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<h2>Key Points</h2>
<p>You don’t need a premium subscription to access the basic features of a smart doorbell, but subscriptions can be beneficial for storing footage and unlocking advanced functionalities. The simplest way to save footage for free is by selecting a doorbell that has a memory card slot. For those more technically inclined, setting up FTP connections or using Home Assistant is an option. Apple users can utilize the HomeKit Secure Video Doorbell with an iCloud+ subscription to store footage in the cloud as part of their existing iCloud plan. Want to skip another subscription? Instead of choosing a Ring Protect or Nest Aware subscription, consider purchasing a smart doorbell that provides alternatives. Here’s how to minimize ongoing costs.</p>

<h2>Premium subscriptions are optional</h2>
<p>In general, most smart doorbells come with basic capabilities right out of the box. You can answer the door via a smartphone or tablet, connect to the camera for a live feed, and receive limited notifications about activity. Amazon’s Ring doorbells offer a 30-day trial of Ring Protect, while Google’s Nest doorbell includes 3 hours of free video history but requires a longer premium Nest Aware subscription for additional features. Certain functionalities, such as Ring’s People Alerts and Google’s sound detection, also depend on these services.</p>

<h2>Ring</h2>
<p>If you want your smart doorbell to function more like a security system, you'll need a means to save your recordings. Despite many smart doorbell manufacturers attempting to lure you into monthly or yearly subscriptions, there are also alternative methods. If you’re seeking only the basic functionality of remote doorbell answering and don't want to miss a delivery, you can overlook these subscription options altogether. The easiest way to sidestep cloud storage fees for a smart doorbell is to choose one that allows image storage on a memory card. This approach is budget-friendly since flash memory is inexpensive, letting you select a card that fits your financial plan. Some of the most affordable doorbells, like the WYZE Video Doorbell v2 and the eufy Video Doorbell C210, store images locally, but many higher-end models also offer this feature. You won’t even need to manually manage storage, as most doorbells with this option automatically overwrite the oldest footage while continuing to record. If you ever need to access your footage, just eject the memory card and transfer the files to a computer.</p>

<p><em>Jordan Gloor / How-To Geek</em></p>

<p>However, there are a few drawbacks to this method, the most evident being the lack of redundancy. Since all your footage is stored on a single memory card, any issues with your storage medium could lead to lost footage. This vulnerability extends to potential intruders tampering with your doorbell. While many doorbells with memory card slots feature a locking mechanism, these are not entirely foolproof. An intruder aware that your doorbell uses a memory card may be tempted to steal it. Additionally, you could encounter a scenario where you need to access recordings remotely. If you have stored your footage solely in local memory, you won't be able to view it until you physically access the doorbell. Nevertheless, a local memory card can effectively complement a comprehensive data storage approach.</p>

<h2>Buy a HomeKit Secure Video Doorbell</h2>
<p>If you’re an Apple user who subscribes to iCloud+, HomeKit Secure Video might be the ideal solution for you. For this service to operate, you’ll need a HomeKit hub such as an Apple TV 4K, a HomePod, or an iPad that stays at home and serves as a local server. Additionally, you’ll require a smart doorbell compatible with HomeKit Secure Video, like the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 or the Logitech Circle View Doorbell. While these aren’t the most budget-friendly doorbells available, the ability to leverage Apple’s servers for data storage could save you money over time. HomeKit Secure Video allows you to stream live video from your doorbell camera using the Home app on any Apple device linked to your Apple ID. The live feeds are encrypted end-to-end for enhanced security. You will also receive notifications about camera-detected events, including people ringing your doorbell or package deliveries.</p>

<p><em>Apple</em></p>

<p>This footage is analyzed locally on your HomeKit hub rather than being sent to a remote server. Apple’s privacy-centric approach has faced criticism for lacking sophistication compared to some cloud-based options. A single camera can be used with a 50GB iCloud+ plan, or you can manage up to five cameras with a 200GB plan. If you opt for a 2TB plan, you can use as many cameras as desired. Footage saved on Apple’s servers is kept for 10 days and does not affect your iCloud storage limits. The main advantage of using HomeKit Secure Video over just a memory card is that your footage is accessible remotely, allowing you to view it from anywhere. Many traditional home security systems rely on an NVR (network video recorder) for local footage storage on the premises. This level of complexity is excessive for a video doorbell system, though doorbells exist that support the necessary protocols. A simpler alternative is to buy a smart doorbell that comes equipped with a user-friendly solution, such as the eufy Video Doorbell S220. This doorbell utilizes eufy’s Homebase system as a hub for local recordings. There are no ongoing fees because captured images are stored locally on the Homebase.</p>

<p><em>Josh Hendrickson / How-To Geek</em></p>

<p>Eufy’s solution is user-expandable and works in conjunction with the company’s other security cameras. Analysis occurs locally on the hub, with all images encrypted. Since the Homebase remains within your property, tampering with the doorbell will not compromise your footage. While a bundle with a Homebase costs a bit more upfront, it eliminates further expenses.</p>

<h2>Some doorbells support cloud or FTP</h2>
<p>If you steer clear of companies like Ring and Google, you might find a doorbell that enables you to use your own backup solution. This may involve some effort, and options in the current market are limited. At present, the Reolink Video Doorbell PoE or Reolink Video Doorbell Wi-Fi is among the best options available, with a price tag around $100. These affordable cameras use microSD storage and automatically sync recordings to an FTP server of your choice, although you need to follow their instructions for setup. Alternatively, the Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell includes up to 32GB of local storage on a microSD card, along with optional Dropbox or FTP uploads. However, this doorbell has been discontinued and may be difficult to procure.</p>

<h2>Use Home Assistant instead</h2>
<p>Home Assistant is an open-source smart home platform that allows you to use devices from various smart home ecosystems. To make use of Home Assistant, you’ll need to install it on a device like a Raspberry Pi or a spare computer that remains operational on your local network.</p>

<p><em>Lucas Gouveia / How-To-nerd | thanmano / Shutterstock</em></p>

<p>Since everything operates locally, Home Assistant records video footage captured by your smart doorbell (as well as similar cameras) to local storage. If you require more footage, simply increase your storage space and scale your Home Assistant server as needed. The biggest challenge you’re likely to face with the Home Assistant method is identifying a suitable doorbell and configuring it. Many discussions in the Home Assistant forums seek recommendations, and some users even go as far as creating their own solutions. If you’re not already utilizing Home Assistant, this method will require some effort. Check the Home Assistant Integrations database for available options. Some manufacturers, such as Aqara, have pledged to support Home Assistant through Matter compatibility. On the plus side, Home Assistant is completely free to download and install. You won’t lose anything except a few hours of testing on old hardware, and you’ll likely uncover just how effective Home Assistant’s automation features can be in the process.</p>

<p>If budget is not a constraint and you're willing to invest in premium cloud backup and additional features, premium plans could be the way to go. HomeKit Secure Video is another excellent option that doesn’t require extensive setup. Explore our favorite video doorbells for more recommendations.</p>

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