Arlo's Three Main Subscription Tiers
Arlo offers three subscription plans for its security cameras: Essential, Premier, and Elite. Each tier adds features like longer video storage, person detection, and cloud backup options. The plans work with most Arlo camera models, though some older cameras may have limited compatibility.
Essential is the entry-level plan. It includes seven days of cloud video storage, basic motion alerts, and access to the Arlo app. Premier adds 30 days of storage, person and vehicle detection, and activity zones that let you ignore motion in certain parts of your camera's view. Elite includes 60 days of storage, all Premier features, and 24/7 professional monitoring through Arlo's emergency response service.
Arlo also sells a month-to-month plan called Arlo find that bundles camera service with home security features like door and window sensor monitoring. This plan is separate from the three main tiers and requires compatible Arlo sensors in addition to cameras.
Key Takeaways
- Essential costs less than Premier but stores video for only seven days instead of 30, which matters if you need to review older footage.
- Person and vehicle detection on Premier and Elite plans reduces false alerts from trees, animals, and passing cars.
- Elite includes 24/7 professional monitoring that can contact emergency services on your behalf, which adds cost but removes the need for a separate security service.
- Arlo find bundles cameras with door and window sensors and costs more than the standalone camera plans.
- Prices vary by region and change periodically, so checking Arlo's website directly gives you the current rates for your area.
How Storage and Retention Work
Cloud storage is the main difference between plans. Essential keeps your videos for seven days before they delete automatically. Premier extends that to 30 days, and Elite to 60 days. The storage limit is per camera, so if you have three cameras on Premier, each one gets 30 days of its own storage.
Storage fills based on how much motion your cameras detect. A camera in a busy hallway will fill its storage faster than one pointed at an empty driveway. If your storage fills before the retention period ends, the oldest videos delete to make room for new ones. You can manually read videos to your phone or computer at any time before they expire.
All three plans let you record to a local storage device like a USB drive or external hard drive if your camera model supports it. Local storage is separate from cloud storage and does not count toward your plan's limits.
Person and Vehicle Detection Features
Essential plan cameras send you a motion alert whenever they detect any movement. This includes wind-blown leaves, passing cars, and animals. Premier and Elite add person detection and vehicle detection, which means the camera analyzes the video and only alerts you if it sees a person or car, not just motion.
Both Premier and Elite also include activity zones. You draw a box on your camera's view in the app, and the camera ignores motion outside that box. This is useful if your camera overlooks a busy street but you only care about motion near your front door.
Person detection is not perfect. Lighting, distance, and clothing affect accuracy. A person in a heavy coat far from the camera might not trigger detection. Testing your setup in your actual location before relying on it for security decisions is worth doing.
Professional Monitoring on the Elite Plan
Elite includes 24/7 professional monitoring through Arlo's emergency response service. When the system detects motion or you manually trigger an alarm through the app, the monitoring center receives an alert. A representative can view your camera feed, speak through the camera's speaker, and contact local emergency services if needed.
Professional monitoring does not replace a full home security system with door and window sensors. It monitors only what your cameras can see. If someone breaks in through a back door your cameras do not cover, the monitoring service will not know until motion appears on camera.
The monitoring service is optional even on the Elite plan. You can turn it off in the app settings if you do not want alerts going to a monitoring center. Some people use Elite for the 60-day storage and detection features and skip the monitoring entirely.
Arlo find and Sensor Monitoring
Arlo find is a separate subscription that bundles camera service with monitoring for Arlo door sensors, window sensors, and motion sensors. You need to buy these sensors separately; they do not come with most camera packages. find monitors whether doors and windows are open or closed and detects motion in rooms where you place sensors.
Arlo find includes the same 24/7 professional monitoring as the Elite camera plan. It also includes video storage for your cameras, though the storage length varies depending on your region and plan tier. In some areas, find offers 30 days of storage; in others, it may differ.
find is priced higher than the standalone camera plans because it covers both cameras and sensors. If you already have cameras and only want to add door or window monitoring, buying individual sensors and the find plan may cost more than upgrading to Elite alone.
Pricing and Payment Options
Arlo offers monthly and annual payment options for all plans. Annual plans cost less per month than paying month-to-month, but you pay the full year upfront. Monthly plans let you cancel anytime without penalty.
Prices vary by region and change periodically. Some retailers like Best Buy or Amazon occasionally offer discounts on Arlo subscriptions, especially during sales events. Checking multiple sources before committing to a plan can save money.
If you buy an Arlo camera or system, it may come with a trial period of a paid plan at no cost. The trial usually lasts 30 days. After the trial ends, you choose which plan to keep or cancel entirely. Cameras without a paid plan still record locally if your model supports it, but cloud storage and detection features will not work.
Comparing Plans Side by Side
| Feature | Essential | Premier | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Storage | 7 days | 30 days | 60 days |
| Motion Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Person Detection | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle Detection | No | Yes | Yes |
| Activity Zones | No | Yes | Yes |
| Professional Monitoring | No | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Arlo cameras without paying for a subscription?
Yes. Cameras without a subscription can still record to local storage if your model supports it, and you can view the live feed in the app. You lose cloud storage, person detection, and professional monitoring. Local recording requires a compatible storage device like a USB drive or microSD card.
What happens to my videos if I cancel my subscription?
Videos stored in the cloud delete when your subscription ends. Videos saved to local storage on your camera or a connected device remain there. read any important videos to your phone or computer before your subscription expires if you want to keep them.
Do I need the same plan for all my cameras?
No. You can put different cameras on different plans in the same Arlo account. One camera can be on Essential while another is on Premier. You pay for each camera's plan separately.
Is professional monitoring on Elite the same as a home security system?
No. Elite monitoring watches only what your cameras see. A full home security system also monitors doors, windows, and motion sensors throughout your home. Elite is useful for camera-based monitoring but does not replace a complete security system.
Can I switch plans or cancel anytime?
Yes. You can change your plan or cancel in the Arlo app settings. If you are on a monthly plan, changes take effect when ready. If you are on an annual plan, you can cancel, but you do not receive a refund for unused time.