With “Arlo Secure” and “Arlo Secure Plus”, Arlo has introduced new service subscriptions for its own smart security cameras. They offer the functions of the previous “Arlo Smart” subscription, but now cover an unlimited number of cameras so that users no longer have to pay for them individually.
3 subscriptions are available
While Arlo Secure can still be booked for a single camera for 2.99 euros per month – and therefore 20 cents expensive is now Arlo Smart – Arlo Secure Plus always covers all cameras for 14.99 euros a month. If Arlo Secure is also to be used for several cameras, however, it costs 9.99 euros per month.
The two new tariffs replace Arlo's previous Smart plans. The subscriptions can, but do not have to be, booked in addition to security cameras such as the Arlo Pro 4 or the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (test). Above all, they expand the functions by storing the recordings in the cloud for 30 or 60 days, which is otherwise impossible or only possible with additional hardware due to the lack of a local connection. The plans also offer additional AI-supported detection functions and customizable security settings.
Secure Plus also extends the guarantee
With Arlo Secure, recordings are stored in the cloud for up to 30 days with a maximum of 2K resolution, with Arlo Secure Plus, on the other hand, for up to 60 days with up to 4K resolution. In addition, Arlo Secure Plus extends the guarantee by a further 12 months if the customer had taken out the subscription for at least 6 months before making a claim under the guarantee. Membership in one of the two Arlo Secure plans also includes the free replacement of the Arlo camera in the event of theft.
Additional recognition functions
The two subscriptions activate an additional, AI-supported recognition function on the Arlo cameras, which can differentiate between people, animals, vehicles and parcels. The user can choose in the app which recognized objects he would like to be notified about and which objects he does not want to be disturbed. If desired, the number of notifications can be significantly reduced by only being informed about the relevant recorded movements.
In addition, with the subscription, users can watch a preview video on the smartphone's lock screen and, even when the smartphone is locked, immediately activate the integrated siren of the security camera, if necessary, so as not to lose any time unlocking and calling up the app.
Arlo service plans (Image: Arlo) Videos are saved in Europe
Arlo saves all recordings that are uploaded to the cloud as part of the two subscriptions on European servers and guarantees that the videos will be completely deleted at the end of the set storage period. Apart from the user himself, nobody has access to the encrypted videos.
Test three months free of charge
Arlo Secure can be tested free of charge for three months with the purchase of an Arlo product. Users of the previous Smart subscription will continue to receive the service they have booked and the option to switch to Arlo Secure or Secure Plus. This means that you will not be automatically switched to one of the new subscriptions.
Nest had already taken a similar step at the end of 2019, which also changed the subscription model from a paid subscription per camera have switched to a single monthly fee for all cameras in a household.