If you’re looking for the best doorbell camera without a subscription, make sure to consider these first: battery-powered or wired, video resolution, angle and field of view, motion sensor and human detection, customized detection zone, local storage, audio and two-way communication, app experience, smart home integration, and year-round protection.
I searched for the best out in the market right now. Keeping these in mind, I have my favorites listed and reviewed below. If you want to know what made the cut, go and have a read!
My family and I recently moved to a new home that some would say is in the middle of nowhere. For the record, it’s not – but neighbors are scarce and other residential houses far in between. There are still vehicles and people passing through though.
But since people who can hear us when things turn for the worst are far, I can’t help but worry for our security, especially at night or days when we leave home to go somewhere else. We make it a point to never open our gate and door to anyone who knocks or calls out for us, especially without making sure who it is first.
My family and I have been looking and investing in a couple of security upgrades we can make around our home. This is where video doorbell cameras come to the rescue.
For the best ones without subscriptions and monthly payments, I’ve got you covered right here!
Subscription vs. Non-Subscription Doorbell Camera: Can You Use One Without Subscription?
Video doorbells are fast becoming a popular security measure in many households. Installing one right on your front door allows you to see and monitor who comes in, out, and around your home, especially when you aren’t at home.
Sadly, many video doorbell camera brands would require you to pay monthly or yearly subscription plans for cloud storage. The thing is, the cost of these subscriptions can and will add up the following years and could be a burden for many, financial-wise. There’s also that fear of companies selling your data and recordings without your consent.
For fear of their privacy, many wonder if there are video doorbells that don’t require monthly or yearly subscriptions for cloud storage. The good news is there are tons of these products in the market right now! What’s better is they don’t compromise security and performance at all.
Video doorbell cameras store data, pictures, and footage locally either with their internal storage or SD or MicroSD cards. These video doorbell cameras don’t need to use cloud storage. This means your data is protected as it’s yours and yours only. There’s no need to upload it into a cloud where your doorbell company can have access to it without you knowing.
Video doorbells without subscriptions would allow you to have full control over your data and collected footage. Only people you choose would have access to it.
Getting a video doorbell without a subscription doesn’t mean you’re only limited to local or internal storage. Many non-subscription doorbell cameras offer you much flexibility on data storage. Though they have local storage, many of them also offer the option of switching to a cloud storage subscription if you ever see the need for it.
Our Top Picks for the Best Video Doorbells Without Subscription
| Product Image | Product Name | Price | |
| Best Overall: Best Wireless Video Doorbell Without Subscription |  | AOSU Wireless Doorbell Camera | Check Price |
| Best Wired Video Doorbell Without Subscription |  | Lorex 2K Wired Video Doorbell | Check Price |
| Fan Favorite Wireless Video Doorbell Without Subscription |  | Eufy Security Battery-Powered Video Doorbell | Check Price |
 | Blink Video Doorbell | Check Price | |
 | Amcrest 4MP Video Doorbell Camera Pro | Check Price |
The Best Video Doorbell Without Subscription
1. AOSU Wireless Doolrbell Camera – Best Overall: Best Wireless Video Doorbell Without Subscription!
Our number one pick for the best video doorbell without subscription is AOSU Wireless Doorbell Camera!
AOSU is a global innovator of smart home security and camera solutions to keep your home safe. They value privacy along with safety when it comes to their security products.
This has a built-in 8GB memory and 60 days loop local recording. This means no required cloud storage subscription unlike many video doorbell cameras.
You’re sure you get to safekeep and control who has access to your personal data and recorded footage. All of your data will be stored locally to the unit’s HomeBase via an encrypted connection.
This boasts of a 5MP UHD picture and video resolution, about a 40% improvement from a 2K resolution. This promises sharp and detailed images and footage, doesn’t matter if it’s bright or dark out.
With a field of view of 166°, this allows you to see any person who comes near your porch from head to toe. With this, there are also no blind spots so your field of vision can reach the ground and even see packages left behind.
With a convenient night vision, this is able to capture crisp and clear images and footage even at night, when you need security the most, or when it’s dark out. And with enhanced built-in infrared lights, this promises ultra-clear night vision mode. It also prevents overexposure of near faces, so even if it’s dark out, you can still recognize anyone who comes near your home.
While most video doorbell cameras out in the market utilize only one passive infrared (PIR) sensor to detect objects and motions around, this innovatively uses triple motion detection. Three motion detection sensors mean reducing false alarms by up to 95%, compared to other brand options.
This triple motion detection includes: PIR motion detection, radar motion detection, and human motion detection.
- PIR motion detection scans and detects body heat
- Radar motion detection scans and detects objects’ and people’s distance and movements.
- Human motion detection scans and detects human-shaped forms. It can also distinguish whether the forms are people or simply animals.
With a combination of these three motion detection systems in place, you will only get notified on things that matter and the system won’t get thrown off by trees, leaves, or birds.
This allows you to customize the detection area. You can limit this one to not detect movement, heat, or forms in busy pedestrian areas or roads with daily traffic. This also makes sure you receive far less false alarms.
This non-subscription video doorbell camera offers users two power options: either via battery operation or wiring connection for continuous power.
This comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that ensures up to 180 days of continuous use and power after just a single charge. Of course, this can vary depending on your usage. And if you already have an old doorbell wiring, you can wire this on that for continuous power, without having to worry about battery life.
Through the AOSU phone application, you will receive real-time notifications when the unit detects any movement. This also allows you to quickly check who’s at the door without getting up to see or when you’re not at home. You can receive a video call right to your phone to talk to whoever’s on the other side of the door. And if you would prefer, you can turn to the preset messages on the app to quickly reply.
For year-round protection, this is able to withstand the sun, heat, cold, and rain. This has a temperature working condition from -4°F to 122°F. You can also connect this to your Alexa or Google Assistant as part of your smart home solutions. This also works on both 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi connections.
Though beloved by so many, a few have shared experiencing some lagging on the app with few receiving notifications late at times.
Pros:
- Built-in 8 gigabytes memory
- Crisp and clear imaging
- Triple motion detection for less false alarms
- Battery or wiring installation
- 180 days battery life
- Real-time notifications
Cons:
- App sometimes lags
2. Lorex 2K Wired Video Doorbell – Best Wired Video Doorbell Without Subscription!
If you’re looking to replace your old doorbell system with a new non-subscription video doorbell, check out Lorex 2K Wired Video Doorbell! This is installed using your pre-installed doorbell wiring system.
By connecting this with an already existing wiring system, you can ensure reliable connection of your home security system. You won’t have to worry about battery life and charging periods. Just make sure that your wiring system is 16-24VAC or 12-24VDC.
Lorex has been in the smart security game for more than 30 years now. Part of the brand’s Fusion Collection, you can mix and match this with their other products so you can create your own secured and smart home ecosystem.
Eliminating pricey monthly subscription fees, this utilizes local storage instead to keep your data and recordings. This means you decide who gets access to your data and all your footage.
This comes with a pre-inserted 32GB MicroSD card. If that doesn’t seem enough for you after some usage, you can upgrade your internal memory to up to 256GB.
This boasts of an impressive 2K resolution. The camera’s HDR feature also works to correct exposure when it’s too bright or too dark out. No matter the current situation outside, you can rest assured to see people’s faces clearly.
This has a 4:3 aspect ratio and an ultra-wide viewing angle of 164° so there are no blind spots anywhere where you need to see. Whether it’s people, animals, or packages, you won’t miss a thing.
This comes with both a color night vision and low light capabilities feature that gives you a very clear picture of what’s happening outside even on a dark night.
And with the convenient night light feature, you can program the unit’s built-in LED lights to turn on automatically at a set time. This is especially convenient if you get home at night and are welcomed by an often dark porch.
And to offer even more security to your home, you can program the built-in nightlight to turn on whenever motion is detected. This is sure to make you feel safer as it can discourage unwanted guests from going in any further.
Upon installation of this home security system, you would also have to download the Lorex app to maximize your experience. With the app, you can see your camera’s view so you know what’s happening in real time, even when you’re away from home. The app also works to send you notification messages the moment the unit detects someone or some movement in your area.
You can also set and customize the motion detection areas and sensitivity your unit is able to scan and detect. So if you live by sidewalks or busy streets, you won’t be bombarded with tons of false alarms. You can even snooze the camera so if you find yourself working outside and within the detection range, you won’t be flooded with notifications.
The Lorex security app also allows you to use quick responses for people who ring your doorbell. The app has 3 pre-recorded messages you can choose from. It also gives you the option of recording your own custom messages for your own personal touch. And with a 2-way talk feature, you can talk to them directly without having to get up or if you’re away from home.
The app is protected with end-to-end encryption to protect your data and privacy as well. This unit also works with Lexa and Hey Google to upgrade your smart home ecosystem.
For all year-round protection, this unit has an operating temperature of -4°F to 122°F. Whether it’s cold, hot, raining, or sunny outside, this would work just fine.
This package also comes with two mounting bracket wedges – 15° Horizontal Bracket, 5° Vertical Bracket – for personalized installation and viewing angle.
The one downside most people shared with this is the audio quality could definitely use some improvement.
Pros:
- Wired doorbell connection
- Convenient night light feature
- Pre-inserted MicroSD
- 2K resolution and HDR feature
- Snooze camera option
- Detection notifications
Cons:
- Audio quality could be improved
3. Eufy Security Battery-Powered Video Doorbell – Fan Favorite Wireless Video Doorbell Without Subscription!
The fan favorite Eufy Security Battery-Powered Video Doorbell is the next item to make it into our list of the best video doorbell cameras without subscription!
Eufy Security prides itself in their continuous innovative work for all your home safety solutions needs. The brand also ensures that your privacy, along with your security, comes first.
By having a built-in storage on the unit’s HomeBase, this eliminates monthly subscription fees. This also means your data and footage are all kept private for you only.
And because the HomeBase which is kept inside your home, even if someone were to forcibly remove the unit outside, all your data and footage will remain yours and secured.
The HomeBase and internal storage also has military-grade encryption so you’re sure only you and the people you choose have access to it.
This has 2K video and picture resolution and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology. This gives you sharp and crisp image results, no matter the current backlighting situation. And thanks to the crystal-clear night vision function, you can still get clear and crisp images and footage even when it’s dark out.
And with an expanded field of view, you can view the front of your house with the perfect viewing angle, eliminating blind spots. Whether it’s people, animals, or even packages, you will for sure know for your peace of mind.
This unit has been engineered with enhanced human detection technology. The smart human detection technology works to scan, analyze, and determine forms and motions and whether or not they’re actually humans. This makes sure your security system isn’t tripped off with moving trees, leaves, or animals. This lessens false alarms and only sends you relevant alerts.
This system also allows you to customize your activity and detection zone. If you live along busy pedestrians or roads with regular traffic, this is a very convenient feature for you.
Upon installation of the security unit, an app is available for you to download to maximize its benefits. Through the Eufy Security app, you can see the view of your camera and monitor what goes on right outside your door without having to get up from where you are.
Through the phone application as well, you can receive real-time alerts and notifications. For every motion that is detected, the app will alert you. So if you have guests over or have packages delivered to your doorstep, gone are the days you would have to make people wait or miss deliveries.
This allows for convenient two-way communication. Now there’s no need to make people keep waiting around. There is also a feature that allows you to record and use up three instant responses. When you’re busy and can’t pick up the live video call or can’t get up immediately, simply select one of the three quick responses.
This home security unit allows you to choose from two power options: battery and wireless or wired power supply.
With the battery power option, this will give you up to 180 days of life and detection power. Of course, this would depend on your usage and motion settings.
But if you have old wiring from your previous home doorbell system, you can opt to have it connected for non-stop wired power supply. With this option, you won’t have to worry about battery life and charging time.
With IP65 weatherproof rating, this has an all-year round protection from heat, rain, cold, and the sun. This has an operating temperature range of -4°F to 122°F.
You can also use and connect this with your Echo Dot. When connected, you can get your device to act as a chime as part of your smart home system.
One drawback to this is a few users reported not getting the 180 days battery life as advertised and experiencing much lower battery life.
Pros:
- Built-in internal storage
- Military-grade and encrypted storage
- Enhanced human detection
- Customized activity and detection zone
- Wired or battery operation
- IP65 weatherproof rating
Cons:
- Shorter battery life
4. Blink Video Doorbell
Our next favorite non-subscription video doorbell is Blink Video Doorbell!
Blink (or Blink Home) is an acquired company under Amazon. Fairly new in the game, it was founded in 2009 and has since then provided battery-powered home security solutions to different households across the country.
With the Sync Module 2, this allows you to store data, clips, and images locally, without a cloud storage subscription. You can keep all your data and footage private and only to you. This storage method would require a USB flash drive which, unfortunately, doesn’t come with the package.
And if in the long run, you find yourself wanting to switch back to a subscription plan, there is an available Blink Subscription Plan. The subscription plan is priced at only $3 per month for one device and $10 per month for unlimited Blink devices. In fact, with a purchase of this, you get a 30-day free trial.
With 1080p HD video and picture resolution, you can expect clear and crisp images and resolution. And with infrared HD night vision, this is sure to still give you crystal-clear resolution even when it’s dark out.
Whether it’s your neighbors, animals, or package delivery, this makes sure you see everything that’s important to you.
With motion detection technology, this also scans and detects any movement happening in front of your home. This lets you know of any movement without having to get up yourself.
Upon installation, there is also a phone application you can download to maximize benefits. This is where you can access live viewing, view recordings, and receive motion and chime alerts instantly. This allows you to always be in the loop even when you’re not at home.
This has also been designed with the two-way audio that lets you speak directly to whoever is at your door. The app also allows you to conveniently control, set up, and monitor all your Blink cameras and devices in one account and device. If you have one in multiple areas of your home and even for your businesses, you can monitor all of them with just one account.
You can customize the activity and privacy zones the home security device scans and detects. This will allow you to see, view, and be notified of only movements and activities you care about. No more false alarms. This is especially helpful if you live by a sidewalk or by a busy street with regular foot and car traffic.
You can also arm and disarm the video doorbell with the app. So if you find yourself working outside, in the field of view of the camera, you won’t get flooded by useless notifications and alerts.
On the unit itself is a LED ring that lights up to let you know it’s on and operating. You can choose between blue, red, and green light colors. And if you would prefer, you can also turn this feature off completely.
This gives you two installation options: either wireless battery-powered or wired power. If used and installed wireless, this gives up to two years of wireless battery life. If you have previous wiring from your old wireless system, you can also hook it up on that for non-stop power.
An Amazon product and company, this also works with Amazon’s Echo or Alexa. If you choose to connect it with your Amazon device, you also get motion detection and chime alerts with your device as part of your smart home ecosystem.
This has a weather-resistant design and a seal that protects the unit against water. This has an operating temperature of -4°F to 113°F and works well under warm or cold weather conditions.
The one downside to this as shared by other users is the chime can do better if it’s louder, especially for bigger houses and spaces.
Pros:
- Local storage with Sync Module 2
- Available optional cloud storage subscription
- 1080p HD resolution and infrared HD night vision
- Alerts for movements and chimes
- Weather-resistant
- Wired or wireless installation
Cons:
- Chime could be louder
5. Amcrest 4MP Video Doorbell Camera Pro
And the last item to make it into our list of the best video doorbell without a subscription is Amcrest 4MP Video Doorbell Camera Pro!
A top-rated home security provider, Amcrest provides you and your family security with their well-known affordable home security solutions that never compromise the performance and your safety.
You can safely and securely store your personal data, footage, and clips to a class 10 (or higher) MicroSD card. The maximum storage capability the device allows is up to 128GB. Keep in mind though the MicroSD card doesn’t come pre-packaged with the device. You would have to buy this separately.
Local storage option doesn’t mean you’re limited to that option only. There is also an available and optional Amcrest Smart Home Cloud subscription plan you can convert to anytime you see fit. And as a gift, every purchase of this comes with a one year free cloud subscription, at no additional cost.
With a 2K (4MP) UHD resolution, this promises crystal-clear and crisp images and video clips no matter the lighting situation. This has a super-wide 164° field of view. This eliminates any blind spots. Whether it’s a person, an animal, or a package left at your doorstep, you’re sure to determine what it is.
This has a built-in night vision feature. This allows you to see clearly in the dark through your camera. This shows movement up to 16 feet away from where your camera is stationed, even at night.
The device’s human detection feature scans and detects any human figures. This makes sure that you only get alerts and notifications from human figures and not birds, leaves, trees, and not even cars passing by in front of your house. This promises to greatly lessen false alarms. There is also a motion sensor that alerts and lets you know of any motion detected from your camera’s point of view.
With the Amcrest phone app, you will have full access to all your doorbell camera’s maximum benefits. Through the use of the app, you will have access to nonstop live viewing, footage recording viewing, receive notifications and alerts, and have access to your front door camera 24/7 wherever you are.
Once any kind of motion is detected, you’ll receive a notification and you can either view it live or view the recorded clip to check what it was.
If someone rings your doorbell, you can immediately check who it is and even communicate with your visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker. This two-way communication is perfect if you don’t want to or can’t immediately get up just to get the door.
This is a wired video doorbell, which means you would have to install and wire this onto your existing doorbell wiring for it to work. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an option of going battery-powered like most of our other favorites. This, however, will ensure lifetime continuous power so there’s no need to worry about battery life and charging times.
This is compatible with any 16V, 30VA. Just ensure you have this ready and you’re good to go. Unlike many video doorbell options in the market right now, this supports and works on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi networks.
This has a working temperature of 14°F to 122°F and an IP65 weatherproof rating so you know it has year-round protection. No matter if it rains or shines, you can rest assured this keeps you and your family protected and secured.
This also comes with three stackable wedge options – at 90, 15, or 5-degree. These allow you to angle the camera to any angle that fits your needs best. You can even combine two or all of the wedges to give yourself the best front door view.
Many users found issues with the Amcrest app as it can sometimes lag or completely stop working as they’re using it.
Pros:
- Local MicroSD storage
- Optional cloud subscription
- Human detection and motion sensor
- Real-time alerts
- Two way communication
- Stackable wedges
Cons:
- App sometimes lags
How to Choose the Best Video Doorbell Without Subscription
Battery-powered or wired
One of the first things you should be looking at in looking for a new video doorbell camera is the installation process. Most doorbell options can be powered with either a battery for wireless installation or hardwired onto an existing doorbell wire system.
If you don’t have an already installed doorbell wire system, there are tons of wireless and battery-powered options you can choose from. Even without a hardwire, you can still reap all the benefits of a doorbell.
If you decide to use a battery-powered doorbell camera, make sure to find out if the batteries are rechargeable and how long the battery’s life will last. You want something with a long battery life.
If you have a doorbell hardwire in your home, you can go for a wired video doorbell. This will be able to chime your old doorbell system. Another benefit with this type of installation is the continuous and non-stop power. You won’t have to worry about battery life or charging times.
Video quality and resolution
When it comes to cameras for your home, it’s best to choose something with an HD resolution. A high video quality resolution camera will give you crisp and crystal-clear images, live viewing video, and clips. This will allow you to see faces clearly no matter the lighting situation outside.
It’s generally recommended to go for something with 1080p, 2K, or 5MP resolution. This will give you some of the best video resolutions.
You should also be seriously considering a camera’s built-in night vision. This feature will ensure that you still have clear images even when it’s dark outside.
Angle and field of view
The angle and field of view your new camera doorbell offers will determine how much of your front door or front porch you will be able to see through the camera. The wider the field of view, the more of you will be able to see through the camera.
Most cameras offer a 160-degree field of view though some can reach up to a 180-degree field of view. It’s recommended to get a camera with at least 120° field of view. Anything lower than that would mean more blind spots which ultimately defeats the purpose of the camera.
The angle in which your camera is installed would also determine how much you can view from the camera lens. The angle in which you should install your camera would depend on your front door’s view. Make sure to test out the angle first and you have a view of everything you need to see.
Motion sensor and human detection
A good video doorbell camera has superior motion sensors and human detection. These features will send out alerts and notifications straight into your phone when motion or a human form is detected. This allows you to check out what triggered the sensor without having to open the door.
Advanced cameras can tell human forms from that of birds, trees, or cars passing by to minimize false alarms. You’d want to get something with a smart and advanced motion sensor and human detection feature.
Customized detection zone
When you live in a condo with a hallway or somewhere with regular foot and car traffic, a customized detection zone feature is an important factor to consider.
This feature allows you to select detection zones so people passing by or cars going to and from the street won’t trigger the sensors and flood you with alerts and notifications. This will only detect motions and human forms in your designated detection area.
Local storage
A non-subscription video doorbell camera means there’s no required cloud storage to store your video footage and clips in. This would entail local storage. Non-subscription options in the market generally engineer this way of storage with a MicroSD card.
While some come with pre-inserted cards, some don’t. Maximum capacity of local storage also differs from brand to brand so make sure to keep an eye on this information.
When it comes to local storage, you want something placed in a different place other than the doorbell unit itself, preferably in something placed inside your home. This is important to protect your data and clips when someone tries to forcibly remove the doorbell from your house. Even with the doorbell removed and stolen, your data stays with you, secured.
Audio and two-way communication
The best video doorbell cameras allow for two-way communication. This feature will allow you to communicate with anyone who’s at your front door. This is especially convenient if you’re not at home and you need to let the other party know.
Some devices also allow for pre-recorded messages on the app to be played for quick responses if you’re busy.
App experience
The app is where all the magic happens. It’s where you can live view, view recorded clips, adjust settings, and communicate with the people at your door.
Smart home integration
If you have a smart home ecosystem with Alexa, Google Assistant, or others, you may want to look into a video doorbell’s smart home integration options. You can connect your new doorbell into your existing ecosystem so it can also chime or send alerts.
Year-round protection
Because it will be placed outside your home, you want something that has year-round protection. Look into weatherproof rating and operating temperature information to make sure it can withstand outdoor conditions.
Conclusion
A video doorbell camera is the perfect addition to any home for added safety and security.
Most options in the market require a paid cloud subscription to store your recorded clips. But with tons of privacy concerns, many prefer to avoid third party access to their data and camera footage.
The good news is there are non-subscription options you can choose from. These use local storage instead and utilizes end-to-end encryption technologies to further protect your privacy.
Our number one pick for the best video doorbell without subscription is AOSU Wireless Doorbell Camera! This has 8GB built-in memory with 60 days of loop local recording. It has 5MP UHD video resolution and a 166° field of view for crystal-clear view. It has triple detection technology – PIR, radar, and human motion detection – to make sure it only notifies you of things that matter.
If you prefer a wired application, check out Lorex 2K Wired Video Doorbell! You won’t have to worry about battery life or charging your unit as you get non-stop continuous power with wired installation. It comes with a pre-inserted 32GB MicroSD card for local storage and allows you to upgrade up to 256GB. It has a 2K resolution and a 164° field of view.
Another fan favorite is Eufy Security Battery-Powered Video Doorbell! This has a built-in storage right in the included HomeBase so you won’t have to rely on cloud subscriptions. It has a 2K resolution and comes with a wide dynamic range technology so you see everything that matters clearly.
And that has been our list of the best video doorbells without subscription!
