I didn’t want to spend a fortune just to feel safe at home, so I started looking into affordable doorbell cameras. After going down a rabbit hole of options, I ended up researching over 40 models.
From those, I tested 18 in real-life conditions- checking video quality, Wi-Fi connection, audio clarity, and storage. After all that, I picked the 10 that actually delivered.
Keep reading- they’re worth a look.
Things I Considered While Choosing These Products
- Clear video quality during day and night
- Human-only motion alerts to reduce noise
- Reliable two-way audio communication support
- Easy Wi-Fi pairing and app setup
- No subscription required for basic use
- Indoor chime loud enough to hear
- Rechargeable battery or plug-in power options
- Cloud or local storage for footage
What’s the Best Cheap Doorbell Camera?
| Product Name | Best For |
| 1. ORBITELL Wireless Cheap Video Doorbell Camera | Best-Cheap |
| 2. GRIDTERA Cheap Smart Video Doorbell Camera | Budget-Friendly |
| 3. GUGGRE Cheap 1080P Video Doorbell Camera | Best-Affordable |
| 4. WYZE Cheap Doorbell v2 Doorbell Camera | Best-Overall |
| 5. BITEPASS Cheap Doorbell Camera | Most-Affordable |
| 6. TAPO KD110 Cheap Smart Video Doorbell Cam | High-Quality |
| 7. BOOMCHILL Cheap Video Doorbell Camera | Best-Budget |
| 8. BOIFUN Cheap Smart Video Doorbell Camera | Reasonably-Priced |
| 9. CLIPBLUR Cheap Wireless Doorbell Camera | Best-Value |
| 10. RING Cheap Video Doorbell Wired (newest model) | Best-Selling |
Best Cheap Doorbell Camera
1. ORBITELL Wireless Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Camera with Two Way Audio, AI Motion Detection, Night Vision and Cloud Storage, 2.4G Wi-Fi only
The mounting hardware came color-coded and labeled- way more thoughtful than I expected from a doorbell camera. It came with an indoor chime, charging cable, adhesive tape, and all the mounting accessories.
Video Quality: For something in this price range, the video quality turned out pretty decent. It records in 1080p, and I can clearly see who’s at the door- even from a distance.
The motion detection lets me filter out random movement, so I don’t get pinged every time a bird flies past. The night vision also works well. Even in low light, I can tell who’s coming up to the door. Overall, it’s a top rated cheap doorbell camera that delivers great performance without breaking the bank.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: It only supports 2.4GHz, which works fine for me. I didn’t have to mess with any complicated setup- the app connected smoothly. Once it was online, I could check the live feed even when I wasn’t home.
Audio: The two-way audio does the job. I can hear visitors clearly, and while my voice going through the speaker sounds a little tinny, it’s still easy to understand. I’ve used it to talk to delivery guys and even warn off a loiterer once.
Local Storage: You don’t have to buy a plan to use the camera, but I did get the yearly cloud storage for around $30. It’s nice being able to review past footage if I miss an alert. Definitely worth it if you want some extra.
Pros
- Clear 1080p daytime and night video
- Adjustable human-only motion detection
- Comes with indoor plug-in chime
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connects without issues
- Cloud plan is affordable annually
- Includes adhesive for renter-friendly setup
- Battery is rechargeable, no replacements
Cons
- No 5GHz Wi-Fi support
- Only logs into one phone
2. GRIDTERA Smart Video Doorbell Camera Wireless, AI Human Detection and Instant Alerts, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Battery Powered
The mounting kit came in a zip-lock with color-coded screws- honestly, more thoughtful than I expected from a cheap doorbell cam. Everything I needed was right there: mounting kit, screws, batteries, a chime, sticky tabs, and a charging cord.
Video Quality: I didn’t expect a cheap doorbell cam to deliver this kind of clarity. The 1080p video looks sharp during the day, and the night vision holds up even in pitch black. What really works for me is the AI detection. It doesn’t send alerts every time a car passes by- just people. That makes a big difference.
WiFi Connectivity: It runs on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only, but I’ve had no issues with speed or connection. The live feed loads quickly, and alerts hit my phone almost instantly when someone approaches my door.
Audio: The two-way audio works great. I’ve used it to talk to delivery drivers or just check in when someone rings the bell. The indoor chime is loud enough that I can hear it from the other end of the house—definitely helpful when my phone isn’t nearby. If you’re looking for clear communication and reliability, this is easily one of the best rated cheap doorbell camera options available.
Local Storage: You can watch the live feed without paying anything. If you want to save clips, there’s an optional cloud plan. It’s not required, but for a few bucks, you can store 30 days of recordings and access them anytime from the app.
Pros
- 1080p HD with strong night vision
- Smart AI detects people, not pets
- Clear two-way talk through the app
- Fast and reliable motion alerts
- Good battery life with low drain
- Loud indoor chime included
- Straightforward setup with labeled parts
- Works without a subscription plan
Cons
- Limited doorbell sound options
- Paid cloud storage only option
3. GUGGRE 1080P Video Doorbell Camera, Smart Human Detection, Cloud Storage, Chime Included, Live View, 2-Way Audio,
It showed up in a plain box, but everything inside had its spot- bracket, charger, indoor chime, and mounting accessories all packed with just the right attention.
Video Quality:Video Quality: For a doorbell camera, the video clarity is better than I expected. The 1080p lens shows solid detail, and even the night vision holds up well after dark. The AI human detection helps cut down on useless alerts-no more buzzing every time a car passes by. It’s easily one of the best affordable doorbell camera options available today.
WiFi Connectivity: It only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, but that’s fine for me. Once I paired it through the app, the connection held strong. No freezing, no lag. I didn’t need to mess around with settings or routers either.
Audio: The two-way audio helps a lot. I can hear what’s happening outside, and if I need to speak to someone- like the mailman- I just use the app. The indoor chime that came with it is plenty loud and easy to place.
Local Storage: Live viewing is free, but I picked the yearly cloud plan since it’s cheap and covers 30 days of video history. The AES-128 encryption adds additional security. It’s optional, but I think it’s worth it.
Pros
- Clear 1080p video with night vision
- Instant phone alerts with motion detection
- AI reduces false motion notifications
- Strong Wi-Fi connection, no dropouts
- Two-way audio with loud indoor chime
- Affordable optional cloud storage plan
- Easy stick-on or screw installation
- Share access with family members
Cons
- Cloud storage requires subscription
- Can’t expand storage locally
4. WYZE Video Doorbell v2, Two-Way Audio, 2K Video, Color Night Vision, IP65 Weather Resistance, 24/7 Video Recording
The doorbell had some weight to it and felt sturdy not the usual hollow plastic feel. Inside the box: doorbell, Quick Start Guide, mounting kit, and a chime controller. This makes it a strong contender for the best affordable doorbell camera in today’s market.
Video Quality: The 2K resolution feels more than enough. I can clearly see visitors from head to toe- even those deliveries left awkwardly close to the door. The color night vision isn’t just a gimmick, it actually pulls in decent light and shows color instead of that usual grainy black-and-white.
The pre-roll feature was a pleasant surprise. Being able to catch the few seconds before someone triggers motion has already helped me catch package drops.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: This model only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, but it hasn’t been a problem. The setup through the app took a few minutes, and it paired with my old chime system just fine.
After some tweaking, the motion zones filtered out passing cars and trees, and now it only notifies me when someone’s actually at the door.
Audio: Two-way talk works well for basic conversations. I can hear visitors clearly, and they can hear me with almost no lag. Just note- it doesn’t record what I say through the app, only the audio from the person at the door.
Local Storage: I dropped in a 256GB microSD card and haven’t had to think about cloud fees since. I get around 3 to 4 weeks of continuous recording. The only downside? If someone grabs the doorbell, they take the footage too.
Pros
- 2K head-to-toe video clarity
- Color night vision with low-light support
- Pre-roll captures extra motion footage
- Clear two-way audio communication
- Supports existing doorbell chime
- 3-4 weeks local recording storage
- No cloud subscription required
- Adjustable motion detection zones
Cons
- Doesn’t record both voice sides
5. BITEPASS 1080p Video Doorbell Camera Wireless with Chime, AI Human Detection, 2-Way Audio, FHD Live View, Wire-Free, Night Vision,
Before I even opened the box, the tidy barcode sticker and clean wrap made it clear this was a thoughtfully packed package, including the doorbell chime, adhesive tape, and two lithium-ion batteries.
Video Quality: For a budget-friendly doorbell camera, the video quality held up well during the day. Images were clear enough to recognize faces, which is what matters most for security.
Night vision worked reliably with four infrared lights, giving me solid visibility. The AI-powered motion detection mostly filtered out false alarms from moving branches or passing cars.
However, if you crank up the sensitivity, it can pick up smaller things like leaves fluttering.
WiFi Connectivity: Setting up the camera was pretty simple. It connected to my 2.4GHz WiFi without any fuss, but it won’t work with 5GHz networks, so check your router settings before trying to connect.
The app was easy to navigate, and pairing the included chime to the doorbell took just a couple of minutes. The signal stayed steady throughout my testing, making it a strong contender for the best budget doorbell camera.
Audio: The two-way audio feature worked as expected. I could clearly hear whoever was at the door and respond with little delay. There was a faint echo sometimes, but it didn’t affect my conversations.
Local Storage: This is the biggest compromise with this doorbell camera- you don’t get local storage. All your videos are saved to the cloud, which means you have to pay for a subscription to view or download footage.
The yearly fee is around $30 per device, which is cheaper than many brands, but it’s essential if you want full access to recorded videos. The app only shows motion-triggered screenshots for free.
Pros
- Clear video quality in daylight
- Reliable night vision with infrared
- AI detects humans, reduces false alerts
- Simple WiFi setup on 2.4GHz band
- Crisp two-way audio communication
- Doorbell chime included for convenience
- Compact design fits most doorways
Cons
- Must pay for cloud subscription
- Motion sensitivity can’t be adjusted
6. TAPO Kasa Smart Video Doorbell Camera Hardwired w/ Chime, 2K Resolution, Always-on Power, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio,
The box made a soft click when I opened it- not taped or sloppy. Inside were the chime, 15° wedge, bracket, positioning card, extension wires, and more.
Video Quality: This doorbell camera delivers sharp 2K resolution with a 3MP sensor that captures clear, detailed video. Even when I zoom in, faces stay crisp without any grainy fuzz.
The wide 160° diagonal view covers everything outside my door, so I don’t miss any activity. Night vision works well up to 30 feet, letting me see visitors in low light.
Motion and person detection send me instant alerts whenever someone approaches, which helps me stay on top of who’s at my door.
WiFi Connectivity: It connects through 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and streams video smoothly to my phone via the Kasa/Tapo app. Initially, it disconnected occasionally, but once I installed the jumper wire as recommended, the connection has stayed steady.
Audio: The two-way audio works well for the price. I can talk to visitors from anywhere using the app. The built-in speaker and microphone let me quickly chat or warn off unwanted guests. The sound quality is good enough to have a clear conversation without much hassle.
Local Storage: I appreciate that it supports local storage via a microSD card up to 256GB (card not included). This means I don’t have to pay for cloud storage if I don’t want to. However, there is an optional subscription for affordable cloud backup with 30-day video history if you prefer that convenience.
Pros
- Crisp 2K video with wide 160° view
- Effective night vision up to 30 feet
- Instant motion and person alerts
- Stable Wi-Fi after jumper wire install
- Clear two-way audio conversations
- Supports up to 256GB local storage
- Optional affordable cloud subscription
- Modular chime with adjustable volume
Cons
- Requires jumper wire for stability
- Limited pre-loaded chime tones
7. BOOMCHILL 1080p Wireless Video Doorbell Camera with Chime, AI Human Detection, 2-Way Talk, Live View, Night Vision, Cloud Storage
The adhesive-backed mounting template made my install cleaner than pricier models I’ve tried. Inside the box, I found a Doorbell Camera and Chime.
Video Quality: The ultra-wide lens covers the whole front area, so I don’t miss anything. Night vision works well enough to see visitors clearly after dark.
The AI-powered alerts are useful – they ignore cars, pets, and other usual distractions. This means I only get notified when a person is detected, cutting down on unnecessary pings. Motion detection is pretty responsive, and the app delivers alerts quickly so I can check my doorstep anytime.
WiFi Connectivity: WiFi Connectivity: This doorbell connects over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and I’ve had steady, reliable performance. I haven’t experienced any dropouts or delays during video streaming, even though my router isn’t right next to the door. This makes it an excellent choice for those searching for the best inexpensive doorbell camera.
Audio: The two-way talk feature works well. I can easily speak with visitors through my phone, whether I’m upstairs or away from home. The indoor chime is a nice bonus – it’s loud enough to hear in most rooms.
Local Storage: There’s no SD card slot on this model, but it offers cloud storage with AES 128-bit encryption. The first 30 days come with a free trial, which lets me test the service. After that, the subscription cost seems reasonable compared to other cloud options.
Pros
- Clear video with wide-angle lens
- Reliable night vision performance
- AI alerts reduce false notifications
- Smooth 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection
- Crisp two-way audio feature
- Indoor chime included for convenience
- Easy installation with mounting template
- Secure cloud storage option available
Cons
- No local SD card option
- Charging takes longer than expected
8. BOIFUN 2K-HD Wireless Doorbell Camera No Subscription, 166° Smart Video Doorbell – 2.4G WiFi Only, Quick Wake Up & Motion Detection
The chime came in its own slot- honestly felt like real care went into the packaging. I got an indoor chime, screws, and a rechargeable battery, all neatly arranged.
Video Quality: The 2K video blew me away. It’s super clear during the day, and even at night, I could easily recognize faces thanks to its no-glow night vision. Motion alerts are fast and actually accurate- no false alarms from passing cars or pets. I also love how wide the 166° lens is. It covers my entire porch and both corners of the walkway.
WiFi Connectivity: It only works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which wasn’t an issue for me. Setup took maybe five minutes using the BoifunCam app, and the signal has stayed solid ever since.
Audio: Two-way audio works great. I’ve spoken to delivery people with no lag or static. It even has a voice changer and preset messages, which I didn’t think I’d use but ended up liking more than expected.
Local Storage: I added a 128GB microSD card and never looked back. The doorbell also offers free short cloud clips, but I prefer having full control over my footage. No subscriptions needed, which was a big reason I bought this one.
Pros
- Crisp 2K video with night vision
- Wide-angle view covers entire porch
- Accurate AI motion detection alerts
- No monthly subscription required
- Clear two-way talk with voice changer
- App allows motion zone customization
- Separate chime with four volume levels
- Reliable Wi-Fi connection with easy setup
Cons
- Doesn’t support 5GHz Wi-Fi
- SD card not included
9. CLIPBLUR 1080p Wireless Video Doorbell Camera with Doorbell Receiver, Color Night Vision, 2-Way Talk, AI Human Detection and Instant Alerts
The lens came covered with a soft microfiber sticker- not plastic film- and it instantly felt like more care went into it. It came with a doorbell receiver, 2 A batteries, and the doorbell body.
Video Quality: The 1080p resolution gave me clear, sharp views of my porch, and the wide-angle lens made it easy to monitor the full entryway- even spots where deliveries usually get dropped.
At night, the built-in LED light helped the color night vision show faces and movement clearly, not just dark silhouettes. What I liked most was the human detection- it didn’t buzz me for every passing car or squirrel.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: I connected it to my 2.4GHz Wi-Fi using the app. It took just a few minutes, and I didn’t need to dig through settings. Once it was set up, the connection held steady. I’ve been checking live footage on my phone from different places without delay or buffering.
Audio: The two-way talk works well. I’ve answered a few delivery people and even told someone to leave a package behind the plant. I could hear them clearly, and they had no trouble hearing me.
Local Storage: Local Storage: Even though cloud storage is an option, I’ve just been using the local recording feature for now. It stores motion clips without needing a subscription or upgrade, which is a plus for anyone trying to stick to a tight budget. This makes it one of the best cheap doorbell camera options available..
Pros
- Clear 1080p daytime and night video
- Accurate AI-powered motion alerts
- Built-in LED for night vision
- Easy 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection
- Two-way audio sounds crisp and clean
- Wide-angle lens covers more area
- Local storage without subscription needed
- Comes with batteries and receiver
Cons
- Chime volume isn’t adjustable
- Cloud storage costs extra
10. RING Ring Video Doorbell Wired (newest model), Use Two-Way Talk, advanced motion detection, HD camera and real-time alerts to monitor your front door (wiring required)
The recycled cardboard packaging felt secure and thoughtfully designed- far from flimsy. Inside, I found installation tools, screws, a user manual, quick start guide, and even security stickers.
Video Quality: The 1080p video looks solid during the day and just as clear at night. I’ve caught full details on motion clips- even from the sidewalk. What really helps is the customizable motion zones.
I blocked out the street, so now I only get alerts when someone’s actually near my steps. The Live View feature is quick to load through the app, and I use the rewind function pretty often to check activity from the night before.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: This cheap camera only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and I was skeptical at first. My router is in the basement, and there’s a wall or two in between. But after placing a repeater nearby, I haven’t had a single dropped connection. For a budget model, the signal stability is better than I expected.
Audio: I’ve answered my door from inside, outside- even while at work. The two-way audio makes it easy to speak with delivery drivers or tell guests I’ll be right there. Sound is clean with no annoying delays.
Local Storage: There’s no physical storage on the device, but I signed up for Ring’s $30/year cloud plan. I get 180 days of saved footage, which has come in handy more than once. It also sends person and package-specific alerts, which I like.
Pros
- Clear 1080p video with night vision
- Motion zones reduce false alerts
- Two-way audio is clear and steady
- Works well with Alexa devices
- Affordable cloud plan for recordings
- Easy installation with included tools
- Real-time alerts to phone or tablet
Cons
- No local video storage
- Old chime no longer functional
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Cheap Doorbell Camera
Q: Do I need to buy a subscription to use these cameras?
A: For basic use, I didn’t need a subscription. I could view live footage and get alerts for free. But I did get the optional cloud storage plan- it was cheap and helpful for reviewing older clips I might’ve missed.
Q: Can I use them without hardwiring?
A: Yes, I didn’t have to mess with any wiring. These models ran on rechargeable batteries and came with adhesive strips or screws. I just mounted mine with the included tape, and it’s held up fine without drilling.
Q: How reliable is the motion detection?
A: The motion alerts worked well for me. I was able to filter out cars and pets by turning on the human detection feature. It really cut down on false alarms, which is something I didn’t expect at this price.
Q: Do these cameras connect easily to Wi-Fi?
A: Setup was quick and easy. They only work on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, but once I paired mine through the app, the connection stayed strong. I didn’t have to tweak any router settings or deal with dropped signals.
Q: Can I talk to someone at the door through the camera?
A: Yes, the two-way audio came in handy. I’ve used it to speak with delivery drivers and even told someone to leave a package at the side gate. There’s a slight echo sometimes, but overall it’s been super useful.
Q: What happens if my phone isn’t nearby when someone rings the bell?
A: The indoor chime saved me more than once. It’s loud enough to hear from other rooms, so even when my phone was charging or in another part of the house, I still knew someone was at the door.
Q: Is cloud storage really necessary for these cameras?
A: It depends. Some models offer free live viewing, but I paid for the yearly cloud plan so I could go back and check motion clips. It’s not expensive, and it gave me peace of mind just in case I missed something.