Long-Term User — Software Has Become Unusable
I have been using Arlo Technologies cameras for many years. At one stage, I had around 30 cameras installed across my setup, so I’m not a casual or inexperienced user. However, I have since reduced that number to less than half.
One of the reasons for cutting back was the introduction of subscription fees for features that were originally free when I purchased the cameras. Yes, I’m aware this is probably covered somewhere in the small print, and companies reserve the right to change terms — but that doesn’t make it feel any less like a bait-and-switch.
That said, this is not the main reason for this review.
The real issue is the software.
Over the years, the software has been updated multiple times, and in my experience, it has become progressively worse with each iteration. The most recent update in April 2026 has made it virtually unusable for my setup.
I appreciate that my configuration may be more complex than the average user’s. However, the fundamental problem is simple: I used to be able to view all my cameras easily in one place. Now, it requires constant jumping between different screens and sections, making what was once straightforward now frustrating and inefficient.
Good software should make things simpler, not more complicated.
I find it astonishing that changes of this magnitude are released without proper real-world user testing. It feels like the software is being designed and approved by engineers who may be technically capable, but who are not considering how ordinary users — even experienced ones — actually interact with the system day-to-day.
For a product that depends so heavily on usability, this is a serious failure.
I am fully aware that there are competitors offering similar hardware at comparable upfront costs, but without ongoing subscription fees and with more user-friendly software. Given the current direction, I will be moving away from Arlo as my existing cameras reach the end of their useful life — and, frankly, the latest update may accelerate that decision.
It’s disappointing, because the hardware itself has generally been solid. But in the end, poor software undermines everything
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