Best Video Doorbells Without a Subscription
Five video doorbells that record locally, so you need no Ring or Google Home Premium plan, picked from Android Central and ZDNET testing and makers' specs.
How TechSilico Formulates This Buying Guide
TechSilico does not test hardware. We picked these doorbells from the published testing of Android Central and ZDNET, and checked specs against each manufacturer's product page. Subscription prices come from Ring's and Google's own plan pages. Where outlets disagree, as they do on the Eufy E340's storage and the Aqara G4's video quality, we say so rather than pick a side.
Quick Verdict
The Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340 (about $150) is the best video doorbell you can use without a subscription. ZDNET names it the best video doorbell overall, and Android Central names it the best camera. Its second camera points down at your doormat, so packages don't go unseen.
For HomeKit homes, the Aqara G4 keeps up to 512GB of footage inside your house. For the longest battery life, the Tapo D225 is rated for up to eight months per charge. For the lowest price, the Blink Video Doorbell is the budget pick at both outlets.
To add more cameras, see our best security cameras without a subscription, our local vs. cloud smart home explainer and our best smart home hubs.
1. What You Save by Skipping the Subscription
| Plan | Price | Over five years | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Solo (one device) | $4.99/month or $49.99/year | About $250 (annual) | Ring plans |
| Google Home Premium (replaces Nest Aware) | From $10/month | $600 (monthly) | Google Store |
| Blink plan (optional) | From $3/month | $180 (monthly) | Android Central |
| Every doorbell in this guide | $0 required | $0 | See each pick below |
The five-year totals are our own arithmetic from the prices listed. Plan prices change, so check the linked pages before you decide.
2. The Picks
1. Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340: Best Overall
It has a 2K main camera with color night vision and a 1080p camera pointed down at packages. It runs on its battery or can be hardwired. ZDNET praises its reliability. Android Central found its facial recognition inconsistent.
- Storage note: Android Central lists 8GB of built-in storage, but ZDNET says local storage needs a HomeBase 3. Check what's included before you buy.
2. Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4: Best for Apple HomeKit
It supports HomeKit Secure Video and records to a microSD card of up to 512GB, kept in the indoor chime repeater where it can't be reached from outside. It also includes up to 7 days of free cloud storage (Aqara).
- Caveat: it records only 1080p. TechRadar left it off its shortlist, finding footage more pixelated than it would like.
3. TP-Link Tapo D225: Best Battery Life
It has a 10,000mAh battery rated for up to eight months, 2K video with a Sony Starlight sensor, and 24/7 recording to a microSD card of up to 512GB. A chime is included (Android Central).
- Caveat: there's no built-in storage, so you need a microSD card.
4. Reolink Video Doorbell PoE: Best for Local NVR Recording
It records 5MP (1920 x 2560) video at 20fps, runs on Power over Ethernet and supports RTSP and ONVIF. It can record 24/7 to microSD (up to 256GB), a Reolink NVR or an FTP/NAS server (Reolink).
- Caveat: this pick is based on specs. None of the outlets we checked has tested it.
5. Blink Video Doorbell: Best Budget
It's the budget pick at both ZDNET and Android Central. It records continuously to a USB drive (up to 256GB) in the Sync Module 2 and runs on batteries or wiring.
- Caveat: there's no smart detection, and the video is 1080p.
3. How to Choose
- Check your wiring. If you have existing doorbell wiring, most of these picks can be hardwired so you never need to recharge. The Reolink needs Ethernet or 12V to 24V AC.
- Think about theft. Indoor storage (the Aqara's chime, Blink's Sync Module, or an NVR) keeps footage safe if the outdoor unit is stolen.
- Match your smart home. For HomeKit Secure Video, choose the Aqara G4.
Sources
- Android Central: Best video doorbells with local storage: Eufy E340, Aqara G4, Tapo D225 and Blink picks, specs and prices.
- ZDNET: Best video doorbells of 2026: Eufy E340 (best overall) and Blink (best budget).
- TechRadar: Best video doorbells: why the Aqara G4 wasn't shortlisted.
- Aqara: Smart Video Doorbell G4: 1080p, 162°, 512GB microSD, HomeKit Secure Video, 7-day free cloud.
- Reolink: Video Doorbell PoE: 5MP, PoE, RTSP/ONVIF, 256GB microSD.
- Ring: Plans: Ring Solo at $4.99/month or $49.99/year.
- Google Store: Google Home Premium: from $10/month; Nest Aware is now Google Home Premium.
*Published: 23 September 2026 · Last updated: 23 September 2026*
*TechSilico does not test hardware. Every figure above comes from the outlet or manufacturer linked next to it.*
Quick Picks: Top Recommendations at a Glance
Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340
Anyone who wants two cameras, one of them pointed down at packages, with no monthly fee
Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4
HomeKit households that want local microSD storage plus free 7-day cloud backup
TP-Link Tapo D225
People who can't hardwire and don't want to recharge often
Reolink Video Doorbell PoE
Anyone who can run an Ethernet cable and wants 24/7 recording to their own NVR or NAS
Blink Video Doorbell
Buyers who want the lowest upfront cost and are fine with basic features
Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340
ZDNET: best video doorbell overall; Android Central: best camera
Synthesized Consensus Verdict
Two outlets we trust both rank the E340 near the top. ZDNET calls it its favorite video doorbell for its reliability, and Android Central names it the best camera for its dual-lens design. The downward 1080p camera watches the doormat, so you can see packages left right against the door. The one open question is storage: Android Central lists 8GB built in, while ZDNET says local storage needs a HomeBase 3.
- Two cameras: a 2K main camera plus a 1080p camera that points down at packages
- Color night vision using built-in LED lights
- Runs on its rechargeable battery or can be hardwired
- ZDNET's pick for best video doorbell overall, praised for its reliability
- Android Central found facial recognition inconsistent
- Android Central lists 8GB of built-in storage, but ZDNET's review says it needs a HomeBase 3 for local storage. Check what your bundle includes
Key Hardware Specs
The Eufy Security E340 video doorbell is my favorite option for a video doorbell because of how reliable it is.
Eufy's most feature-packed video doorbell... uses two cameras
Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4
Android Central: best with chime extender
Synthesized Consensus Verdict
The G4 is the most flexible pick for storage. It keeps up to 512GB of footage on a microSD card inside your house, backed up by 7 days of free cloud clips, and it works with HomeKit Secure Video. The trade-off is image quality. It records only 1080p, and TechRadar found its footage pixelated. Android Central also found its facial recognition hit or miss.
- Records to a microSD card of up to 512GB, kept in the indoor chime repeater where it can't be reached from outside
- Free cloud storage of up to 7 days, with no fees
- Supports Apple HomeKit Secure Video, and streams locally to Google and Alexa smart displays
- Runs on batteries or hardwires to existing doorbell power (12V to 24V AC, or 8V to 24V DC)
- Only 1080p video
- TechRadar left it off its shortlist, finding footage more pixelated than it would like and a narrower field of view than the Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Key Hardware Specs
You can store up to 512GB of video via a microSD card, and you can also get free seven-day cloud storage.
The camera has a 162-degree angle with a crisp 1080p sensor and infrared night vision.
Footage looked more pixilated than we'd like.
TP-Link Tapo D225
Android Central: best battery option
Synthesized Consensus Verdict
If you can't run wires to your door, the D225 is the one to get. Android Central highlights its 10,000mAh battery, rated for up to eight months. It records 2K video to a microSD card of up to 512GB, supports 24/7 recording and includes a chime. Budget for a microSD card, because it has no internal storage.
- Built-in 10,000mAh battery rated for up to eight months per charge
- 2K video with a Sony Starlight sensor and color night vision
- microSD slot for up to 512GB, with 24/7 continuous recording
- Includes an indoor chime, and can be hardwired too
- No built-in storage, so you have to buy a microSD card
Key Hardware Specs
The Tapo D225 from TP-Link supports up to 512GB of local storage.
Reolink Video Doorbell PoE
Manufacturer specifications
Synthesized Consensus Verdict
If you already record your cameras to your own NVR or NAS, the Reolink PoE doorbell fits in easily. It supports standard RTSP and ONVIF streams and 24/7 recording, and it's powered over the same Ethernet cable that carries its data. This recommendation is based on Reolink's specifications, because none of the outlets we checked has tested it.
- Power over Ethernet: one cable carries both power and data
- 5MP (1920 x 2560) video at 20fps, in a tall 3:4 frame that shows visitors head to toe
- Supports RTSP and ONVIF, so it can record to a Reolink NVR, an FTP/NAS server or other NVR software
- Supports 24/7, scheduled or motion recording to a microSD card of up to 256GB
- Needs an Ethernet run to the door, or existing 12V to 24V AC doorbell wiring
- We haven't found an independent review from a lab we trust, so this pick is based on specs
Key Hardware Specs
Protocols & Standards: HTTPS, IPv4, UPNP, RTSP, RTMP, ONVIF
Blink Video Doorbell
ZDNET: best budget video doorbell; Android Central: best budget option
Synthesized Consensus Verdict
Both ZDNET and Android Central pick the Blink Video Doorbell as their budget choice. It's cheap, it can record locally through the Sync Module 2, and Android Central found its 1080p video clear, including at night. You give up smart detection, and cloud storage is an optional Blink plan from $3 a month.
- The cheapest pick here. Android Central calls it a great buy at $70, and it was selling for about $47 at time of writing
- Records continuously to a USB flash drive (up to 256GB) plugged into the Sync Module 2
- Runs on batteries or can be hardwired
- 135° horizontal and 80° vertical field of view
- No smart detection features
- 1080p only, and you have to buy the USB drive separately
Key Hardware Specs
It offers great value and the option of bypassing recurring fees.
The Blink Video Doorbell is a great buy at $70, with the Sync Module 2 for local storage.
Crucial Buying Factors Before Purchasing
1. What a subscription costs over five years
Ring's cheapest plan, Ring Solo, costs $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year for one device. Paid annually, that's about $250 over five years. Google has replaced Nest Aware with Google Home Premium, which starts at $10 a month, or $600 over five years if paid monthly. Every doorbell in this guide records locally, so none of them needs a plan to save video.
2. Where your footage lives matters
Some doorbells store video inside the unit itself, so if the doorbell is stolen, the footage may go with it. The Aqara G4 keeps its microSD card in the indoor chime repeater, where it can't be reached from outside. The Blink keeps footage on a USB drive in the indoor Sync Module 2. The Reolink can record straight to an NVR or NAS inside your home.
3. Battery or wired
A battery doorbell is easier to install but has to be recharged. The Tapo D225 is rated for up to eight months per charge. If you have existing doorbell wiring, most of these picks can be hardwired instead. The Reolink needs either an Ethernet cable (PoE) or 12V to 24V AC wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best video doorbell without a subscription?
The Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340. ZDNET names it the best video doorbell overall, and Android Central names it the best camera. It has a 2K main camera and a 1080p camera that points down at packages, and it doesn't require a subscription.
How much does a Ring or Google subscription cost?
Ring Solo costs $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year for one device, according to Ring. Google has replaced Nest Aware with Google Home Premium, which starts at $10 a month, according to the Google Store.
Which no-subscription doorbell works with Apple HomeKit?
The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 supports HomeKit Secure Video, according to Aqara. It also stores up to 512GB on a microSD card in its indoor chime and includes up to 7 days of free cloud storage.
Can a video doorbell record 24/7 without a subscription?
Yes. The TP-Link Tapo D225 supports 24/7 recording to a microSD card of up to 512GB, according to Android Central. The Reolink Video Doorbell PoE supports 24/7 recording to microSD, a Reolink NVR or an FTP/NAS server. The Blink Video Doorbell can record continuously to a USB drive in its Sync Module 2.
Which no-subscription doorbell has the best battery life?
The TP-Link Tapo D225. Android Central notes its 10,000mAh battery is rated for up to eight months per charge.
