan; if you have five or more, a higher tier becomes relevant.

How long you want to keep video Some people want 30 days of rolling cloud backup; others want longer retention. Higher tiers typically offer more days of storage.

Whether you need 24/7 professional monitoring Some Arlo Secure plans include emergency call dispatch or professional monitoring—a feature for users who want response from a monitoring center during alarms. Others are storage-only plans. This distinction is critical for your decision.

Your comfort with local-only storage If you have an Arlo hub and are satisfied keeping backups only on that local device, you may not need a cloud subscription at all. If you travel frequently or want backup protection against theft or hardware failure, cloud storage becomes more appealing.

Whether you use advanced features Certain premium features—like person detection, package detection, or activity zones—may require an active subscription depending on your camera model.

Plan Tiers: Understanding the Range

Arlo typically structures Secure subscriptions in a few common ways, though specific offerings change over time:

The actual tier names, features, and costs change periodically as Arlo updates its service, so the specific details matter less than understanding the principle: more expensive plans cover more cameras, store longer, and include upgraded features.

Cloud Storage vs. Local Storage: A Key Distinction

This is where many users get confused. Cloud storage and local storage are different things.

Local storage happens if you have an Arlo hub or base station—video is recorded to that device's internal storage or an attached external drive. You can access it as long as you're on your home network.

Cloud storage (what Arlo Secure provides) backs up video to Arlo's servers. You can access it remotely and from anywhere, and it's protected even if your hub is stolen or fails.

Some people use both. Others choose one or the other based on privacy preferences, internet reliability, and access needs. A subscription doesn't eliminate local storage; it adds cloud backup on top of it.

Professional Monitoring: An Important Add-On

Higher tiers of Arlo Secure may include 24/7 professional monitoring—a service where a monitoring center watches your account and can dispatch emergency responders if an alarm is triggered.

This is not the same as cloud storage. Professional monitoring is an optional add-on that:

• Costs extra (typically additional monthly fees)
• Requires an active subscription
• Means Arlo's monitoring center has access to your live feed during emergencies
• Involves potential dispatch fees depending on your plan

If professional monitoring matters to your decision, confirm whether your plan tier includes it or whether it's purchased separately.

Who Might or Might Not Find It Worth Evaluating

Reasons someone might explore Arlo Secure:

• They want cloud backup and remote access without managing a local hub
• They travel and need to check their home remotely
• They want professional emergency monitoring
• They prefer automatic cloud backups to manage retention and recovery
• Their security goals include protection against hardware theft or failure

Reasons someone might not need it:

• They're satisfied with local hub storage and don't access video remotely
• They have strong privacy concerns about cloud storage
• They already use alternative cloud backup solutions
• They only use their cameras for occasional local review
• Cost is a primary barrier and local storage meets their needs

Neither choice is universally "right"—it depends on your setup, habits, and priorities.

What You Should Know About Costs and Commitments

Arlo Secure subscriptions are typically billed either monthly or annually. Annual plans usually offer a discount compared to month-to-month pricing, but require a longer upfront commitment.

Most plans are auto-renewing—they continue unless you cancel. Check Arlo's website for current pricing and any promotional offers, as costs and promotions change regularly.

Some users purchase subscriptions through retailers or as part of bundle deals, which may affect pricing and terms.

Making Your Own Decision

To evaluate whether Arlo Secure makes sense for you, ask yourself:

• Do I need to access my camera video remotely, or is local access enough?
• How long do I want to keep recorded video?
• Do I want professional monitoring, or just cloud backup?
• How many cameras would the subscription cover?
• What is my comfort level with cloud storage of video from my home?
• Does the subscription cost fit my budget?

The landscape is clearer once you understand these factors. Your answer will depend on answering these questions honestly for your own situation—not on any general recommendation.