Best Video Doorbell (2026)
The best video doorbells of 2026, compared on video quality, package detection, and whether you need a monthly plan to actually save clips.
A video doorbell is the single most useful security buy for most homes - it covers the spot where packages land and strangers knock. But as with cameras, the question that decides your long-term cost is simple: can it save video without a subscription? Here are the two doorbells we recommend in 2026, at opposite ends of that question.
The subscription question
Most big-brand doorbells record to the cloud, and without a plan you often see a *live* view but can't review what happened an hour ago. A few doorbells buck this by storing clips locally for free. If you hate recurring fees, that distinction matters more than a slightly sharper image.
Best no-fee option: eufy Video Doorbell E340
The eufy E340 is our top pick for one reason: two cameras and no monthly fee. One camera frames faces at the door; a second points down at your doormat so you actually see the package, not just the delivery person's hat. Everything records locally (built-in 8GB or a HomeBase), so your footage stays private and costs nothing per month. It runs wired or on battery.
eufy Video Doorbell E340 (dual camera)
Dual-camera video doorbell · 2K front cam + package cam, wired or battery · Monitoring: No monthly fee · Storage: Local 8GB built-in (or HomeBase), no cloud required · around $180
Pros
- Two cameras - one for faces, one aimed at your doorstep for packages
- No subscription; recordings stay local and private
- Works wired or on battery
Cons
- No professional monitoring option
- Local-only means you manage storage yourself
Price and availability last checked October 2026. We may earn a commission — it never changes our pick.
Best smart detection: Google Nest Doorbell
Google's Nest Doorbell (battery, 2nd gen) has the best on-device intelligence - it tells people, packages, animals and vehicles apart without a subscription, and its tall head-to-toe view shows packages on the ground. It even keeps 3 hours of event history free. The honest catch: all video lives in Google's cloud with no local option, and longer history needs Nest Aware from $8/mo.
Google Nest Doorbell (battery, 2nd gen)
Battery or wired video doorbell · 960x1280 HDR head-to-toe view, on-device AI · Monitoring: Free 3hr event history; Nest Aware from $8/mo · Storage: Cloud (Google), no local option · around $180
Pros
- Tall head-to-toe view shows packages on the ground
- On-device AI (people/packages/animals) works without a plan
- 3 hours of free event history before you pay anything
Cons
- No local storage - everything lives in Google's cloud
- Full 30/60-day history needs Nest Aware
Price and availability last checked October 2026. We may earn a commission — it never changes our pick.
Compare the doorbells
| Model | Type | Key spec | Monitoring | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Nest Doorbell (battery, 2nd gen) | Battery or wired video doorbell | 960x1280 HDR head-to-toe view, on-device AI | Free 3hr event history; Nest Aware from $8/mo | ~$180 | 4.4 ★ | Price → |
| eufy Video Doorbell E340 (dual camera) | Dual-camera video doorbell | 2K front cam + package cam, wired or battery | No monthly fee | ~$180 | 4.5 ★ | Price → |
Wired or battery?
- Battery doorbells install in minutes with no wiring - ideal for renters and homes without existing doorbell wires. You'll recharge every few months.
- Wired (or hardwired battery models) never need charging and can ring your existing indoor chime. If you have doorbell wires, use them.
Bottom line
Choose the eufy E340 if you never want a monthly bill and value the dual-camera package view - it's the better long-term value for most people. Choose the Nest Doorbell if you're deep in Google Home and want the smartest free detection, and you don't mind cloud-only storage. Either way, a doorbell camera pays for itself the first time it catches a porch thief or settles a "was it delivered?" dispute.