Can you use Arlo cameras without a subscription?

If you have a security camera or have been considering one, you've likely come across subscription plans for cloud storage and extra features. From the brands I've tested, support for a single camera can cost around $4 to $10 per month, even more if you have multiple cameras.

But is that money better spent elsewhere? I'm here to find out exactly that.

I installed an Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell and skipped the Arlo Secure subscription to find out how vital the subscription really is.

This battery-powered doorbell works with Alexa and Google, has an easy app to navigate, and a bunch of other cool stuff. But this isn't a review of all those features. I set out to see what one of these cameras can and can't do without a subscription. Although this test centres on Arlo, it's a good peek into what you can get away with on most cameras when you skip that extra monthly fee.

Arlo doesn't block you from every feature in this camera if you opt to go without a subscription.

• You can view the live feed from the camera and watch people or cars go by.
• The two-way talk function lets you talk to anyone on the other side of the door.
• It still works with smart home speakers and sends you motion notifications.

But sharing and saving videos? That's a no-go.

The same applies to other Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Pro 5. You can watch the live feed, use two-way audio and get basic motion detection notifications, but you miss out on many of the camera's flagship features, like smart detections (people, animals, vehicles and packages), activity zones, and more.

Without recording or storage, you won't be able to share or save any events you catch on your camera—unless you see them in real-time. So if something happens, you won't have evidence for it or be able to look back and find out what really went down. And that's a big problem from a security perspective.

Aside from missing out on the basics of recording and saving footage from your security camera, here's a rundown of other features you'll miss without one of Arlo's subscription plans.

• People, animal, vehicle and package detection
• Rich notifications
• Audio detection of alarms
• Activity zones
• Priority customer service

An Arlo Secure subscription starts at $7.99 per month for one camera or $12.99 per month for unlimited cameras. All Arlo plans come with up to 2K video recording, 30 days of cloud storage, and priority care and support. 

When you upgrade to the Secure Plus plan, you get unlimited cameras with a boost to resolution (up to 4K).

Even though Arlo's subscription prices aren't outrageous, they do add up over time, especially when you take into account the upfront cost of the cameras themselves.

But there are cheaper options out there. Look for cameras with local storage if you're looking for a real budget option without a monthly charge. Eufy and Reolink, for example, are a couple of big ones that offer great cameras without a subscription. But as far as Arlo goes, if you're rocking a single-camera system, that single-digit fee might be worth it for the basics.

In a world where subscription costs are creeping into every aspect of our lives, finding ways to save money is crucial. When it comes to home security, we always recommend fee-free brands first. However, if you've already got a bunch of Arlo gear, there's no reason to get rid of it.

While it might be tempting to avoid monthly fees, having evidence in case of a burglary or other security incident is priceless. An Arlo Secure subscription for a single camera is relatively affordable and ensures access to essential features like video storage.