Best Doorbell Camera without Subscription (2024)

By Naila Syifa
Updated March 2024

Many smart doorbell cameras require a subscription for full access to all their features, which can be expensive over time. Subscription-required features vary depending on the brand, but the most popular one is cloud video storage. Some doorbell cameras on the market store footage locally instead of uploading it to the company's cloud, making them great options for those who want to avoid paying monthly fees.

Let's take a look at our best pick for smart doorbell cameras without subscriptions that can help you save money in the long run!

On our list

#1 Best Wireless: Blink Video Doorbell

#2 Best Wired: Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired)

#3 Best Features: Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)

#4 Best for 5 GHz Wi-Fi: Nooie 2K Video Doorbell Camera

#5 Best for Budget: Wyze Video Doorbell v2

#1 Best Wireless: Blink Video Doorbell

Blink Video Doorbell

Blink, a sister company of the well-known doorbell camera brand Ring, offers a great wireless doorbell camera that has a lot to offer without a subscription. A $69.99 package includes the doorbell and the Sync Module 2, a separate device that connects to a USB flash drive to store motion clips locally so you won't have to pay monthly fees for a cloud storage subscription.

The doorbell is powered by two AA lithium batteries, which allows for easy wireless installation, and can last up to two years of regular use. However, the batteries are non-rechargeable, so you'll need to replace them when they run out.

Blink Video Doorbell delivers 1080p HD footage with night vision. The 135° horizontal and 80° vertical field of view doesn't capture visitors from head-to-toe, but it's enough to clearly see faces and whatever is in front of your door.

Smart Features

Blink Video Doorbell

Blink Video Doorbell offers all the most common essential features you'd expect from a smart doorbell camera, including two-way audio, live view, and motion-activated alerts.

As an Amazon company, Blink Video Doorbell also integrates seamlessly with Alexa. This means, you can also receive motion alerts or answer the door with two-way audio with Alexa-enabled devices besides using the Blink app.

However, Blink Video Doorbell lacks person detection. It cannot differentiate a person from other objects, so you’ll receive alerts only for general motion instead of a specific one. This can be a potential drawback as the doorbell may alert you of unimportant motion, like However, you can create customized activity and privacy zones to reduce false alerts while also protecting your neighbors' privacy.

Blink Video Doorbell

Best for Wireless

✓ 1080p with Night Vision
✓ Motion-Activated Alerts
✓ Local Storage with Sync Module 2
✓ Works with Alexa

Buy on Amazon

#2 Best Wired: Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired)

Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired)

If you have an existing doorbell wiring that can power a smart doorbell camera, the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired) is a great choice for you. It can be installed into any 16-24 VAC, 30 VA doorbell wires, but any installation knowledge or experience may be necessary.

The Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired) captures video in 2K (2560x1920) Full HD resolution with HDR and night vision that ensures high clarity for backlit or low-light scenarios. It also has a 4:3 aspect ratio, providing you with a head-to-toe view for a complete picture of your visitors. The device also comes with local storage up to 4 GB, so you can store your footage without having to pay for cloud storage.

Smart Features

Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired)

The Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired) detects human motion, so you can get alerted when someone approaches your door, even before they press the doorbell. A 3-second footage is also available, allowing you to see what happens prior to the alert and get a complete picture of the motion event. If you want to customize detection areas to reduce false alarms, you can also set up Activity Zones through the Eufy Security app.

Facial Snapshot Notification provides a capture of who's at the door, so you can see quickly who's coming even before you launch the app. If you are more used to traditional chimes, Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired) also comes with an included chime that can be installed in your house. The chime can be plugged into any indoor outlet and supports 8 fun and holiday-themed ringtones with adjustable volume levels.

This wireless doorbell also supports real-time Two-Way Audio communication and a Pre-Recorded Response feature for you to set up to 3 instant responses to choose from and quickly select one to speak to your visitors. It is also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired)

Best for Wired

✓ 2K resolution with Night Vision
✓ Human Detection & Facial Snapshot Notification
✓ Chime Included
✓ Local Storage up to 4 GB

Buy on Amazon

#3 Best Features: Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)

Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)

One distinct feature that sets the Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) apart from the other no-subscription smart doorbell cameras is its advanced object detection technology. While other doorbell cameras can only detect humans, the Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) can detect a person, package, animal, or vehicle and send you an alert in the Google Home app, all for free.

It is also equipped with a high-quality camera with 960 x 1280 HDR resolution for sharp and vivid views. The 145° diagonal view, 6x digital zoom, and 4:3 aspect ratio allow you to see more of your visitors and packages.

Smart Features

Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)

The Google Nest Doorbell supports Two-Way Audio with noise cancellation that allows you to speak to your visitors even when you're away, simply from the Google Home App. You can also respond with pre-recorded messages in case you're busy or unavailable.

Activity Zones are supported to exclude areas that you don't want to get alerted. The Google Nest Doorbell also supports Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can connect it to compatible Google Nest and Amazon smart displays to see your visitors on a wider screen, or to compatible smart speakers as a chime.

If you want complete monitoring of your home, 24/7 live streaming is also possible. However, 24/7 video recording is not supported, due to the doorbell's limited storage for saving footage. This is one downside that you might want to consider. The local storage is only activated as a backup during a power or internet outage, and it can store only up to one hour of footage. During normal operation, cloud storage is available, but it only stores video history for up to 3 hours.

Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)

Best Features

✓ 960 x 1280 with Night Vision
✓ Object Detection for Human, Package, Animal, Vehicle
✓ Local Storage Backup
✓ 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi

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#4 Best for 5 GHz Wi-Fi: Nooie 2K Video Doorbell Camera

Nooie 2K Video Doorbell Camera

If your Wi-Fi router has a 5 GHz band and you want a doorbell camera that can utilize that band for a faster and more stable connection, the Nooie 2K Video Doorbell Camera is a great option. With dual-band connectivity, it supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for more flexibility.

The Nooie 2K Video Doorbell Camera captures video in 2K/H.264 resolution with 158° field-of-view and night vision up to 15m. It is powered by a 10,000 mAh battery that lasts up to 3 months per charge. It also supports microSD cards up to 128 GB for free local storage.

Smart Features

Nooie 2K Video Doorbell Camera

The Nooie 2K Video Doorbell Camera supports motion detection with PIR/Radar/Human Detection and Triple Detection Alert System that can precisely detect movements, recognize humans, and send you real-time notifications when needed. It is also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can control it with your voice.

The Nooie 2K Video Doorbell Camera includes a Base Station that doubles as a chime with multiple ringtones and a Wi-Fi signal extender. You can also communicate with your guest remotely with Two-Way Audio via the Nooie app, or use the Pre-Recorded Message feature to quickly reply to visitors with preset messages.

This dual-band doorbell camera also comes with security features, including the Anti-Theft Alarm and Safety Lock. This safety mechanism will alert you in real time via the app and the siren, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to keep their home safe and secure.

Nooie 2K Video Doorbell Camera

Best for 5 GHz WI-Fi

✓ 2K with Night Vision
✓ PIR/Radar/Human Detection
✓ Base Station as a Chime
✓ Local Storage microSD up to 128 GB

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#5 Best for Budget: Wyze Video Doorbell v2

Wyze Video Doorbell v2

Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is an affordable smart doorbell camera that doesn't require a subscription and still offers decent features. Compared to other smart doorbells that mostly cost more than $100, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 can be purchased at only US$44.98 or you can pay a bit more at US$59.98 to also get a 128 GB microSD card included in the package.

Despite its low price, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 doesn't come with low quality. It captures video in 2K (2048 x 1536) crystal clear resolution with a head-to-toe 66.8° diagonal field of view and color night vision. It also supports microSD cards up to 256 GB for local storage, allowing for continuous local recording.

Smart Features

Wyze Video Doorbell v2

Wyze Video Doorbell v2 provides real-time alerts when it detects motion, and you can set Custom Detection Zones to exclude areas that you don't want to monitor and reduce false alarms.

When the doorbell is pressed, or when the microSD card is ejected unexpectedly, Wyze Video Doorbell v2 offers free 14-day cloud storage for 12-second clips, so you can review the footage even if your local storage is lost or stolen.

Live view and crisp two-away audio features also allow you to view and communicate with your visitors in real time. If you're unable to respond directly, you can also use preset Quick Responses to greet visitors or give instructions. The hardwired installation also enables for Pre-Roll feature, which captures up to 6 seconds of video before each event, so you can see what happened leading up to the motion or doorbell press.

Wyze Video Doorbell v2

Best for Budget

✓ 2K with Night Vision
✓ PIR/Radar/Human Detection
✓ Base Station as a Chime
✓ Local Storage microSD up to 128 GB

Buy on Amazon