Cheaper Security Alternatives to a Smart Doorbell

If you want doorbell security without the cost of a smart doorbell, the cheapest effective alternatives are a standard wired doorbell paired with a separate security camera, a battery-powered camera with a chime, or a simple peephole viewer. These options can cost less than half the price of a smart doorbell while still letting you see who is at the door. Below, we break down the costs, how each works, and what to consider before choosing.

Why Smart Doorbells Are Expensive

Smart doorbells combine a doorbell button, a camera, a microphone, a speaker, and Wi-Fi connectivity into one device. That integration drives up the price, and the subscription fees for cloud video storage add a recurring cost. A typical smart doorbell costs $100–$300, plus $3–$10 per month for cloud recording. Over two years, that can total $200–$500. The alternatives below avoid most of that recurring cost.

Option 1: Standard Doorbell + Separate Security Camera

The most flexible and cheapest long-term option is to keep your existing wired doorbell (or install a basic one for $15–$30) and add a standalone security camera aimed at your entryway. A basic Wi-Fi camera costs $25–$60, and many support local microSD storage, so you don’t need a cloud subscription. You get motion alerts, live viewing, and recorded clips—just without the doorbell button integration.

How to set it up:

• Install a standard doorbell (wired or battery) near the door.
• Mount a security camera above or beside the door, angled to capture the visitor’s face.
• Connect the camera to your Wi-Fi and set up motion zones.
• If you want a chime when someone presses the button, the doorbell handles that; the camera records the event.

This setup costs roughly $40–$90 total, and you avoid subscription fees if you use local storage. The main trade-off is that you have two devices to manage, and the camera may not have a built-in speaker for two-way talk (though many budget cameras do).

Option 2: Battery-Powered Camera with a Chime

Some security cameras are designed to work with a separate doorbell chime. For example, a battery-powered camera can be placed near the door, and a wireless chime (often included or sold separately for $10–$20) rings when a motion sensor or a separate button is pressed. This is a good option if you don’t want to wire anything.

Costs: A battery camera with a chime kit can be $50–$100. You’ll need to recharge the battery every few months, depending on usage. Many of these cameras support local storage, so no subscription is required.

One common misconception is that you need a smart doorbell to get package alerts. In reality, any camera with motion detection can alert you when someone approaches, and you can set a zone around your porch.

Option 3: Peephole Viewer or Door Viewer

The absolute cheapest security upgrade is a traditional optical peephole, costing $5–$15. Modern versions include wide-angle lenses and even digital peephole cameras that replace the optical lens. A digital peephole camera (about $30–$60) attaches to the existing peephole hole and shows the view on a small screen inside. It doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi, so there are no subscriptions, but you can only see the visitor when you’re at home.

For renters or those who can’t drill holes, a door viewer that hangs over the top of the door (no drilling) is available for around $10–$20. It’s not as secure as a camera, but it’s a low-cost way to see who’s outside without opening the door.

Option 4: DIY Smart Doorbell Using an Old Smartphone

If you have an old smartphone lying around, you can turn it into a doorbell camera for almost nothing. Mount it near the door, install a free app like Alfred or IP Webcam (both free with ads), and use the phone’s camera to stream video to your main phone. You can even set up motion detection alerts. The phone needs to stay plugged in, so you’ll need a long USB cable and a power outlet nearby.

Costs: $0–$20 for a mount and cable. The downside is that the phone must stay connected to Wi-Fi, and the app may not be as reliable as dedicated hardware. But for a budget of zero, it’s a viable option.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

When deciding, consider these factors:

• Do you need two-way talk? If you want to speak to visitors, choose a camera with a speaker and microphone. Many budget cameras have this.
• Do you need cloud recording? If you want to review footage later, local storage (microSD) is cheaper than cloud subscriptions. Some cameras offer free basic cloud storage for a few days.
• Do you need a doorbell chime? If you want to hear a ring when someone presses the button, you need a separate chime or a camera that can trigger a smart speaker (if you have one).
• Power source: Wired cameras are more reliable but require installation. Battery cameras are easier to install but need recharging.
• Privacy: If you’re concerned about cloud storage, choose a camera with local storage and no subscription.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is buying a camera with a narrow field of view. A 120-degree or wider lens is better for capturing the whole porch. Another mistake is placing the camera too high, which only shows the top of a visitor’s head. Aim for eye level (about 4–5 feet from the ground) for the best face capture.

Also, check the camera’s night vision capability. Many budget cameras have infrared LEDs, but the range may be limited. If your porch is dark, consider adding a motion-activated light for $15–$30.

Cost Comparison Summary

Option	Upfront Cost	Monthly Cost	Pros	Cons
Standard doorbell + camera	$40–$90	$0 (with local storage)	Flexible, no subscription	Two devices to manage
Battery camera + chime	$50–$100	$0	Easy install, no wiring	Battery recharging
Digital peephole camera	$30–$60	$0	No Wi-Fi needed, private	Only viewable at home
Old smartphone DIY	$0–$20	$0	Free if you have a phone	Reliability issues, needs constant power

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular security camera as a doorbell?

Yes, but you won’t get a chime when someone presses the button. You can add a separate wireless chime that triggers when the camera detects motion, but it’s not the same as a doorbell button. Some cameras allow you to set a motion zone that only covers the door area, so you get an alert when someone is at the door.

Do I need a subscription for budget cameras?

No, many budget cameras support microSD cards for local recording. You can also view live footage for free. Cloud storage is optional and usually costs a few dollars per month if you want it.

What is the cheapest way to see who’s at the door?

The cheapest is a simple optical peephole for $5–$15. If you want video, a used or old smartphone with a free app is essentially free, but you need to keep it plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.

Are these alternatives less secure than a smart doorbell?

Not necessarily. The security depends on camera quality, placement, and whether you have recording. A separate camera can be just as effective as a smart doorbell’s camera. The main difference is that you don’t get the doorbell button integration, but you can still see and talk to visitors.

Can I install these myself without an electrician?

Yes, most of these alternatives are DIY-friendly. Battery cameras and peephole viewers require no wiring. For a wired camera, you may need to drill holes, but it’s still a manageable project for most people. Always turn off power at the breaker if you’re working with existing doorbell wiring.

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