Smart Doorbell Without Subscription

Have you been wondering if there are smart doorbell without subscription? Yes, several video doorbells are available that do not require a subscription.

These doorbells store video locally, usually on either a microSD card or their internal memory, freeing you from paying a monthly fee and giving you more control over your recordings.

When my daughter moved out of our family home in Dallas, I decided to install a smart doorbell to keep an eye on the place.

I started doing my research on every one of the smart doorbell video that works without monthly subscription and let me share all the information I came across with everyone of it.

In this guide, we’ll look at the top options for smart doorbells that don’t need monthly fees to deliver core functionality. We’ll compare prices, features, pros and cons to help you choose the best subscription-free smart doorbell for your needs and budget.

Let’s go.

Key Takeaways: Smart Doorbells Without Monthly Fees

• Smart doorbells provide security and convenience, allowing you to see, speak to, and record visitors remotely from your phone.
• Most models require an ongoing subscription for accessing video recordings in the cloud.
• Several options provide free basic features without a monthly fee, including live viewing, motion alerts, communication and more.
• Eufy and Ring’s basic models offer compelling free options, while Nest and Arlo charge subscription fees.
• Consider video and audio quality, smart home integration, power source, storage and more when choosing a doorbell.
• Upfront costs for subscription-free models range from about $100 to $250.

Now let’s explore the top contenders for subscription-free smart doorbells and how they compare.

Best Overall: Eufy Security Video Doorbell

Eufy’s battery-powered Video Doorbell delivers high-quality video and two-way audio without any monthly fees. It captures 2K resolution footage with HDR and night vision. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 6 months on a charge.

With the Eufy app, you get real-time notifications, live streaming, and AI-powered human detection. Local storage on the included HomeBase hub provides recording for up to 30 days.

Eufy Video Doorbell Pros

• No monthly fees required
• 2K video with HDR and night vision
• Local storage for recordings
• 6 month battery life per charge
• AI human detection
• Works with Google Assistant and Alexa

Cons

• No free cloud storage option
• Requires the HomeBase hub

Eufy’s doorbell delivers excellent features for the price. Without any subscriptions, you still get crisp video, intelligent alerts, two-way audio, and long-term local storage.

Runner Up: Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Ring’s Video Doorbell Wired provides free live viewing, motion alerts, two-way talk, and more. For $3 per month with Ring Protect, you can access recordings in the cloud. Or you can opt for local storage with the Ring Chime accessory.

The wired design ensures reliable power. Video is 1080p HD with night vision. Two-way audio lets you speak with visitors. Custom motion zones reduce unwanted alerts.

Ring Video Doorbell Wired Pros:

• Free live view, motion alerts, communication
• Optional cloud storage or local storage
• 1080p video with night vision
• Customizable motion zones
• Works with Alexa

Cons:

• Requires existing doorbell wiring
• No free cloud video storage
• Ring Protect Plan is $30/year

For a wired option with flexible storage choices, Ring’s doorbell delivers quality HD video and handy features without requiring a subscription.

Best Budget: eufy Security Wireless Video Doorbell

eufy’s wireless doorbell gives you remote access, alerts and more without fees. It records in 2K resolution with night vision and HDR. The wireless design is easy to install anywhere.

You get live streaming, AI alerts for people only, two-way communication, and local storage on the HomeBase. Battery life lasts around 6 months.

eufy Wireless Doorbell Pros:

• No monthly fees
• 2K video with night vision
• Wireless installation
• 6 month battery per charge
• Local video storage
• AI human detection

Cons:

• No free cloud storage
• Requires HomeBase hub

For under $150, eufy’s wireless video doorbell delivers sharp 2K footage and handy AI features without monthly costs.

Best Video Quality: Nest Doorbell (battery)

The Nest Doorbell (battery) captures excellent 960p HDR video with night vision. You get intelligent alerts, two-way audio, and the ability to create activity zones.

To view event history, you need the Nest Aware subscription starting at $6 per month. But live streaming, alerts, and talk features work without paying monthly fees.

Nest Doorbell (battery) Pros:

• No fee for live features
• Excellent 960p HDR video
• Customizable activity zones
• Works with Google Assistant
• 24/7 live streaming with Nest Aware

Cons:

• Requires Nest Aware for event video ($6/month)
• No free cloud video storage
• Battery life up to 6 months only

Nest stands out with superb video and audio, intelligent alerts, and integration with other Google services. But you’ll need a subscription to get the most value from this doorbell camera.

Longest Battery: Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell

With up to 6 months of battery per charge, the Arlo Essential Doorbell can operate wirelessly for long periods.

It captures 1:1 video with HDR, night vision up to 25 feet away, and a 180° field of view. Two-way audio provides natural conversation.

You get live streaming, motion alerts, calls to your phone, and direct-to-mobile video recording with Arlo’s free plan.

The Arlo Smart trial includes 30 days of cloud storage. After that, plans start at $2.99 per month.

Arlo Essential Doorbell Pros:

• No fee for live view and basic features
• Up to 6 months battery life
• 1:1 video with HDR and night vision
• 180° field of view
• 30-day Arlo Smart trial included

Cons:

• Requires subscription for recordings after 30 days
• No free full-time cloud storage option
• Lower resolution video than competitors

Arlo’s doorbell delivers long-lasting battery power for worry-free operation. But you’ll need to pay if you want more than a month of recordings in the cloud.

Best Smart Home Integration: Google Nest Doorbell (battery)

With the Google Nest Doorbell, you can view your camera feed on Nest displays and Chromecast devices.

It ties in seamlessly with other Nest cameras, thermostats, locks, and speakers for whole-home control.

Nest captures 960p HDR video with night vision. Two-way audio provides clear sound.

With Nest Aware starting at $6 per month, you get intelligent alerts, activity zones, and 60 days of video history.

Nest Doorbell (battery) Pros:

• Works with Nest ecosystem and Google Assistant
• Streams video to Nest displays
• 60 days of cloud storage (with Nest Aware)
• Familiar management through Google Home app

Cons:

• Requires Nest Aware subscription for most features
• No free cloud storage tier
• Battery lasts only 1-2 months initially

If you already use Nest or Google devices, the Nest Doorbell integrates beautifully for whole-home awareness and control. But you’ll need an ongoing subscription to make the most of this camera.

Best Local Storage: Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K (wired)

The Eufy Security 2K Wired Doorbell records locally to the included HomeBase, giving you secure storage without monthly fees.

Video is captured in crisp 2K resolution with HDR and night vision.

You get real-time streaming, AI-powered alerts, two-way audio communication, and no-cost access to recordings for up to 30 days.

There’s an option to upgrade to EufyCloud for additional storage.

Eufy 2K Wired Doorbell Pros:

• 2K video with HDR and night vision
• Local recording to HomeBase
• Real-time notifications
• AI-powered alerts
• 30-day local video history

Cons:

• No free cloud storage option
• Requires existing doorbell wiring

Eufy’s wired video doorbell delivers excellent local storage at no extra cost, while providing sharp 2K video and handy features.

Longest Battery Life: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

With 6-12 months per charge depending on usage, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 has some of the longest-lasting battery life.

It captures HD video with color night vision, 3D motion detection, and Alexa greetings.

You can access recordings and snapshots for 60 days in the cloud with a Ring Protect Plan subscription ($3/month).

Or you can monitor real-time video, get notifications, and communicate with visitors for free.

Ring Pro 2 Pros:

• 6-12 month battery life
• Live view and motion alerts at no cost
• HD video with color night vision
• 3D motion detection
• Works with Alexa

Cons:

• Requires subscription for video storage
• No free cloud storage option
• Ring Protect Plan is $30/year

With its ultra-long-lasting battery and full-featured companion app, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 provides complete entry awareness at no monthly cost.

Best Value: Wyze Video Doorbell

Priced below $50, the Wyze Video Doorbell packs impressive features into an affordable battery-powered unit.

It captures clear 1080p Full HD video with night vision. The wide 140° field of view leaves no blind spots.

You get motion and sound detection, real-time notifications, two-way audio, and free cloud storage rolled into the base cost.

No subscriptions are required for any features. Local SD card storage is supported too.

Wyze Video Doorbell Pros:

• Very affordable price
• No monthly fees required
• 1080p Full HD video
• Free cloud storage
• Local SD card storage option
• 140° field of view

Cons:

• Only supports Alexa (no Google Assistant)
• Shorter battery life vs. competitors
• Max 128GB local SD card

For basic entry awareness on a budget, the Wyze Doorbell delivers solid performance and handy features at an unbeatable price point.

Best Wired: Ring Video Doorbell 4

With a wired connection for reliable power, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 captures crisp 1080p video day and night. The 155° field of view reduces blind spots.

For free you get live previews, motion alerts, and two-way talk. Add the Ring Protect Plan for 60-day cloud storage starting at $3 per month. Connect a Ring Chime ($30) for local monitoring.

Ring Doorbell 4 Pros

• Wired for constant power
• 1080p HD video
• 155° field of view
• Free live view and notifications
• Optional cloud or local storage

Cons

• No free cloud video storage
• Ring Protect subscription required for recordings

The wired design ensures 24/7 operation while Ring’s app provides extensive monitoring and customization options – no monthly fees required.

How to Choose the Best Smart Doorbell Without a Subscription

Here are some key factors to help you choose the right subscription-free smart doorbell:

• Video quality – Higher resolution and HDR provide clearer detail, especially at night. Look for 1080p or 2K video.
• Field of view – A wider field of view reduces blind spots. 140-180° is ideal.
• Storage – Local storage provides free access to recordings. Cloud storage gives more flexibility but requires a subscription.
• Power source – Battery-powered is convenient but may need more frequent charging. Wired options have continuous power.
• Smart features – Motion tracking, person detection, custom zones and facial recognition create smarter alerts.
• Audio – Two-way audio lets you speak to visitors. Noise cancellation provides clearer conversation.
• Smart home integration – Choose a model that works with your other devices and voice assistant.
• Price – Upfront costs typically range from $60 to $250. More expensive models usually have better video quality, smarter alerts and longer-lasting batteries.

Once you decide which features are most important for your needs, you can zero in on the subscription-free doorbell camera that provides the best value. Investing a little more upfront typically delivers a much better experience over time.

Key Takeaways: Choosing a Smart Doorbell Without Subscriptions

• Look for high resolution video (1080p or 2K), wide field of view, long battery life
• Local storage provides free access to video without cloud fees
• Wired options have continuous power but less installation flexibility
• Consider smart features like person detection, zones, facial recognition
• Integration with smart speakers lets you monitor your doorbell easily
• Upfront prices range from $60-$250
• Eufy, Ring, Nest, Arlo offer compelling no-fee options

The Best Smart Doorbell Cameras for Home Security in 2023

Adding a smart doorbell camera enhances your home’s security, connects you remotely to visitors, and provides convenience through smartphone access.

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose?

Here we compare the top-rated smart doorbell cameras of 2023 based on video quality, features, smart home integration and more.

Let’s explore the key pros and cons of the leading models to help you find the best security doorbell camera for your home.

Quick Comparison Table

Model	Video Resolution	Field of View	Power Source	Storage	Price
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2	1080p HD	150° diagonal	Rechargeable battery	Cloud subscription	$249.99
Arlo Essential	1:1 aspect ratio	180° diagonal	Rechargeable battery	Cloud subscription	$129.99
Nest Doorbell (battery)	960p HDR	145° diagonal	Rechargeable battery	Cloud subscription	$179.99
Ring Video Doorbell 4	1080p HD	155° horizontal	Hardwired	Cloud subscription	$199.99
Eufy Security 2K	2K	160° diagonal	Rechargeable battery	Local storage	$259.99
Wyze Video Doorbell	1080p Full HD	140° diagonal	Rechargeable battery	Local + cloud	$40.98

Now let’s look at the top options in more detail.

Best Overall: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 captures crisp 1080p video with color night vision. It has 3D motion detection, Alexa greetings for visitors, and dual-band WiFi for reliable connectivity.

With the Ring Protect Plan starting at $3 per month, you get 60 days of cloud storage for recordings. You can also link the Pro 2 to a Ring Chime for local monitoring.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Key Features:

• 1080p HD video with color night vision
• 150° diagonal field of view
• 3D motion detection
• Customizable privacy zones
• Alexa greetings for visitors
• 6-12 month battery life per charge
• Optional cloud storage or local monitoring

The Ring Pro 2 provides a complete package with excellent video quality, intelligent motion sensing, long battery life, and flexible storage options. It’s a top choice if you want a premium video doorbell without wiring requirements.

Runner Up: Arlo Essential Wireless

Offering 6 months of battery life per charge, the Arlo Essential delivers reliable performance.

It captures video in 1:1 aspect ratio with HDR and night vision. The 180° field of view reduces blind spots.

You get a free 30-day Arlo Smart trial with rolling 30-day cloud storage. After that, plans start at $2.99 per month. Or you can simply monitor live video and receive alerts without paying.

Arlo Essential Wireless Key Features:

• Up to 6 months of battery life
• 1:1 video with HDR and night vision
• 180° diagonal field of view
• Real-time notifications
• 2-way audio communication
• 30-day Arlo Smart trial included
• Optional cloud storage subscription

With its long battery life and sharp video quality, the Arlo Essential delivers reliable outdoor security that can be accessed remotely from your phone.

Best Video: Nest Doorbell (battery)

The Nest Doorbell (battery) stands out with its high-resolution 960p video capture and HDR imaging. Night vision illuminates up to 10 feet.

The intelligent camera can tell people, animals, vehicles and packages apart. With Nest Aware starting at $6 per month, you get 60 days of video history, 10 days of 24/7 recording, and smart features like Familiar Face alerts.

Nest Doorbell (battery) Key Features:

• High-res 960p HDR video
• 145° diagonal field of view
• AI-powered person, animal, vehicle and package detection
• Activity zones to reduce unwanted alerts
• 10 days of 24/7 recording with Nest Aware
• Works with Google Assistant

Nest Cam excels at high-quality video and intelligent monitoring. It integrates smoothly into the Google/Nest ecosystem.

Best Wired: Ring Video Doorbell 4

Providing constant power from your doorbell wires, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 captures 1080p HD video with night vision. Motion alerts and live previews keep you aware of any activity.

Pair it with a Ring Chime to hear notifications inside your home. Add the Ring Protect Plan for 60-day cloud storage of recordings starting at $3 per month.

Ring Video Doorbell 4 Key Features:

• Wired for reliable, constant power
• 1080p HD video recording
• 155° horizontal field of view
• Custom motion zones
• Live on-demand video
• Optional Ring Chime and cloud storage

With reliable wired power and sharp 1080p video, the Ring Doorbell 4 delivers non-stop security monitoring and communication at your front door.

Best Value: Wyze Video Doorbell

The Wyze Video Doorbell packs impressive features into a very affordable $40 camera. It records 1080p Full HD video with night vision. The wide 140° field of view reduces blind spots.

You get free cloud storage for recordings as well as real-time notifications, two-way audio, and person detection. Local storage can be added via microSD card.

Wyze Video Doorbell Key Features:

• Incredibly affordable $40 price
• 1080p Full HD video
• 140° diagonal field of view
• Free cloud storage
• Local microSD storage supported
• Motion and sound alerts
• Works with Alexa

For basic entry security on a budget, the Wyze Doorbell Camera delivers great value and performance.

Best Local Storage: Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K

The wired Eufy Security 2K Video Doorbell records crystal clear 2K resolution video with HDR and night vision. Local storage on the included HomeBase provides encrypted access to recordings for up to 30 days.

Face recognition helps identify familiar faces while motion detection keeps you aware of activity. You can upgrade to EufyCloud for additional cloud storage capabilities.

Eufy Security 2K Key Features:

• 2K resolution video with HDR
• 160° diagonal field of view
• Local encrypted storage for recordings
• AI-powered face recognition
• Real-time activity notifications
• Two-way audio communication

With its top-tier 2K video and free local storage, the Eufy Security Doorbell delivers excellent detail without requiring any monthly fees.

What To Look For in a Smart Doorbell Camera

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a security doorbell camera:

• Video quality – Higher resolution, HDR, and night vision provide clearer and brighter imagery, especially after dark.
• Field of view – A wider field of view gives you more visibility and reduces blind spots. Look for 140° or higher.
• Smart features – Motion zones, AI person detection, facial recognition, and sound detection create smarter alerts.
• Storage – Local storage avoids monthly fees but offers limited capacity. Cloud storage provides more flexibility for an ongoing price.
• Power source – Battery-powered is convenient but may need frequent charging. Wired options have continuous power.
• Audio – Clear two-way audio makes it easy to communicate through the doorbell camera.
• Smart home integration – Choose a model compatible with your existing smart home platforms and voice assistants.

FAQs

Can You Get A Doorbell Camera Without A Subscription?

Yes, you can absolutely get a smart doorbell camera without needing an ongoing subscription.

Many models like the Eufy Security Doorbell and Ring Doorbell Wired provide free options to view live video, get alerts, have 2-way communication and more without monthly fees.

Some features like video recording storage may require a subscription, but the base functionality works for free.

Going without a subscription does limit cloud storage capabilities, but many doorbells support local storage to a microSD card or base station that provides access to recorded video clips for free.

Overall, subscriptions provide more flexibility but are not at all necessary just to get started with a smart doorbell camera monitoring your front door.

Do All Smart Doorbells Require A Subscription?

No, not all smart doorbell cameras require a monthly subscription. It depends on the brand and specific model.

Some popular options like the Ring Doorbell Wired, Ring Doorbell 4, Eufy Security Wireless Doorbell 2K, and Wyze Video Doorbell don’t need any subscription for their core features. You can view live video, get notifications, speak with visitors, and access limited recordings without paying recurring monthly or annual fees.

However, other models like Nest Doorbell, Arlo Essential, and Ring Doorbell Pro do require subscriptions for accessing, storing, and reviewing video clips after the initial free trial period.

The subscription gives you benefits like expanded cloud storage and smart analytics, but isn’t mandatory.

So when shopping for a smart doorbell, look carefully at which features come for free versus needing an ongoing subscription.

Some flexibility is nice, but a free tier still gives you plenty of functionality.

Do Smart Doorbells Work Without Wi-Fi?

For most smart doorbells, Wi-Fi connectivity is required for core functionality like sending alerts to your phone, accessing a live video feed, and storing recordings in the cloud.

However, there are a few options that work offline without Wi-Fi as well. Some doorbells with local storage to a base station or SD card can still detect motion, store video clips, and let you review footage without relying on Wi-Fi.

Battery-powered models like the Ring Doorbell 4 can connect directly to the Ring Chime accessory via Z-Wave or Zigbee technology to provide real-time alerts.

This lets you get notifications of visitors even if your Wi-Fi goes down.

Wired doorbells connect mechanically to existing chimes so they can still ring the indoor chime without Wi-Fi.

But for full remote access and reviewing recordings, Wi-Fi is generally needed, unless the doorbell has local storage and offline connectivity options specifically.

Going with a unit that has Wi-Fi plus local storage provides maximum flexibility.

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Smart Doorbell?

Some potential downsides to keep in mind with smart doorbell cameras:

• Recurring subscription fees – Many require monthly costs for full functionality.
• Connectivity issues – Wi-Fi disruptions can cause problems.
• Hardware failures – More complex electronics lead to potential issues.
• Battery life limitations – Frequent charging needed on battery-powered models.
• Privacy concerns – Unauthorized access is possible if security features aren’t set up.
• Distortion or freezing video – Lower-quality models may have glitches.
• Limited compatibility – May not work with all smart home ecosystems.
• Installation challenges – Hardwiring or finding stable Wi-Fi signal can be tricky.
• Extra hardware required – Bases stations, chimes and more may be needed.
• Ongoing costs – Data usage, subscriptions, electricity all add up.
• Potential hacking – Like any connected device, smart doorbells can be vulnerable.

However, going with a reliable brand minimizes many of these risks. Proper setup and safeguarding the device helps reduce privacy issues.

And opting for wired power instead of battery eliminates some headaches.

How Long Do Smart Doorbells Last?

It depends on the specific model, but most quality smart doorbells are designed to provide at least 1-2 years of steady performance.

Higher-end options often last 3-5 years or more. For example, a battery-powered Ring Video Doorbell Pro can operate for around 3 years before needing a replacement battery.

Similarly, wired Ring doorbells have been reported to keep working reliably for 5+ years in many cases.

Arlo doorbells are built to handle temperature extremes and are expected to work for 3-4 years with typical usage.

Going with an established brand and following usage guidelines helps maximize lifespan.

Hardware lasts longer, but apps and integration may change over time as technology evolves.

Proper installation also prevents damage from leaks, power surges, and physical impacts.

Overall, anticipate 1-5 years of usage from a decent smart doorbell, with wired models generally outlasting battery-powered versions.

Do Wireless Doorbells Need Electricity?

Battery-powered wireless doorbells do not require any electrical wiring to operate – their batteries provide the needed power.

However, for wireless models that have a wired push button, that button component is typically hardwired to existing doorbell wiring to ensure constant power to detect presses.

The doorbell unit itself runs on batteries, but the button needs electricity. There are also wireless doorbells with battery-powered push buttons that avoid any wiring.

And some wireless doorbells can connect wirelessly to door/window sensors, eliminating wires altogether.

So in summary:

• Fully wireless doorbells run solely on battery power.
• Some wireless doorbells use wired push buttons for constant power.
• Look for battery-powered push buttons to avoid any wiring needs.
• Sensors allow for a 100% wireless, battery-powered setup.

So while electricity isn’t strictly necessary for wireless doorbells, it can provide convenience and ensure the button doesn’t run out of power. But wires are generally avoidable if desired.

Are Smart Doorbells Always Recording?

No, the majority of smart doorbell cameras only record video clips when motion is detected. They do not record continuously 24/7 by default.

This helps minimize privacy concerns, data usage, and power consumption. However, some models do offer the option to enable continuous recording if desired, often requiring an SD card or subscription plan.

For example, the Nest Doorbell can record 24/7 streams when combined with a Nest Aware plan. But out of the box, most smart doorbells like Ring and Arlo rely solely on motion-based recording.

The only potential exception is during a live view session, when the video feed is temporarily being accessed by a user – this footage may be recorded depending on the doorbell settings and cloud plan capabilities.

But otherwise, smart doorbells are not recording everything all the time. Motion detection provides security without constant surveillance.

Do Smart Doorbells Need Batteries?

Some smart doorbells are wired to existing doorbell wiring and don’t require any batteries. However, most popular smart doorbell models like Ring, Nest, Arlo, and Eufy use rechargeable batteries that must be replaced or recharged periodically.

Batteries typically last anywhere from 6-24 months before needing replacement. Battery-powered options provide more flexible installation since you don’t need nearby wiring.

Batteries eliminate the need for hardwiring but do require occasional maintenance and charging. There are pros and cons to each approach. In summary:

• Battery-powered models offer flexible placement but require charging/swapping batteries over time.
• Wired doorbells draw continuous power from existing wiring and don’t use any batteries.
• Batteries simplify installation and placement.
• Wired options have no battery costs and are more reliable.

So in the end, batteries are common but not an absolute necessity for smart doorbells. Depending on your situation, wired or wireless will make more sense when choosing the right model.

Can You Use A Video Doorbell Without A Smartphone?

Generally, a smartphone is required to get the most out of a smart video doorbell’s features. However, there are some options that provide basic functionality without a smartphone:

• Wired doorbells connect to existing chimes so you can hear rings/notifications.
• Battery-powered models can connect to a Wi-Fi base station that sounds chimes.
• Some have local storage so you can review video on the camera itself.
• Desktop access allows you to check the feed and recordings on a computer.
• Smart displays like Amazon Echo Show can show the camera’s live view.

So while you’ll miss out on most features, it is possible to get notifications of visitors and view recordings without a smartphone.

Using accessories like chimes and base stations along with desktop access provides some basic functionality.

But the mobile app unlocks the most features and flexibility when paired with a smart doorbell camera.

Conclusion

Adding a smart doorbell camera enhances your home’s security by letting you monitor and communicate with visitors right from your smartphone.

The top options from Ring, Arlo, Nest, Eufy and Wyze deliver advanced technology at competitive prices.

Consider the combination of video quality, intelligent alerts, field of view, storage type, power source and smart integration most important for your needs.

This will help you choose the right doorbell security camera for your budget. With regular advances in AI and video resolution, now is a great time to install one of these convenient security devices.