You bought the device. Which features are actually yours? Check the cancellation consequences, then compare the cost of keeping or switching.
Source review: October–November 2026. Manufacturer documentation, not independent hardware testing or live retail prices.
No monthly fee does not necessarily mean local operation—or independence from the manufacturer.
Recording history, detection, remote access, or insights may depend on a paid plan.
Cancellation example ↗Local clips can survive an outage even when alerts and mobile viewing cannot.
See offline models ↗Setup, account access, firmware and future support may still depend on the vendor.
Evidence standard ↗Two documented doorbells. Very different rules for saved footage. Neither outcome should be reduced to a one-word badge.
Explore all modelsLive viewing stays; recorded video history requires a paid plan.
Supported microSD recording stays active; phone alerts and remote viewing stop.
✳ 01 / THE COST LAB
Compare buying a device with switching to an alternative—or see whether keeping your existing hardware is actually cheaper.
US dollar estimates · You control the assumptionsChoose the devices and horizon. Edit the purchase and plan prices below; expand advanced assumptions only when needed.
Only edit what applies to your setup. These values are included in the comparison even when this panel is closed.
Cost runway updates when you edit the scenario.
Model-based estimate, not a price guarantee. The tool is willing to say switching costs more. Verify requirements and plan terms before buying.
✳ 02 / THE DEVICE INDEX
Live view stays. Missed footage does not.
None documented for this model
Saved clips depend on an active plan.
None documented for this model
Three hours of free event previews.
Cloud-based event previews, not local video archive
Limited included clips; longer history costs extra.
Cloud-based; no local archive documented
Six hours of free previews; full archive is paid.
Cloud-based; no local archive documented
No plan for clips—if you add local storage hardware.
Sync Module 2 + USB, or Sync Module XR + microSD, sold separately
No microSD slot; cloud recordings depend on service.
No microSD slot
microSD captures video even if Wi-Fi drops.
microSD card (sold separately), up to 256GB
Local recording survives an internet outage.
microSD (up to 256GB for this variant) or compatible NVR
Wired local recording, including during internet loss.
microSD (up to 256GB for this variant) or compatible NVR
Built-in video storage without a required monthly plan.
8 GB built in; optional HomeBase S380 expansion
No plan for local clips; microSD is extra.
microSD up to 128GB (not included); optional HomeBase
MicroSD lives inside the included indoor chime.
microSD up to 512GB in included chime repeater (card extra)
Local microSD plus free on-device person alerts.
microSD up to 512GB (card extra)
Local-first, but you need a UniFi Protect console.
Compatible UniFi OS / Protect console with storage required
Try removing a filter. An unresolved offline status does not mean a model can't record offline; it means we don't have sufficient published evidence.
21 model research files across video doorbells, indoor security cameras and smart rings. All with explicit evidence and unresolved questions—not simulated hands-on reviews.
A camera might keep recording to a memory card after an internet outage—and still depend on a manufacturer’s app or activation service. That's why “no subscription” and “independent hardware” are separate verdicts here.
Read our evidence policy✳ 04 / THE EVIDENCE STANDARD
The directory is a dated snapshot of manufacturer documentation, not a live verification service, a physical test lab, or an assurance of future support.
Reviewed 31 October 2026 · US-focusedExact model and configurations backed by public support docs. Each detail drawer links to the underlying pages.
WHAT WE CAN SUPPORT ↗“Works with microSD” may still mean an extra hub, wiring or account. Conditional features are clearly marked.
WHY EXTRAS MATTER ↗Future vendor independence, first-time offline setup and untested outages remain unresolved until proper evidence exists.
NO FALSE CERTAINTY ↗Products are not ranked by affiliate commissions. There are no retailer or referral links in this launch edition. Cost estimates use editable assumptions and manufacturer's published US plan pricing where available. No live product price feed is connected.
✳ 05 / GOOD QUESTIONS
No. Free local clips, internet-free recording, and complete independence from vendor servers are three different claims. A device can save to microSD while still requiring internet for setup, notifications or remote access. Check each device's evidence drawer.
Not necessarily. App login, firmware activation, replacement-device setup and other dependencies can remain. None of these entries has been independently certified to survive a manufacturer disappearing.
No. If you already own it, your initial purchase is a sunk cost. The calculator counts only future plan and operating costs against the upfront cost of a replacement, including required storage and installation.
No. Device prices and accessory costs are scenario assumptions to edit. Known subscription amounts are prefilled from linked US provider pages dated by the research snapshot. All entries are manufacturer-documented, not independently bench-tested, and fees can change.
The initial collection focuses on doorbells with meaningful differences in local video, paid history and internet requirements. This launch version contains no affiliate checkout links or paid placements. Editorial inclusion does not imply a recommendation for every home.
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