Wired vs battery: which to choose

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Wired video doorbell

Replaces your existing doorbell wiring. Always powered, always connected. No battery to charge. Best long-term option if you have existing doorbell wiring.

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Battery video doorbell

No wiring needed. Install anywhere. Charge every 1–6 months depending on activity. Best option if you don't have existing wiring or are renting.

With or without monthly subscription

Most video doorbells record a short clip when someone presses the button or triggers motion. Where that clip is stored determines the cost:

  • Free / local storage: clips saved to microSD card. No monthly cost. Eufy and Reolink are strong options here.
  • Cloud subscription: €3–10/month for rolling history, smart alerts and remote access. Ring and Nest require this for full functionality.

Top recommended models

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Eufy Video Doorbell E340

Dual camera (front + downward-facing), 2K, no monthly fee, local storage. Best no-subscription option. From €120.

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Ring Video Doorbell 4

Best-known brand, excellent app, easy installation. Subscription recommended (€4/month) for video history. From €100.

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Reolink Doorbell WiFi

5MP, free cloud + local microSD, no subscription needed. Very good value. Works with existing chime. From €80.

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Google Nest Doorbell

Best AI face recognition, integrates perfectly with Google Home. Requires Google One subscription for history. From €160.

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Frequently asked questions

No. Eufy and Reolink offer full functionality with free local storage. Ring and Nest work standalone for live view and real-time alerts, but require a subscription for recorded video history.
Most wired video doorbells work with existing mechanical chimes. Some also offer a plug-in chime accessory. Check compatibility before buying — the product page usually specifies which chime types are supported.