1. eufy Security, Wi-Fi Video Doorbell– Best Overall
Eufy is a company that pushes things a little bit further with their premium video doorbells. There is an army of fans that vouches for their quality.
And did they meet our expectations?
Well, the sole fact that there are two of their products on our top list is the answer by itself.
The first pick sports a rare feature with video doorbells: a camera that records videos that stand toe-to-toe with videos made by professional cameras. Maybe you don’t know Eufy also has just released the battery-powered model.
With the HD 2K resolution (2560 x 1920 pixels), it’s not possible that you miss a thing that happens outside of your house. Plus, it is enhanced with their advanced HDR and distortion correction.
Again, as this is a video doorbell that doesn’t require any subscriptions, there will be no hidden costs that may emerge like with some other video doorbells.
We liked the chime – it has eight interesting and vivid ringtones, including holiday themes, and you can, of course, adjust the volume level.
It enables you to check who’s there even if they don’t ring the bell because you get an instant alert if anyone approaches it. You’ll receive a facial snapshot of the person!
Now, here’s one unbelievable feature – this video doorbell comes with the patented Al technology, meaning that the camera can detect a body shape and the face of someone who’s at the door. So, if a stray cat or anyone else is in front, you won’t be disturbed.
Before you open, you can speak directly to anyone who’s on your doorway via a two-way audio system. The quality of the transferred sound is great both for the listener and the speaker!
Pros:
- Professional-grade camera
- Your recorded footage is 100% private
- Smart notifications
- Human detection
- Wireless connectivity
Cons:
- You can only use the existing doorbell wiring
- Lower local memory than most of our other picks
2. eufy Security, Wireless Video Doorbell (Battery-Powered) – Premium Pick
You thought it couldn’t get better than the previous video doorbell? Well, we present to you the newest video doorbell by Eufy, a slight upgrade from its predecessor that was described first. This model is battery-powered.
This does not fail to amaze either, perhaps even more so, with its touch-ups.
So, let’s see what it’s got, and what’s different.
The quality of the camera is similar. It sports a 2K Sony sensor with 2560×1920 pixels, which offers a picture-perfect representation of your visitors.
You will definitely see the slightest sharp details in the picture. What is more, this camera offers an expanded mode of view with an increased 4:3 aspect ratio, thus enabling the full view with an adjustable angle.
Again, Eufy has employed its human detection technology that sends real-time alerts when someone approaches your door. Its functionality does not stop there, as it can be customized so that you can select the area in which the motion is actually detected, making sure that you don’t receive any unnecessary notifications.
Unlike its forerunner, this video doorbell offers dual power-up. You can power it via the standard wired connection, or it can run on its own battery (it will last around six months on a full charge).
This one has also been pumped up with an additional 12GB of storage (the previous has 4GB).
Another benefit of video doorbells without subscriptions is that the storage is local. The AES-256 data encryption of this video doorbell guarantees that all of your footage will be distributed only to you.
Lastly, you can simply say, “Hey, Alexa (or Google), show me my front door,” and you’ll start up this smart device.
Pros:
- Free-of-charge storage is entirely private
- 2K resolution
- Human detection technology
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Alexa and Google Voice compatible
- 180-day battery life
Cons:
- A bit pricey
This WiFI video doorbell by UOKIER can be yours for half the price of the previous one, and yet, it offers pretty similar features, at least for the most part.
Now, as for the camera, our picks by Eufy are still unparalleled with 2K resolution.
But the Full HD 1080p resolution of the UOKIER video doorbell system is nothing short of impressive, either.
The manufacturers have upgraded its motion sensor, and by doing this, they minimized all the false alarms since the sensor can be activated only by humans. This is a drastic improvement compared to their previous models.
Another benefit of this sensor is that its detect distance is circa 10 meters by default. We found that number to be ideal because the sensor is not easily activated, but then again, it won’t miss any alert. You can also change the distance from the app according to your own preferences.
When it comes to the battery, after being fully charged, it will last you between 2 and 4 months (in practice, this is usually two and a half). Once the battery is low, the controller app will notify you it’s the time to recharge it.
On the other hand, you can opt for your existing wiring doorbell system, too.
The 2-way audio function that allows you to talk with the person standing on the other side of your door is flawless.
Pros:
- High-quality picture
- App is intuitive
- Precise motion sensor
- 32GB storage
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- The battery isn’t that durable
4. Campark WiFi Video Doorbell Camera – Best Angle
If you’re in for one of the widest angles of view on the market when it comes to video doorbells, the Campark video doorbell might be for you.
It delivers everything you need, and yet, it is not outrageously expensive.
About that angle… With 166° of field vision, you are likely to see everything that happens around the door and the yard.
Paired with Full HD resolution, and the smart PIR motion detection, your security is maximized with this video doorbell. You’ll receive a notification on your phone each time someone is detected.
Speaking of the app for your phone, it is very convenient and easy to use. We tried using it on two devices at the same time – an Android and an iPhone, and it is compatible with both. There is a 32GB pre-installed micro-SD, which should be enough for a lot of footage.
The two-way audio works perfectly, and you can also connect it to Alexa and use voice controls.
Another exciting thing about this video doorbell without subscriptions is that it offers two power supply options; you can wire it to your old doorbell system, or you can use it with two rechargeable Li-ion batteries (2400mAh), which last around three months. In case you opt for the former, remove the batteries.
If you’re wondering about the package, you get everything you need to use this video doorbell: apart from the unit itself, there are two batteries, the SD card I mentioned before, and a micro USB cable.
Even if you have never installed a video doorbell system before, it shouldn’t be a problem, because you also get a complete mounting kit with the purchase. It consists of a mounting bracket, a pack of screws and reset needle, the double-sided adhesive, and a quick user guide that was quite concise and clear.
Pros:
- Wide-angle lens
- Great night vision
- Easy to install
Cons:
- The battery has a shorter lifetime than the average
- It isn’t waterproof
5. GEREE Video Doorbell Camera Wireless – Best Adjustable
Our final pick, the Geree video doorbell, is another attention-worthy system, and let’s see what it brings to the table.
First and foremost, the 1080p Full HD camera and wide-angle lens (166°) offer a high-quality preview of everything that happens in front of it. And the infrared night vision ensures that you get a crystal view when it’s dark, too.
Everything that it records can be saved on the 32GB memory card that is pre-installed, but what is peculiar about this video doorbell without subscriptions is that it still offers a subscription if you decide to go that way.
So, after a free 7-day trial of their cloud storage, you can pay for the unlimited storage in case 32GB of local memory isn’t enough for you.
The doorbell works by the same principle as other video doorbells – when it detects movement, it sends notifications to your mobile.
Imbued with the smart PIR motion detection technology, it won’t bother you when it is not necessary, as everything about the sensor is customizable. You can set up the sensitivity (low, medium, high), and change the detection area coverage.
Here’s an interesting feature – you can record 30 seconds of custom voice messages that you can play when someone presses the doorbell.
In case anything goes wrong, you’re covered by a 12-month warranty and a one-month free money-back guarantee. Kudos to Geree for that!
Pros:
- Low power consumption
- Allows multi-users on the app
- Excellent night mode
- Wide lens
- Comes with all the accessories
Cons:
- App crashed two times during our testing
Need subscription plan? Here are top 10 video doorbell cameras of 2021
Factors to Consider When Buying a Video Doorbell Without Subscriptions
Combing through the market can’t be arbitrary, or you’ll end up in a seemingly aimless search without positive results.
While you’re on the lookout for the best video doorbells without subscriptions, it’s important to set the parameters and qualities that you need to consider before you finally make your purchase.
Camera
Of course, the camera is on the top of the list of things that you should concern about video doorbells without subscriptions.
It is that one bit that enables you to track whether your package has arrived, protects you from thieves, and lets you decide whether you want to open the door to a stranger.
With regard to it, there are two factors that you should pay attention to – the resolution and the viewing angle.
Nowadays, most of the video doorbells come with the HD resolution, and you shouldn’t definitely accept less.
However, if details matter to you, go for at least Full HD (1920 x 1080p). All of our picks fulfill these criteria.
In that way, the picture will be crystal clear, and there will be no space for guesswork about who is at your door.
In order to see more than just the space in front of the door, you should be on the lookout for a video doorbell with a camera that has a wide field of view (it’s usually from 130-170°).
Also, the video doorbell will notify you only about the movement that is caught on the camera’s field of view, so having a wide-angle lens is pretty desirable unless you want a narrow view of just the person who’s at the door.
In the total grade that we’ve given for the camera part for each of the video doorbells, we’ve also calculated how good they were in the night mode. They have different methods of recording during the night, but our top picks all manage to do it just as good as during the day time.
Source of Power
Most video doorbells are powered by the existing doorbell wiring of your house, which is pretty convenient.
If you go wired, the only thing to check is that it operates on the proper voltage that is required of a video doorbell. The supply requirements usually range from 8-24V.
There’s also an option if you didn’t have a doorbell previously, or something’s wrong with your wiring – battery-powered video doorbells.
Design
While it is not the primary factor, the design of a video doorbell should not be neglected.
After all – it’s one of the first things that somebody will see when they approach your house, isn’t it?
Design-wise, you need not have any worries when it comes to our top five picks.
They aren’t really the generic-looking doorbells; they manage to strike a perfect balance between modernity and elegance. Plus, there’s often a nice combination of colors.
Motion sensor
Although it might appear as an insignificant feature because you can actually see who’s at your door, the motion sensor shouldn’t be overlooked.
It sends push notifications to your phone, even if someone does not ring the bell, and that’s quite useful.
On the other hand, you don’t want it to notify you each time a random person passes by your house, or when there’s a stray cat outside.
To prevent false alarms, many sensors come with a human detection feature, as well as with the possibility to set up the area distance that you want to scan.
Access to the Footage
While other video doorbells require a paid subscription to access the footage, these best video doorbells without subscriptions allow you to access it for free.
It’s handy knowing that you can keep a record of your visitors and track what was going on while you were not at home.
Forgot have you locked the door, and you’re already at work? No problem! You can rewind the footage back.
And being able to do it for free is much, much, better.
Again, this is connected to the memory of your video doorbell. The more memory you have, the longer you can record and save the footage.
Lastly, we made sure that all the apps that are used to access your footage (and to control the doorbell) are intuitive and fast.
Otherwise, what would be the use, if the person at the door has left before the app loads?
Speakers & Mic
Two-way audio is another of our favorite things that come with video doorbells.
We don’t have some special requirements here; just the basics – clear sound without delay on both ends, and the ability to customize the volume.
That’s all it takes for efficient communication with whoever is at the door!
Weather Resistance
Not many people think about it, but your video doorbell is constantly exposed to the outside.
Some video doorbell cameras cannot handle heavy rain and snow so that they freeze, and some batteries empty too fast when exposed to extreme weather conditions.
All of our picks are excellent for both freezing and scorching days, as they can withstand temperatures from -4 to 122°F (-20 to 50°C).
FAQ
As we near the end of our thorough investigation of the best video doorbell without subscriptions, we decided to take some time and answer the most frequently asked questions about them.
Q: How do video doorbells without subscription work?
A: A video doorbell connects to your Wi-Fi network and then sends real-time alerts to your preferred device each time someone is at your door, either when they actually press the button to ring the bell, or when motion is detected.
They can be either powered on their own battery or hooked to your existing doorbell wiring.
They also allow you to interact with people who are at your door via the microphone and speakers that they have.
You can access the footage that they recorded later on, as well, which is handy if you weren’t at home for a long time.
With a video doorbell, you’re never caught off-guard!
Q: Can you save the doorbell video without a subscription?
A: Yes, you can.
There are different ways of doing so, but they all come with no additional cost.
There are also additional benefits to saving a video without a subscription, as the footage is 100% private (whereas the cloud might get compromised), and it is much more accessible without a subscription.
Q: How long are doorbell video saves without subscriptions?
A: Again, this varies with the model, but usually, the doorbell automatically saves the video for 24 hours.
Then again, for how long it will be accessible depends on the local memory that a particular video doorbell has.
For instance, our best overall pick, the Eufy video doorbell system, can store up to 30 days of footage with 4GB of built-in memory, and its upgraded version three times as much!
Q: Are there any additional fees involved?
A: Luckily, no!
The whole point of video doorbells without subscriptions is that they do not require any subscription or additional fees to operate. Pretty convenient, huh?
Conclusion – Our Recommendation(s)
Stumbling upon a device that can efficiently resolve your problems and keep you perfectly safe, at the same time facilitating your life may seem unbelievable, but the video doorbell really does that.
After careful consideration of all the products we reviewed, we decided to hail the Eufy video doorbell as the best video doorbell without subscriptions, for its excellent camera, audio, and affordability. The bonus on top of a bonus is that it comes pre-assembled.
If you’re aiming for a budget pick, the absolute winner is the UOKIER video doorbell. This reasonably priced video doorbell offers everything you need, and it exceeded our expectations by far.
Our final salutations go to the newest version of the Eufy video doorbells, the premium pick, and runner-up for keeping your house secure and safe.