Best Doorbell Cameras Without Monthly Fees

Video doorbells are a core component of home security and can be really convenient. However, some video doorbells require a subscription to access certain features, such as saving recordings and receiving alerts. This can be costly, with fees adding up to more than the cost of the doorbell itself after just a few years. There are also potential privacy concerns, as the manufacturer controls the footage, which is stored on their servers.

Fortunately, there are several video doorbell options that do not require a subscription. These include:

- Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4

- Eufy Video Doorbell C210

- Eufy Video Doorbell E340

- Eufy Video Doorbell S330

- Energizer Connect Video Doorbell

- Eufy Video Doorbell (Wired) S220

- Eufy Video Doorbell (Wired) S330

- Lorex 2K QHD B451AJD-E

- TP-Link Kasa Smart KD110

- Blink Video Doorbell

- XTU Doorbell Camera Wireless

- AOSU Doorbell Camera Wireless

- Reolink Doorbell WiFi Camera

- ieGeek Doorbell Camera Wireless

- MUBVIEW Wireless Doorbell Camera with Chime

- Arlo Essential Video Doorbell

- Dzees Doorbell Camera Wireless

- eufy Security, Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera

- Ankway Video Doorbell Camera Wireless

- Allesin Doorbell Camera Wireless

- Hiseeu Wireless Doorbell Camera with Chime

- WUUK 2K Doorbell Camera

- XTU WiFi Video Doorbell Camera

- WUUK Wired Doorbell Camera

- Aqara Video Doorbell G4

- Google Nest Doorbell 2nd gen (battery)

- Eufy Dual video doorbell (battery)

- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

- Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera

- Wemo Smart Video Doorbell

- Aqara G4 Video Doorbell

- Kasa Smart Doorbell (KD110)

- Reolink Video Doorbell

- Ubiquity Protect Platform

- Tapo Camera Doorbell

- Amcrest Video Doorbell

Doorbell cameras with no subscription and local storage

There are several doorbell cameras on the market that offer local storage and do not require a subscription. Here are some options to consider:

Aqara Video Doorbell G4

The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 has a sleek and modern design, offering excellent smart features, local storage, and a chime extender to ensure you never miss a visitor. It supports up to 512GB of local storage via a microSD card and also provides free seven-day cloud storage. The doorbell can be powered by batteries or hardwired to your existing doorbell's power source. It features excellent night vision and is weather-resistant, making it suitable for all weather conditions.

Blink Video Doorbell

The Blink Video Doorbell is a budget-friendly option that allows you to save money by storing recordings locally. It offers continuous local recording with a USB flash drive (sold separately) and can also be connected to the cloud with a Blink Subscription Plan. The camera provides 1080p video resolution and works with Alexa for voice control. You can choose between a battery-powered or hardwired installation, making it convenient for those who want to avoid complicated wiring.

Kasa Smart Video Doorbell KD110

The Kasa Smart Video Doorbell is a wired doorbell that offers solid smart features and ease of use. It has a high 3MP resolution and supports local storage via a microSD card of up to 128GB. The camera provides clear night vision thanks to an IR LED and has a wide 160-degree field of view. It connects to your Wi-Fi network and includes a wireless chime that can be placed anywhere in your home.

Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340

The Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340 is a feature-rich option with local storage and dual cameras to ensure a clear view of your front door. It offers 2K resolution on the main camera and 1080p on the secondary camera, which is pointed downward to monitor packages. The doorbell has 8GB of built-in storage and can be powered by a rechargeable battery or hardwired. It includes color night vision and facial recognition, although the latter can be inconsistent at times.

Reolink Video Doorbell Wi-Fi with Chime

The Reolink Video Doorbell is a wired doorbell that offers 2K resolution and built-in person detection, as well as animal and vehicle ignoring features. It has a wide 180-degree field of view and infrared night vision. For local storage, it is compatible with microSD cards (sold separately) and can also work with Reolink's network video recorders for additional storage options. The doorbell is easy to set up and use, making it a convenient choice for those seeking a straightforward solution.

Doorbell cameras with no subscription and cloud storage

Doorbell cameras are a great way to monitor your front door and keep an eye on people, packages, and anything else that comes across your front porch. While many doorbell cameras require a subscription and cloud storage, there are several options available that do not. Here are some of the best doorbell cameras with no subscription and cloud storage:

Eufy Dual Video Doorbell (Battery)

The Eufy Dual video doorbell is a battery-powered video doorbell that features two cameras to capture both packages and visitors. It offers local storage, package alerts, facial recognition, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. There are no charges for smart alerts that spot people and packages, and innovative AI features such as facial recognition and package detection are free. However, as a battery-powered doorbell, it lacks pre-roll footage, so you may not see people approaching your door until they are in front of it or walking away. The battery life is good, lasting about three months, but you have to take down the entire doorbell to charge it.

Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4

The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 is an all-around great performer, receiving strong scores for video quality, data security, response time, and smart features. It can be powered by six AA batteries or connected to low-voltage doorbell wiring. It offers local and free facial recognition and multiple options for video storage. You can use Aqara's free seven-day cloud video storage or store footage locally on up to a 512-gigabyte microSD card (sold separately). Apple users can also opt for Apple HomeKit Secure Video to store footage in iCloud with end-to-end encryption, but this requires a paid iCloud+ subscription.

Google Nest Doorbell 2nd Gen (Battery)

The Google Nest Doorbell 2nd Gen is easy to set up, whether you have doorbell wiring or not. It offers live video feeds, two-way audio, alert notifications, and event recording for up to three hours without a subscription. These features are free but limited compared to subscription-based services. The Nest Doorbell works well with Google Assistant and is compatible with Alexa. It also includes AI tech for free, such as package, person, and vehicle detection, while a Nest Aware subscription enables face identification.

Blink Video Doorbell

The Blink Video Doorbell is a budget-friendly option that offers motion-activated recording, alerts, night vision, two-way audio, and up to two years of battery life. It works as a wired or battery-powered doorbell and can be a true hardwired doorbell, providing constant power and faster response times. However, the video and audio quality are not great, and there are no smart alerts or quick replies. The app can also be tricky to navigate.

Reolink Video Doorbell

The Reolink Video Doorbell is a wired doorbell with the option of Power over Ethernet (PoE) and local storage to a microSD card or FTP server. It offers 2K video, free person detection, pre-roll, dual-band Wi-Fi, and no subscription fees. It works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa and comes in black or white with two different fields of view: horizontal or vertical.

Kasa Smart Doorbell (KD110) from TP-Link

The Kasa Smart Doorbell from TP-Link is a wired doorbell that comes with a plug-in chime and offers 2K video quality, free person detection, and the option of local storage to a microSD card. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home and has a 160-degree viewing angle.

Wired vs wireless doorbell cameras

Wired Doorbell Cameras

Wired doorbell cameras are connected to your home's low-voltage doorbell wiring and power supply. They require some electrical wiring and drilling for installation, which can be complicated and may require upgrading your transformer. They are also more difficult to remove once installed. However, wired doorbells have a continuous power supply, so you don't need to worry about recharging batteries, and they can be easier to maintain. They also tend to have more design options and don't suffer from radio interference.

Wireless Doorbell Cameras

Wireless doorbell cameras are battery-powered and do not require any wiring for installation, making them more flexible in terms of placement. They are easy to set up and integrate with other smart devices. You can personalise the chime and set up motion-activated alerts sent directly to your phone. However, wireless doorbells can be more expensive, have limited designs, and need to be recharged periodically. They also require a working internet connection to view live footage and are susceptible to radio interference.

Video Doorbell Cameras

Video doorbell cameras allow you to record and view live footage of your front porch, offering features such as two-way audio and package monitoring. They are easy to set up, often battery-operated, and can be integrated with other smart home security features. However, they require an internet connection to view live footage and have a more limited field of view than outdoor cameras.

Examples of Doorbell Cameras Without a Subscription

• Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4
• Eufy Video Doorbell C210
• Eufy Video Doorbell E340
• Lorex 2K QHD B451AJD-E
• TP-Link Kasa Smart KD110
• Blink Video Doorbell
• XTU Doorbell Camera Wireless
• AOSU Doorbell Camera Wireless
• Ring Video Doorbell
• Eufy Security Battery Video Doorbell C210 Kit
• IeGeek Doorbell Camera Wireless
• REOLINK Doorbell WiFi Camera
• MUBVIEW Wireless Doorbell Camera with Chime
• Arlo Essential Video Doorbell
• WUUK 2K Doorbell Camera
• WUUK Wired Doorbell Camera

Privacy and security concerns

Privacy Concerns

One of the main privacy concerns with doorbell cameras is that they are designed to record people who approach your door. This raises questions about whether it is legal to record people without their consent and whether the footage could be used by the government or law enforcement without a warrant. In the case of the Ring doorbell, Amazon has admitted to giving police access to Ring footage without a warrant or consent from the user. There are also concerns about the privacy of neighbours, as doorbell cameras can often capture footage of the surrounding area, including neighbouring properties.

Security Concerns

Security is another key concern, as all electronic devices are potentially vulnerable to hacking. There have been several reports of hacking incidents involving Ring doorbells, including an incident where a hacker gained access to a Ring camera in a child's bedroom and spoke to the child. While Ring has since taken steps to increase security, this incident highlights the importance of taking precautions such as regular software updates, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication.

Another security concern is the potential for false alerts, which can be triggered by movement in front of the door, even if no one is there. This can be frustrating for users and may make them paranoid about what's going on outside their home.

Data Sharing

When downloading the Ring app, users are consenting to have their data collected and shared with third-party companies. An investigation by EFF found that the Ring app shared a wealth of data with third-party trackers, including IP addresses, mobile carrier information, and device type. While Ring claims it does not sell personally identifiable information, it is important to be aware of the data being shared with these companies.

Theft

Video doorbells are also vulnerable to theft, as they are small and easy to remove. There have been reports of thieves targeting video doorbells, including an incident in Colorado Springs where a thief was caught on camera stealing a Ring doorbell.

Surveillance and Safety

The constant surveillance that video doorbells enable also raises questions about safety. There have been reports of Ring users taking action based on footage from their doorbells, such as an incident where a user opened fire on a neighbour who was dropping off a misdelivered package. Domestic violence advocates and privacy experts have expressed concerns about the potential for misuse of doorbell camera footage.

Data Deletion

It is also important to consider what happens to your data when you stop using the doorbell camera app. In the case of Ring, users can delete their recordings from Ring Protect at any time by accessing their account. However, the company has been criticized for its data deletion practices in the past, with the FTC filing a lawsuit against Amazon in 2023 for illegally maintaining monopoly power and violating children's privacy laws.

Smart home compatibility

• Integration with Smart Home Platforms: It is now expected that a smart home device works seamlessly with at least one major smart home platform. The most popular platforms are Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. When choosing a video doorbell camera, ensure that it is compatible with the smart home platform(s) you use.
• Smart Home Features: In addition to basic compatibility, consider the smart features that a video doorbell camera can offer when integrated with your smart home platform. For example, you may want your smart lights to turn on when motion is detected by the doorbell camera, or you may want to unlock your front door while viewing the live feed from your doorbell. Check which smart features are supported by the doorbell camera before making a purchase.
• Voice Assistant Integration: Many video doorbell cameras offer integration with voice assistants, allowing you to control the doorbell using voice commands. This can include starting a live video feed, reviewing footage, or receiving notifications. Check if the doorbell camera is compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and ensure that the voice commands offered are useful to you.
• Smart Displays and Speakers: Some video doorbell cameras can be integrated with smart displays and speakers to provide additional functionality. For example, you may be able to view the live feed from your doorbell on a smart display, or use a smart speaker as an indoor chime to alert you when someone is at the door. Consider whether you would like these additional features and choose a doorbell camera that supports them.
• Matter Protocol: Matter is a new smart home protocol designed to improve compatibility between devices from different brands. While Matter does not currently support video transfers, it is important to keep an eye on future updates as they may impact your video doorbell camera's compatibility with other smart home devices.

Frequently asked questions