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We all have to pay for subscriptions and memberships that we would rather get for free, but that’s just not how the world usually works. This couldn’t be more true when it comes to consumer technology; it seems like every camera, sensor, and smart lighting suite locks the best features behind a paywall that will only come down when you spend money on it. But if we’re just talking about home security, one of the easiest ways to ditch a video doorbell subscription is to buy one with local storage.
Consumer Reports (CR) extensively covers the best and worst security technology, and the publication claims that the best video doorbell that doesn’t require a subscription is the $100 Eufy Video Doorbell C31. Not only does it offer local storage, but you can install it with or without its quick-release battery, allowing you to connect it to your home’s existing doorbell wiring. It also gives you 24/7 recording and a 5-second pre-roll once it detects a subject.
Offering up to 2K resolution and a 160-degree field of view, we have it on good authority from CR that the C31 captures clear, sharp images day or night and has a fast response time when reacting to movement. As our title suggests, the C31 does not require a subscription. The bell has a microSD card slot supporting up to a 128GB card (sold separately). Alternatively, you can also invest in a Eufy HomeBase S380 for up to 16TB of storage.
Eufy makes a few different video doorbells, and the C31 model is one of the more basic options
The Eufy Video Doorbell C31 is compatible with the Alexa and Google Home ecosystems. If you have a smart display like the Echo Show 5 or Google Nest Hub, you can bring up the C31’s live feed for remote viewing. You can also do this in the Eufy app, a mobile app you’ll need for initial setup of your C31. Other noteworthy features of the app include two-way audio, customizable motion detection, and battery monitoring (if you’ve gone the non-wired route).
One of the only downsides CR mentions in its review is that the C31 doesn’t have more advanced AI detection. Alert types are limited to people and vehicles, while the more expensive E340 model also detects faces and packages. Additionally, the E340 includes two lenses (one that faces the ground) and color night vision. However, we still have a soft spot for the C31, and it has a 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on over 860 reviews.
Most people really like the C31, but a handful of user reviews complain about inconsistent alerts. Unfortunately, the occasional arrival of a package or guest at the front door is normal for most video doorbells. That said, the C31 does have a one-year limited warranty if you start experiencing issues.
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