It’s a question many people ask when they decide to boost home security: can you have a video doorbell without a subscription? Spending out each month having already paid to purchase the doorbell isn’t always the preferred option.
The good news if you’re among those who favour a one-off investment in a video doorbell as part of your home security system? You can have one of these without incurring a monthly cost – although it’s worth knowing that there are features you might miss out on.
If a video doorbell that doesn’t bring a fee each month is your first choice, we’ve put together details of the best options below. And there’s also the information you need on the pros and cons of going subscription-free.
Why choose a video doorbell without a subscription?
An important reason to choose a video doorbell that doesn’t require a subscription is financial.
“Choosing a video doorbell without a subscription can save you a significant amount of money over time, especially if you’re paying monthly fees just to access stored footage,” says Anthony Neary, security expert at Safe.co.uk.
However, there are other reasons why it might be appealing. “Many non-subscription models now come with onboard storage or other recording options, like SD cards or USBs, giving you more control over your data,” says Anthony. “They’re also ideal if you want to avoid being locked into one provider or cloud platform. There is also less reliance on an internet connection, which can improve reliability in areas with patchy broadband.”
One note on costs, however. While you will be saving on a monthly fee by choosing a video doorbell that doesn’t require a subscription, you may have to pay for a microSD card or other storage device for your footage depending on which subscription-free doorbell you choose.
Anthony Neary
Anthony Neary is the founder and security expert at home and business security retailers Safe.co.uk. With over 15 years of industry experience, he specialises in security solutions and how to keep properties safe.
Opt for this model and there’s full access to notifications and video recordings with the ability to play them back anytime even though there’s no subscription fee.
Shop the best video doorbells without a subscription
No monthly fee is required for this video doorbell but you will need to buy a microSD card up to 512GB for local storage of footage. It provides two way audio.
Yale Smart Video Doorbell
Save on a subscription and get two to four days of recordings stored locally if you pick this doorbell.
Are there any disadvantages to a video doorbell without a subscription?
While avoiding a monthly charge is among the appealing reasons to opt for a video doorbell that doesn’t require a subscription, you should be aware that you could miss out on some features of a particular model without one.
“Without a subscription, you may have more limited access to features like cloud storage, advanced motion detection, or video history, but this is all depending on the brand,” says Anthony Neary. “Some devices will still alert you in real time, but you might not be able to review footage after the fact.”
Data storage might also be an issue. “You’ll need to manage storage manually, which can be a drawback if you’re not tech-savvy,” Anthony says. “It’s all about weighing the trade-off between cost and convenience.”
Not sure if these issues outweigh the benefits of going subscription free? Opt for a video doorbell that gives you the choice. “Choosing a smart video doorbell that doesn’t require a subscription – but still offers one as an option – gives users flexibility in how they manage their home security,” says Karl Woolley, head of product security for Yale UKI.
“Even without a subscription, users can typically store a few days’ worth of footage in the cloud or download to their device (depending on the brand), and still enjoy access to all the device’s core features,” he says. “A subscription simply adds the option to review older footage you may have missed through enhanced cloud storage and unlocks advanced features like AI motion detection, offering an extra layer of peace of mind when you need it.”
Karl Woolley
Karl Woolley is the head of product security for Yale UKI, leading the product innovation, strategy and go-to-market execution. With a wealth of experience in product management and a deep understanding of the evolving home security landscape, Karl is dedicated to delivering compelling, market-driven solutions that meet evolving customer demands.
What are the implications for data privacy?
Whether you choose a doorbell without a subscription or opt to subscribe, UK privacy laws still apply.
“If your camera captures footage beyond the boundaries of your property, such as pavements or a neighbour’s driveway, you become a data controller under the GDPR,” says Anthony Neary. “That means you’re legally responsible for how that footage is used and stored. It’s important to position the camera carefully, and if the camera does capture footage of other properties, use signage to inform visitors, and secure the data, even if it’s stored locally.”
Reolink Video Doorbell PoE
Store footage locally via a microSD card (not included) with this subscription-free model, plus there are alternative storage options. Its PoE (power over ethernet) cable simplifies installation.
Swann Swannbuddy4k Video Doorbell
If you’re content to have recording of clips to local memory (32GB MicroSD included) and the cloud (24 hours rolling), then this design will save you a subscription fee. The chime unit lets you pick from six options.
There’s no monthly fee with this video doorbell, although you will need to purchase a microSD card to save recordings locally. It’s wireless and promises a four month battery life.
There are video doorbell options that allow you to avoid monthly fees, but don’t ignore the fact that for local storage you might have to add the cost of a microSD card, for instance, to that of the doorbell. Check the details before you buy, too, to be sure that you’ll get all the features you want with an non-subscription model.
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