Home security has become increasingly crucial in today’s world. With rising crime rates and concerns about property safety, many homeowners are turning to smart home security systems like Arlo. But one common question that arises is: Is Arlo still free?
The answer, unfortunately, is not as simple as a yes or no. While Arlo offers a free basic plan, it’s limited in features and doesn’t provide the comprehensive security many users desire. Understanding the intricacies of Arlo’s pricing models is essential to making an informed decision about whether it fits your security needs and budget.
The Free Plan: A Limited but Useful Entry Point
Arlo’s free plan, known as the Arlo Free Plan, does provide some basic features. You can access live streaming from your cameras, receive motion and sound alerts, and record 3 seconds of video clips for each event. However, these features are severely limited.
Here’s what the free plan doesn’t offer:
- Cloud recording: This is a significant drawback. Without cloud recording, you can only view live streams or brief clips. You can’t review recordings to identify potential intruders or gather evidence in case of a crime.
- Continuous video recording: The free plan only records short clips, making it difficult to capture extended events or follow a suspect’s movements.
- Advanced features: Features like person detection, vehicle detection, and package detection are all locked behind paid subscriptions.
- Smart Home Integration: You won’t be able to integrate your Arlo system with other smart home devices like lights, thermostats, or locks.
While the free plan might be useful for basic monitoring or occasional use, it doesn’t offer the robust security features that many users require.
Paid Plans: Unlocking the Full Potential of Arlo
To unlock the full potential of Arlo’s security system and access its advanced features, you’ll need to subscribe to one of their paid plans. Arlo currently offers four subscription tiers:
- Arlo Secure: This plan provides basic cloud recording, 7 days of event history, and the ability to download recordings. It’s a good option for those who want a moderate level of security and aren’t concerned about advanced features.
- Arlo Secure Plus: This plan builds on the features of Arlo Secure by offering 30 days of event history, person detection, and vehicle detection. It’s a popular choice for homeowners seeking enhanced security with longer recording durations.
- Arlo Secure Premium: This tier provides the most comprehensive security features, including 30 days of cloud recording, continuous video recording, 24/7 professional monitoring, and smart home integration. It’s suitable for users who prioritize a complete and robust security system.
- Arlo Secure Unlimited: This plan offers unlimited cloud recording, allowing you to store all your video footage indefinitely. It’s ideal for those who want complete peace of mind and the ability to access recordings for extended periods.
Understanding the Costs and Benefits
When evaluating Arlo’s paid plans, it’s crucial to consider both the cost and the benefits. The monthly fees can vary depending on the plan you choose, the number of cameras you own, and whether you opt for a monthly or annual subscription.
Arlo Secure:
- Cost: Varies from $3.99 to $9.99 per month depending on the number of cameras
- Benefits: Basic cloud recording, 7 days of event history, download recordings
Arlo Secure Plus:
- Cost: Varies from $6.99 to $14.99 per month depending on the number of cameras
- Benefits: 30 days of event history, person detection, vehicle detection
Arlo Secure Premium:
- Cost: Varies from $14.99 to $24.99 per month depending on the number of cameras
- Benefits: 30 days of cloud recording, continuous video recording, 24/7 professional monitoring, smart home integration
Arlo Secure Unlimited:
- Cost: Varies from $24.99 to $39.99 per month depending on the number of cameras
- Benefits: Unlimited cloud recording, 30 days of event history, continuous video recording, 24/7 professional monitoring, smart home integration
Weighing the Pros and Cons: Is Arlo Right for You?
Arlo offers a range of plans and features to suit diverse needs and budgets. But before you commit to a specific plan, it’s essential to consider your individual requirements.
Here are some factors to weigh:
- Your security needs: Do you require basic monitoring or advanced features like person detection and continuous recording?
- Your budget: Can you afford the monthly fees for a paid plan?
- Your technical expertise: Do you feel comfortable setting up and managing a smart home security system?
- Your storage requirements: Do you need to store video recordings for extended periods or is a few days sufficient?
If you prioritize basic security and can live with limited features, the free plan might suffice. However, if you desire robust security and advanced features, a paid plan is essential.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Options
While Arlo is a popular choice for home security, it’s not the only option. Other companies like Ring, Nest, and SimpliSafe offer competing systems with different features and pricing structures.
Before settling on Arlo, consider exploring these alternative options:
- Ring: Ring offers a range of doorbells, security cameras, and alarm systems with a focus on affordable pricing and simple setup.
- Nest: Nest is known for its innovative smart home devices, including security cameras with advanced features like facial recognition.
- SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe provides DIY security systems with a wide selection of sensors and easy installation, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
By comparing different systems and their features, you can find the best fit for your home security needs and budget.
Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions
The question “Is Arlo still free?” ultimately depends on what level of security you’re looking for. While the free plan offers basic functionality, it lacks essential features like cloud recording and advanced monitoring. For a comprehensive and robust security solution, you’ll need to subscribe to one of Arlo’s paid plans.
By understanding the different pricing tiers, weighing your needs and budget, and exploring alternative options, you can make an informed decision about whether Arlo is the right choice for your home security. Remember, your home’s safety is paramount, and choosing the right system can provide peace of mind and protect your loved ones and belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 7 FAQs with answers to help you understand the cost of Arlo’s home security system:
1. Is Arlo’s Basic Plan Still Free?
Yes, Arlo still offers a free basic plan that includes limited features. You can set up your cameras, receive motion-activated alerts, and access live view on demand. However, this plan lacks essential features like cloud recording, extended recording history, and smart home integration.
For basic monitoring and occasional live view, the free plan might suffice. But if you desire more comprehensive security, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
2. What Features Do Arlo’s Paid Plans Offer?
Arlo’s paid plans unlock features such as cloud recording, allowing you to review past events. You also gain access to extended recording history, enabling you to review footage for longer periods. Smart home integration, allowing you to control your Arlo cameras with other devices, is another crucial feature offered by the paid plans.
Each paid plan offers a different combination of features, including storage capacity, recording duration, and the number of cameras you can connect. Carefully evaluate your needs to choose the plan that best suits your requirements.
3. How Much Do Arlo’s Paid Plans Cost?
Arlo offers several paid plans with varying prices, ranging from approximately $3 to $15 per month. The price depends on the specific plan you choose, including the number of cameras you want to monitor and the features you require.
To get the most accurate pricing information, visit Arlo’s website or contact their customer support.
4. Can I Cancel My Arlo Subscription at Any Time?
Yes, you can cancel your Arlo subscription at any time. However, you might not be eligible for a refund for the remaining subscription period.
Arlo typically provides a refund if you cancel within a specified trial period or if you encounter technical difficulties that prevent you from using the service.
5. Does Arlo Offer a Free Trial for Its Paid Plans?
Arlo doesn’t offer a free trial for its paid plans. However, it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for new subscribers. This allows you to test the service and its features for a month before committing to a long-term subscription.
If you’re not satisfied with the service, you can request a refund within the 30-day period, and you won’t be charged for the subscription.
6. What Are the Alternatives to Arlo’s Paid Plans?
There are several alternatives to Arlo’s paid plans, including other home security companies like Ring, Nest, and Wyze. These companies offer various features and price points, allowing you to find a solution that fits your budget and security needs.
Compare the features and pricing of different options to determine which best suits your requirements.
7. Are Arlo’s Cameras Compatible with Other Security Systems?
While Arlo cameras offer basic integration with other smart home devices, they’re not specifically designed for compatibility with external security systems.
To ensure seamless integration with your existing security system, consider using compatible cameras or consult with your security system provider for recommendations.