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The best video doorbells the don't need WiFi hero1.0

Best Video Doorbells Without WiFi

Smart video doorbells are getting better every year and make it easy to secure our front door from just about anywhere. They allow you to see, interact and record anyone approaching the front door from a connected smart device like your phone. While most models work wirelessly, the best video doorbells are hard-wired PoE (Power Over Ethernet) and work without WiFi. This is a big advantage because PoE video doorbells don’t require a battery or a router, rather, they receive power and internet directly via the Ethernet cable. This means the connection speeds are faster, more secure, more reliable, not dependent on WiFi, and you can use local storage instead of the cloud.

The only disadvantage to using a wired PoE doorbell without WiFi is the price. They cost more to buy and install because you have to run an Ethernet cable to them. Wireless doorbells can be installed anywhere because they’re wireless and powered by a battery. But wired doorbells require a hard wire run to the doorbell, which is usually located inside the wall. This is more difficult and more expensive to do.

If you want the fastest, most secure, and most reliable video doorbell on the market, a hard-wired PoE model without WiFi is your best option. But be aware that most video doorbells sold as hard-wired are not wireless. While their power is supplied with a wire, they still require WiFi to work properly.

Because of its outstanding performance, reliability, price, options, ease of use, and sleek design, the Ring Video Doorbell Elite is our overall top pick for the best video doorbell without WiFi.

In this article, I’ll discuss the best hard-wired PoE video doorbells without WiFi we’ve tested, all of which are as good as a Ring Video Doorbell Elite in some situations.

What Is A PoE Video Doorbell?

A PoE video doorbell receives power and internet access through a single Ethernet cable. This means the doorbell does not require a battery or WiFi to work. Using an Ethernet cable for internet access makes the doorbell faster, more secure, and more reliable than doorbells that need WiFi to go online.

Be aware that most hard-wired video doorbells on the market still require WiFi to go online. The hard wires most video doorbells use are power wires, not internet cables. These types of video doorbells, like the Eufy Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell 2, and Arlo Wired Video Doorbell, have hard-wired power and don’t need a battery but still require WiFi.

WiFi can be supplied by a home router or a cellular hotspot, but it’s still WiFi. A hotspot converts cell service into a WiFi signal. This can be an excellent option for homes without good WiFi but with reliable cell service. However, it’s still WiFi.

When reading other reviews of the best video doorbells that don’t need WiFi, it’s clear that most reviewers don’t understand the devices or how they work. They’ve never tested the products and don’t understand the difference between wireless power and non-WiFi internet access.

When buying a wired video doorbell that doesn’t need WiFi, choose one with PoE and not simply wired power.

These include:

  1. Ring Video Doorbell Elite
  2. Reolink Video Doorbell PoE
  3. DoorBird IP Video Door Station D2101V

Each of these 3 video doorbells receives power and internet access via a single Ethernet cable, does not have a battery, and doesn’t require WiFi to use all its smart features and functions.

Best Video Doorbells That Don't Need WiFi - Ring Video Doorbell Elite 1.0


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1. Best Overall: Ring Video Doorbell Elite

The Ring Video Doorbell Elite is a premium offering in Ring’s line of home security products. It distinguishes itself with Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity, meaning it uses a single cable for both internet connection and power supply, ensuring stable and reliable performance. The camera provides 1080p HD video resolution, offering crisp, clear video quality.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) gives you the most reliable connection because you don’t have to worry about WiFi. This allows you to stay online, maintain power, and get the highest quality HD video and audio from just about anywhere.

Its features include

  • Infrared night vision
  • Customizable motion detection
  • Two-way talk
  • Hardwired with Power over Ethernet
  • iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows 10 Compatible
  • Very high quality, reliable, waterproof, and durable
  • Looks great
  • The only Ring Video Doorbell with PoE

Because of Elite’s built-in features, you’ll communicate seamlessly with visitors any time of day or night.

This device is also compatible with various smart home ecosystems, allowing you to integrate it with other smart devices for a connected home experience. Moreover, with Ring’s app, you can receive real-time notifications, watch live video, and review recorded footage from anywhere.

Ring makes a bunch of video doorbells that are all really good, but the Elite is their very best. But it’s also the most expensive to buy and install. And with most video doorbells, the Ring Video Doorbell Elite typically requires a subscription to Ring’s Protect Plan to access all features, including video recording and sharing.

Best Video Doorbells That Don't Need WiFi - Reolink Video Doorbell PoE 1.0


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2. Reolink Video Doorbell PoE

The Reolink Video Doorbell PoE is a high-performance security camera with doorbell functionality. It stands out due to its Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, meaning it can be connected and powered through a single Ethernet cable, providing a reliable and stable connection even when your WiFi is down.

Reolink offers high-resolution footage with sharp, clear images along with night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio which allows you to monitor your property around the clock, and communicate with visitors without having to open your door.

  • Connects to the web through Ethernet
  • Features 5MP HD video in 180° Diagonal
  • Two-way audio for speaking to people ringing your doorbell
  • Infrared night vision camera
  • Person-detection
  • Micro-SD slot for cards up to 256 GB
  • Provides visit notifications
  • Durable and weather resistant

One of the best features of the Reolink Video Doorbell PoE is that it provides local storage options. This can save money because you don’t need a monthly subscription for cloud storage. And because you can store videos locally, the doorbell can potentially record new videos 24/7.

Another great feature is person detection. You can set the Reolink to alert you when a human is detected, ignoring animals and other non-human events like cars. You can even set the motion zone to decide where objects’ movements will be detected. This helps cut down on false notifications.

PoE is easy to set up once you run the Ethernet cable. Data transfers are fast and reliable with no reliance on a WiFi signal.

Best Video Doorbells That Don't Need WiFi - DoorBird IP Video Door Station D2101V 1.0


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3. DoorBird IP Video Door Station D2101V

The DoorBird IP Video Door Station D2101V is a premium video doorbell designed for durability, reliability, and top-tier features. Notably, it uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) for both connectivity and power supply. This means power and internet access are supplied by a single Ethernet cable. The biggest benefit of this design is that you don’t need WiFi to use the doorbell’s functions. With a hard wire, your connection is more stable, faster, more secure, and more reliable. But it comes at a price, the Doorbird is the highest-priced video doorbell on our list and the most expensive to install.

  • The DoorBird IP Video Door Station D2101V offers high-quality video resolution and an ultra-wide-angle hemispheric lens. This provides a broad view of your front porch area so you can see people at angles other cameras don’t see.
  • The device includes features like night vision, weatherproofing, and two-way audio, ensuring effective communication with visitors and round-the-clock security in diverse weather conditions.
  • Great looks
  • Can be installed on a gated entry
  • Very high end
  • Professional quality

One of its standout features is its compatibility with a wide array of home automation systems. It’s built for seamless integration with your existing smart home setup and supports connectivity with a variety of devices and systems.

The DoorBird D2101V also provides a visitor history feature, allowing you to track who has visited your property with time-stamped photos for later review.

Bear in mind, this is a high-end device and is more expensive than other PoE video doorbells on the market. In my opinion, this would be the best choice if not for the price. But total cost has to be considered when reviewing a product, so for the money, it’s not as good as a Ring Video Doorbell Elite.

Pros & Cons Of Using A Video Doorbell Without WiFi

Using a video doorbell without WiFi can have both advantages and disadvantages. When the doorbell uses an Ethernet cable for power and internet, you don’t need a battery and aren’t relying on a WiFi signal. This means you never have to change or charge the battery and your doorbell will be faster, more reliable and more secure.

The primary function of a video doorbell is to notify you when a visitor arrives, and in the case of smart doorbells, provide video footage that can be viewed remotely. This feature relies heavily on a strong, consistent internet connectivity. Higher quality video streaming requires more bandwidth, and some models offer integration with other smart devices. This allows for more extensive home automation but increases the dependency on reliable connectivity.

Using a video doorbell with a direct connection to an Ethernet cable means you’ll have better, faster and more reliable internet that won’t create bandwidth issues for your WiFi network.

PoE video doorbells are a premium device with higher quality, but they’re also more expensive to buy and install. Cost has to be considered whenever you review a product to make sure you get the best value for your money.

Because of the high price tag and difficulty to install, there are far less PoE doorbells on the market vs those that use WiFi.

Pros

  • Reliability: A wired Ethernet connection provide a stable, continuous service that’s faster and more reliable than WiFi.
  • Security: Wired networks are generally more secure than wireless ones because they’re harder for potential hackers to access.
  • No Dependence on WiFi Signal Strength: If your home’s WiFi signal is weak or unreliable, a wired connection bypasses this issue.
  • No Network Congestion: Using a dedicated wired connection can reduce network congestion if you have many WiFi devices in your home.
  • Quality: PoE video doorbells like Ring Video Doorbell Elite are premium grade devices.

Cons

  • Installation Difficulty: Installing a wired doorbell is more complicated and usually requires professional help.
  • Cost: PoE video doorbells cost more to buy and install.
  • Limited Choices: The majority of video doorbells on the market are designed to use WiFi, so your options will be limited if you’re looking for a non-WiFi model.
  • Permanent: Because wired doorbells require an Ethernet cable, they’re considered a permanent installation. This isn’t the best option if you’re a renter which is the case for most people.

The Benefits Of Installing A Video Doorbell Without WiFi

The biggest benefit to installing a video doorbell without WiFi is performance.Using an Ethernet cable to provide internet access is better in every way vs WiFi. The signal is stronger, faster, more stable and won’t cause bandwidth issues. If you’re streaming high quality video or storing lots of content, a hard wire is the best choice.

Video doorbells connect to the internet so you can see and interact with people at your door from anywhere via your smartphone. This is a great feature to have for all sorts of reasons.

Since a video doorbell relies on internet access to use all its best functions, it makes sense to use the best internet possible. This is an Ethernet cable.

  • With a built in two-way talk video intercom, you can see who’s at your door and talk with them from just about anywhere.
  • Most video doorbells have motion sensors that detect anyone approaching the door. This is a fantastic home security feature.
  • Some doorbells have additional security and home monitoring capability with a subscription.
  • Real time video lets you monitor who’s coming and going from your apartment no matter where you are.

In addition to monitoring the front door, many doorbells can link with other devices. This kind of versatility allows you to watch not only the front door but also other entryways and windows. By using a hard wire for your doorbell, you won’t bog down WiFi bandwidth which is usually limited by your router.

In almost every case, a hard wired video doorbell is better than using WiFi. The main drawback, they’re more expensive to buy and install and aren’t a great option if you rent because they’re a permanent installation.

Which Doorbell Video Cameras Work Without WiFi?

There are only 3 video doorbells that work without WiFi, the Ring Video Doorbell Elite, Reolink Video Doorbell PoE, and DoorBird IP Video Door Station D2101V. Each of them is PoE (Power Over Ethernet), so they receive power and internet access via a single Ethernet cable. They don’t require a battery or a WiFi connection to work.

Other wired video doorbells use WiFi to connect to the internet but a hard wire for power.

Can Video Doorbells Work Without WiFi?

Yes, video doorbells can work without WiFi, however you need internet access to use their smart features. There are 3 video doorbells that work without WiFi, the Ring Video Doorbell Elite, Reolink Video Doorbell PoE, and DoorBird IP Video Door Station D2101V. Each of them is PoE (Power Over Ethernet), and receive power and internet access via a single Ethernet cable. They don’t require a battery or a WiFi connection to work. 

Are There Ring Doorbell Cameras That Don’t Need WiFi?

Yes, the Ring Video Doorbell Elite does not require WiFi. However it does need internet to use all of its smart functions. Internet and power are provided to the doorbell via a single Ethernet cable rather than a battery and WiFi.

Summary: Best Video Doorbells Without WiFi

Smart video doorbells are getting better every year and make it easy to secure our front door from just about anywhere. They allow you to see, interact and record anyone approaching the front door from a connected smart device like your phone. While many models work wirelessly, the best video doorbells are hard-wired and work without WiFi. This is a big advantage over their WiFi-reliant competitors because they don’t require a battery or a router, the connection speeds are faster, more secure, and more reliable, and you can use local storage instead of the cloud.

The only disadvantages to using a wired doorbell without WiFi are they cost a little more and they’re more difficult to install.

  • Wireless doorbells can be installed anywhere because they’re wireless and powered by a battery.
  • But wired doorbells require a hard wire run to the doorbell, usually located inside the wall. This is more difficult and more expensive to do.

If you want the fastest, most secure, and most reliable video doorbell on the market, a hard-wired model without WiFi is your best option.

Because of its outstanding performance, reliability, price, options, ease of use, and sleek design, the Ring Video Doorbell Elite is our overall top pick for the best video doorbell without WiFi.

If you have any questions or comments about the best video doorbells without WiFi, email any time.

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John Mazzuca | About | More Posts |

Custom Home Builder

John Mazzuca is a custom home designer and builder at Gambrick with over 25 years experience in the construction industry. John has designed, built and/or remodeled hundreds of homes, small buildings, and commercial projects. He writes about business, real estate, home building, and household electronics. His work has been featured in Fox Business, Better Homes & Garden, House Beautiful, and more.

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