Researching wireless security cameras without subscription quickly reveals that actually finding a camera without a subscription is a more difficult task than you might think.
That’s because it’s common for security cameras to keep key features behind a paywall, including wireless security cameras from Google, Ring, and Arlo.
We’ve rounded up some of the best subscription free security camera options below.
The 8 Best Subscription Free Wireless Cameras | Security With No Monthly Fees
- Best indoor security camera without subscription – AlfredCam
- Best wireless outdoor security camera with no subscription – AlfredCam Plus
- Cheapest security camera without subscription – AlfredCamera (app)
- Best Wi-Fi security camera without subscription – Blink Outdoor
- Best design security camera no subscription – Abode iota
- Best doorbell camera without subscription – eufy Video Doorbell
- Best floodlight security camera without subscription – eufy Floodlight Camera 2
- Best security camera for small business without subscription – Reolink 4K Ultra HD Security System
AlfredCam
Best indoor security camera without subscription
Available on AlfredCamera and Amazon. From $29.99.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Strong color night vision
- microSD card support
Cons
- No third party voice assistant support
- Not weatherproof
- AI-based person detection requires subscription
AlfredCam perfects the basics—great color night vision, up to 1080p HD video, and super responsive motion detection notifications are all available right out of the box. It’s lightweight, small and chic, allowing it to slip into interiors seamlessly.
Continuous recording is possible thanks to the inclusion of microSD support. Setup is simple, and it works great alongside existing AlfredCamera devices.
Not to toot our own horn, but we’re loving AlfredCam. Read the full overview where we share the unboxing & onboarding experience, or visit our product page to learn more about it.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- MicroSD card support
- Powered by USB
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- 7 days cloud storage
- Unlimited devices per account
How much is AlfredCamera a month?
AlfredCamera is free to download and use. An unlimited number of wireless security camera devices can be added to an account to experience free 24/7 surveillance.
AlfredCamera Premium gives users the option to deepen their experience for just $29.99 a year (equivalent to $2.49 a month). While AlfredCamera and AlfredCam devices can be used as long term solutions without a subscription, Premium adds Supreme quality, zooming, advanced motion detection features, ad-removal, and more.
Curious about Premium? Try Premium for a month and cancel anytime.
AlfredCam Plus
Best wireless outdoor security camera with no subscription
Available on AlfredCamera, Amazon. From $39.99.
Pros
- Super affordable
- microSD included
- IP65 weatherproof
Cons
- Person, pet, vehicle detection require subscription
- No voice assistant support
AlfredCam Plus expands on the best features of its beloved old brother, introducing outdoor security and higher video resolution.
As with all AlfredCamera compatible devices, users have the option to go Premium to experience new advanced features like pet and vehicle detection.
Unlimited device support, cloud storage, motion detection, infrared night vision. You name it; everything you need for robust round-the-clock surveillance is there right out of the box.
Key Specifications
- 2K QHD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Two-way audio
- 64 GB microSD card included
- Infrared night vision
- Built-in siren
- IP65 weatherproof
- Unlimited devices per account
Are security camera subscriptions worth it?
Many wireless security cameras are virtually unusable as long term security without a subscription because essential features, like cloud storage or multi-device support, are locked behind paywalls.
That’s not the case with AlfredCam and AlfredCam Plus, which you can set up straight out of the box without dishing out extra fees.
Alfred Premium simply gives users advanced features so they can deepen their security experience.
Curious to see if Premium is right for you? If you’ve just bought AlfredCam or AlfredCam Plus, try Premium for a month–it’s on us!
AlfredCamera (app)
Cheapest security camera without subscription
Available on Google Play Store and the App store. Free, with the option for premium.
Pros
- Free, with the option for affordable Premium upgrades
- No hardware required
- Motion detection, two-way talk, and continuous recording
Cons
- Requires a spare smart device
- Functionality will depend on the phone itself
- Mounting the device may require additional accessories
For those on a strict budget, nothing is better than free. AlfredCamera turns old smartphones into robust security cameras. 24/7 live streaming, motion detection, and two-way talk are all included for the low price of absolutely nothing.
Can I use AlfredCamera without a subscription?
AlfredCamera can be used as a surveillance solution without a subscription. All the essential features, including motion detection and two way audio, are completely free.
Alfred Premium, available from $2.49 a month, provides users with additional features, including Supreme quality, enhanced digital zoom, and advanced motion detection.
Free security? Say no more! Download AlfredCamera for free on Android and iOS devices now, or learn more about what Alfred Premium can do for you.
All the essential features are available as soon as you install the app. While the quality and functionality will depend partially on the phone model, it’s a wise option for anyone prioritizing budget that still wants to feel secure.
Key Specifications
- Live feeds
- Motion detection
- Continuous recording
- Push notifications
- Low-light mode
- Two-way audio
- 7-day free cloud storage
What is the best home security system that does not require subscription?
AlfredCamera allows users to create effective home security systems without a subscription. Unlike most security camera providers, AlfredCamera users add as many devices as they want to their account without a subscription.
This makes it the easiest way to create a reliable DIY home security system. Old phones, tablets, and even webcams can be added to AlfredCamera as free security cameras, enabling you to flesh out a home security system in no time. Learn how to do so here.
Blink Outdoor
Best Wi-Fi security camera without subscription
Available on Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. RRP $99.99.
Pros
- Supports up to 265GB flash drive storage with the Sync Module 2
- Two-year battery life
- IP65 weatherproof
Cons
- No two-way audio
- Recordings are short
The streamlined Blink Outdoor is a Wi-Fi-enabled camera. It records in up to 1080p HD, supports USB drive local storage (you have to buy an add-on peripheral but the camera itself is on the more affordable side), and it boasts infrared motion detection.
Unusually, the camera is powered by AA batteries, making it a truly wire-free system. As its name suggests, it’s also weatherproof. Though there is a microphone on it, there’s no option for two-way audio.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 110-degree field of view
- USB storage via add-on
- Wire-free (uses disposable AA batteries)
- Infrared night vision
- Motion detection
- IP65 weatherproof
Abode iota
Best design security camera no subscription
Available on abode and Amazon. From $245.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Super cross-compatible with Google, Alexa, Siri, and many other automated devices
- SD card storage
Cons
- No facial recognition or person detection
- Expensive
- No multi-factor authentication required for its apps
Abode has come up with a solution for those that are both more aesthetically inclined and averse to subscription fees.
Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri compatible, the iota system records at 1080p HD and has infrared night vision. Catch up with burglars via two-way audio or scare them off with the built-in siren.
All of this can be controlled with a sleek fob, while footage can be saved to an SD card. Cloud storage is an option, but not necessary.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 157-degree field of view
- Plug-in + x 4 AA batteries
- microSD card support
- Motion detection
- Infrared night vision
- Two-way audio
- Built-in siren
eufy Video Doorbell
Best doorbell camera without subscription
Available on eufy, Best Buy, and Amazon. From $199.99.
Pros
- High quality (2K) and fast
- No subscription fees
- Easy setup
Cons
- Expensive upfront cost
- Sacrifices an ethernet port for the HomeBase
- 2K video will quickly consume local storage
The majority of video doorbells require monthly fees to run. eufy’s doorbell instead interfaces with a ‘HomeBase’ that plugs into your Wi-Fi router. It’s actually the doorbell chime and a 16GB hard drive that stores what the camera records.
Recommended reading: Do I Need a Router for Security Cameras?
High quality is expected thanks to the speedy HomeBase, with the camera capable of up to 2K video. It records in a 4:3 ratio, which makes it easier to catch facial details in doorways.
It’s rechargeable, with battery life lasting up to 180 days. Let the mailman know where to leave a package with two-way audio and preset messages.
Key Specifications
- 2K video
- 160-degree field of view
- Rechargeable battery
- Local storage via a HomeBase (sold separately)
- Smart detection
- Infrared night vision
- Two-way audio
- Built-in siren
- IP65 weatherproof
eufy Floodlight Camera 2
Best floodlight camera without subscription
Available on Walmart, Amazon, and BestBuy. From $145.99.
Pros
- Subscription-free
- 2,500 lumen LED floodlights
- Easy connection with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Motion activated events only
- Voice control is limited (can’t control lights)
- No expandable internal memory
eufy’s line of security cameras has gained a great reception among users for quality, prices, and a lack of monthly fees.
Floodlight cameras are purpose-built for the outdoors, making them essential for monitoring poorly lit exteriors. This 1080p, 2,500 lumen floodlight camera with built-in smart siren is truly a one time purchase.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 130-degree field of view
- Wired
- 4GB local storage
- Smart detection
- 2,500 lumen floodlight
- Two-way audio
- Built-in siren
- IP65 weatherproof
Looking to shine a light on a backyard, porch, or parking area? Check out more floodlight camera choices.
Reolink 4K Ultra HD Security System
Best security camera for small business without subscription
Available on Amazon. From $559.99.
Pros
- Plenty of storage, with option for additional external hard-drive up to 6TB
- High quality 4K footage
- Inexpensive option for small businesses
Cons
- Doesn’t support PoE switches (meaning it has to be directly connected to the NVR using cables)
- No two-way audio
Business places have different security requirements than homes. They need more cameras to effectively monitor the area and significantly more storage for 24/7 recording. Subscription fees for that could wind up very expensive for a small business owner.
Reolink’s inexpensive 4K Ultra HD Security System comes with four different cameras and a HDD with a massive 2TB of onboard storage. There’s also the option to install up to 6TB of additional storage for backup.
Key Specifications
- 4K video
- 87-degree field of view
- Wired
- 2TB hard drive, with up to 6TB add-on
- Motion detection
- Infrared night vision
- IP66 weatherproof
Operating a new business? Security is paramount to safety and success. Discover business security solutions for different types of business.
What are Security Camera Subscriptions For?
Most security cameras on the market have subscription services available as an optional add-on. Subscriptions are paid monthly or annually.
What security camera features require subscriptions?
1. Cloud Storage
The feature most likely to be obtained from paying a subscription is cloud storage. Security cameras without cloud subscription services are few and far between.
There’s plenty of benefits to using cloud storage—losing or breaking the physical device will never jeopardize the footage, and it’s a more practical way to save high quality footage.
AlfredCamera gives users 7 days of cloud storage for free, while Premium users get twice as much. Users can save clips during this time if needed.
Can I use a security camera without a subscription?
Yes, some security cameras can be used without a subscription, like AlfredCamera and eufy devices.
Subscriptions come with plenty of benefits, the most common of which is increased cloud storage and advanced features, like person detection.
2. Advanced Motion Detection
It’s common to find motion detection in security cameras straight out of the box. Less common is advanced software features like person detection, animal detection, and object detection.
Advanced motion detection features greatly reduce the number of unwanted notifications. This is particularly useful for cameras at the front door that are frequently triggered.
Being able to spot packages is also super handy in this context, encouraging users to communicate with the delivery person through two-way audio.
The Most Advanced Motion Detection Features Yet
Premium users get excited for Advanced Detection coming to AlfredCamera. This update consists of three innovative new motion detection features for all Alfred compatible devices:
· Person Lingering – Get notified if people are lingering in the frame for a certain amount of time, the duration of which is chosen by you. Unparalleled detection accuracy.
· People Absent – The ‘yin’ to Person Lingering’s ‘yang’. Get notified if people are absent from the frame for a certain amount of time, the duration of which is chosen by you. Childminding just got a whole lot easier and safer.
· Motion Stopped – Reverse motion detection: get notified when motion stops during a set period of time. In places where there’s constant movement, like storefronts or warehouses, react more swiftly.
Curious about what Premium could do for you? Find out more about an Alfred Premium subscription.
3. Monitoring Services
A less common feature of security camera subscriptions is real-time emergency monitoring. Some IP security camera brands, including Arlo, Ring, and Wyze, have begun implementing this option.
Professional monitoring is a major part of the services provided by larger scale security solution providers, like ADT.
The user’s security cameras and alarms are linked to a monitoring center, and if something is flagged as a major security breach, the team on the other end will contact emergency services to be dispatched to the address.
FAQ
What security cameras have free cloud storage?
AlfredCam and AlfredCam Plus security cameras have 7 days free cloud storage, in addition to the option to download clips and record continuously to microSD.
Do wireless security cameras require a subscription?
Some wireless security cameras require subscribing just to access footage, in effect meaning you have to pay fees in addition to the upfront cost of the product
All the picks in our list above work effectively without paying additional fees.
For the most part, subscriptions allow access to Cloud storage and AI features.
How much data does a security camera use per month?
The amount of data a security camera consumes per month depends on:
1) If it is used continuously or with motion detection enabled.
2) The quality settings the user chooses.
A security camera could easily use as much as 90 GB of data per month if it records 24/7 at high quality. Use motion detection and reduced quality settings to significantly reduce the amount of data a security camera uses in a month.
Do AlfredCamera cameras record all the time?
AlfredCamera cameras can record all the time by activating Continuous Recording. This records footage in 8-hour loops by using the storage on the device. Find out more about how Alfred can be used to record all the time here.
AlfredCam and AlfredCam Plus also support microSD card storage for continuous recording.
How do I permanently save AlfredCamera videos?
Permanently save AlfredCamera videos by downloading them. Events are motion-enabled clips which can be downloaded to the viewing device.
Moments are manually recorded by the user, and can also be permanently saved by downloading them.
Full 8 hour continuous recording loops can’t be downloaded, but if motion detection is enabled, the motion-enabled events it captures can be downloaded.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi enabled security cameras without subscription are available on the market, even though upon first inspection, it might seem they are few and far between.
AlfredCamera security cameras give users more choice in how they do security, allowing them to create DIY home security systems that go easy on the wallet even if they do choose to experience Premium service.
Recommended reading:
The Best Wireless Security Cameras of 2024
How Far Away Can a Wireless Security Camera Work?
How Often Do You Have to Charge Wireless Security Cameras?
Why Do My Wireless Cameras Keep Disconnecting? | 5 Quick Fixes
How to Install Wireless Security Cameras Indoors in 8 Easy Steps (with Pictures)