Doorbell cameras are one of the finest inventions you need in your home. You can use doorbell cameras to keep surveillance of your home even in your absence. You can keep tabs on your front door to see who comes and leaves.
You get to see who’s knocking at your door and decide whether to let them in or not. It also has a two-way audio system that allows you to talk to the delivery man and tell him where to drop your package.
Just like other home security devices, doorbell cameras come with special features and the accompanying cost. People who want to install doorbell cameras in their homes often ask,
Do I need a subscription to use doorbell cameras?
We bet you’re wondering that too. So you’re thinking, “After the initial cost of buying and installing the doorbell camera, do I need to subscribe?”
The answer goes both ways. Yes, you need to pay for a cloud subscription plan to activate some special features on your doorbell camera. But for basic functions like live viewing and motion alerts, you don’t need a subscription. Some doorbell cameras provide you with a free plan so you don’t have to pay. But we will come to that later.
Why do You Need a Subscription to Use Doorbell Cameras?
A subscription plan requires that you pay a certain fee for one month or more. If you’re on a budget, this may seem like a lot for you. But that extra cost is needed to unlock the premium features of your doorbell camera.
Without a subscription plan, your video doorbell is almost equivalent to a regular traditional doorbell. You will only have access to the basic functions of the doorbell. You will be notified when someone walks to your front door and rings the bell. You will also have access to live feeds through your internet connection. But that’s all you get.
Most doorbell cameras do not have provision for local storage. But with your subscription plan, you can upload videos to the cloud. It allows you to store video feeds of your live streaming, and you can watch a replay of videos to see what you missed.
Subscription Plans for Doorbell Cameras.
Doorbell cameras have different subscription plans depending on the manufacturing company. These premium packages cover a range of functions like cloud recording, the size of video stored, and person and package detection.
A paid plan on the Arlo Doorbell camera comes in three packages; the Arlo Ultra, the Arlo Elite, and the Arlo Premier plan. These plans grant you access to customized features like personal, vehicle, animal, and package detection. The multi-mini plan provides 30-day video history and e911 which helps you to contact emergency services in case you are in danger.
You can also subscribe to the CVR (Continuous Video Recording Package) which allows you to record surveillance videos directly on the cloud around the clock. However, you are not allowed to download the videos. You can only watch the live stream on the cloud.
The Ring doorbell camera’s premium plan is relatively affordable but it does not offer the same features as the Arlo doorbell cam. With this subscription, you can only access cloud storage and 60-day video download history. On the other hand, Google’s Nest Hello camera allows you to use person detection, facial recognition, continuous recording, and customized features when you step up to their premium plan.
With a subscription plan on the Canary doorbell camera, you can download unlimited video recording, watch a live stream and use the two-way communicator. Whereas, subscribing on Wyze cam will allow you to capture moving images and record a full video instead of the usual 12 seconds clip.
You can compare the video storage plans and prices of each doorbell camera before making a choice. This way, you are sure to get the best deal.
How to Use Doorbell Cameras Without a Subscription
As earlier mentioned, some doorbell cameras do not come with an obligatory subscription of any sort. And before you ask, it does not affect the quality of the product. You will still be granted access to the full premium value. Great, right?
Now you’re wondering,
How does this work?
Here’s how it works. When you want to use doorbell cameras, simply connect them to your WiFi network. Then, connect to a power source by using batteries. You can also plug into the cable of your old doorbell. It will send notifications to your phone or your preferred viewing device when it senses a movement at your door. The doorbell also sends a notification when someone rings the bell.
Let’s talk about some doorbell cameras that allow you to use the free plan.
1. The Eufy Security WiFi Video Doorbell
Eufy has carved out a name for itself in the security industry and especially when it comes to video doorbells. Their products stand toe to toe with other top brand names. This camera comes with an HD video resolution of 2560×1920 pixels with HDR and distortion correction. It has AI technology that enables body form and facial recognition.
Whether your guests ring the bell or not, you will get a snapshot of their facial. Thus, helping you identify spies and Bulgars. It also has a variety of chimes and ringtones for the holidays! All these features require no subscription, so you don’t have to worry about hidden charges popping up along the way. Your recorded video is also 100% exclusive to just you or family members who have your password.
But to use doorbell cameras like this one, you must connect them to your old doorbell cable wiring. The inbuilt storage memory is also lower than most video doorbells. You can check it out on Amazon.
2. Eufy Security Wireless Video Doorbell
With Eufy Security, it only gets better. This is yet another superb product from Eufy that is almost too good to be true. With absolutely no extra charges, you get so much value. This is a slight upgrade from the WiFi doorbell camera. It comes with the same video resolution, but with an increased 4:3 aspect ratio. It can be wired or battery-powered. The battery lasts for 6 months (180 days) straight without replacement. This particular doorbell comes with 12GB storage memory.
However, if you have internet connection issues you can’t fully optimize the live feed, In this case, it will be best to get a doorbell camera with a subscription package. This model is also available on Amazon.
3. UOKIER WiFi Doorbell Camera
If you are looking for something budget-friendly, this is your best pick. This doorbell camera offers most features that can be found on the Eufy video doorbell at half the price. It has an image resolution of 1080p.
The motion sensor has been upgraded to detect only human movements. Its detection distance is circa 10 meters, but you adjust it at will. When fully charged, the battery would last for two and a half months. Once the battery runs down, you will be notified by the controller app. This doorbell camera has 35GB internal memory storage and a flawless two-way audio system. If you’re ready to go shopping, then check it out here.