Best Cheap Video Doorbells for 2024
Find an affordable front door guardian with our top picks from reliable brands like Arlo, Blink, TP-Link and others.
Our Experts
What to consider
Video storage
AI recognition
Smart home
Wired vs. wireless
Audio quality
Field of view
Our Picks
The best cheap video doorbell of 2024
The video doorbell is our recommended entry point into home security: It does a little of everything, everyone has a front door to use it on, and you can find very, very affordable models. After over 150 hours of testing budget doorbells from all brands, our current top pick is the Blink Video Doorbell, which comes bundled with a Sync Module 2 hub at no extra cost and offers Amazon Blink's extra-easy setup. That combo also gives you the option to choose local storage over cloud storage to dodge a subscription and save even money.
We've come a long way since new doorbell models could set you back $200 or more. And we've chosen other cheap options as well, including an extra-affordable TP-Link Kasa model under $50 and a sturdy Arlo Essential doorbell. Take a look, see how we choose and our answers to common questions then stop by our guide on the best outdoor security cams for a full look at outdoor protection.
Best cheap video doorbells
This Blink video doorbell is our favorite package for a couple of reasons. First, it comes with a Sync Module 2, a tiny plug-in hub device which allows you to use local video storage and helps with settings management. That means you don’t have to get a subscription plan for video storage, allowing you to save more money over time if you prefer.
Second, the Amazon cam uses Blink’s excellent power management to help make its batteries last as long as two years before they'll need to be replaced. Of course, that depends on activations and use, but it’s still a particularly long time for a video doorbell.
Blink’s affordable doorbell also includes features we think a video doorbell really needs, such as two-way audio and Alexa support, though other smart home platforms have little to no compatibility. You also have an option to wire the doorbell if you don’t want to worry about battery management. It’s too bad that the personal detection is locked behind a subscription, but that’s our only major complaint for such an affordable option.
Best cheap video doorbell for resolution
TP-Link Kasa smart video doorbell KD110
If you’re interested in savings more than anything, this Kasa video doorbell starts at $40, so it’s your best option for saving a lot of money (barring any amazing discounts that we watch for). That makes the high 2K resolution even more impressive, especially since video doorbells don’t often go so high for video quality. Kasa also has the welcome addition of subscription-based video storage and a local storage option (though you’ll need to buy a microSD card for the latter).
The doorbell works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and comes with its own chime accessory to set up a separate, in-house chime noise. Since this doorbell is wired in, that’s not always necessary but it’s a nice addition to have, especially if there are parts of your home where you can't hear the doorbell. The 160-degree diagonal field of view is also very good, making this a good option for large front yards. Person detection is free, but we do wish the model had package detection as well.
Best cheap video doorbell for field of view
Arlo Essential video doorbell (first gen)
Though it’s more expensive than some of our other picks, this Arlo Essential Doorbell still falls under $100 at full price. We’re choosing a battery model for this pick because we like the versatility it offers, especially if your previous doorbell location wasn’t a great place for a camera. However, there is a wired model available for much less. On the other side, if you don’t mind paying around $20, you can upgrade to the second-gen model with more-advanced features, but we think the first-gen model is a good balance for a budget pick.
In addition to two-way audio and night vision, this camera has an unusually large horizontal field of view at 180 degrees, so it can safely double as a front yard security camera in the right spot. While Arlo does offer person, package, vehicle and animal detection, those features are unfortunately locked behind a subscription, which starts at $8 per month.
Best cheap video doorbell for local storage
Reolink video doorbell Wi-Fi with chime
Reolink’s wired doorbell is on the more expensive side of “cheap” (though we have frequently found it on sale, so don’t give up if you want to save more). But you also get an excellent 2K resolution and built-in person detection plus animal/vehicle ignoring at no extra charge. It’s another cam with a broad 180-degree field of view and uses infrared night vision to help out in the dark. If you connect it to a Reolink product like a smart floodlight, the two can also work in concert via motion detection.
While the doorbell can work with Reolink’s network video recorders, or NVRs (which are like DVRs, but internet-connected to help store camera footage and other things), it's also compatible with a cheaper microSD card for local storage, though you'll have to buy that separately. Reolink additionally offers an alternative cloud service subscription.
Cheap video doorbells compared
| Best cheap video doorbells | Blink video doorbell with Sync Module 2 | Kasa smart video doorbell | Arlo Essential video doorbell (1st gen) | Reolink video doorbell Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $70 | $40 | $65 | $110 |
| Resolution | 1080p/HD | 2K | 1080p/HD | 2K |
| Power | AA rechargeable batteries | Wired | Battery or wired | Wired |
| Object recognition | Person detection with subscription only | Person detection included | Person, package, vehicle, animal with subscription only | Person detection |
| Storage options | Subscription or local storage with included hub | Subscription or via local storage (microSD card not included) | Cloud storage with subscription only | Subscription or via local storage (microSD card not included) |
| Two-way audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes with noise reduction |
| Voice assistant | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings | Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant |
| Review score | 7.6 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Other cheap video doorbells we tested
This Ring Doorbell is designed with a battery that's removed from the bottom.
Ring video doorbell (wired): The Ring video doorbell is very, very budget-friendly, but its older design doesn’t compare well to some newer cheap picks.
Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired): Eufy's range of video doorbells is very effective, and this wired model in particular has a nice resolution for the price. But unless you can find it with one of Eufy's sizable discounts (which we can't guarantee), even this model is above $100.
Arlo video doorbell 2K (second-gen): Arlo’s 2K doorbell has plenty of admirable features, especially that 2K resolution, but the price is a little high to really consider this a budget model, though buyers looking for a pick in the mid-to-low range should consider it.
Google Nest doorbell (battery): Google’s Nest doorbell caught our eye with its easy installation, free amount of video storage (for three hours, giving you time to download) and always-accurate AI detection. But it’s another model that's just too expensive if you really want to save money, and less common for finding deals compared to other brands.
Wyze video doorbell v2: Wyze offers budget options with effective smart home compatibility, but Wyze's current security issues have us holding back on recommendations.
How we test video doorbells
The Battery Doorbell Pro's HD+ leads to a very clear image, although it's not as noticeable as 2K
Hands-on testing is core to our approach in evaluating home security devices. That means we install every video doorbell we review, use it in a home environment, test every feature, and thoroughly compare it to the competition. These are the comparisons we focus on:
- The features offered.
- How the features perform.
- Whole product performance over a testing period of a week.
- Resolution, night vision and latency comparisons.
- Overall value.
If you want to read more about our testing procedures, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells.
Factors to consider when buying a cheap video doorbell
Kasa's very affordable doorbell can keep an eye on all kinds of front door events.
Video storage
Keeping footage of intruders or porch pirates (or similar problems) can be important. Even cheap doorbells often come with a subscription option to store video in the cloud (usually for several dollars a month). Some have local storage options, if you’d prefer dodging those ongoing fees, so study the details carefully.
AI recognition
Object recognition using AI features is especially useful for a video doorbell, letting the gadget recognize packages, people, animals and vehicles and send you alerts only about what matters. In our experience, doorbells usually pick up on joggers and people walking their pets, but good recognition avoids alerts for vehicles and animals, to save you the stress. Some companies keep object recognition behind a subscription, while others include it for free.
Smart home compatibility
If you already have a security system or a preferred voice assistant, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, always look for a video doorbell that works with your current picks. Amazon brands tend to limit doorbells to Alexa only. Apple Siri and Apple Home compatibility are particularly hard to find here, especially for budget picks.
Wired vs. wireless
Battery models are easier to place, but they sometimes (not always) cost more. Wired models are usually the best way to save. We found a selection of both options for reasonable prices.
Audio quality
If you like the idea of talking out of your doorbell, look for one that has effective two-way audio, preferably with noise cancellation or similar properties. We test the audio quality in every doorbell we review to make sure you can have a conversation.
Field of view and resolution
Video doorbells don’t need an especially wide field of view, but it’s a nice quality to have if they face a large front yard. Also, a higher resolution makes it easier to see faces and other important details, so it’s nice to find a model that’s at least HD.
