This Video Doorbell Is Consumer Reports' Top Pick Without A Subscription

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We all have to pay for subscriptions and memberships we'd rather get for free, but that's just not how the world usually works. This couldn't be more true when it comes to consumer tech; it seems like every camera, sensor, and smart lighting suite locks the best features behind a paywall that'll only topple down when you throw money at it. But if we're talking purely about home security, one of the easiest ways to ditch a subscription for a video doorbell is to buy one with local storage.

Consumer Reports (CR) has extensive coverage on the best and worst security tech, and the publication claims that the best video doorbell that doesn't require a subscription is the $100 Eufy Video Doorbell C31. Not only does it offer local storage, but you can install it with or without its quick-release battery pack, which allows you to connect it to your home's existing doorbell wiring. It also gives you 24/7 recording and a 5-second preroll once it detects a subject.

Delivering up to 2K resolution and a 160-degree field of view, we have it on good authority from CR that the C31 captures clear, crisp day and nighttime footage and has a fast response time when reacting to motion. As our headline would indicate, the C31 doesn't require a subscription. The bell has a microSD card slot that supports up to a 128GB card (sold separately). Alternatively, you can also invest in a Eufy HomeBase S380 for up to 16TB of storage.

The Eufy Video Doorbell C31 is compatible with Alexa and Google Home ecosystems. If you have a smart display like the Echo Show 5 or Google Nest Hub, you can pull up the C31's live feed for remote viewing. You can also do this in the Eufy app, a mobile app you'll need for the initial setup of your C31. Other noteworthy app features include two-way audio, customizable motion detection, and battery monitoring (if you went the non-wired route).

One of the only drawbacks that CR mentioned in its review is that the C31 doesn't have more advanced AI detection. Alert types are limited to people and vehicles, whereas the higher-priced E340 model detects faces and packages, too. Additionally, the E340 includes two lenses (there's one that faces toward the ground) and color night vision. We're still partial to the C31, though, and it earned 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on over 860 reviews.

Most folks really like the C31, but a handful of user reviews complained about inconsistent alerts. Unfortunately, the occasional missed package arrival or front-door guest is par for the course for most video doorbells. That said, the C31 comes with a one-year limited warranty if you start experiencing issues.