Wanted: recommendation for wired smart doorbell with no subscription

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Wanted: recommendation for wired smart doorbell with no subscription

martinv

19 posts

Geek

#306560 3-Aug-2023 14:34

For a number of years now we've had a Ring doorbell. Just the entry level one. It has become apparent over time that I really don't have time nor inclination to charge the battery in my doorbell. That plus during that time I've never actually managed to have a clear conversation with any callers. So I'd like to change. My question is, what wired video doorbells have people had good experience with and where there is no subscription?

TIA.

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8854 posts

Uber Geek

#3111450 3-Aug-2023 14:43

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CCTRLK4502/Reolink-5MP2K-Wired-Smart-Video-Doorbell-with-Chim

Has pretty good reviews, but haven't used personally.

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dustysmurf

19 posts

Geek

#3111605 3-Aug-2023 20:33

I replaced my Ring Elite pro (Ethernet), with the Reolink-POE a couple of months ago.
The picture quality and microphone are excellent, as is the in door Chime.
I don't use any of the Reolink apps or NVR, I have motion & openvc mobile SSD doing my person objection detection (using the substream) locally, and no issues streaming the 264 main stream to disk 24/7 over the time I've had it.
Fitting wise the ring was substantially larger in my brickwork, and the Reolink is mostly on the surface.
The reolink doesn't have a very good locking mechanism, whereas the Ring had a T5 tourqe screw the Reolink has a simple push to release.
So if you're worried about someone stealing it, they can take it very easily.

As I'm not using any app, I can't vouch for how the two-way audio capability on the Reolink is.
But If you used to not being able to talk to anybody or being able to have any conversation.. i.e. because the Rings rubbish delays and poor audio, then going App less is actually an upgrade because you won't be frustrated.

Stu1

1695 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Subscriber

#3111614 3-Aug-2023 21:05

Does it need to be wired? The eufy doorbell is great no subscription fees and really good quality over the last couple of years

ashtonaut

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3111625 3-Aug-2023 21:22

Another recommendation for the Reolink PoE doorbell. I have one and it’s great. No subscription or even Reolink account required, works with Scrypted, Home Assistant, Reolink app, or local web control.

I appear to be able to get one for NZD154 including shipping and GST from Amazon AU but I’m not sure if that’s because of discounts on my specific account - the price seems crazy low.

Otherwise about $260 from PB Tech.

wired

186 posts

Master Geek

#3111667 4-Aug-2023 07:43

I chose the Eufy doorbell specifically because there were no subscription fees and it could use the existing wiring to power it.

Had a good experience and have now bought some their panning cameras as well.

scuwp

3868 posts

Uber Geek

#3111669 4-Aug-2023 07:45

Eufy does a wired and wireless doorbell. I don't have one so can't say personally but I do have their cameras. No subscription, app works well.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

martinv

19 posts

Geek

#3112427 6-Aug-2023 17:03

ashtonaut: Another recommendation for the Reolink PoE doorbell. I have one and it’s great. No subscription or even Reolink account required, works with Scrypted, Home Assistant, Reolink app, or local web control.

I appear to be able to get one for NZD154 including shipping and GST from Amazon AU but I’m not sure if that’s because of discounts on my specific account - the price seems crazy low.

Otherwise about $260 from PB Tech.

OK, I have just placed an order for one through Amazon AU. I ended up with a different price again. I think I like the idea of PoE, and I'm fortunate to have access to the other side of the wall where the doorbell is to be mounted so can get the network cable through OK. I also like the way it has a separate chime that you plug in inside the house into a wall outlet. Plus different chimes. ... I once looked to change the chime on the Ring but didn't find a way, and of course ended up leaving the volume cranked up so we could hear it inside the house (visitors standing outside found it LOUD LOL). ... It was not a good fit for what we wanted I think. I'm quite looking forward to trying the Reolink. Curiously I tried on the Reolink website to place an order, but while they didn't say they were out of stock there was only an option to be notified when available. Other Reolink stuff like cameras could be put in the basket though. Hmm...

Thanks to all those who replied!

martinv

19 posts

Geek

#3112444 6-Aug-2023 17:14

Stu1: Does it need to be wired? The eufy doorbell is great no subscription fees and really good quality over the last couple of years

Yes, it does. When I first bought the Ring doorbell I thought it wouldn't be such a big thing to charge it now and again, but even though it is every 2-3 months (I'm estimating) I have found it a royal pain. It's another thing to check (and charge) before going on holiday, it often gives me warnings only when it's nearly empty or not at all, and I end up charging it over night and have fear that the courier will turn up before I've put it back the next morning - couriers, as we know, are very skittish and will run away and not leave your stuff at the slightest provocation of anything not being quite right, such as there being no doorbell, even though they will often not ring the doorbell anyway. :-)

I'm going to give the Reolink PoE a go.

RunningMan

8854 posts

Uber Geek

#3112465 6-Aug-2023 19:05

POE model is $220 inc delivery @ PBTech for the next day.

ashtonaut

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3112468 6-Aug-2023 19:19

martinv:
ashtonaut: Another recommendation for the Reolink PoE doorbell. I have one and it’s great. No subscription or even Reolink account required, works with Scrypted, Home Assistant, Reolink app, or local web control.

I appear to be able to get one for NZD154 including shipping and GST from Amazon AU but I’m not sure if that’s because of discounts on my specific account - the price seems crazy low.

Otherwise about $260 from PB Tech.

OK, I have just placed an order for one through Amazon AU. I ended up with a different price again. I think I like the idea of PoE, and I'm fortunate to have access to the other side of the wall where the doorbell is to be mounted so can get the network cable through OK. I also like the way it has a separate chime that you plug in inside the house into a wall outlet. Plus different chimes. ... I once looked to change the chime on the Ring but didn't find a way, and of course ended up leaving the volume cranked up so we could hear it inside the house (visitors standing outside found it LOUD LOL). ... It was not a good fit for what we wanted I think. I'm quite looking forward to trying the Reolink. Curiously I tried on the Reolink website to place an order, but while they didn't say they were out of stock there was only an option to be notified when available. Other Reolink stuff like cameras could be put in the basket though. Hmm...

Thanks to all those who replied!

Great price! I was too impatient so paid $260 from PB Tech a few months back 🥲

froob

687 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#3112472 6-Aug-2023 19:42

Sounds like you are sorted already, but maybe still worth noting for others that it is possible to wire the standard ring doorbell up to a regular power socket. I hooked mine up a few years back, and it makes it a much less frustrating device (although I would still hesitate to recommend it to anyone). I think what I bought was:
- power adapter https://ring.com/au/en/products/video-doorbell-plugin-adapter-gen-2
- resistor https://ring.com/au/en/products/wirewound-resistor

I also agree that the doorbell ringing on the device itself is a strange feature. I turned that off and used one of their wireless doorbell chimes instead - and it also rings on my Amazon Echo.

Guide: Installing Network Cabling in New Zealand Homes

traderstu

325 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3112482 6-Aug-2023 20:48

ashtonaut: I appear to be able to get one for NZD154 including shipping and GST from Amazon AU but I’m not sure if that’s because of discounts on my specific account - the price seems crazy low.

Thanks for this, just grabbed one. I've been waiting forever to be notifyed by Reolink, never thought of looking on Amazon.

sib106

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3112483 6-Aug-2023 20:54

martinv:

ashtonaut: Another recommendation for the Reolink PoE doorbell. I have one and it’s great. No subscription or even Reolink account required, works with Scrypted, Home Assistant, Reolink app, or local web control.

I appear to be able to get one for NZD154 including shipping and GST from Amazon AU but I’m not sure if that’s because of discounts on my specific account - the price seems crazy low.

Otherwise about $260 from PB Tech.

OK, I have just placed an order for one through Amazon AU. I ended up with a different price again. I think I like the idea of PoE, and I'm fortunate to have access to the other side of the wall where the doorbell is to be mounted so can get the network cable through OK. I also like the way it has a separate chime that you plug in inside the house into a wall outlet. Plus different chimes. ... I once looked to change the chime on the Ring but didn't find a way, and of course ended up leaving the volume cranked up so we could hear it inside the house (visitors standing outside found it LOUD LOL). ... It was not a good fit for what we wanted I think. I'm quite looking forward to trying the Reolink. Curiously I tried on the Reolink website to place an order, but while they didn't say they were out of stock there was only an option to be notified when available. Other Reolink stuff like cameras could be put in the basket though. Hmm...

Thanks to all those who replied!

We're probably 9+ months behind you, just diving into a renovation. I'd be keen to hear your thoughts on the Reolink doorbell after you've had it in use for a bit.

RunningMan

8854 posts

Uber Geek

#3113528 8-Aug-2023 20:46

@ashtonaut did you get yours from Amazon AU? Does the chime have an NZ plug?

ashtonaut

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3113529 8-Aug-2023 20:49

I got mine from PB Tech. It has a NZ wall plug for the chime.

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