Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

The best outdoor security cameras that don’t need a subscription

Looking for a home security camera that doesn’t require a monthly subscription at all? It’s hard to find one these days. Security brands are set on getting subscription fees, and even today’s self-monitoring plans typically require a monthly fee to use important storage for your videos (necessary for viewing and using the video later) and other useful features.

So, where does that leave you? You can either look for one of the increasingly rare security cams that offer cloud storage without a subscription, or you can look for security cams that enable local storage, typically through an SD card slot, so they will automatically load the footage on the card and you can examine it later and wipe it when necessary. The problem is that security cams aren’t always eager to advertise their local storage capabilities. We’re making everything a lot easier with our list of the best outdoor security cameras that don't require a subscription at all.

Google Nest Doorbell Battery
Nest Doorbell (battery)
Store 3 hours of video without a subscription
Jump to details
Reolink 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera Outdoor, Wireless Solar-Powered w/ Rechargeable Battery, 4MP Night Vision, Smart Person/Vehicle Detection, Time Lapse, No WiFi Needed, Go Plus with Solar Panel
Reolink Go Plus with Solar Panel
Subscription, no. Data plan, yes
Jump to details
Wyze Cam v3
Wyze Cam v3
Store video on an SD card
Jump to details
eufy Security, eufyCam 2C 2-Cam Kit, Security Camera Outdoor, Wireless Home Security System with 180-Day Battery Life, HomeKit Compatibility, 1080p HD, IP67, Night Vision, No Monthly Fee
EufyCam 2C
16GB of internal storage for capturing footage
Jump to details
Defender PHOENIXM2 Non WiFi. Plug-in Power Security Cameras- for Home & Business Surveillance Indoor & Outdoor Bullet Cameras with 7 Inch LCD Display Monitor, Free 32 GB SD Card Included (2 Cameras)
Defender PhoenixM2
32GB SD card and no internet connectivity
Jump to details
google nest doorbell battery review  3 of 13
John Velasco / Digital Trends

Nest Doorbell (battery)

Store 3 hours of video without a subscription

Pros
  • Gorgeous minimalist design
  • Intelligent alerts
  • Doesn't require subscription for video history
  • Useful quick responses
Cons
  • Fine video details are on the soft side
  • Inconsistent capture rates

Google’s Nest brand provides one of the best deals possible for a video doorbell if you aren’t interested in subscription fees. Video doorbells tend to get triggered frequently by people passing by, etc., so they can use a lot of video storage space. Not only does the Nest Doorbell have AI technology to dismiss cars and recognize packages (other detection requires a fee), but it offers a three-hour event video history stored in the cloud to peruse and save if necessary, giving you time to act if there’s trouble.

We chose the battery model for this list because it’s easy to place and set up, and a charge lasts for a good three months. But there is a wired version of this cam available if you prefer to avoid batteries. The Nest Aware subscription adds more storage options if you ever decide you need more security.

Google Nest Doorbell Battery
Nest Doorbell (battery)
Store 3 hours of video without a subscription

Reolink Go Plus with Solar Panel

Subscription, no. Data plan, yes

Pros
  • 7-day cloud video storage for free
  • Solar power to charge the battery automatically
  • 2K resolution
Cons
  • Requires a data plan to use

Reolink is another of the few brands that offer online cloud storage without the need to pay a subscription. This 4G cam offers night vision to 33 feet and 2K resolution plus person and vehicle detection, along with two-way audio options like so many smart cams provide these days. But the real value lies in the location storage options via optional SD card, combined with seven days of free cloud storage that doesn’t require a subscription plan at all.

This model also includes a solar panel, which is excellent at keeping the battery charged when placed correctly and gives you more options for placement. Note that this is a data-based camera, so you will need a data plan through a compatible carrier like T-Mobile. The advantage of this option is that you don’t have to worry about getting too far away from your Wi-Fi and it’s more resistant to localized blackouts.

Reolink 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera Outdoor, Wireless Solar-Powered w/ Rechargeable Battery, 4MP Night Vision, Smart Person/Vehicle Detection, Time Lapse, No WiFi Needed, Go Plus with Solar Panel
Reolink Go Plus with Solar Panel
Subscription, no. Data plan, yes
wyze cam v3 review 5 of 9
John Velasco / Digital Trends

Wyze Cam v3

Store video on an SD card

Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Works both indoors and outdoors
  • More detail with color night vision
  • Tons of security controls
Cons
  • Integrated power cord

Wyze has become one of the best brands for affordable security products, and the extra-affordable Cam v3 is no exception. Despite the compact size of this friendly camera, it still includes an SD card slot for local storage, so you don’t need the “Cam Plus” plan to record video.

Don’t let the perky design make you think it’s an indoor-only cam: This model is made for indoor or outdoor use, and can be mounted without fear of weather conditions. It sports important features like night vision and two-way audio -- just keep in mind you’ll probably want an outdoor power adapter (sold separately).

Wyze Cam v3
Wyze Cam v3
Store video on an SD card
Eufy security cam in the rain.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

EufyCam 2C

16GB of internal storage for capturing footage

Pros
  • Hub with built-in local storage
  • Two cams
  • Great battery life
Cons
  • Hub-based systems take up extra room

While local storage can be more difficult to manage sometimes, this Eufy security system was designed with it in mind. Those who prefer to skip online video storage altogether will love the results. The system works thanks to the hub, which provides 16GB of internal storage without the need to buy an additional card. Eufy says that’s about three months of storage, depending on how often the cams are triggered.

Speaking of the cams, you get two of them, both ready for outdoor use and equipped with night vision and two-way audio, along with built-in spotlights that can trigger by motion as well. The video is stored using AES-128 data encryption, so it won’t be easy for anyone to intercept.

eufy Security, eufyCam 2C 2-Cam Kit, Security Camera Outdoor, Wireless Home Security System with 180-Day Battery Life, HomeKit Compatibility, 1080p HD, IP67, Night Vision, No Monthly Fee
EufyCam 2C
16GB of internal storage for capturing footage

Defender PhoenixM2

32GB SD card and no internet connectivity

Pros
  • No internet required
  • Two camera system with LCD monitoring screen
  • Includes SD card
Cons
  • Requires personal monitoring of a display

If you really want to go off the grid, this camera doesn’t need a data or Wi-Fi connection and doesn’t use the internet at all. Instead, it sends data straight to the included 7-inch LCD monitor. The camera is built tough, with night vision and two-way audio included. The system comes with two cameras to install, as well as a 32GB SD card to help save the video that you’re watching. Keep in mind these are wired cameras, so they will need to be connected to a power source.

Defender PHOENIXM2 Non WiFi. Plug-in Power Security Cameras- for Home & Business Surveillance Indoor & Outdoor Bullet Cameras with 7 Inch LCD Display Monitor, Free 32 GB SD Card Included (2 Cameras)
Defender PhoenixM2
32GB SD card and no internet connectivity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can security cameras be installed without internet?

Your other primary option is using a data connection via cell towers like your phone, but this can be expensive. Even then, most home security cams are now designed to connect to your Wi-Fi for app access. Our Defend pick is one of the few home-friendly systems that doesn't need an internet or data connection at all.

Which Arlo cameras don't require a subscription?

Technically, you don't need a subscription to use any Arlo cam. But then you lose the ability to store video online entirely, and Arlo's SD cards are designed to be a backup option, not serve as primary storage. That's why we don't have one on the list currently.

Do Wyze cameras work without a subscription?

Yes, as long as you have an SD card that you can insert into the camera. Wyze cams are notable for being one of the most affordable home security camera options.

Will I lose any other features without a subscription?

That depends on the brand. Sometimes, you'll also lose certain AI features, some types of notifications, integrations with other smart devices, emergency response options, and more. It really varies based on the plan. However, video storage is the primary concern because it's so important for legal reasons and general usefulness. You don't want to be stuck with just live streaming.

Editors' Recommendations

Tyler Lacoma
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
There’s a huge sale on Arlo security cameras happening right now
Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera

If you're thinking about taking advantage of security camera deals to add an extra layer of protection for your family, you're in luck because Best Buy just slashed the prices of Arlo security cameras. There are even some bundles with reduced prices, so you can install surveillance on most of your home with just one purchase. There's a catch though -- you'll have to decide what to buy as fast as possible, because these offers may disappear at any moment. We've gathered some of our favorite bargains, but feel free to browse through everything that's part of Best Buy's sale of Arlo security cameras.

What to buy in Best Buy's Arlo security cameras sale
Standalone cameras are the most affordable options in Best Buy's Arlo security cameras sale. The cheapest one is the

Read more
You don’t want to miss this Roomba deal — save $28
iRobot Roomba 694 Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum cleaning up spilled cereal.

Amazon has one of the best robot vacuum deals around today with $28 off the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum. Ordinarily priced at $275, it's down to $247 for a limited time making it an instant best seller in the genre at Amazon. You're going to need to be fast to snag this deal though so let's take a quick look at what you need to know about it before you commit to a purchase.

Why you should buy the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
No one likes vacuuming manually. It's an annoying chore that's vital for making your home look and feel cleaner. The iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum takes out much of that effort so you can leave the robot vacuum to do all the hard work for you. It's smart enough to learn your cleaning habits before automatically creating a customized cleaning schedule so it does the best job for you every time, just like the best robot vacuums. It also has Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility so you can use your voice to command the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum to get to work.

Read more
Best Buy’s Labor Day deal of the day is $40 off a Google Nest Cam
Google Nest Cam 2nd-gen (battery).

Best Buy's Labor Day deals are in full swing, and here's an offer that you wouldn't want to miss if you're thinking about upgrading your home's security -- the Google Nest Cam for just $140, following a $40 discount on its original price of $180. There's not much time left before its price goes back to normal, but because of its popularity, you shouldn't wait until the last minute because stocks may not last until then. Add the security camera to your cart and check out as soon as possible to make sure that you're able to take advantage of this limited-time bargain.

Why you should buy the Google Nest Cam
The weather-resistant Google Nest Cam is in our list of the best home security cameras for its topnotch Google Assistant integration and in our roundup of the best outdoor security cameras as the option that provides the most value -- which should speak volumes of the protection that it will provide to your family. Once it's up and running, either as a battery-powered camera with no cables to deal with or a wired camera for continuous power, you can use the Google Home app to view live HD video through its lens, and also to talk to family members or visitors using the camera's built-in speaker and microphone.

Read more