Video Doorbells Under $100 (What Actually Works)
If you're shopping for a video doorbell under $100, the right choice depends on three constraints: power (wired vs battery), storage (cloud vs local), and low-light performance. At this price point, no doorbell does everything well. The best option is the one that fits your living situation and expectations—not the one with the most features listed.
What a $100 Video Doorbell Can (and Can't) Do
A solid under-$100 doorbell can be genuinely useful when installed correctly and your Wi-Fi is stable. In most cases, you can expect:
- 1080p video sufficient to identify faces at close range
- Motion alerts that detect movement reliably (with occasional false alerts)
- Two-way audio that works in quiet conditions
- Basic night vision or low-light performance (range and clarity vary significantly)
- App-based notifications and event history (often limited without a subscription plan)
Independent testing consistently shows that 1080p resolution is the practical standard for sub-$100 video doorbells, with real-world performance depending more on lighting and placement than pixel count (Wirecutter). However, what determines whether a doorbell works well in practice isn't the camera spec—it's power stability, Wi-Fi strength, and app reliability. These factors matter more than resolution or feature lists.
What You Will NOT Get Under $100
Under $100, you will not get:
- Consistent 2K or 4K video clarity (most models prioritize 1080p at this price point)
- Reliable facial recognition or advanced person/package detection that works consistently
- Unlimited cloud storage without conditions (free tiers are limited in duration or features)
- Perfect battery life combined with frequent motion alerts (more alerts mean more battery drain)
- Flawless night vision at long range (placement and ambient lighting matter more than manufacturer claims)
- Professional monitoring services (that requires a different product category)
- Zero false alerts (motion detection will trigger on non-human movement)
If a product claims all of the above under $100, expect tradeoffs or ongoing costs.
Choose the Right Doorbell Based on Your Situation
Renters / Apartments
If you can't drill, can't run wires, or may need to remove everything cleanly later, prioritize battery-powered options with no-drill installation:
- Battery power
- Simple mounting
- Strong app reliability
Tradeoff to accept: battery units often reduce sensitivity or clip length to preserve battery.
Best fit: Battery-powered option + straightforward app.
Homeowners (Wired is usually better)
If you have existing doorbell wiring (or can install it), wired typically means:
- More consistent video
- Fewer missed events
- Less maintenance
Tradeoff to accept: installation effort (or small electrician cost).
Best fit: Wired option for reliability.
"No Monthly Fee" Shoppers
If you don't want a subscription, focus on no-subscription options:
- Local storage support (where available)
- Clear explanation of what you keep and for how long
Tradeoff to accept: local storage often means limited history or additional hardware.
Best fit: Local-storage-friendly option or minimal-plan approach (if needed).
Night Vision Priority (Low-Light Performance)
If night alerts matter most:
- Prioritize stable power + good placement
- Avoid mounting too high
- Ensure your porch light doesn't glare into the lens
Tradeoff to accept: low-light performance improves with better lighting and wiring.
Best fit: Wired (or strong battery) + careful placement.
Best Options Under $100 Right Now
These options are included because they fit the constraints discussed above (price range, power type, and availability at the time of writing).
Option A: Battery-powered for renters
- Best for: Apartments, rentals, quick installs without wiring
- Why it fits: Battery-powered design allows flexible placement without existing doorbell wiring
- Tradeoff: Battery life varies with motion activity and temperature; cloud storage requires a subscription plan (free tier is limited)
- Action: Check availability
Option B: Wired for reliability
- Best for: Homeowners with existing doorbell wiring or willing to install it
- Why it fits: Wired power provides consistent performance and fewer missed events
- Tradeoff: Requires wiring for best performance; subscription recommended for full feature access (free tier has limitations)
- Action: Check availability
Option C: Local storage without subscription
- Best for: Users who want local storage without monthly fees
- Why it fits: Stores video locally via Wi-Fi chime, eliminating ongoing subscription costs
- Tradeoff: Requires separate Wi-Fi chime hardware for local storage (sold separately or in bundle); battery-powered only on this model
- Action: Check availability
Tip: If your Wi-Fi near the door is weak, even a "great" doorbell will feel unreliable. A cheap Wi-Fi improvement can outperform upgrading the camera. See our guide on Wi-Fi doorbells for weak signals for more help.
Related Guides
If you're considering video doorbells, you might also find these guides helpful:
- Battery-Powered Video Doorbells — If you need installation flexibility
- No Subscription Video Doorbells — If you want to avoid monthly fees
- Video Doorbells Without Drilling — If you're a renter or avoiding permanent installation
- Wi-Fi Doorbells for Weak Signals — If your router is far from your door
FAQ
Do video doorbells under $100 work without Wi‑Fi?
Most require Wi‑Fi for live view and alerts. Some may record locally, but setup, notifications, and remote viewing typically depend on a stable connection.
Are "no subscription" doorbells really free to use?
They can be, but "no subscription" often means limited history, fewer smart alerts, or local storage requirements. Make sure you understand what's included after the trial ends.
How long do batteries last on budget models?
Battery life varies widely based on motion frequency, temperature, and settings. More alerts and longer clips usually mean shorter battery life.
Can renters install one without drilling?
Often yes. Many renters use removable mounts or minimal-hole installs, but you should confirm you can mount securely and comply with building rules.
Is 1080p good enough?
Usually yes for porch distance viewing. The bigger differences come from lens quality, lighting, and app performance—not just resolution.
What's the biggest mistake people make when buying cheap doorbells?
Expecting premium features at budget pricing. Under $100, success comes from matching the doorbell type to your situation and installing it where it can perform well.
Bottom Line
Under $100, choose based on your constraints: battery for flexibility, wired for reliability, and clear storage expectations to avoid surprises. Match the doorbell type to your situation and accept the tradeoffs—budget doorbells work well when expectations align with reality.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to options that fit the decision criteria described on this page.
Last updated: 2026-01-03