Top 6 Best Outdoor Security Cameras Without Subscription [Oct 2022] (2023)

FAQs

What is the best outdoor security camera without a subscription? ›

Our four top-rated no-monthly-fee home security systems are SimpliSafe, abode, Ring, and Arlo. Do no-monthly-fee security systems offer video recording? They all offer real-time viewing for free, but most require a monthly fee for video recording.

First is Wyze, the cheapest security camera brand overall; they have a $19.99 deal and another security camera under $50. Also in the roundup are affordable security cameras from Ring, Google Nest, Arlo and Blink Home.

Arlo Ultra, Pro 3, and Video Doorbell come with a free Arlo Smart trial. When the trial expires, you have the option to purchase an Arlo Smart subscription. Without an Arlo Smart subscription, you can still add up to 5 cameras to your Arlo account, live stream, and receive motion and audio notifications.

The best outdoor security cameras are from the brands Lorex, Google Nest, Ring, Arlo, and Blink.

Wireless signals don't extend very far – 300 feet at most without a wall or anything else to block the signal. A wired system will provide a more reliable signal. Additionally, the video quality will always remain consistent as it won't be susceptible to bandwidth fluctuations.

Blink App Without Subscription

If you have a Blink camera setup, be it outdoor or mini, using the app without subscription limits the overall usability of your camera. You get simple features like motion alerts, live viewing. The most common problem with security cameras is storage.

Ring is a good option for a no-contract, DIY home security system. It makes decent equipment and top-notch video doorbell cameras. And to top it all off, self-monitoring with Ring is free.

Surveillance cameras use digital signals to transmit recorded video to a NVR via a single cable, eliminating the need for multiple power cables. Security cameras, however, require cabling to transmit video feeds to a limited number of monitors, and the cameras must be strategically placed in a single location.

Which is better Arlo or Lorex? ›

Yes, Lorex is better than Arlo. While Lorex has cameras with impressive 1520p HD video, Arlo will make more sense for those looking for home security systems. Not only are its cameras cheaper, but Lorex lacks cloud storage for many of its cameras along with smart platform integrations, and artificial intelligence.

The answer is yes, wireless cameras can work without the internet, but you won't be able to access all of their features. Of course, whether or not the camera will work without the internet depends on the type of camera, how it was set up, and how it stores video.

It is important to note that you can only store videos locally when using the free tier with newer cameras. You cannot use cloud storage without an Arlo Smart subscription. However, older Arlo cameras like the Arlo Pro 2 offer the following perks within the free plan: Up to seven days of recording in cloud storage.

Why do I have to purchase a plan for all my legacy Arlo cameras if I add 1 camera to the original 5 cameras on my account? The 7-day free cloud plan supports up to 5 cameras. If you have more than 5 cameras on your account, you must purchase a plan that supports all 5+ cameras.

The following devices come with an Arlo trial plan. When the trial expires, you have the option to purchase an Arlo Secure or Arlo Secure Plus subscription. Without an Arlo Secure subscription, you can still live stream cameras and add multiple devices to your Arlo account.

In general, here are the number of cameras you might need in the following areas: 1 outdoor camera for the front porch. 1 doorbell camera. 2 outdoor cameras for the front and back yards.

Outdoor security cameras can deter burglaries, home invasions, and porch pirates; they're also great for keeping an eye on the comings and goings of your family and pets. The potential security benefits are attractive, but there is a trade-off in privacy, and you can expect some ongoing costs and maintenance.

Arlo cameras aren't the most expensive out there, and they have impressive motion detection features, making them one of our most popular security camera recommendations. The biggest downside is that Arlo cameras require a paid subscription to access some of the best features.

Does Blink have a monthly fee? ›

If you're interested in purchasing a Blink Subscription Plan, you can opt for a Basic Plan at $3.00 per month per device or a year-long subscription at a two-month discount of $6.

Battery life in wireless security cameras can range anywhere from a month to over three years. It mainly depends on the usage of the camera along with the type of battery used. Rechargeable batteries often last the longest, with many enduring at least 500 charge cycles in their lifespan.

Yes, wired security cameras are less susceptible to hacking than those wireless variants, but an intrusion is still possible. With wired cameras, hackers must physically access the camera to hack it. They will also have access to the network through a router or the recorder to gain control of the footage.

Ring is a good option for a no-contract, DIY home security system. It makes decent equipment and top-notch video doorbell cameras. And to top it all off, self-monitoring with Ring is free.

You Should Know: The only cost for Wyze cameras is the upfront camera costs. There are no mandatory subscriptions or monthly fees. To get person detection and unlimited clip lengths, buy Cam Plus, which costs either $1.99 if you pay monthly or $14.99 if you pay yearly (for one camera, that is).

What if I don't want to subscribe to the subscription plan or use Local Storage? Without a subscription plan or free trial, your Blink system can only send motion alerts that connect you to that camera's Live View in the Blink App.

If you're interested in purchasing a Blink Subscription Plan, you can opt for a Basic Plan at $3.00 per month per device or a year-long subscription at a two-month discount of $6.

Many security camera manufacturers have been using these AI-driven features to entice consumers into paying for a subscription. But there are still plenty of security cameras without a subscription that will offer at least one of these intelligent features (usually person detection) for no extra charge.

SimpliSafe used to require a paid subscription for remotely arming and disarming the system through the SimpliSafe app. Now, all users—even those on the free plan—can use the app to control their SimpliSafe equipment. Camera footage isn't recorded, though.

What can Wyze do without subscription? ›

Each Wyze camera comes with free, 14-day cloud recording and limited motion detection features. This way, checking your cameras' video history is a tap away, and you can monitor your home, record motion-triggered clips, and get tailored motion alerts with no monthly fees.

Both companies offer excellent and affordable home security options. However, Wyze has better monitoring options available for an additional fee. Because of this, Wyze is considered a better security company compared to Blink.

The new tier will not replace the free Basic Plan, which includes snapshots up to every five minutes with alerts for motion, sound, smoke, and carbon monoxide. Wyze Cam Plus, which features a variety of other detection triggers, Wyze Web View, and product discounts, still costs $2 per month or $15 per year, per device.

The Blink XT2 will record when motion is detected or Live View is active. Blink cameras do not offer continuous recording, though you can leave the system armed for any interval of time.

Overall, the Blink Outdoor camera is a solid outdoor security camera and priced pretty affordably at $99.99. We really liked the local storage option on the new Sync Module 2, especially with Blink going to a paid subscription model for cloud storage in 2021.

Blink Camera Subscription Plans

Basic Plan: The Basic Plan will cost you $3 per month. It comes with 60 days of watch history and 1 year of warranty. With this plan Blink allows only 1 camera. It has motion-activated alerts and two-way talks as well.

The Arlo Secure plan's cost changes based on how many cameras you want cloud storage for: Arlo Secure (Single Camera) costs $2.99 a month. Arlo Secure (Unlimited Cameras) costs $9.99 a month.

Verdict: There are no two ways about it - Ring offers a slightly better experience, with compatible external chime and more features without a wired connection. But it does this with a lot of additional costs, and even if you go all out with Blink, it'll still cost far less upfront (and monthly after that).

Blink Subscriptions can be purchased as Basic plans with monthly or yearly payment options. If you're interested in purchasing a subscription plan, you can opt for a Basic Plan at $3.00 per month per device or a year-long subscription at a two-month discount of $30.