Stop Paying Subscriptions! The Best Cheap Doorbell

Summary

In this video, the presenter compares several affordable doorbell cameras, including the Blink, Yuthi, RioLink, AUE, and Bell Eye models, highlighting their design, features, performance, and costs. The review covers key factors like video quality, motion detection, ease of installation, and app functionality. While showcasing real-world tests in various lighting conditions, the presenter discusses the pros and cons of each camera, from aesthetic appeal to functionality. Ultimately, viewers are encouraged to consider these budget-friendly options for home security without requiring ongoing subscription fees.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video compares multiple affordable doorbell cameras that do not require ongoing subscription fees.
• 😀 The creator previously used a Blink video doorbell and a Yuthi light camera, highlighting reliability and local storage benefits.
• 😀 Four doorbell cameras are tested: Yuthi, AUE, RioLink, and Bell Eye, each with varying aesthetics, mounting options, and included accessories.
• 😀 Aesthetic preferences vary, but the Yuthi camera is preferred due to its sleek design, straight edges, and familiar brand recognition.
• 😀 Price points differ significantly: Bell Eye (£35.99) and AUE ($39.99) are the cheapest, UI C30 ($49.99), and RioLink ($119.99) is the most expensive.
• 😀 Button press feel and audio feedback vary: Yuthi has a distinct click, RioLink and Bell Eye are subtle, and AUE is tactile but less refined.
• 😀 Mounting solutions differ in sturdiness: RioLink ranked best, followed by Yuthi, Bell Eye, and AUE, with considerations for screw quality and bracket design.
• 😀 Nighttime and distance camera tests show differences in video quality and motion detection responsiveness, with RioLink often alerting first.
• 😀 Each camera has a companion app with different usability and features: some upsell cloud subscriptions but all can function with local storage using a micro SD card.
• 😀 Intercom systems are tested for audio clarity; UI and RioLink provide strong speaker output, while AUE and Bell Eye vary in responsiveness.
• 😀 Overall, all cameras perform adequately, but personal preference, aesthetics, mounting options, and local storage capabilities influence the recommended choice.

Q & A

Which doorbell cameras were tested in the video?

The video tested four main doorbell cameras: UI C30, RioLink, AUE, and Bell Eye, along with references to the existing Blink and Yuthi light cameras.

What were the main criteria used to evaluate the doorbell cameras?

The cameras were evaluated based on aesthetics, price, build quality, button feedback, mounting solutions, audio/video quality, motion detection, intercom functionality, and app usability.

Which camera was preferred aesthetically and why?

The Yuthi camera was preferred aesthetically due to its consistent design, straight edges, smaller appearance, and familiar brand, which gave it a perceived higher quality.

How did the prices of the cameras compare?

Bell Eye was the cheapest at £35.99, AUE around $39.99, UI C30 at $49.99, and the RioLink White was the most expensive at $119.99.

What differences were noted in the button press feedback of each camera?

RioLink was subtle but refined, AUE gave a definite press, Yuthi had a distinct audible and tactile click, and Bell Eye was subtle in tactile feedback.

Which cameras had the sturdiest mounting solutions?

The RioLink had the sturdiest mounting with secure screws, followed by Yuthi, Bell Eye, and AUE, which had smaller screws but more adjustability.

How did the cameras perform in motion detection tests?

In the first test, RioLink triggered first, then Yuthi, AUE, and Bell Eye. In the second test, AUE was first, RioLink second, Yuthi tied second, and Bell Eye last.

What were the key differences in the apps used for each camera?

Bell Eye's VCO Home app and AUE's Morcam app tried to upsell cloud storage but allowed local recording; UI C30 and RioLink required microSD cards for local recording. UI C30 was noted for strong speaker output and fast responsiveness.

Did any of the cameras offer color options for different door styles?

Yes, the UI C30 could be purchased in black or white, allowing it to blend better with white UPVC doors, unlike the RioLink which was only supplied in one color for testing.

Which camera was noted for having weather protection on the lens?

The AUE camera had a small shroud over the lens that could provide some weather protection and reduce glare from rain or direct sunlight.

Did any camera provide free functionality without ongoing subscriptions?

All four tested cameras (UI C30, RioLink, AUE, Bell Eye) provided basic functionality without subscription fees, though some features like cloud storage required a paid service or microSD card.

Which camera would the reviewer likely recommend overall, based on all tests?

While all cameras performed adequately, the Yuthi camera was favored for aesthetics and familiar branding, UI C30 for app functionality and local recording without subscription, and RioLink for sturdiness and reliable motion detection.