Arlo subscription plans add cloud storage and person detection to your camera system

Arlo cameras record to the cloud, and the amount of video you can store depends on which subscription plan you choose. The free tier stores video for seven days, but only if motion triggers the recording. Paid plans extend storage time, add features like person detection (which distinguishes people from animals or vehicles), and let you record continuously instead of only on motion.

Arlo offers three main subscription tiers: Essential, Premier, and Elite. Each covers all cameras on your account, so you do not buy separate plans for each device. The price you pay depends on whether you commit to a month-to-month plan or pay annually, and whether you bundle multiple cameras or services together.

Key Takeaways

  • The free Arlo plan stores seven days of motion-triggered video with no person detection, and is the only option that costs nothing.
  • Essential, Premier, and Elite plans each add more storage time, advanced detection features, and continuous recording, with prices varying by commitment length.
  • All paid plans cover every camera on your account, so adding a second or third camera does not increase your subscription cost.
  • Arlo frequently bundles subscription plans with camera hardware at a discount, so the total cost depends on whether you are buying cameras and service together or service alone.
  • You can cancel or change your plan at any time, and Arlo prorates refunds if you switch to a lower tier mid-cycle.

How the free plan works and what it does not include

The free Arlo plan stores video for seven days and records only when motion is detected. You can view live video from your cameras anytime, but you cannot rewind to see what happened before the motion alert arrived. There is no person detection, so you cannot filter out alerts from animals or passing cars.

The free plan works best if you want to test Arlo before paying, or if you have cameras pointed at a low-traffic area where motion events are rare. If your camera faces a busy street or a yard with frequent animal movement, the free plan will generate many alerts and you will lose older video quickly as the seven-day window fills up.

Essential plan: 30 days of storage and person detection

The Essential plan extends cloud storage to 30 days and adds person detection. This means Arlo can tell the difference between a person walking past your camera and a dog or delivery truck, and will label alerts accordingly. You still record only on motion, not continuously.

Essential is the most common choice for homeowners who want to catch break-ins or package theft without paying for features they will not use. The month-to-month price is higher than the annual price, so committing to a year saves money if you know you will keep the service.

Premier and Elite plans: continuous recording and advanced detection

Premier and Elite plans both allow continuous recording, meaning your cameras record all the time instead of only when motion is detected. This is useful if you want to review exactly when something happened without relying on motion sensors, or if you need to see video of someone walking slowly or standing still.

Premier adds 60 days of storage and person detection. Elite extends storage to 180 days and adds package detection, which identifies when a delivery has arrived. Elite also includes video search by object type — you can search your entire 180-day archive for "person" or "vehicle" instead of scrolling through every recording.

Both plans cost more than Essential, and the price difference grows if you pay month-to-month instead of annually. Premier and Elite are most useful if you have multiple cameras, a high-traffic area, or a need to review video from weeks or months ago.

How pricing works: month-to-month versus annual commitment

Arlo charges different prices depending on how long you commit. A month-to-month plan costs more per month than an annual plan divided by 12, so paying annually saves roughly 20 to 30 percent. However, you can cancel either plan at any time — there is no early termination fee.

If you switch from a higher plan to a lower one mid-cycle, Arlo calculates a refund based on the difference in price for the remaining days. If you switch to a higher plan, you pay the difference prorated forward. This means you can test a plan for a month and downgrade without penalty if it does not meet your needs.

Arlo occasionally runs promotions that bundle cameras with subscriptions at a discount, or offer the first month free. These deals change seasonally, so the total cost of owning an Arlo system depends partly on when you buy.

What happens when you have multiple cameras

One subscription plan covers all cameras on your account, regardless of how many you own. If you have two cameras and pay for Essential, both cameras get 30 days of storage and person detection. Adding a third camera does not increase your subscription cost.

This is different from some other camera systems that charge per camera. Arlo's approach means the cost per camera drops as you add more devices, making it cheaper to expand a system you already have than to start fresh with a different brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Yes. The free plan stores seven days of motion-triggered video with no person detection. You can view live video anytime. If you want longer storage, continuous recording, or person detection, you need a paid plan.

Do I have to pay for a full year, or can I cancel anytime?

You can cancel anytime, whether you chose month-to-month or annual billing. There is no early termination fee. If you cancel mid-cycle on an annual plan, Arlo refunds the unused portion prorated by day.

What is the difference between person detection and package detection?

Person detection identifies humans and separates them from animals or vehicles. Package detection (available only on Elite) identifies when a package has been delivered. Both are types of smart alerts that reduce false alarms from motion that does not matter to you.

If I have two cameras, do I need two subscriptions?

No. One subscription covers all cameras on your account. You pay the same price whether you have one camera or five, so adding cameras does not increase your subscription cost.

Can I change my plan after I buy it?

Yes. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel at any time. If you change plans mid-cycle, Arlo prorates the price difference. You can also switch between month-to-month and annual billing on your next renewal.