4 Best Video Doorbells Without Subscription Plans

Video doorbells are devices that allow you to see and communicate with people at your door, as well as record any activity. However, many popular video doorbells require a subscription plan to view the recorded videos. Fortunately, there are a few video doorbells that don’t require a subscription or offer an affordable plan.

These video doorbells allow you to access the recorded videos through local storage. Alternatively, some of them provide free access to the videos for about a week. In this case, you need to be proactive in retrieving the files when needed. Choosing a video doorbell with local storage ensures that you only need to pay once.

If you’re looking for a video doorbell without a subscription plan, here are the best options. But before we dive into that, let’s consider a few things:

– Some video doorbells require a subscription for additional features, such as cloud storage or advanced motion detection.

– Make sure to check the compatibility of the video doorbell with your smartphone and existing home security system.

– Consider the video quality, field of view, and night vision capabilities of the video doorbell.

– Look for additional features like two-way audio, customizable motion zones, and integration with smart home devices.

Now, let’s explore the top video doorbells without subscription plans.

Battery-powered outdoor security cameras are a great option if you want to enhance the security of your property. These cameras are designed to be easy to install, and they can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your home is being monitored. Additionally, battery-powered outdoor security cameras are a popular choice because they are not limited by the need for electrical outlets. This means that you can install these cameras in areas where it may be difficult or impossible to run a power cord. If you’re in the market for an affordable indoor security camera, there are plenty of options available to you. Indoor security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your home, even when you’re not there. They can also be used to monitor children or pets while you’re away. It’s important to choose a camera that meets your needs and fits within your budget. By following these tips, you can find the perfect camera for your home or office.

1. Blink Video Doorbell

Blink Video Doorbell

The Blink video doorbell is a budget-friendly option packed with useful features such as two-way audio, infrared vision, and a long battery life. The company claims that the battery can last up to two years, although this will depend on usage. The doorbell functions as expected, recording videos when the motion sensor is activated. The video quality is decent considering the price, although it does not offer HDR. As a result, videos may appear slightly darker in areas with a mix of shade and sunlight.

The Blink video doorbell requires a bridge, such as the Sync Module 2, to function and connect to the internet. The Sync Module also serves as a storage device for video files, offering two USB-A ports for connecting a thumb drive to record videos.

The Blink app sends notifications to your phone and includes a geo-fence feature for triggering the video doorbell in high-traffic areas.

With the two-way audio feature, you can have clear conversations with visitors at your door. However, the doorbell’s sensor is slow and takes time to start recording when triggered.

XTU Doorbell Camera

Another inexpensive video doorbell is XTU, offering 2K recording, a large battery, and a loud chime. It has a premium look and delivers impressive performance. Users have praised its video quality for clarity and sharpness.

The XTU video doorbell has a 10,000mAh battery that can last around 5 months with moderate use. If the doorbell is used extensively, the battery may die down sooner. However, you can also hardwire the XTU video doorbell to avoid the hassle of recharging batteries.

Setting up the doorbell is simple and requires a Bridge to connect to the internet. It supports cards up to 128 GB or cloud storage, but these options cannot be used simultaneously. Additionally, the doorbell features two-way audio, night vision, companion apps, and smartphone notifications. The night vision provides clear and crisp images, but the motion sensors are inconsistent.

3. eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K

eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K

Another video doorbell option without subscription plans is the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K. Eufy is known for its affordable pricing in the video doorbell market, and this model is no exception. It offers local storage and high-resolution video recording with HDR, resulting in sharp videos day and night. The 4:3 aspect ratio also provides a tall Field of View (FoV). In terms of storage capacity, it supports up to 4GB of memory.

One standout feature of the Video Doorbell 2K is its pre-buffered recording function, which starts capturing video a few seconds before the doorbell is rung.

Aside from the above, the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K offers two-way audio, phone notifications, optional 30-day cloud storage, and support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This popular doorbell has received over 4,000 user reviews on Amazon, with people praising its picture quality, night-vision, and tech support.

4. Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell

Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell

The Arlo Essential Wire-Free is an expensive video doorbell with a good range of features. It has a premium look and captures high-resolution videos. However, it does require a subscription for full functionality.

To fully utilize the Arlo Essential Wire-Free, you will need to purchase the Arlo Smart Hub. This hub comes with a USB-storage drive for video recording and storage. Investing in the hub is worthwhile, especially if you plan to upgrade to other Arlo products in the future.

In addition to its premium features such as 12x zoom, built-in sirens, and Home and Away mode, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free offers bright and sharp videos, making it a worthwhile purchase.

The Arlo video doorbell supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other third-party apps. However, many features require a subscription plan. If you’re already in the Arlo ecosystem or plan to upgrade, buying the doorbell is a logical choice. But remember that the camera is expensive and lacks features in offline mode.

Looking to save money yet want the best experience? Consider the XTU and Eufy 2K video doorbells. Their high resolution ensures clear identification of faces and people. Additionally, the offline video files provide convenient access. Just remember to check regularly, as the system overwrites files.