Can You Use a Home Security Camera Without a Subscription?
Yes, you can install a security camera without a subscription. Find out if a security camera subscription is worth it for your home.
Yes, you can install a security camera without a subscription. Find out if a security camera subscription is worth it for your home.
You can get security protection without the monthly fees with Arlo’s cameras, doorbells, and home security systems.
Subscriptions are useful for adding advanced security tools—Arlo Secure unlocks a variety of helpful features like cloud storage, AI-powered detection, event captions, and 24/7 professional monitoring.
Multiple Arlo models excel without subscriptions, like the 2nd Gen Essential Camera or the Arlo Go 2. You can choose high-quality security devices that fit your needs and budget.
Many people wonder if you can get reliable home security without paying a monthly fee. The short answer: yes, you can! With Arlo, you’ll still enjoy powerful protection and peace of mind without a monthly charge. Here’s what you need to know about getting a no-subscription home security system.
Yes, many security camera systems, including Arlo’s security cameras, work without a subscription, and you’ll get essential features for self-monitoring at no extra cost. Subscription plans are completely optional and exist only to enhance camera functionality, not lock essential features behind a paywall.
This applies to video doorbells and alarm systems, too. For example, you can protect your front porch with the Arlo Video Doorbell or monitor your entire home with the Arlo Home Security System, no subscription fees required.
Choosing security cameras without a subscription doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. With Arlo, you get a multitude of benefits when you have a security camera without a subscription, such as:
Live Video Feed: View real-time video footage anywhere via the Arlo app.
Motion Detection: Receive instant alerts to your smartphone when movement is detected.
2-Way Audio: Hear and speak clearly with visitors with noise-canceling audio.
Local Storage Recording: Save videos locally via a MicroSD card when you use the Arlo Go 2 LTE-Enabled Camera or the Arlo SmartHub.
Other Specialized Features by Model: For example, the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Wireless Security Camera provides Color Night Vision without a subscription.
The biggest reason for using a security camera without a monthly subscription is to save money. DIY security systems like Arlo’s generally have lower price points than other traditional setups, and by opting for DIY installation and skipping the subscription service, users can save even more.
Users should consider a home security subscription if they want access to more advanced security features. Security camera subscriptions like the Premium Arlo Secure plan unlock a variety of video and AI-powered features, including:
Cloud Video Storage: Store 60 days of video history of security events for downloading and sharing (can be useful when filing insurance claims). You can access videos via smartphone, tablet, or the web, and you can even filter recordings by day or event type, making footage easier to find than ever.
Smart Activity Zones: Defines specific areas of your property to receive alerts for movement or events. This lets you exclude high-traffic areas with motion or tree branches in your camera’s view, leading to fewer unwanted alerts. You can even create multiple custom zones for each compatible device.
Smart Motion Detection: This AI-powered Arlo Intelligence feature sends alerts to specify when a person, vehicle, animal, or package is detected. This feature lets you control what types of alerts you get.
Person Recognition: Another Arlo Intelligence feature that identifies and alerts you with the names of familiar faces on your property. This lets you know when friends or family have arrived home safely, and lets you take action if a stranger approaches your door. Set up this feature in the Arlo Secure App and name people who appear in the unrecognized people category.
Package Detection: This Arlo Intelligence feature alerts you when your camera detects a package being picked up or dropped off, allowing you to grab your packages before porch pirates get to them.
Vehicle Recognition: Get notified when a familiar vehicle or an unknown vehicle is detected with this Arlo Intelligence feature. You can name each vehicle in the Arlo Secure App.
Custom Detection (Beta): This Arlo Intelligence feature allows you to teach your camera when objects or changes occur. For example, you’ll get specific notifications like “garage door open.” Start with two snapshots and let your Arlo security camera do the rest.
Event Captions (Beta): This AI-powered feature summarizes events with a short description so that you don’t need to view the full video yourself.
Video Search (Beta): Another Arlo Intelligence feature that lets you search for security footage with keywords, descriptions, or time ranges to save time sifting through video footage.
Fire Detection (Beta): Get alerted when your camera sees flames within its field of view with this Arlo Intelligence feature. A Premium subscription allows you to dispatch firefighters to your home with One Tap Emergency Response to save critical time.
Advanced Audio Detection (Beta): This Arlo Intelligence feature alerts you when noises like barking, smoke alarms, or glass breaking occur.
Animal Detection: This Arlo Intelligence feature notifies you when your pet appears on camera. It also notifies you if an animal is spotted on camera, like a bear or a lost dog. This feature works in daylight or at night.
24/7 Professional Monitoring: Receive advanced protection from Safety Agents who verify threats and quickly dispatch help when sensors are triggered. .
24/7 Emergency Response: Get fast, effective emergency response powered by RapidSOS who seamlessly delivers critical data to Safety Agents, 911, and first responders.
For those wanting the highest level of coverage, Arlo provides Professional Monitoring with the Arlo Secure Premium plan—a feature that many users find worth it.
Plus |
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Single Camera
$7.99/mobilled annually |
Unlimited Cameras
$17.99/mobilled annually |
Premium |
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Unlimited Cameras $24.99/mobilled annually |
With Annual Subscription Costs
When shopping for a wireless security camera without a subscription, look for cameras that offer robust built-in features for self-monitoring. You might also consider investing in a SmartHub to enable features like local recording. Here are our top picks for home security cameras without a subscription. You can still add a home security subscription to any of these cameras down the line if you’re ready for more powerful features:
The Arlo 2nd Gen Essential offers a lot for a small price. Starting at $49.99 for the HD version or $99.99 for the 2K model, this battery-powered outdoor security camera can be used without a subscription. It features a 130° Field of View, Color Night Vision, an Integrated Spotlight, and 2-Way Audio.
The Arlo Go 2 enables local recording out of the box, thanks to its MicroSD card port. Plus, with 4G connectivity and long-lasting battery life, it’s the perfect solution for anyone needing 24/7 security in areas without power or Wi-Fi access.
The Arlo Video Doorbell offers uncompromised protection for your front porch—without a subscription. Available in 2K or HD, it features a wide 180° Field of View, allowing you to see who’s at the door, from head to toe. Plus, with 2-Way Audio, you can listen to and talk to your guests—especially useful if you’re hosting a holiday party.
Whether you choose a home security system without a subscription or enhance your protection with the Arlo Secure plan, you’ll get reliable, high-quality security. From cameras to doorbells to complete systems, Arlo keeps your home safe without breaking the bank.
1 Person recognition is unavailable on Arlo devices in certain regions. Learn more here. You are responsible for complying with any local laws or regulations that relate to your use of the Person Recognition feature. This may include you providing notice and obtaining consent from people who may be recognized by your camera.
2 Requires an Arlo Home Security System.
3 24/7 Emergency Response feature available for select service plans and countries. See here for details.
4 Requires Arlo Cellular and Battery Backup accessory (sold separately). Battery backup duration will vary with device settings, use, and environmental factors.
5 Discount may vary by provider.
