Since I discovered a video doorbell is a great way to monitor your front door, I set out to find the best video doorbell for homes of all kinds. Most video doorbells I’ve used allowed me to talk to the visitor at the door and record footage of them.
Video doorbell cameras will monitor your front door around the clock since many have night vision. The video doorbell can also connect to your home network and allow you to view live footage from anywhere via a mobile app. Many doorbell cameras will record live video on cloud storage, but you can find models with local storage.
The video doorbell cameras recording on cloud storage usually require you to pay a monthly subscription. But you can also find some cameras without a subscription plan. And that’s partly what I am going to cover in this review. I will also cover the considerations when looking for the best video doorbell without a subscription. So read on for more information.
Best Subscription Free Video Doorbells
1. Blink Doorbell Cameras
Pros
Affordable security camera
Easy to set up
Long battery life
Local and Cloud Storage Options
Cons
Image Quality not the best
Can be slow on local storage
I’ve always liked how Blink cameras are a better option if you’re on a tight budget. Moreover, these cameras have various features and are easy to use for a home security solution. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to install security cameras and monitor your home or property when you have Blink cameras.
One feature I love about Blink cameras is the motion detection capability. When I first held a Blink camera, I quickly learned they use advanced algorithms to detect motion. When the cameras detect motion, they notify you via the Blink app. I’ve noticed that the advanced algorithms differentiate humans from animals to reduce false alarms.
I think that’s an edge Blink cameras have over their competitors. The notification allows you to know what’s happening in real-time. You can easily catch anyone trespassing since your Blink camera has the motion detection feature. Therefore, Blink cameras protect homes and properties against burglars.
Blink cameras also have another advantage over the competition; they are battery-powered. A Blink camera has powerful batteries that last up to two years. Once I set up a Blink camera for the outdoors, it monitored my property around the clock for two years. And it didn’t matter if there was a blackout. You want such a security camera, especially for your off-grid property.
Also, this capability makes Blink cameras ideal for monitoring areas far from a wall outlet. As I have mentioned already, these cameras are easy to set up. First, you will connect the cameras to your Wi-Fi network. The whole process is super easy since Blink has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
Connecting the Blink security cameras to your home network is essential to receive notifications to your Blink app downloaded from Play Store and App Store. Besides controlling the cameras, the Blink app allows you to view live footage. You can also customize the motion detection and schedule recordings from the app. These abilities allow me to set my security cameras according to home security priorities.
Blink has three camera options: Blink Indoor, Blink Outdoor, And Blink Mini. If you want to monitor the outdoors, it’s best to choose the Blink Outdoor camera. It monitors your driveway or yard while withstanding the elements. Also, it has a built-in spotlight. Therefore, it lights up possible hideouts.
Blink Indoor is great for indoor space. The night-vision feature lets you see what’s happening in a dark room to keep an eye on your living room. You also have the Blink Mini to monitor small indoor spaces such as an office or a nursery.
I like to call it a stealth security camera because of its compact profile, which makes it hard to spot. It has night vision, motion detection, and two-way communication. The Blink Mini also records in 1080P HD to keep an eye on your sleeping baby. Although this is a limited resolution, it’s still impressive for an affordable option.
Blink also offers another camera, the Blink XT2, the latest Blink camera in its lineup. I like its extended battery life, which will monitor your home for more than two years. Even more impressive, it pairs with Alexa for hands-free control. It is an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces. I think Blink cameras meet every home’s needs without breaking your wallet. That’s why I recommend them.
I also love how you can use Blink cameras without a subscription. However, some features only work best with a subscription plan. For one thing, you will lose your videos after 7 – 14 days without a subscription. And that’s because you need to pay for the cloud storage to access your videos for over a week.
2. The AOSU Doorbell Camera
Pros
2K camera resolution
Prerecorded messages
HD Talk and Listen
No monthly fee
Data privacy
Cons
Low battery life
Night vision needs improvement
AOSU doorbell cameras have impressed me with their 2K camera resolution. Besides giving me a crystal-clear shot of every visiting guest, the doorbell camera allows me to enjoy perfect head-to-toe footage. The doorbell camera even features a pinpoint motion and distance detector to work together with the impressive camera.
I noticed this camera boasts a no-false alert capability allowing me to be sure that someone has stepped on the front yard. What’s more impressive, the camera detects motion up to 30 feet away and uses 3D motion detection for accurate notifications. Its accuracy is amazing, ushering in a new era of no-false alarms, as I’ve mentioned already!
Since it’s a smart home device, it features Wi-Fi connectivity. While most video doorbell cameras connect only to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks, this camera is dual-band. It also connects to Wi-Fi 5GHz for an easy and more reliable connection.
With the camera’s secure local storage, you will pay no monthly fee because it has a HomeBase for local video footage storage. However, the HomeBase only has 8G of memory, and I would be happier if this storage space were larger. You can view the stored videos anytime, no matter where you are.
The camera records visitors when they press the doorbell, so you never miss a visitor. And if you can’t open the door, you can use the quick response to reply to your visitors. The video doorbell allows me to prerecord messages and reply to my visitors.
Sometimes, my busy schedule doesn’t allow me to respond to visitors. That’s where the prerecorded messages come in handy. I can play a message when I can’t reach the visitor. I am fond of the HD Talk and Listen feature; I can talk to a visitor, and they can hear me in HD. And this enhances speech quality.
Maybe what I love more than the HD Talk and Listen is the activity zone. I can focus the video doorbell camera on a particular zone that may see more activity. But still, the camera will send notifications if something happens outside the activity zone because it monitors a large area.
These features allow me to know when someone stepped on my property. Therefore, Aosu Video Doorbell is the ultimate home monitoring solution.
While the doorbell records video locally, it keeps your data secure with AES 256-bit encryption. I want peace of mind knowing that my preferred video doorbell has my privacy as its top priority. And so far, this camera has delivered on this promise.
More privacy comes from the featured voice changer, which allows me to disguise my voice and keep my identity private. The zone privacy is another feature you will love; it allows you to restrict recording your neighbor’s property.
However, its battery takes only 180 days on a single charge. This might be impressive for some users, but I’ve had to use cameras with batteries lasting up to two years. So, excuse me if I’m spoilt for choices here. The Aosu video doorbell is still a smart device worth monitoring your front door.
Eufy WiFi Camera Doorbell
Pros
2k camera resolution
No monthly fee
HD Talk and Listen
Wired and battery options
Cons
Could be more affordable
Wi-Fi only connects to 2.4GHz networks.
The Eufy Video Doorbell is a cutting-edge device that offers unparalleled convenience and security to your smart home. This doorbell camera comes with a wired model or a battery-operated one that ensures uninterrupted operation, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize portability and hassle-free installation.
This camera doorbell provides crystal-clear footage even in low-light conditions, ensuring that your home remains secure and protected at all times.
The Eufy wireless Video Doorbell camera utilizes a smart motion security system that can instantly alert you whenever it detects any movement around your home.
It also offers easy integration with your existing smart home system like Alexa and google assitant, allowing you to monitor and control it from your smartphone or tablet anywhere. The device also comes with an easy-to-install kit that makes setting it up a breeze.
Users looking for a reliable, high-quality, and feature-packed smart doorbell camera should consider the Eufy Doorbell. This device is perfect for homeowners who value complete control of their footage, convenience, and ease of use and want to protect their homes.
Overall, if you are looking for a reliable, high-quality smart doorbell camera that offers superior convenience and security, the Eufy Doorbell is worth considering.
How to Choose the Best Video Doorbell Without Subscription
Whenever I select a smart home device, I ensure its features meet my needs. And the best video doorbell without a subscription is no different. Here are what I consider when looking for a video doorbell:
Motion Detection
I love a video doorbell that picks up motion by a human and notifies me via a mobile app. At least I will know someone is at my front door and respond accordingly. But video doorbell cameras use different technologies to detect motion. And you want to choose the best motion detector.
PIR (Passive Infrared) Sensors: In my experience, these are the most accurate sensors. Video doorbell cameras with PIR sensors can detect humans by their heat signatures. And that means telling a human apart from an animal even in complete darkness. Therefore, I recommend you prioritize video doorbells with this motion-detection technology.
Ultrasonic Motion Detection: Although less common than PIR sensors, ultrasonic detection does just as incredible a job. These sensors send signals out and receive the reflection. As a result, the video doorbell pinpoints the distance and location of the person or animal. They aren’t my favorite, but they’re worth the investment.
Advanced Algorithm Detection: I favor this technology because video doorbell cameras with this feature have performed phenomenally. The algorithms analyze the video feed and detect anyone shown in the video. It is way more advanced because the computer scans the video for any human form. And it’s the most accurate motion detector for the most part.
Video Resolution and Field of View
Video clarity is a big deal; I use a video doorbell showing crystal-clear images. Anything 2K and above is a great resolution if you want a clear video recording. It doesn’t get any better than 2K since 4K video doorbell cameras have yet to hit the market. Many video doorbell cameras record at 1080P HD resolution. And they’re an incredible option.
Aside from the resolution, I want a video doorbell that monitors a larger area. If you have a larger porch, you want to monitor it with a doorbell with a wide field of view. I love to choose a 120 – 160 degrees field of view for such extensive outdoor areas. But for a narrow porch, 100 degrees is the bare minimum.
Two-Way Communication
I like to be a little safer before opening the door. And one feature that guarantees this is two-way communication. A video doorbell with a built-in microphone and speaker has two-way communication. You can talk to the person at the front door, and you will hear their feedback.
I like the HD Talk and Listen feature, the two-way communication of the AOSU video doorbell, because of its clarity. If you’re looking for two-way communication, it should be as clear as the HD Talk and Listen technology.
Night Vision
A video doorbell with this feature captures clear and detailed images even in the dark. The infrared technology in these video doorbell cameras bounces the invisible infrared light off the objects in your camera’s field of view. When the camera receives the reflected light, it sees anything engulfed in complete darkness. I like to have eyes on my front door at all times. And there’s no better feature to monitor your door at night than night vision. Therefore, ensure your preferred video doorbell has this feature.
Battery Capacity
Since most video doorbells are battery-powered, it makes sense to check their battery capacity before spending a dime. Manufacturers usually express the battery power in terms of service life. But they can also express it in milliampere-hour (mAh). I favor batteries that last over a year because they power the doorbell long enough to provide all-year-round protection.
If you find a video doorbell with more powerful batteries, buy and install it on your front door. Your home needs a monitoring device that’s up and running 24/7.
Weatherproof Performance
A video doorbell that works in all weather is ideal for your front door. The first thing I check is the IP rating. An IP65 or something higher is what I usually choose. And that is because such ratings show the video doorbell withstands rain impressively.
Some video doorbell cameras have built-in heaters to stay functional in extreme cold. Ring Video Doorbell Pro is one such smart monitoring device. If the housing is waterproof-certified, that’s a good video doorbell that you want to buy.
Conclusion
A video doorbell is the best device for the job if you want to record everything happening at your front door. Video doorbells have night vision cameras boasting HD resolution to capture crystal-clear images in the dark. These devices can also record the videos locally or on cloud storage at no cost for you to access later.
But you can record the entire footage for a monthly subscription fee. The problem is that cloud storage offers up to 7 days of space for members without a subscription. I prefer cloud storage because a mobile app can access recorded videos anywhere.
But for a video doorbell with local storage, you will have to remove the microSD to access the footage. Whether you prefer cloud-based or local storage, you should check to see if the video doorbell offers privacy. There are a lot more you will check besides user privacy. Fortunately, I have shared what you need to check first and reviewed the best video doorbell cameras. I hope you’ve learned something from this post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Ring Doorbell Free Recording?
How can you save Ring doorbell videos without a subscription?
You can record the live feed on a Ring doorbell to save a video without a subscription. You can use your device’s built-in screen-recording function if you don’t have one. Install recording software on your smartphone or desktop if necessary. In addition, there is the option of signing up for a 30-day free trial.
Use the 30-Day Free Trial.
After 30 days, you will then be able to determine if it’s worth your time or money to record each individual who rings your doorbell. This is important. You may realize that you reside in a safe neighborhood or that no one rings your door unless you arrange visits or the mailman.
Use Your Phone’s Built-In Screen-Recording
Many modern smartphones, such as Samsung phones and tablets, have a screen recording function. It can be beneficial if you have a Ring Video Doorbell. The next time it sends you an alert, it initiates a recording. If you notice a stranger or something fishy going on outside your door, this will allow you to check them out later or provide the police with evidence. The only downside of this method is that it’s free but reliant on someone manually starting the recording when they see the alert. Furthermore, if your phone is in airplane mode, you can’t save it because you won’t get the notification.
You can record it for free on your laptop or desktop.
This approach lets you record everything without worrying about missing any alerts on your phone. Download free screen-recording software from your computer and sign in to Ring’s official website. Once you’re signed in, look at the camera’s live feed you bought. Now begin recording the screen and continuing with your day. Some programs provide 24/7 recording services if you have enough disk space, even though they may appear closed during some periods.
Can the Ring Doorbell Store Recorded Footage Locally?
While it is possible to reroute the footage so that it’s stored on your local device, this only applies to fifteen-second, motion-triggered clips. Also, there isn’t a record function Button that helps you keep these videos. Or is there?
Several apps on Google Play and the App Store can help you store live Ring footage on your phone, no matter your phone. Your phone likely has a function to help you save live Ring footage. It’s most likely already enabled on your phone by default, but if you can’t discover it, numerous screen recording apps are available in the app market where your smartphone is installed.
So, what do you do now? You view the real-time video footage, start the screen recording feature/app, and there you have it: you’ve caught a burglar in the act. While Ring’s Cloud storage capabilities may limit your ability to post higher-quality recordings on YouTube or elsewhere, the reality is that they’re no worse than the rest of them.
Is the Paid Subscription Worth it?
You may have discovered a way to get around the subscription fee without losing access to your videos, but there’s one thing you need to bear in mind: what if someone breaks into your home and steals the Local flash drive or storage device?
