Camera check
Arlo Essential Security Camera (3rd Gen) without an Arlo plan: what still works
With no Arlo Secure plan, Arlo says its cameras keep live streaming, push notifications and two-way audio, but lose video history, activity zones and person detection. Arlo Smart Aware for one camera is $9.99/month or $95.88/year.
| Brand | Arlo |
|---|---|
| Model | Essential Security Camera (3rd Gen) |
| Type | Indoor/outdoor camera, battery (wire-free) |
| Power | Integrated rechargeable battery; optional outdoor charger, solar panel or PoE adapter [S1] |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz, or through an optional Arlo SmartHub; at least 2 Mbps up and down per camera [S1] |
| Local storage | Only through an optional Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000 or VMB4540) [S1] |
| No-plan score | 2 of 5 checks met with no plan (2 unverified). How the score works |
| Cheapest plan | Arlo Smart Aware (Single Camera): $9.99/month or $95.88/year, covers 1 camera [S3] |
| Plan cost, 1 year | $95.88 if billed yearly, or $119.88 if billed monthly [S3] |
| Plan cost, 3 years | $287.64 if billed yearly, or $359.64 if billed monthly, at today's prices [S3] |
| Last verified |
The short answer
- Without a plan you keep: live streaming, push notifications and two-way audio [S2].
- Without a plan you lose: video history, activity zones, and person, vehicle, animal and package detection [S1][S2].
- Local recording is the open question. It needs an optional Arlo SmartHub, and Arlo says local recording isn't available on every device [S1][S2]. We'll update this page when we can confirm it for this model.
- The cheapest plan is Arlo Smart Aware for one camera: $9.99/month or $95.88/year [S3].
What works with no plan
No-plan score: 2 of 5 (2 checks not confirmed in writing yet, counted as zero)
| Feature | With no plan | Details and source |
|---|---|---|
| Live view | Yes | Arlo says devices keep Live Streaming with no service plan after the trial ends [S2]. |
| Local recording | Unverified | Arlo's spec sheet lists local storage only through an optional Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000 or VMB4540) [S1]. Arlo says Local Storage Recording keeps working without a plan but "not available for all Arlo devices" [S2]. We couldn't confirm that this camera with a SmartHub is one of them. Unverified |
| Motion alerts | Yes | Arlo says Push Notifications keep working with no service plan [S2]. |
| Person detection | No | Arlo's spec sheet says person, vehicle, animal and package detection require an Arlo Secure Early Warning System plan [S1]. |
| Clip history (24 hours+) | Unverified | Without a plan or trial you lose Video History, Arlo's cloud recordings [S2]. The only no-plan route is SmartHub local recording, which we couldn't confirm for this camera (see Local recording). Unverified |
What needs a paid plan
What the plan costs
| Plan | Covers | Price | 1 year | 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo Smart Aware (Single Camera) [S3] | 1 camera | $9.99/month or $95.88/year | $95.88 yearly $119.88 monthly | $287.64 yearly $359.64 monthly |
| Arlo Smart Aware (Unlimited Cameras) [S3] | unlimited cameras at one location | $19.99/month or $215.88/year | $215.88 yearly $239.88 monthly | $647.64 yearly $719.64 monthly |
Want a different number of years or cameras? Use the plan cost calculator.
Arlo renamed its plans in September 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, Arlo Secure Plus became Arlo Smart Aware, Arlo Secure Premium became Arlo Smart Secure, and Secure Premium with 24/7 recording became Arlo Ultra Secure. Arlo says current subscription prices didn't change [S4].
Trial
A free one-month trial comes with each new Arlo camera. It starts when you finish setting up the camera in the Arlo Secure app [S3].
Which version is which
The 2K model is VMC3080 (2560×1440) and the HD model is VMC2080 (1920×1080). Both have a 130° diagonal view and 12x digital zoom [S1]. Compared with the 2nd Gen, Arlo says the 3rd Gen adds Bluetooth setup and 5GHz Wi-Fi [S1].
Common questions
What happens when the Arlo trial ends?
Arlo says you can buy a monthly or annual plan, or go without one. Without a plan you keep live streaming, push notifications and two-way audio, but lose video history and activity zones [S2].
What is Arlo Smart Aware?
It's the new name for Arlo Secure Plus. Arlo renamed its plans starting September 15, 2026 [S4].
Where to buy
- Arlo Essential Security Camera (3rd Gen): retailer link not set up yet. Manufacturer page for Arlo Essential Security Camera (3rd Gen) (not an affiliate link).
Sources
- [S1] Arlo Essential Security Camera (3rd Gen) Spec Sheet, Arlo Support. Accessed October 21, 2026.
- [S2] What options will I have when my Arlo trial ends?, Arlo Support. Accessed October 21, 2026.
- [S3] Arlo Secure Subscription Plans, Arlo. Accessed October 21, 2026.
- [S4] Arlo Subscription Plan Changes September 2026, Arlo Support. Accessed October 21, 2026.
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