10 Best Doorbell Camera Without Monthly Fee 2025 in the United States

The Ring Battery Doorbell is a solid choice for those seeking a doorbell camera without the burden of a monthly fee. With its impressive 1440 x 1440 HD video quality and 150° field of view, it offers a clear and expansive view of your doorstep. The 'Head-to-Toe Video' feature significantly enhances vertical coverage, ensuring you can see more of what's happening outside your home. Its built-in rechargeable battery and ease of installation make it convenient for homeowners who may not want to deal with complex wiring. You can easily recharge it using a USB-C port, and it can also be hardwired if you prefer a continuous power source.

The two-way audio feature allows for real-time communication, which is particularly useful if you want to interact with delivery personnel or visitors. Additionally, the advanced motion detection with customizable zones ensures you receive alerts when activity is detected, allowing you to respond promptly.

The camera can record and store video, but access to features like 24/7 recording and smart alerts requires a subscription, which may not fit everyone's budget. While it does provide some functionality without a subscription, more advanced capabilities are limited. The motion detection can sometimes be sensitive, potentially leading to false alerts if not configured properly. In bright conditions, the video quality excels, but there could be performance issues in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight over prolonged periods. Users in specific states like Illinois and Texas may find certain features unavailable due to legislation, which could limit functionality.

The Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen) is a reliable choice for anyone looking to enhance their home security without worrying about subscription fees. One of its standout features is its ability to distinguish between people, packages, animals, and vehicles, ensuring you receive relevant alerts. The video quality is decent with a resolution of 720p, and it offers a 145-degree field of view, allowing you to cover a wide area in front of your door. Additionally, it includes night vision capabilities, so you can monitor your doorstep even in low light conditions.

A significant advantage is the 24/7 video check feature, eliminating the need to recharge batteries, which can be a hassle with wireless models. For storage, the doorbell provides 3 hours of free event video history, and you have the option to upgrade to a Nest Aware subscription for extended storage and additional features like continuous video recording. The two-way audio feature allows you to communicate with visitors directly through the doorbell, making it useful for giving instructions to delivery personnel or greeting guests. It is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, providing flexibility in how you monitor and interact with the device.

However, it's worth noting that the doorbell requires a wired connection and a compatible chime and transformer, which means it might not be suitable for all homes without additional installation efforts. It also only works with the Google Home app, which could be a limitation for existing Nest app users. The device is aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly, made with 43% post-consumer recycled materials. The Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen) is a solid option for those who prioritize reliable performance and smart features without incurring monthly fees.

The eufy Security Video Doorbell E340 stands out in the category of doorbell cameras without monthly fees, making it a great choice for those seeking cost-effective outdoor security. With video quality reaching 2K Full HD, users can expect clear and detailed visuals of their entrance areas. The dual-camera design adds an extra layer of security, allowing you to capture both the person at the door and the area beneath it, which is particularly useful for package deliveries.

One of the notable strengths is its color night vision, which ensures visibility up to 16 feet, even in low light, enhancing safety during nighttime. The flexibility of being battery-powered or wired offers convenience, with the battery option simplifying installation and maintenance. Users can also connect the doorbell to existing home chimes or smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, which adds to its usability.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The requirement for a wired power source when in wired mode might complicate installation for some users who prefer a straightforward battery setup. While the camera provides a high-quality image, the performance can depend on Wi-Fi connectivity, which could be an issue in larger homes or areas with poor signal. Additionally, while the product boasts local data storage without a subscription fee, this may limit some advanced features found in competing products that offer cloud storage options.