Key Takeaways
- Top video doorbells under £100 / $150 / AU$200 offer high resolution and advanced features without subscription fees.
- Eufy, Swann, and Doro provide budget-friendly options that excel in performance and user-friendliness.
- These doorbells allow for local video storage, ensuring user control over footage without ongoing costs.
Affordable Video Doorbells With Great Features
Video doorbells enhance security and convenience without needing to break the bank. A range of high-quality options is available for under £100 / $150 / AU$200, providing features such as high-resolution cameras and user-friendly applications. Importantly, these options do not require subscription fees for video storage, unlike brands like Ring, where functionality is limited without a paid subscription.
Among the top choices tested by TechRadar, the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K stands out for its ease of installation and excellent value, particularly due to its significant price drop since launch. It includes a plug-in chime for notifications when at home and has an SD card slot for local video storage. During testing, 2K video quality was found to be clear, though some lag was evident during two-way conversations. The app also allows for quick auto-responses to visitors, which is useful for package delivery instructions. While Eufy does offer optional cloud storage, the device functions well without it. For users seeking more advanced features, the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual includes two cameras for enhanced visibility.
The Swann Buddy4K is another solid choice, boasting 4K video quality and a user-friendly application. It can be powered by existing doorbell wiring or a rechargeable battery, and like the Eufy, it offers local storage with no hidden fees. The intuitive app simplifies setup, even for newcomers to smart tech. Unique to Swann is its AI-generated visitor responses, which, while intriguing, may not be essential for all users.
Doro’s Hemma caters to a demographic seeking simplicity, praised for its straightforward setup and a design that won the best video doorbell award at last year’s TechRadar Choice Awards. This doorbell also features local storage and a powerful plug-in chime, with organized recordings that enhance user experience. It includes motion detection with adjustable sensitivity to minimize false alerts, a loud siren for unwanted visitors, and the ability to redirect calls to an emergency contact. A limitation, however, is that Doro products are currently only available in the UK, leaving users in the US and Australia to consider the Swann and Eufy options.
In summary, these three video doorbells represent strong choices for anyone looking to bolster their home security. With impressive features, local storage capabilities, and no recurring subscription costs, homeowners can make informed decisions to enhance their safety without overspending.
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