# 🔒 Does the Arlo Pro 3 require a subscription?

*Published: 2024-09-11 | Updated: 2024-09-11 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/does-the-arlo-pro-3-require-a-subscription*

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## Product: Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Camera
**Brand:** Arlo

The Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Camera lets you do a lot of cool things, but whether or not you need a subscription depends on what features you want to use. You can use the camera without a subscription, but some advanced features need one. Here's the breakdown:

**What's Free:**

Without a subscription, you still get some basics like motion-activated alerts, live streaming, and a 3-month trial of [Arlo Smart](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Darlo%2Bsmart%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). According to the manufacturer's product description, this is usually enough to get started.

**Subscription-Based Features:**

For more advanced stuff, you'll need a subscription. The [Arlo Smart](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Darlo%2Bsmart%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) plan offers 30-day cloud storage for video clips, advanced object detection, package detection, cloud activity zones, and an e911 emergency call service. 

Based on our research, a lot of people find the subscription adds significant value, making the cameras more useful and secure.

**Cost of Subscription:**

The prices can vary. The [Arlo Smart Premier](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Darlo%2Bsmart%2Bpremier%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) plan starts around $2.99 per month per camera or $9.99 per month for up to 5 cameras. If you want even more features, the [Arlo Smart Elite](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Darlo%2Bsmart%2Belite%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) plan is $4.99 per month per camera or $14.99 per month for up to 5 cameras.

**Do You Need It?**

If you just need basic features like live streaming and motion alerts, you probably don't need a subscription. But if you want cloud storage and enhanced security features, the subscription could be pretty beneficial.

Hope this clears things up! Let me know if you have any more questions.

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*