Smart home security camera brand Arlo has once again increased its monthly subscription pricing for cloud storage, with the cheapest plan now costing $9.99 per month for a single camera and $19.99 per month for unlimited cameras.

This marks the third price hike in recent years, with the company previously charging $2.99 per month for single-camera storage, then increasing it to $4.99 in early 2023, and later to $7.99 per month. The new pricing structure, dubbed Secure Plus, replaces the previous Arlo Secure plan.

In addition to the increased pricing, Arlo has also introduced new AI-powered features, including the ability to name specific people or vehicles detected by the camera and receive notifications about them. The company has also doubled its recording storage from 30 to 60 days. However, these features are only available to subscribers, making the increased pricing a significant consideration for users.

It's worth noting that Arlo is offering some users the option to maintain their old rate by switching to an annual plan. According to a screenshot posted on the Arlo subreddit, users can pay $7.99 per month for single-camera storage or $17.99 per month for unlimited cameras if they commit to an annual subscription.

Users who opt out of the subscription model can still utilize free storage by using Arlo Base Stations and SmartHub devices compatible with their cameras. However, this approach means missing out on certain subscription-only features, such as package detection, that make smart cameras appealing.

The price hike may be a concern for Arlo users, particularly those who rely on the cloud storage feature for their security cameras. As the smart home market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Arlo's pricing strategy affects user adoption and loyalty.

In the broader context, this move highlights the ongoing challenges faced by smart home companies in balancing the costs of providing advanced features and services with the need to remain competitive in a crowded market. As the industry continues to mature, it's likely that we'll see further shifts in pricing and business models as companies adapt to changing user needs and preferences.