These days, it's hard to find anything that isn't run on a subscription model. Streaming services, meal kits, antivirus and VPN software... heck, even gym memberships. Unfortunately, smart home devices like security cameras and video doorbells aren't immune to the subscription trend, and it's getting more and more difficult to find devices that don't force a monthly fee on you. Difficult, but not impossible. Here, we've rounded up the best picks for video doorbells that don't require a subscription.
4 min readSafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review.
Here are the best video doorbells without subscriptions
- : Best overall
- : Best budget
- : Best for smart homes
- : Best PoE
Compare the best video doorbells without subscriptions
Product | Best for | Price | Resolution (aspect ratio) | Field of view | Power source | Local storage | Learn more |
| Best overall | $349.95 | Main camera:
2560 x 1920 (4:3) Secondary camera: 1600 x 1200 (4:3) | Main camera: 160º Secondary camera: 90º | Battery, wired | 8GB included | View on Eufy | |
| Best budget | $165 | 2560 x 1920 (4:3) | 160º | Battery | Via microSD (up to 512GB) | View on Amazon | |
| Best for smart homes | $239 | 1920 x 1080 (16:9) | 162º | Battery, wired | Via microSD (up to 512GB) | View on Amazon | |
| Best PoE | $159.99 | 2560 x 1920 (4:3) | 180° | Wired (PoE) | Via NVR or microSD (up to 256GB) | View on Amazon |
Prices are accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
1. Eufy Dual Doorbell E340: Best video doorbell without subscription overall
Best overall
Although it doesn't have the cheapest upfront cost, the Eufy Dual Doorbell E340 is worth every cent. Offering not one, but two cameras (one aimed at your visitor and one aimed at your doorstep), its video quality and coverage are unmatched, and it boasts tons of advanced features that other big brands would put behind a paywall.
It comes with 8GB of built-in storage, which gives you access to about 90 days of footage.
It uses facial recognition to alert you to both strangers and familiar faces, and the package delivery notifications are a total game-changer.
Although this doorbell is easy to install, it does require some drilling, so renters may need landlord approval before buying.
Want to learn more? Read our full Eufy Dual Camera Doorbell E340 review.
Pros
Two cameras
Local video storage
2K video resolution
Battery or wired installation 
Cons
Pricey
Not renter-friendly 2. Tapo Smart Video Doorbell: Best budget video doorbell without subscription
Best budget
If value for money is your main concern, look no further than the Tapo Smart Video Doorbell. For less than $200, you get crystal-clear 2K resolution, an inbuilt spotlight for colour night vision, and an included Tapo Smart Hub, which can fit a microSD card up to 512GB and can function as both a chime and as a control centre for other Tapo cameras, sensors and other smart devices.
It's not the sleekest-looking thing in the world, and we'd prefer a better vertical viewing range so you could get a view of your doorstep and monitor deliveries, but the features, price, and its multiple installation options (one of which is renter-friendly), we reckon it's a no-brainer.
To learn more, read our full Tapo Smart Video Doorbell review.
Pros
Affordable
Excellent picture quality
Renter-friendly installation
Local storage option Cons
Chunky design
Vertical viewing range could be better 3. Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4: Best subscription-free video doorbell for smart homes
Best for smart homes
Apple HomeKit-enabled video doorbells are few and far between, so to find one that's also reasonably priced is a game-changer. The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 also works with Google, Alexa and IFTTT (with Matter support to come), making it incredibly versatile.
Smart home compatibility aside, it does everything you'd expect a good video doorbell to do, with AI facial recognition, renter-friendly installation options, pre-recorded messages, and even seven days of free cloud storage.
While we love the super wide horizontal field of view, this doorbell only offers HD resolution, and the picture it produces can be quite disappointing.
To learn more, read our full Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 review.
Pros
Excellent smart home compatibility
Battery and wired installation
Optional cloud storage
Local video storage Cons
Low video resolution 4. Reolink PoE Video Doorbell: Best PoE video doorbell without subscription
Best PoE
If you're a home networking whiz with PoE (Power over Ethernet) capability throughout your digs, the Reolink PoE Video Doorbell is your best bet. Forget spotty streams over Wi-Fi—this thing will keep trucking along even if the internet goes out, backing up footage to a connected NVR or inserted microSD card.
We love that this video doorbell starts recording before motion even takes place, which can give you so much valuable information in the event of it capturing criminal activity. It's also got the biggest field of view of any of the video doorbells on our list at 180 degrees, offering tons of coverage.
We're also fans of the affordable price and included chime, although less tech-savvy buyers may need assistance installing this doorbell.
Pros
Multiple storage options
Huge 180º field of view
Excellent video quality
Affordable Cons
PoE installation only
Not renter-friendly Final word
You don't have to keep shelling out money every month to get the most out of your video doorbell, and these subscription-free options prove it.
Although it's expensive, the Eufy Dual Camera Doorbell E340 is the cream of the crop with its dual cameras, facial recognition, package notifications, wired and wireless installation and more.
Still, there are options out there for any household, and we reckon you'll be happy with any of the picks on our list.
FAQ
Generally speaking, yes, every video doorbell should work with or without a subscription. That said, some brands like Ring, Arlo and Nest lock a lot of functionality (like video storage and smart detection) behind that monthly fee, so you won't get the most out of your doorbell unless you cough up the cash.
It completely depends on the brand and how heavily it's used, but with light to medium use, you're looking at around three to six months on one charge.
If you don't like the idea of changing batteries, a wired doorbell may be for you. However, you may require an electrician to help you install it.
Not usually. Recording uses a lot of power, so any battery-powered video doorbells would drain exceptionally fast (and your storage would fill up even faster!). You may find a wired or PoE (Power over Ethernet) option that allows 24/7 recording, but most video doorbells only record when they detect motion.
How we reviewed the best video doorbells without subscription
To choose the best video doorbells without subscriptions, we tested a bunch of them, dived deep into their spec sheets, and compared them to each other in terms of video quality, smart detection, installation options, and advanced features.
We gave each doorbell a score, then put our favourites in order and broke down all the details to help you make the right purchase.
You can learn more about how we review products by checking out our methodology.
Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.
