Best video doorbells without subscriptions in Australia (2024)

Want to keep an eye on your doorstep without paying a monthly fee? These subscription-free video doorbells have you covered.
Best overall
Eufy Dual Doorbell E340
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
  • pro
    Two cameras
  • pro
    Smart detection
Best budget
Tapo Smart Video Doorbell
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    2K resolution
  • pro
    Expandable storage
Best for smart homes
Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    Wide field of view
  • pro
    HomeKit compatible
Best PoE

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These days, it's hard to find anything that isn't run on a subscription model. Streaming services, meal kits, antivirus and VPN software... heck, even gym memberships. Unfortunately, smart home devices like security cameras and video doorbells aren't immune to the subscription trend, and it's getting more and more difficult to find devices that don't force a monthly fee on you. Difficult, but not impossible. Here, we've rounded up the best picks for video doorbells that don't require a subscription.



Compare the best video doorbells without subscriptions

Product
Best for
Price
Resolution (aspect ratio)
Field of view
Power source
Local storage
Learn more
Best overall Main camera:
2560 x 1920 (4:3)

Secondary camera:
1600 x 1200 (4:3)
Main camera: 160º

Secondary camera: 90º
Battery, wired8GB included
Best budget 2560 x 1920 (4:3)160ºBatteryVia microSD (up to 512GB)
Best for smart homes 1920 x 1080 (16:9)162ºBattery, wiredVia microSD (up to 512GB)
Best PoE2560 x 1920 (4:3)180°Wired (PoE)Via NVR or microSD (up to 256GB)

Prices are accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

1. Eufy Dual Doorbell E340: Best video doorbell without subscription overall

Best overall

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Although it doesn't have the cheapest upfront cost, the Eufy Dual Doorbell E340 is worth every cent. Offering not one, but two cameras (one aimed at your visitor and one aimed at your doorstep), its video quality and coverage are unmatched, and it boasts tons of advanced features that other big brands would put behind a paywall.

It comes with 8GB of built-in storage, which gives you access to about 90 days of footage.

It uses facial recognition to alert you to both strangers and familiar faces, and the package delivery notifications are a total game-changer.

Although this doorbell is easy to install, it does require some drilling, so renters may need landlord approval before buying.

Want to learn more? Read our full Eufy Dual Camera Doorbell E340 review.

pro
Pros
pro Two cameras
pro Local video storage
pro 2K video resolution
pro Battery or wired installation
con
Cons
con Pricey
con Not renter-friendly

2. Tapo Smart Video Doorbell: Best budget video doorbell without subscription

Best budget
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If value for money is your main concern, look no further than the Tapo Smart Video Doorbell. For less than $200, you get crystal-clear 2K resolution, an inbuilt spotlight for colour night vision, and an included Tapo Smart Hub, which can fit a microSD card up to 512GB and can function as both a chime and as a control centre for other Tapo cameras, sensors and other smart devices.

It's not the sleekest-looking thing in the world, and we'd prefer a better vertical viewing range so you could get a view of your doorstep and monitor deliveries, but the features, price, and its multiple installation options (one of which is renter-friendly), we reckon it's a no-brainer.

To learn more, read our full Tapo Smart Video Doorbell review.

pro
Pros
pro Affordable
pro Excellent picture quality
pro Renter-friendly installation
pro Local storage option
con
Cons
con Chunky design
con Vertical viewing range could be better

3. Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4: Best subscription-free video doorbell for smart homes

Best for smart homes

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Apple HomeKit-enabled video doorbells are few and far between, so to find one that's also reasonably priced is a game-changer. The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 also works with Google, Alexa and IFTTT (with Matter support to come), making it incredibly versatile.

Smart home compatibility aside, it does everything you'd expect a good video doorbell to do, with AI facial recognition, renter-friendly installation options, pre-recorded messages, and even seven days of free cloud storage.

While we love the super wide horizontal field of view, this doorbell only offers HD resolution, and the picture it produces can be quite disappointing.

To learn more, read our full Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 review.

pro
Pros
pro Excellent smart home compatibility
pro Battery and wired installation
pro Optional cloud storage
pro Local video storage
con
Cons
con Low video resolution

4. Reolink PoE Video Doorbell: Best PoE video doorbell without subscription

Best PoE
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you're a home networking whiz with PoE (Power over Ethernet) capability throughout your digs, the Reolink PoE Video Doorbell is your best bet. Forget spotty streams over Wi-Fi—this thing will keep trucking along even if the internet goes out, backing up footage to a connected NVR or inserted microSD card.

We love that this video doorbell starts recording before motion even takes place, which can give you so much valuable information in the event of it capturing criminal activity. It's also got the biggest field of view of any of the video doorbells on our list at 180 degrees, offering tons of coverage.

We're also fans of the affordable price and included chime, although less tech-savvy buyers may need assistance installing this doorbell.

pro
Pros
pro Multiple storage options
pro Huge 180º field of view
pro Excellent video quality
pro Affordable
con
Cons
con PoE installation only
con Not renter-friendly

Final word

You don't have to keep shelling out money every month to get the most out of your video doorbell, and these subscription-free options prove it.

Although it's expensive, the Eufy Dual Camera Doorbell E340 is the cream of the crop with its dual cameras, facial recognition, package notifications, wired and wireless installation and more.

Still, there are options out there for any household, and we reckon you'll be happy with any of the picks on our list.

FAQ

Generally speaking, yes, every video doorbell should work with or without a subscription. That said, some brands like Ring, Arlo and Nest lock a lot of functionality (like video storage and smart detection) behind that monthly fee, so you won't get the most out of your doorbell unless you cough up the cash.

It completely depends on the brand and how heavily it's used, but with light to medium use, you're looking at around three to six months on one charge.

If you don't like the idea of changing batteries, a wired doorbell may be for you. However, you may require an electrician to help you install it.

Not usually. Recording uses a lot of power, so any battery-powered video doorbells would drain exceptionally fast (and your storage would fill up even faster!). You may find a wired or PoE (Power over Ethernet) option that allows 24/7 recording, but most video doorbells only record when they detect motion.

How we reviewed the best video doorbells without subscription

To choose the best video doorbells without subscriptions, we tested a bunch of them, dived deep into their spec sheets, and compared them to each other in terms of video quality, smart detection, installation options, and advanced features.

We gave each doorbell a score, then put our favourites in order and broke down all the details to help you make the right purchase.

You can learn more about how we review products by checking out our methodology.


Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.
Georgia Dixon
Written by
Georgia Dixon
Georgia Dixon has 10 years of experience writing about all things tech, entertainment and lifestyle. She has bylines on Reviews.org, 7NEWS, Stuff.co.nz, in TechLife magazine and more. In 2023 she won Best News Writer at the Consensus IT Awards, and in 2024 she was a finalist for Best News Journalist at the Samsung IT Journalism Awards (The Lizzies). In her spare time, you'll find her playing games and daydreaming about good food, wine, and dogs.

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