Purchasing a good quality security system for your property can be quite a financial investment. For many people, it seems unfair to have to incur ongoing monthly payments just to be able to use their system. While many alarm companies charge for cellular backup, cloud storage, and monitoring, some don’t have additional costs. We discuss what security cameras work without a monthly fee.
The challenge with companies that charge monitoring fees is that you need to pay them on an ongoing basis. If you don’t, you will not be able to use the system you paid for. The good news is that many home security companies allow you to use your existing system without paying a monthly fee. The only downside is that the features may be limited.
What Security Cameras Work Without a Monthly Fee?
There are several security cameras that operate without a monthly fee. We outline some of the top systems and what features you can expect from each of them.
Arlo
Average Ratings: 8.8/10
Push Notifications: Yes
Installation: Do it Yourself
Smart Platform Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
Free Live Stream: Yes
Free Local Storage: Yes
Free Cloud Storage: Seven Days
Equipment Package Price: $99-$1,230
Arlo provides diversity in indoor cameras, high-quality baby monitors, and weatherproof cameras. Cameras come equipped with motion detection without the need for extra components. You simply assemble your home security system using a hub and cameras. That’s it.
Arlo provides free cloud storage only for select models. A rolling seven-day cloud storage helps store motion events providing evidence of break-ins. They are now creating security systems, but it is uncertain whether there is a fee.
Monitoring and Equipment
Offering a range of features and camera styles, three stand out in their product line. These are:
- Arlo Ultra On Amazon (Paid Link) – This is the best outdoor camera. It works well at night by using enhanced night vision which enhances colors using motion-activated It contains a 180° view without a fisheye effect. Noise cancellation provides exceptionally clear audio.
- Arlo Pro 2 On Amazon (Paid Link) – This robust camera has 1080p HD resolution, infrared night vision, 130° view, and two-way audio communication. It is wire-free with a rechargeable battery backup that provides six months of charge. Motion and sound trigger a video recording.
- Arlo Pro 3 On Amazon (Paid Link) – This camera provides 2560p HD resolution with 130° view plus 12 times digital zoom. You can add color night vision and an attached spotlight.
As mentioned, cameras are free from wires. The difference between their system and a wireless one (where an external power source is required) is that wired connections are absent. You can literally place them anywhere.
Notifications
Arlo has no contracts, so users can self-monitor for no monthly fee. You can view video through smart TV, desktop computers, and smartphones. Free cloud storage is available for Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Wire-Free, Arlo Q Plus, and Arlo Q.
When these cameras sense movement, they begin video recording. Recordings go to the cloud, where you can view them. Each clip will last for one week before being permanently deleted. Furthermore, you can only have up to five cameras using the free plan. Excess cameras are unable to store free footage.
Installation
Installation is easy and done by fastening mounting screws to your wall. Then, magnetic mounts are hung from the screws. Cameras can be easily repositioned and work exclusively using batteries. In the event of a power outage, this camera would continually work.
Ring
Average Ratings: 7.7/10
Push Notifications: Yes
Installation: Professional or Do it Yourself
Smart Platform Integrations: Alexa and Google Assistant
Free Live Stream: Yes
Free Local Storage: No
Free Cloud Storage: No
Equipment Package Price: $160-$342
Ring has a great history with homeowners, and you can purchase five types of Ring doorbell cameras. Ring also makes a low-cost alarm system that includes the standard Ring camera, control panels, smoke alarms, and smart lights. You can buy a five-piece kit or generate your own system choosing only the things you need. It is a very flexible and customizable system.
Monitoring and Equipment
Ring integrates with Alexa as it is part of the Amazon family of products. It allows you to watch the footage to a Fire TV Stick or Echo Show. The larger your screen, the easier it is to see the face of anyone entering or exiting the premises.
A fully integrated system allows you to prevent intruders, automate your home, and monitor your environment. Voice commands can do actions, and you get a live view. The video doorbell can have any cryptic name you choose as a voice command.
If you don’t have an Alexa, Ring works seamlessly through Google Assistant, Kwikset, Schlage, GE, Dome, Yale, and Levitron. It works well for those in apartments who don’t require an outdoor security camera. A doorbell camera is all you need to provide excellent footage. Ring has the following options:
- Ring Peephole Cam On Amazon (Paid Link) – This is one of the best in the market to replace a door’s peephole.
- Ring Video Doorbell Elite – This Ring is powered using an ethernet cable.
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro On Amazon (Paid Link) – The Ring Video Doorbell Pro allows you to connect to your doorbell’s pre-existing wiring components.
- Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus – This Ring comes with Pre-Roll creating a four-second preview for motion events captured.
The only downside to Ring devices is that without a monthly fee, Ring does not store footage. You can initiate two-way talk, live view, and receive alerts, but you will not have access to recordings. You’ll need to be fast when provided with an alert to catch the footage or go with a monthly subscription.
If you do opt for recording, you will need a cloud plan. These are affordable options and are stored for 60 days.
Notifications
Ring can send alerts to your computer or smartphone. Note that this system has a history of hacking and security breaches, and there is an absence of a silent alarm/disarm.
Installation
Installation is easy, but if you are hardwiring it into an existing system, you will need either advanced wiring skills or to contact a professional electrician.
Neighbors App
This unique feature needs mentioning. You can install the Ring mobile app, which includes the Neighbors app, for zero monthly fees. This app connects the police, neighbors, and Ring operators to prevent neighborhood crime.
Package thefts can also be reported using the app, which captures video recordings. This allows you to know who to look out for in the neighborhood.
Abode
Average Ratings: 8.0/10
Push Notifications: Yes
Installation: Professional or Do it Yourself
Smart Platform Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
Free Live Stream: Yes
Free Local Storage: No
Free Cloud Storage: No
Equipment Package Price: $200-$330
Abode is a popular choice for those who don’t want to deal with a contract or monthly fees. It is a capable camera system right out of the box, and you can build on to the base system. You can begin with the Smart Security Kit On Amazon – Paid Link. You can add home automation, environmental monitoring, and voice command. You can also add smartphone components.
This camera system works with many smart device businesses like ecobee, Nest, and Philips Hue.
You can add three or seven days for cloud storage for a nominal price or add the same amount of days in on-demand monitoring for a small fee.
Monitoring and Equipment
Abode provides a great DIY home security system. It sends mobile alerts and can livestream footage to a phone. Additionally, you can opt for on-demand professional monitoring, which you can buy for three or seven days. Since this is short-term, it works best for short trips. There are some long-term provisions as well.
As for equipment, the system includes a Gateway hub, window/door sensors, motion detector, and key fob. The outdoor camera can be added, providing a clear image. The camera resolution is 1080p HD with a 127° zoom field. It also includes an infrared LED night vision feature accompanied by two-way audio.
Notifications
The security camera system sends out text alerts when a break-in is detected, allowing you to livestream footage. As mentioned, it does have professional monitoring available, too.
Installation
Set up is easy with this equipment when you select a complete unit. This unit has a motion detector, siren, and home security camera. This “all in one” feature provides a four-step installation where all you need to do is plug in the hub, connect it to the router, download the Abode app, and place your sensors around the home. It only takes about half an hour to complete.
SimpliSafe
Average Ratings: 9.2/10
Push Notifications: Yes
Installation: Professional or Do it Yourself
Smart Platform Integrations: Alexa and Google Assistant
Free Live Stream: Yes
Free Local Storage: No
Free Cloud Storage: No
Equipment Package Price: $232-$292
SimpliSafe creates its own hardware, making it one of the top do-it-yourself security systems. While professional installation is available, this system is so streamlined, you can have it up and running in just a few minutes.
The video quality of this security system On Amazon – (Paid Link) is incredible, and the cameras are durable and strong. Many customers have had theirs for years without incident.
Monitoring and Equipment
The basic equipment guards against intruders, but there are options for improving environmental safety and indoor cam surveillance footage. Some equipment will allow you to connect to motion-activated smoke detectors and cameras. It allows users to view their footage from anywhere in the world.
This system also has two ways you can monitor your home. You can do it yourself or pay for professional monitoring for a reasonable fee. If you are going out of town and want professional services, you can opt for professional monitoring only for the duration you are away. Then, when you return, you can go back to self-monitoring your home.
With SimpliSafe, you are not locked into a contract.
Notifications
A sensor will go off if an intruder is detected. When doors open or movement is detected when armed, sensors send a notification to a tower base station. The station sounds using a siren. In theory, it should be enough to discourage intruders.
Furthermore, it will notify the person using their smartphone that a break-in has occurred. You should note, however, that it only sounds when there is an internet connection and Wi-Fi, as this is how it communicates. If a connection is unavailable, it will not send out an alert, which is where the siren comes in handy.
For any notifications, people can use SimpliCam to view their homes remotely. It will livestream a camera feed and has a two-way talk feature to scare burglars.
Installation
This equipment is easy to install. The average installation time is around 30 minutes. It also means that you can easily move equipment if you need to relocate, making it the best system for renting or for apartments.
Things to Consider
Wireless security camera systems that do not have a monthly fee are classified as self-monitoring. If you are traveling or going away, it is best to invest in professional monitoring for the duration of your time away. Many of the systems listed above can do this without contracts.
These systems also provide the basics when it comes to security. They contain remote controls, mobile alerts, and short-term video.
The best security camera system will have strong connectivity between the system and its components. Many systems do not use any landlines but work using Wi-Fi. Some businesses will provide cellular security or landline systems as a backup method, which is preferable in the event of a power failure.
Final Thoughts
While finding a security system with no monthly fee may be challenging, there are some that work exceptionally well. If you want to know what security cameras work without a monthly fee, we have listed the best ones available. What you choose will depend on where you live and your specific security needs.
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