Free Doorbell Camera of 2024: Are They Worth It?

Free video doorbells have been on the rise in popularity over the years. As technology improves, organizations can offer consumers a gift of a video doorbell for nothing in advance. So, is this free doorbell camera worth it at all? In this post we will weigh up the pros and cons of a free door camera for you to understand whether it is suitable for your home security needs.

Are There Free Doorbell Cameras in the Market?

Yes, multiple free doorbell cameras are available now. Companies such as Ring, Vivint, ADT, and SimpliSafe all give away free video doorbells once you buy a home security system or a monitoring plan.

The initial cost of the free camera doorbell itself is zero; however, you will be required to enroll for a monthly or annual subscription. This enables the company to recover its hardware costs over time through monthly rates.

Some other companies, such as Reolink, provide complimentary smart doorbells which do not require subscriptions.

You only need to obtain your own bell camera hardware. The app and features do not have monthly charges therefore, they are considered ‘free’. However, this might mean that their features would be limited compared to those offered through subscription models.

Free doorbell cameras can be found widely, but most need constant monitoring services. A few alternatives provide the bell for free without a subscription, though these may come with limited functionality.

How to Get a Free Camera Doorbell

Here are some tips on how to get a free doorbell camera:

• Sign up for a trial or promotion from a home security company. Many providers like SimpliSafe and ADT offer free doorbell cameras with trial security system packages. This allows you to test out their service and equipment risk-free.
• Look for occasional giveaways and contests from smart home brands. Companies like Reolink sometimes offer special deals where you can win a free video doorbell through a contest or limited-time promotion.
• Take advantage of referral programs. Some brands provide free doorbells if you refer friends and family to purchase their products and services. The number of referrals required may vary.
• Choose a brand that offers free doorbell cams without monthly fees. As mentioned above, Reolink provide complimentary doorbell cameras that do not require any subscription. You just pay for the hardware.
• Purchase a refurbished or used model. Opting for a refurbished video doorbell from the manufacturer or a used product from somewhere like eBay can help you get it for free or very cheap.

Possible Limitations of Free Video Doorbell

While free doorbell camera service provides great value, there are some potential limitations to be aware of:

• Limited video storage and playback - Most free doorbells only provide 24-48 hours of free cloud storage. For a longer recording history, you may need to pay for a subscription plan.
• Lower video resolution - Some free models tend to max out at 1080p HD resolution. Pricier options provide sharper 2K or 4K video.
• Lack of smart features - Advanced detection of people, packages, vehicles, and other AI smart alerts may require a paid subscription.
• Connectivity and range issues - Free doorbells often use WiFi, which can be prone to connectivity problems. Paid options typically have more reliable connectivity.
• Hardware limitations - Free doorbell cams tend to be made from cheaper materials without weatherproofing. Paid options are more durable for outdoor use.
• Limited tech support - Most free doorbell brands provide minimal technical support. Paid plans unlock higher tiers of customer service.
• Ads and upsells - Apps for free doorbells often contain ads or pushes for paid upgrades. Subscription models provide an ad-free experience.

Types of Free Door Camera Available

There are a few main types of complimentary video doorbells available:

Subscription-Free Doorbell Camera

These provide the doorbell hardware for free without requiring any monthly fees. However, storage and features are typically limited. Examples include Tuya and Reolink doorbells.

Wire-Free Video Doorbell

Wire free doorbell camera does not require existing doorbell wiring. They are powered by built-in batteries and communicate via WiFi. Ring and Arlo offer free wire-free options with security system plans.

WiFi-Free Doorbell Camera

These integrate with your existing doorbell wiring for continuous power and don’t use WiFi for connectivity. No hub is required. WiFi-free devices often function without an internet connection by using local storage, wired connections, RF technology, analog signals, or cellular networks for connectivity and data transmission. The most common WiFi-free doorbells are PoE ones.

Best Subscription-Free Doorbell Camera

Reolink Doorbell Battery

The Reolink Doorbell Battery is a great option for those looking to avoid monthly fees while still getting a feature-packed doorbell camera. With local storage options, it allows you to save recordings directly to a microSD card or local storage, giving you full control over your footage without the need for any subscriptions. Its 2K resolution ensures clear and detailed video, making it easy to identify faces and other important details right from your doorstep.

In addition, the Reolink Doorbell Battery’s smart detection feature filters notifications for person, vehicle, and package movements, so you’re only alerted about what truly matters, reducing unnecessary interruptions.

Reolink Doorbell WiFi

For those seeking a subscription-free smart doorbell camera, the Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi is an excellent choice. This wired WiFi video doorbell delivers crisp 2K+ 5MP video quality. It captures a wide 180-degree diagonal view to monitor activity at your front door.

The Reolink WiFi Doorbell has advanced person detection that can differentiate people from general motion alerts. It also provides clear two-way audio communication so you can speak to visitors. Despite being subscription-free, it still offers local storage and video playback through the Reolink app. It connects via 2.4/5GHz WiFi for flexible installation without the need for a hub.

Best Wi-Fi Free Doorbell Camera with App

For a WiFi-connected free video doorbell, the Reolink Video Doorbell PoE is a top choice. This smart PoE doorbell supports crystal clear 2K+ video with HDR technology for stunning image quality. It has customizable motion zones, person/vehicle detection, two-way talk, and an integrated siren to deter intruders.

The PoE connectivity ensures reliable power and connection. Easy installation with the existing doorbell wiring keeps it powered continuously. Reolink's app makes doorbell setup seamless with options for customizing alerts and features.

FAQs

Are there any camera doorbells without subscription?

Yes, there are now several options for video doorbells that do not require any monthly subscription, such as the Reolink Argus 3 Pro and Tuya Smart Doorbell Camera. These provide free access to features like live streaming, motion alerts, and video playback in the app without fees. Storage is limited but sufficient for basic security needs.

Is there a free app for doorbell cameras?

Most smart doorbell cameras include a free companion app for Android and iOS. This allows you to view live videos, receive alerts, customize settings, and playback clips without paying anything. However, advanced features like extended cloud storage and smart alerts often require a paid subscription with higher-tier plans.

How can I get free doorbell camera service?

The main options for getting free doorbell camera service include choosing a brand like Reolink or Tuya that does not require monthly fees, taking advantage of a free trial period from a security company, or looking for special giveaways and contests where doorbell cameras are provided as prizes.

Conclusion

Free video doorbells are a cheap way of stepping up security at home. Nonetheless, paid choices have better features and help, but absolutely free smart doorbells do the minimum for almost all homeowners.

By such brands as Reolink, customers can choose between different options on how to get free doorbell cameras using promotional offers, pro installers partnerships or stand-alone purchases. The advancement of technology and increasing competition will probably result in further enhancements of free alternatives.