Do you hate spending hundreds on great security cameras only to find out you must pay monthly fees to use them? While that’s a common theme among cameras, there are many security cameras without subscriptions to help you save money.
Good to know: security cameras can work as part of your smart home network. Learn how to set up an entire smart home for under $1000.
Outdoor Security Cameras Without a Subscription
When selecting an outdoor security camera, you have many options to consider. We’ve outlined the features, pros, and cons of these top subscription-free outdoor security cameras for you.
1. Reolink Argus 3 Pro
Price: $119.99
The Reolink Argus 3 Pro features a battery that lasts up to four months, but with the optional solar panel, you’ll never have to take it down to charge it. This camera includes everything from vehicle alerts to color night vision – all without a subscription. Although you only get one week of cloud storage for free, you can store your video footage locally on an SD card (up to 128 GB).
Pros
- 2K HD with color night vision
- Battery lasts for 2 to 4 months per charge
- Supports solar panel charging
- Weather resistant
- Siren and lights to deter intruders
- Supports local SD card storage for more privacy
Cons
- SD card not included
- Cloud storage is only available with a subscription
2. eufy Security SoloCam E40
Price: $129.99
The eufy Security SoloCam E40 makes the list of top security cameras without a subscription, thanks to the onboard storage and encryption. The 8 GB of local storage supports up to two months of recordings. The battery lasts for up to four months before needing to be charged. The best part is that you don’t get false alerts, thanks to human and face detection.
If you want two cameras that work with eufy’s Homebase system, try the eufyCam 2C 2-Cam Kit that also includes a Homebase for $239.99. It’s more expensive, but you get 16 GB of local storage and up to 180 days of battery per charge.
Pros
- 2K video with built-in night vision
- 2-way audio
- Loud alarm to deter intruders
- 8 GB of storage built in
- Set custom security zones
Cons
- Not HomeBase compatible
- No cloud storage option available
Also helpful: keep tabs on your home with one of these smart doorbells.
3. Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
Price: $599.99
The Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera is an expensive option, but it’s an entire wireless security camera system. It comes with two cameras and the Arlo Smart Hub. The hub connects cameras to the network and local storage on an SD card. Crisp 4K video ensures that you don’t miss any details. It also has an impressive 180-degree view.
Pros
- Get two cameras and the hub in one kit
- Features 4K video
- Large viewing range
- Spotlight for better night vision
- Store video locally with an SD card
Cons
- All advanced features require a subscription (AI motion detection, smart zones, cloud recording)
- Only basic motion detection is included for free
- Expensive kit
4. Zumimall Solar-Powered Outdoor Security Camera
Price: $79.99
The Zumimall Solar-Powered Outdoor Security Camera is the most budget-friendly outdoor camera on this list. Plus, it comes with a small solar panel to provide power 24/7/365. You can also recharge the battery manually if you prefer. If you don’t need the solar panel, the camera’s just $57.99. With color night vision and 2K video, it’s easy to see what’s happening around you. Plus, you can set it to detect human motion to prevent false alerts.
Pros
- Enjoy color night vision and 2K video
- Solar panel is included
- Store videos locally with an SD card or choose a cloud provider of your choice
- 2-way audio
- Human-only detection alerts
Cons
- SD card not included and no free cloud storage
FYI: when setting up your smart home, use wired or wireless devices.
Indoor Security Cameras Without a Subscription
You also have many considerations when choosing indoor security cameras. We’ve outlined the pros and cons of the top subscription-free indoor camera options so that you can pick one that suits your needs.
1. eufy Security Solo IndoorCam C24
Price: $75.99
The eufy Security Solo IndoorCam C24 is one of the best indoor security cameras without a subscription. The set comes with two cameras, making it incredibly affordable. You get 2K video and two-way audio, and it’s compatible with HomeKit. Everything is stored locally via SD cards, making your information more private.
Pros
- 2K video and clear night vision
- Human and pet detection
- 2-way audio (works as a baby monitor)
- Set custom zones
- Local SD card storage
Cons
- SD card not included
- Not compatible with eufy’s Homebase system
2. Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera
Price: $34.99
The Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera is a budget-friendly model that doesn’t skimp on features. It’s made for baby and pet monitoring, but the pan/tilt feature also makes it easy to check on broader areas of a room. Events are stored locally on an SD card (up to 128 GB) or premium cloud storage, which requires a subscription. However, all activity notifications are included for free.
If you need support for SD cards up to 256 GB, try the Kasa EC71. It’s almost identical in features but supports larger SD cards.
Pros
- Pans and tilts to see wider areas
- Local and cloud storage available
- 2-way audio
- 1080p HD video
- Motion and sound alerts
- Night vision
Cons
- Cloud storage requires a subscription (starts at $3/month for single or $10/month for multiple cameras)
- No manual recording without a subscription
Tip: you can use Arduino to program a DIY smart home.
3. Wyze Cam v3
Price: $42
The Wyze Cam v3 is a weatherproof indoor-outdoor security camera. While there’s no free cloud storage, an SD card allows you to use the camera without a subscription. Enjoy both motion and sound alerts, along with full-color night vision. You can even adjust the angle (physically) to see more of what you need.
Pros
- Full-color night vision
- Motion, sound, and smoke/CO sound alerts
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Built-in siren to deter intruders
Cons
- Subscription required for cloud recording/storage (plans start at $1.99/month)
- Subscription required to limit alerts to just specific types, such as human or pet only
4. Blink Indoor
Price: $79.99
The Blink Indoor camera is entirely wireless. Batteries can last up to two years before you need to change them. Get alerted instantly whenever motion is detected. With up to 1080p HD video and night vision, you’ll never miss a thing. You will need the Blink Add-On Sync Module 2 to store videos locally and avoid a subscription. However, one module supports up to 10 Blink cameras.
If you don’t need a battery-powered camera, try the cheaper Blink Mini.
Pros
- Completely wireless
- 1080p HD video and night vision
- Store video events locally with add-on module and SD card
- Receive motion alerts, livestreaming (up to five minutes at a time), and 2-way audio for free
Cons
- Requires the add-on module and SD card to be subscription free
- No cloud storage or advanced alerts without a subscription (starts at $3/month/device)
Also helpful: with SmartThings and Google Home, you can create a hands-free smart home.
Alternative: Turn Your Phone into an Indoor Security Camera
If you have an old phone you no longer use, turn it into an indoor security camera for free. The Alfred app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Install it on both your current and old phones. Set up your old phone wherever you want to monitor an area. Your current phone can check in at any time, just as you would with any other security camera.
While many features are accessible in the app, some are premium only. However, it works well without a subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need professional installation?
Unless you’re installing your security camera in a hard-to-reach area, you’ll likely be able to install all of these independently. All outdoor cameras are battery-powered, so you don’t have to run wires. The indoor cameras must be plugged in to an outlet, except for the Blink Indoor camera.
How do these connect to my network?
All of the security cameras on this list are wireless. As long as you have a Wi-Fi router, you can connect them by following the prompts in the camera’s mobile app.
However, some cameras only work on 2.4 GHz networks, while others work on both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz. Ensure your router supports both to avoid any connection issues.
Why am I getting alerts for every motion detected?
Most of the cameras on this list offer free and subscription options. The free option in some cameras doesn’t allow you to customize the alerts. Instead of seeing humans, vehicles, or pets only, you’ll get notified for every motion instance. It’s a trade-off to avoid a costly subscription to go along with the camera.
Image credit: Unsplash
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