In this guide
Choose the Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi if you want continuous recording and can supply wired power. The eufy Video Doorbell E340 is the better fit for a battery-powered installation or a clearer view of packages at your feet. Both can save video locally without a mandatory cloud-storage subscription, but they solve different problems at the front door.
Start with your entrance: is power already available, do you need every moment recorded, and can the camera see where deliveries land? Those questions matter more than a long feature list. Here is how the two picks compare, what each does well and what you need to budget for.
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Which video doorbell should you buy?
| Doorbell | Choose it for | Power | Recording and storage | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi | Continuous local recording | Wired power; 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi | Event or continuous recording; microSD up to 256GB, purchased separately | No battery-only installation; black version has a wider 4:3 view |
| eufy Video Doorbell E340 | Packages and battery installation | Removable battery; optional wired charging; 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | Event clips; built-in 8GB storage | No continuous 24/7 recording; battery remains installed when wired |
A subscription-free doorbell still has setup costs. Include storage, an indoor chime, any power adapter or transformer work, and installation in your comparison. A hub bundle can be worthwhile if you want recordings stored away from the door, but it is not automatically the cheapest way to get started.
1. Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi: best for continuous local recording
| Price & Details | |
|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 |
| Rating on Amazon | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
| Brand | REOLINK |
| Buy at Amazon | Check availability on Amazon |
Product data updated: 21 October 2026 - 20:32
Best for: Homeowners who want a recording timeline rather than motion clips alone.
Keep in mind: This is the wired-power WiFi model. It is not a battery doorbell, and Wi-Fi does not supply its power.
If you have ever opened an alert too late and wondered what happened beforehand, continuous recording is the reason to choose this Reolink. With suitable storage and the recording schedule enabled, you can review the lead-up to an event instead of relying entirely on a motion trigger.
The linked black model has a wide 4:3 picture, 5MP capture and dual-band Wi-Fi. That is useful for seeing the approach to a door, but a wide picture is not the same as a downward-facing package view. Position it using live view before drilling, especially if parcels sit directly below the mounting point.
You will need wired power and a suitable memory card or compatible recorder. The WiFi model accepts 12–24V AC or 24V DC power; follow the installation manual for your setup. The linked package includes a plug-in Reolink chime. Do not assume it will ring an existing mechanical chime.
Choose it over the E340 when a continuous timeline matters most. Choose the E340 instead when running power is impractical or your main concern is seeing deliveries close to the door.
Pros: Continuous recording option; expandable local storage; 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi; included plug-in chime.
Cons: Wired power required; memory card adds cost; the wide black-model view is less focused on the ground directly below the camera.
2. eufy Video Doorbell E340: best for packages and battery installation
| Price & Details | |
|---|---|
| Price | $119.98 |
| Discount | 20% |
| Brand | eufy Security |
| Buy at Amazon | Check availability on Amazon |
Product data updated: 21 October 2026 - 20:32
Best for: People who want to see both visitors and parcels, especially where wiring is inconvenient.
Keep in mind: It records events rather than a continuous timeline. Hardwiring tops up the battery; it does not enable 24/7 recording.
The E340 makes most sense when deliveries are your priority. A forward-facing camera covers the visitor, while a second camera looks down toward the doorstep. That separate angle is more useful for a parcel close to the door than simply buying a camera with a wider horizontal view.
Its removable battery lets you install it without running power to the entrance, and 8GB of built-in storage saves an immediate memory-card purchase. You still need to recharge the battery in a wireless installation. Busy entrances, frequent live viewing and settings affect how often that becomes a chore.
The main camera records in 2K, and the doorbell connects over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Optional wiring charges the battery, which must remain installed. Compare the standalone doorbell with chime and HomeBase bundles before ordering so you do not mistake an extra accessory for an included one.
Pick the E340 for doorstep visibility and flexible placement. If you need to scroll through an uninterrupted recording timeline, choose a model designed for continuous recording instead.
Pros: Separate package camera; battery-powered installation; built-in local storage; optional wired charging.
Cons: Event recording only; 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only; battery maintenance; fixed on-device storage capacity.
When to consider the C31 or a PoE doorbell instead
The eufy Video Doorbell C31 is another option if you want a removable battery now and the possibility of continuous recording after adding suitable wiring. Its continuous mode requires the specified electrical setup, including a 16–24V, 30VA transformer and bypassing the existing chime. Budget for storage as well: its microSD card is sold separately.
The Reolink Video Doorbell PoE suits an entrance with Ethernet already available, or a home where you can install that cable. A compatible PoE switch or injector supplies power and data over the cable, avoiding a wireless connection at the door. Include cable routing and power equipment in the cost; ordinary doorbell wires cannot replace an Ethernet run.
What “no subscription” actually includes
For these picks, local video storage does not require a recurring cloud-recording plan. That does not make every service free or turn the doorbell into a completely offline system. Remote viewing and phone alerts still depend on a working connection and the relevant app services.
Think about where your recordings will live. Storage inside the doorbell is convenient, but the recordings may be lost if the device is stolen or damaged. A compatible recorder inside your home can keep footage away from the entrance. Check the doorbell and recorder combination before buying either one.
Save important clips promptly. Local storage eventually fills and older recordings may be overwritten. Continuous recording consumes space much faster than a handful of short events, so do not compare advertised days of storage without comparing the recording settings too.
Five checks before you order
1. Confirm the power source. Battery installation is simpler where no wiring exists, but comes with charging work. For a wired model, check the required voltage and transformer capacity. Turn off power before electrical work and use a qualified installer if you cannot identify the wiring safely.
2. Check Wi-Fi at the mounting spot. Test outside with the door closed. A connection that works beside your router may struggle through exterior walls. For a distant entrance, our outdoor Wi-Fi guide explains options for extending coverage.
3. Frame the visitor and the delivery area. Use live view before fixing the mount. Check whether an open storm door, a deep recess or a side wall blocks the picture. Aim away from neighbors’ private spaces and set appropriate activity zones.
4. Plan indoor alerts. Phone notifications may not be enough for everyone at home. Confirm whether the package includes a chime and whether your existing chime is compatible. A battery doorbell with optional wiring is not necessarily a direct replacement for an old wired bell.
5. Secure the account. Use a unique password, enable two-factor authentication where available and keep the app and firmware updated. Share access through the app rather than sharing your password. Our security apps guide covers related ways to protect your devices.
Frequently asked questions
Which video doorbell is best without a subscription?
Choose Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi for continuous local recording with wired power. Choose eufy E340 for a separate package camera or a battery-powered installation. Both offer local recording without a mandatory cloud-storage plan, but their power and recording options differ.
Does the eufy E340 record all day when hardwired?
No. The E340 records events. Wiring charges its battery, which remains installed; it does not turn the doorbell into a continuous-recording model.
Does Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi need a battery?
The wired WiFi model in this guide uses wired power rather than battery-only operation. Wi-Fi describes its network connection, not its power source. Reolink also sells separate battery models.
Will a video doorbell work when the internet goes down?
Local recording may continue when power, storage and the required local connections remain available. Remote viewing and internet-dependent alerts will be interrupted. A power failure is a separate issue and may also stop the router or recorder.
Is local storage completely private?
Local storage keeps recordings on your equipment, but apps and enabled features can still use online services. Check notification previews, sharing and optional cloud settings. Protect the account and export important recordings before they are overwritten.
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