Nearly 40% of Americans own a video doorbell

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Need a quick boost to your home security? A doorbell camera is a good idea. The biggest benefits of installing a video doorbell are ease of use, theft deterrence, and the ability to interact with visitors or couriers. This is why almost 40% of American homes have a video doorbell. But even if the equipment itself is cheap, subscription fees for popular models like Ring will cost you. Many homeowners believe this is one of the main drawbacks of video doorbells: many elements are hidden behind a paywall, including the clips themselves.

Let’s say you buy a ring on Amazon. This $59 may seem like a reasonable price, but if you want to record and store videos, you need to pay at least $4.99 per month (which works out to $49.99 per year). Then, if you want some of the more advanced features like so-called “familiar faces” (explicitly how it works), be prepared to shell out $19.99 per month. Personally, if I weren’t so concerned about the cybersecurity implications of storing videos in the cloud (I particularly don’t trust Amazon and its data sharing practices), I wouldn’t have a problem paying the base subscription for something like Ring or Arlo. But since storing data locally is non-negotiable for me, I prefer doorbell cameras that don’t spy on me, like the Eufy Video Doorbell E340.

It’s simple. Some video doorbells do not require an ongoing subscription. Instead, the doorbell records video on the device, usually to a microSD card. The card can be inserted directly into the doorbell or, for added security, you can purchase a basic device for storage. A good example is eufy Security which combines two video doorbells with a HomeBase 3 for around $200. You can also purchase an anti-theft mount to prevent anyone from stealing your camera and SD card. Don’t think you’re losing features, because Eufy and other manufacturers like Tapo (if you can ignore the fact that that company is owned by TP-Link) let you access images remotely via a mobile app.

These options will help you escape Ring’s endless subscription cycle, but if you set up these payments correctly (Ring equipment is easy to use, after all), you can store videos locally with Ring Edge and Ring Alarm Pro. For that, you’ll need a Ring Pro subscription for $19.99 and the full Ring Alarm Pro system (which includes its own router) which costs around $300. It’s a full-featured security system that can also manage your video doorbell, but of course, using that may be overkill for most, especially if you don’t want to pony up around $200 for the annual subscription.

Homeowners have the freedom to install whatever they want and drill as they wish. Tenants? Good luck convincing your landlord to let you install a Ring or other video doorbell. This is a huge problem (on top of all the privacy concerns if you live in an apartment or condo) that technically makes video doorbells not worth it. However, there are several ways to get around this problem. No-drill mounts are suitable for renters, especially for homes where a doorbell camera won’t get you in trouble with the neighbors. You also don’t waste money on the wind, because you can take the doorbell with you when you move.

A peephole camera is another good alternative. You can install it with minimal hassle and no drilling, so it’s perfect if you’re renting the place. Again, you’re not limited to the famous Ring peephole camera. There are other manufacturers that offer pretty much the same thing without requiring a subscription, like Brinno SHC1000W. It stores data on a microSD card and sends it to your email, while also offering all the necessary features, like motion detection. Most importantly, it is discreet enough for your owner.